Location of Columbia Beach Resort

It is located on the beach of Pissouri (Pissouri Bay), equi-distant between Limassol and Pafos. The privacy it offers, is one of the reasons you will definitely love it! The top location overlooking the secluded Pissouri Bay, with its breathtaking gardens and the tropical palm trees, create the perfect exotic environment for your stay. Just a stroll around the gardens and delight in the beauty that surrounds you!

The suites

The perfect tranquil environment requires the ideal interior design especially when it comes to luxury suites. There is a variety of choices Junior Suites, Executives Suites, Cape Suites, Eagle’s Nest Suites and Family Suites. The unique traditional Cypriot architecture blended with art, in Mediterranean shades and rustic decoration, ultimately result in the ideal decor that evokes emotion. All suites have a balcony overlooking the gardens, the pool or the sea, and are made of stone and natural wood. Gazing at the magnificent view from the balcony of our suite, is indeed something that stands out now that we are looking back on our stay!  Something worth mentioning is the prime quality care products ( amenities) Molton Brown takes relaxation to the next level!

Hébe Spa

And since we are talking about relaxation, what will really amaze you are of course the award-winning spa facilities, Hébe Spa, which provides 6 treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi, a plunge pooland a gym. The highlight of it, is the connection of the spa area with the rest of the resort through the pool. You can actually swim to enter the spa area! The tranquility it offers make the resort the ultimate destination for wellness and well being.

80m pool – Infinity pool

Imagine yourself relaxing in an exotic and at the same time luxurious environment, diving into an 80 meter long lagoon-style infinity pool. Now imagine the unlimited breathtaking views at the edge of the pool, accompanied by a drink or aperitif! It is superb!  There is another pool smaller and shallower for children. Αnd after enjoying your swim in the pool, what comes next?

Five star gastronomic delights

Nothing but gastronomic delight! With 3 restaurants and 6 bars of Columbia Beach Resort you are sure to find the style and menu you are looking for. We suggest you try the excellent fine dining by the executive chef and why not visit a different restaurant every day. From the MediterrAsian Bacchus to the traditional touches of Cypriot a la carte cuisine Apollo tavern, all the restaurants are unique and distinguished . For our drink or cocktail we chose the Poseidon pool bar for refreshing aperitifs as well as the Poseidon beach bar for cocktails overlooking the sea. We also had the opportunity to try the Street Eats in the evening, in the garden of the resort accompanied by the stars and the atmospheric lighting next to the palm trees, creating an unrivalled sense of space!

Honeymoon packages for a heavenly honeymoon in Columbia Beach Resort

If you are dreaming of a fairytale wedding then Columbia Beach Resort is the place you are looking for !With the remarkably unique All Saints Chapel, Columbia Beach Resort is perfectly poised to cater to your dream wedding. From bachelorette, Bachelor, Spa and dinner options and the wedding ceremony, to an unforgettable honeymoon, the resort will take care of it all.  Look for the honeymoon packages, contact the Resort to create your own package for the wedding of your dreams!

Events at Columbia Beach Resort

If you like sports, you love events, Columbia resort is quite active with social events and you just have to follow it on Instagram to learn all about the events in time.

Staff

At this point it is impossible not to mention the excellent service of high standards that we met. The attentive and well-trained staff of the Resort offers high quality services, with a smile and courtesy that is worth emphasizing. The friendly environment stands out in an excellent and discreet way and makes your stay more intimate and personal.

Make your reservation at Columbia Beach Resort

Make your reservation at Columbia Beach Resort here and be informed of any current offers.

Our experience at Columbia Beach Resort

Our experience, then, could not be anything less than unforgettable! Columbia Beach Resort is a top choice of exotic beauty and high standard luxury accommodation in Cyprus. In our opinion the best resort in Cyprus with  incomparable authentic aesthetics and world-class services. As experienced travelers we always look for the special and we seek to highlight the distinguished features, for each place and category each time. Columbia Beach Resort can only be compared to resorts abroad and is an ideal choice for both couples and families. If you are seeking moments of relaxation , Columbia Beach Resort is here for you! The perfect match of Cypriot rustic art with the elegant state-of- the-art design, make you escape the ordinary! An natural paradise that lives up its reputation 100%.

We thank Columbia Beach Resort for the excellent cooperation, trust and hospitality.

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Radisson Blu Hotel Larnaca

When we talk about perfection, Radisson Blu hotel is certainly as close as it gets. It is a global brand name that guarantees your excellent stay. Whether you’re a business traveller or a leisure one, the one of a kind hotel facilities, the staff and the high quality services will definitely amaze you.

Location – In the heart of Larnaca

Radisson Blu Hotel is located in beautiful and picturesque Larnaca.( heartbeat away from,) With its overwhelming panoramic view of the port, within walking distance of the old town, with easy access to the port, with comfortable parking spaces, Radisson Blu Hotel is indeed in great location for the whole island of Aphrodite. Just 45 minutes from the capital of Nicosia, 50 minutes from Limassol and less than 30 minutes from cosmopolitan Ayia Napa.

Accommodation – Five star

When we talk about Raddison Blu, we talk about style and elegance in every corner of the hotel. Modern aesthetics, earthy colors and wooden furnishings compose an environment of unique contemporary style with artistic interventions. Especially the paintings that adorn the hotel, impress all the guests.

Rooms and Suites

As mentioned above the hotel is situated on Cyprus’s picturesque southern shore, offering a unique view of the sea from its rooms. Modern aesthetics, earthy shades and wooden furnishings make the visitor feel comfortable while at the same time feeling the warmth of a familiar space and culture. Guests can choose between Superior Room – City View, Premium Room – Sea View, Suite – Sea View. We had the honour of being accommodated in the Radisson Blu Larnaca suite and the pictures speak for themselves!

Breakfast

The breakfast area will make you forget that you are in a hotel, with its stylish and fashionable interior, while the variety of dishes and the delicious breakfast buffet is the perfect example of a good day that starts with a Good Breakfast. Everything you’re looking for, a perfect start of the day is on the fifth floor of the hotel.

radisson blu harbor blu

Restaurant – Bar “Harbor Blu”

As the day goes on, and you crave a cup of coffee or want to eat with relish and enjoy your drink, with view of Larnaca harbor ,Harbor Blu is your best choice.  (Opening hours Noon–11 pm daily).

 The pool

Our favorite spot is the hotel pool. lounge music, comfortable sunbeds for maximum enjoyment. An unforgettable experience, is watching the sunset while enjoying your aperitif.

“Skybar” on the 16th floor

The sixteenth floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Larnaca takes you to the sky, with a breathtaking view that captivates you. Try signature cocktails from the excellent bartenders and enjoy special dishes. Εven music contributes to the creation of an unrepeatable atmosphere. (Opening hours 17.30 – 1.00 am daily).

Extra tip: look for dates with a live show and so combine your visit to the hotel with your night out.

Services

• Pool
• Gym
• Transfer to and from the airport
• Parking lot
• Bar – cafe – restaurant

Extra plus Larnaca International Airport is just minutes away, and all the attractions of the area are nearby.

Our experience at Radisson Blu Hotel Larnaca

A five star experience is the only way we could describe our stay in Radisson Blu Larnaca.

Book your stay at Radisson Blu Hotel Larnaca here and you and your loved ones will enjoy unique moments of relaxation and affordable luxury!

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Today we are presenting 2 a two-week itineraries to choose from, for your trip to Tanzania

2 Week travel itinerary in Tanzania No 1

• Starting at Dar El Salam (International Airport)
• A day at Dar El Salam
• Bus (e.g. with Dar express bus) to the north
• Stop for a two-day staying and hiking in Lushoto
• Three to four days on safari at the national parks
• A day in Arusha transfer with Dala dala to Moshi
• One to two days in Moshi
• Flight to Zanzibar City (e.g. with Air Tanzania)
• Five days volunteer project in project in the region
• Two days relaxing and touring the island

• 2 Week travel itinerary in Tanzania No 2

  • Starting at Kilimanjaro (International Airport)
  • Five days volunteer project in the region
  • Two days on safari at national parks
  • A one day Stay in Arusha
  • Transportation by Dala dala to Moshi
  • One day stay in Moshi
  • Bus to the south (e.g. Dar express bus)
  • Stop included accommodation in Lushoto (one or two days)
  • Bus to Dar El Salam
  • Accommodation in Dar El Salam
  • Ferry to Zanzibar
  • Relaxation and island tour

2 Week travel itinerary in Tanzania No 3

If you are a hiking enthusiast and you aim to climb Kilimanjaro you should be prepared for the below two things, first one is  to spare time to complete the route (7 days) and money (indicatively $5,000). So if you re planning to dedicate the first week at the area you must have Kilimanjaro Airport as your starting point and for the second week you can choose to go with the above itineraries  more or less.

What was our itinerary?

We started from Dar El Salam we flew to Arusha from where we explored the city of Arusha and we tried a safari game drive at the national parks of Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the villages of Masai, then we headed to Moshi overlooking Kilimanjaro africa’s tallest mountain, we explored and hiked in the area around Kilimanjaro, Materuni and Marangu waterfalls, we flew to Zanzibar where we explored the island and the village of Jambiani where we developed some contacts with the village primary school that lists nearly 900 children. We enjoyed the sun at Paje beach and came home with lots of thoughts about new projects!

What is certain is that we are talking about a huge country with unparalleled beauty and natural wealth! Read more about our safari game drive experience and everything you need to know to participate in a voluntary program or just help by all means you could possibly do so and create the ideal travel itinerary for you!

Enjoy!

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The big five animals are: lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, puma

From Kenya to South Africa animal herds migrate from region to region depending on the time of year and the call of the nature in search of food, survival, mating and hunting! All this huge migration is a unique setting for every traveler and it is definitely worth experiencing at least once in your life!

From our personal experience of the safari game drive in four tanzanian national parks, we recommend to each one of you to try it! What we loved the most was the respectful way of the tour towards nature and animals! The truth is that we had no idea what to expect and while there was hesitation before going there, fortunately the experience is only positively valued and we share it with you below!

Safari tour in Tanzania – Game Drive Safari in Tanzania

The safari tour operator we chose is Mwewe Expeditions and the main reason is the excellent comments we had read online about the company and about the owner of Mwewe called Sariko. The initial impression was completely confirmed as professionalism was not lacking not for a minute, there was a very youthful lay out that made our safari game drive more adventurous and the whole 5 day itinerary was perfectly organized always according to the itinerary we had discussed!

Mwewe Expeditions is a locally family owned Company that operates professionally with an experienced team for over 13 years in tourism Industry in Tanzania. Whether you are honeymooners, family, solo or groups we can make your dreams turn into reality.

Their moto is “We guarantee the best experience ever, nature guaranteed”

To contact Sariko and set up your own itinerary you can contact via company’s site, Facebook or Instagram! Although he is always busy traveling on a safari game drive at north Tanzanian national parks, he responds rapidly.

Before we move on to the national parks we visited (you can of course choose more, less or different than those we chose depending on the time of year you are travelling ), the time we chose is the era of predators as we wanted to see a little action thing. Don’t forget, of course, that it is the natural environment of animals and not a show for the humans, so there is no guarantee of how much action you will see, how many animals or what time you will see them! This is, of course, the point of having a safari game drive, the game drive in the national park lasts all day and puts you in the process of constant vigilance in case you see any of the rare big five animals in action while seeing dozens and hundreds other animals migrate, guard their little ones, etc.

Serengeti National Park of Tanzania

The Serengeti National Park is a Tanzanian national park in the Serengeti ecosystem in the Mara and Simiyu regions. It is famous for its annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded (or brindled) wildebeest and 250,000 zebra and for its numerous Nile crocodile and honey badger

A vast intensity of greenery! Greener than we’ve ever seen before! This park has as much land as a small country and hosts millions of animals every year. In addition to elephant, zebra, gnous, sourcata, giraffe, hippopotamus, buffaloes, all kinds of antelope and lions you will meet (if you are lucky) cheetahs, pumas and many more species! An unforgettable image for us is that of the cheetahs sitting aristocraticly on tall trees carefree and relaxed by all danger!

Don’t worry about the food at the campsite where you re gonna overnight, as Sariko will make sure you have the best cook with you and you will all eat together at the restaurant areas with the rest of the campers or co travelers if you share the safari tour!

Ngorongoro National Park of Tanzania and Ngorongoro crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area  is a protected area and a World Heritage Site located 180 km (110 mi) west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. The area is named after Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera within the area. The conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, an arm of the Tanzanian government, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro Division of the Arusha Region.

The 2009 Ngorogoro Wildlife Conservation Act placed new restrictions on human settlement and subsistence farming in the Crater, displacing Maasai pastoralists, most of whom had been relocated to Ngorongoro from their ancestral lands to the north when the British colonial government established Serengeti National Park in 1959.

Personally this was our favorite national park, because of the countless of animals we encountered and the unparalleled beauty! You are in the largest crater in the world in an indescribable setting that you have certainly never encountered before and you are in awe of nature unfolding before your eyes! Mothers, newborns, herds, predators all together in the same landscape!

The main feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 610 metres (2,000 feet) deep and its floor covers 260 square kilometres (100 square miles).

If you stay at the campsite be sure you have isothermal clothes (see our list here) to withstand the cold and enjoy the stars in the evening up in the crystal clear night sky!

Extra hint: when you find yourself there, ask to find out where the name of the national park came from! The answer will surprise you!

Tarangire National Park of Tanzania

Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania after Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi, Katavi and Mkomazi. The national park is located in Manyara Region. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses through the park, being the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. During the dry season thousands of animals migrate to the Tarangire National Park from Manyara National Park.

This park includes all the animals mentioned above but the scenery and the route is very different and in addition here you will find the trees with the huge trunks calles Bao bab trees!

We ll never forget seeing an elephant into a hollow trunk of bao bab tree!

Arusha National Park of Tanzania

Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania. The park is small but varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colours and are known for their wading birds.

The scenery complements a park with several unique pictures as here you will live more of the tropical part of Tanzania! You’ll be touring into the jungle, meeting monkeys, baboons, thousands of flamingos and the unique Columbus monkeys with the lovely and impressive hair (interesting fact the greek origin of the word Columbus – learn more at the museum you ll meet during the safari).

Watch our safari video on Youtube

Where to stay at the National Parks in Tanzania

For lodging inside the national parks there are two options. The first choice is to stay in a lodge, but keep in mind that due to the small number of lodges the price start from 150€ per person per night and not unfairly we would say comparing to the unique view of course and in general to the national park itself! The second choice is the one we chose and it is not other that our beloved camping under the stars! Campsites is the most common choice amongst travelers not only because of the price but mainly for the general experience it offers! The campsites are located inside the area of the national parks as well as the lodges, they are right next to the original villages of Maasai tribes and you will hear at night all nature sound including animals’ roaring or eating.  Unique unforgettable feeling!

If you decide to go on a safari tour in Tanzania and explore the extraordinary national parks in Tanzania you just go ahead and choose the best tour operator in the region, choose Mwewe Expeditions. Safari in Tanzania is an experience worth getting directly into your travel bucket list! You ll get the chance to connect with nature something that will fascinate you more than anything,  to witness the greatness of nature and admire closely the natural evolution, hunting and the coexistence of thousands of animals!

Hakuna Matata!

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A few words about Zanzibar island

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba Island. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site. Zanzibar’s main industries are spices, raffia, and tourism.

What to see and what to do in Zanzibar island

• Stone town (Market, slave memorial etc)
• Dala dala experience (from Stone town to Paje beach costs 2500 Tanzanian shillings or  under 2 euros while by taxi you ll gonna need at least $25)
• Prison island (bargain the price at about 3-5 usd there on site and don’t book prior traveling for $35)
• Paje beach (the most beautiful beach in our opinion)
• Jambiani village and beach
• Jambiani school visit and volunteer
• Jozani forest to see monkeys
• Butterfly forest
• Cuza caves
• Snorkel
• Kite surfing
• Rock restaurant (for a luxurious meal)
• See the tide going up and down (check out the times of the tide so that you get to enjoy the sea)
• Other beaches of the island (move around by Dala dala)
• Visit one of the near Islands

Watch our map on google earth and our video!

Where to eat in Zanzibar island?

1. Stone town Tamu (gelateria Italians for cheap pizza bites by an Italian owner)
2. Paje beach Bausinga (local restaurant with local food and fair prices)
3. Paje beach Chianti (European restaurant with touristic mood)
4. Rock restaurant (one of its kind, very pricey to our opinion)

How to get from Tanzania mainland to Zanzibar island?

There are two ways of getting around in Zanzibar, the one is of course by air via Zanzibar airport which is located just outside Stone town and the second one is by ferry from the beach of the mainland of Tanzania and Dar El Salam! There is no ideal way in terms of money because e.g. the plane ticket can cost $55 and the boat $35, but if you take a taxi to get you to the boat especially in case you are traveling late night, the cost exceeds the cost of the plane. Whenever you travel always  check both options and chose the best one for you!

Where to stay in Zanzibar island?

The options for staying are also many and affordable for all budgets. Luckily for everyone Zanzibar doesn’t even have so many all-inclusive hotels that really would spoil the aesthetics of the island! However, most of the accommodations are owned by European owners. We stayed in bungalows on Paje beach which was an excellent choice. In Stone town you could have plenty of cheap options to stay, we used a hostel, which had a fantastic view and was in the city center. Don’t forget, of course, that it is a poor island that does not have infrastructure even if you decide to stay someplace more expensive. Try understand the way of local living and do not expect it to be a dreamy vacation on a sun lounger (of course this is also available there, but you don’t have to make it all the way to Zanzibar to do that)! Don’t expect air conditioning unless you stay in a classic tourist hotel (which isn’t bad of course) and here comes our objection to the way we treat the exotic Zanzibar… and the way we westerners wanna experience the island!

Is Zanzibar an Exotic destination after all?

Zanzibar island is a wonderful island with blue waters and white sand! With wonderful pure and smiling people who have nothing to do with Western culture. It is not that  ok for all of us to go there and demand services and air conditioning while the average local of the island does not even have access to clean drinking water. We do not intent to judge but we really dont like seeing tourists waiting to live the dream of an exotic beach vacation demanding luxurious sun beds and cocktails (which are there for you of course… after all,  actually you can have anything you wish and require and the local employees are there to satisfy will pleasure the requirements that owners of the lodges mainly Europeans have already trained them to offer to the tourists) while only two meters further, in the village there is no clean water for the children!

So our point of view  is that yes, Zanzibar is an exotic dreamy destination because it is exotic naturally and not because we tourists imagine it as an exotic place! Zanzibar is a very pure place, with quiet and kind muslim people in religion, with their children living below any poverty standards but with a constant smile on their face and it is worth being respecting without any demands for all inclusive situations and demonstration of our western culture. Let’s leave some places evolve at their own pace and their own unique way, the copy paste thing and some dreaming of an exotic honeymoon trip two meters away from reality do not suit Zanzibar.

How much does a trip to Zanzibar island cost?

Assuming that airfares vary and cost about 400€ per person (we flew for 350€ per person from Brussels with Turkish airlines), a budget of 1400€ for two people for a week will offer you more than comfortable living! With food and beer at 20€ a day, cheap dala – dala travel, local restaurants with affordable food and accommodation for every budget we would say Zanzibar is a low budget destination! For lower budget travellers expect to spend 1200€ per two persons for a week with a plane ticket of 350€ per person, accommodation in hostels 250€, food 200€ and some money for transportation and  souvenirs.

So, is Zanzibar island an exotic destination you would like to visit? Of course it is! This goes without saying.. Visit Zanzibar, respect it, help it and love it for  what this place stands! After all, its beauty is so unique that it is generously given to you whether you stay in a hostel or a well-known all inclusive hotel. Its beauty is found in the simplicity of its people which you will get to feel once you visit one of its authentic villages for a real cultural experience!

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Few words about Pakt’s new project

Pakt Travel Backpack features

The features of The Pakt Travel Backpack that make it stand out from the rest ones is that The Pakt Travel Backpack offers:

1. Organization and packability of a suit case. It has a lay-flat dual compartment with zip-around construction for easy packing. That makes it great for the organization of clothing, cause it opens down in the middle.

2. Pockets – pockets – pockets. You can find several different places to organize your staff in an easy and convenient way.

• • Pockets for small items and staff of the go
  • A secret pocket for important documents and cash.
  • Pocket for security checkpoints, where you can pack you staff, as easy as possible, than putting them in the security airport plastic beans.
  • Water bottle pocket
  • Stripes to secure all type of items in different locations on the exterior of the bag. There we put the tripod of our camera.
  • There is a protected place to put the lap top, that is quickly  accessible from the top of the bag, without opening the entire bag.
  • Top loading waterproof section for anything wet. In our trips we change a lot of places every time, so some times some of our clothes are wet and we have to carry on our trip. It is very convenient for us.

3. It is not only a full feature travel bag, but can be used as a trekking bag. There are shoulder straps that can easily be removed, sternum straps and hip belt.

4. You can also easily transform the hip belt into a sling or fanny pack to explore destinations in comfort.

5. It is waterproof so you can travel in any weather condition.

6. It combines airliner carry on compatibility standards and packing capacity.

7. It’ s being designed by the bag expert Chase Reeves! 

8. The environmentally conscious philosophy behind its design and the material it’s made out of recycled plastic bottles (all Pakt product packaging is 100% plastic free as well).

PAKT TRAVEL BACKPACK

Where to buy The Pakt Travel Backpack?

Pre – orders for The Pakt Travel Backpack is now live! Pre – order nowfor up to 40% off the retail price ($295) while supplies last! The earlier you order, the better the discount! Choose from either black or green. Ships to the U.S. & Worldwide.

Order now!

Conclusion

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Jökulsárlón or glacial lagoon

Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake in southeast Iceland, on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. Situated at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, it developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic ocean. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of melting of the glaciers.

Jökulsárlón has been a setting for Hollywood movies: Die another day, Lara Croft Tomb Raider and Batman Begins!

Next to Jökulsárlón  and after the boat ride you can spend more fun time at the Diamond beach. Diamond beach is a strip of black sand belonging to the greater Breiðamerkursandur glacial plain, located by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the South Coast of Iceland.

This lagoon is a recently formed one, since its the result of climate changing. The surface is at the sea level and sea water flows into the lagoon at high tide. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, and large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon is not very wide but it is up to 250 meters deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland. Breiðamerkurjökull is an outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier.

AMPHIBIAN BOAT TOUR

The ultimate experience at the Jökulsárlón  Lagoon is of course the Amphibian Boat Tour which allows you to wander in the lagoon between the icebergs and learn interesting facts about their formation and geology. And we re talking about a real amphibian travellers, since you will be able to board on the land and bloom… in just a few minutes you will find yourself within the lagoon! You will get really close to a real iceberg, enjoy the peacefullness of the lagoon and admire nature and its blue colours. If you are lucky enough you ll get the chance to meet seals and moreover you can literally taste a 1000 year old ice.  Unique and exciting experience in unparalleled beauty scenery!

• Perfect for families, friends and large groups of travellers.
• The experience lasts 30-40 minutes.
• Includes an English speaking guide.
• Other languages may be offered upon request.
• Passengers are provided with life jackets.
• Cost 5900 ISK (approx. 42 euros).

To book this activity prior your trip to Iceland click here!

ZODIAC TOUR

For those of you who d love to find themselves just a breath away from an iceberg of the Jokulsarlon Lagoon we recommend you to choose the Zodiac tour! In this tour you ll be able to cover large areas of the lagoon and get closer to the icebergs and the glacier itself. Its a more private tour which takes you as close as possible to both the glacier and the icebergs (if there is no indication of bad weather conditions in the period you will be traveling there) as the zodiac boat is more flexible! Unique and exciting experience in nparalleled beauty scenery!

• Perfect for small groups and couples.
• The experience lasts 60 minutes.
• Includes an English speaking guide.
• Other languages may be offered upon request.
• Passengers are provided with life jackets.
• Cost 10500 ISK (approx. 75 euros).
• The passengers are provided with flotation uniforms.
• Passengers must be 10 years or older or at least 130 centimeters tall

To book this activity prior your trip to Iceland click here!

Glacier lagoon  it is told to be one of the greatest wonders of nature in Iceland.

Our experience with Glacier Lagoon

The Boat tour at Jökulsárlón  Lagoon is once in a lifetime experience and a perfect addition for all travellers in Iceland! We had an amazing experience with Glacier Lagoon which is located right at the lagoon, close to highway number one, about 370 km (230 miles) east from Reykjavík. In case of bad weather conditions you can always have your money back or reschedule the tour, actually thats what we did, due to a windy day! Be agile and feel free to ask the kind staff on the field who is always there willing to help you out! So dear travellers, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the extraordinary boat tour and view of Jökulsárlón  Lagoon, a real wonder of nature!

The Amphibian boat tour was complimentary by Glacier Lagoon , though all opinions remain our own and are based on personal experience during the Ring Roadtrip in Iceland! Many many sincere thanks to Glacier Lagoon for the amazing experience!

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Why choose Island hopping?

The reason we love island hopping is the great flexibility along with the countless experiences you can reap on a single trip! Basically what you do is to start a trip to a new island of Cyclades almost every day! The Cyclades have countless islands waiting to be discovered that satisfy every type of traveler and now with Seajets travelling from one island to another has become even faster, comfortable and easy!

seajets island hopping greece

Why Choose Seajets?

Because:

• It covers 260 connections  from Piraeus, Rafina and Crete for the islands of Cyclades, allowing you to discover as much as you can in a single summer!
• It is ideal when your time is limited, but your mood for exploration is limitless, offering you a great variety of choices.
• Because it has ready-made ideas for romantic getaways, nightlife, adventure etc.
• Because it has the largest high-speed fleet in the Aegean (20 ships)!
• A total of 26 islands including Crete are available.

3 Summer proposals for island hopping in the Cyclades with Seajets

Piraeus-Syros-Mykonos-Naxos-Santorini with WorldChampion Jet the fastest speedboat in the world.

The only speedboat with a Guinness record for its speed, travels daily from Piraeus to Syros, Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini! Four unique islands that stand out each for a different reason! You enjoy a journey of incomparable speed and luxury in the brand new WorldChampion Jet lounges, reaching islands such as Syros with its unique chora (the main town on the island) and its incredible alleys or picturesque villages in Naxos, or even the cosmopolitan and colourful Mykonos! the words of course are not enough to describe the unparalleled beauty of one of the most popular islands (and rightly so), Santorini. Also worth highlighting is the pioneering concept of WorldChampion Jet, as you can find an authentic Formula 1 car, which has run in the world’s leading institution of motorsports. So until you are photographed and see a genuine Minardi driven by Jos Verstappen, which made its appearance on the track the years 2003-2004, you will already have reached your destination! A colorful and fast itinerary for every type of traveler!

Piraeus-Paros-iOS-Santorini with Tera Jet the world’s biggest speedboat

Our second proposal is a unique 5 star travel experience with Tera Jet! You travel fast, affordably and comfortably with spacious seats! The journey starts with a stop to wonderful Paros.  Once you’re done drinking your coffee in one of the lounges of the ship , you’ll have reached your destination! big Island, with crystal clear beaches, hiking trails, quite lively nightlife and undoubtedly good food! You continue with the cosmopolitan iOS which has a beautiful chora that challenges you for night getaways and then the itinerary ends up in Santorini! The island is world famous for its magnificent sunsets, as well as its geology due to the volcano activity. Easy and luxurious itinerary with Tera Jet.

Piraeus-Santorini-iOS-Milos-Naxos-Koufonisia-Mykonos The Nonstoptravellers route

The choices are really countless so in addition to the ready-made proposals with WorldChampion Jet and Tera Jet that offer you ready-made routes, you can improvise as we did! We traveled with WorldChampion Jet, Tera Jet, Superjet and Naxos Jet. We practically tried every speedboat of Seajets! We started the route romantically, going to our beloved Santorini , which we basically visit every year. Then, we went to Ios and got a taste of its nightlife. We couldn’t help but continue the route by stopping at the number one destination for 2019, Milos. The landscapes, the enchanting beaches, the picturesque alleys are breathtaking and definitely not to be missed. Leaving Milos and as we were heading to Koufonisia we were fortunate enough to stop at the port of Naxos for a few hours. There we found ourselves in the famous Portara of Naxos gazing at the endless blue. Next stop Koufonisia! A paradise on earth that gives you moments of tranquility. Finally, we arrived at the cosmopolitan Mykonos! Little Venice, windmills and a beautiful chora with charming alleys will definitely meet your expectation.

Extra tips for island hopping with Seajets

• Start with the suggested routes you will find here!
• Continue with improvising, choosing your own favorite islands here!
• Invest in a good backpack ideal for island hopping!
• Take only the essentials, summer needs simplicity!

Enjoy your trip!

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Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington or D.C., is the capital of the United States. Founded after the American Revolution as the seat of government of the newly independent country, Washington was named after George Washington, the first president of the United States and a founding father.

Check out our map with all main Washington’s attractions!

washington dc capitol

washington dc white house

washington dc white house

The capital city of the USA can be described as a huge museum free to the public and open to its visitors. Anywhere you walk Washington reveals its power and amazes its visitors by all means!  The city is devided into seveal districts but we visited only some of them, including the city center where all locals and national authorities are located and  Bethesda a suburb in Washington!

Vibrant and youthful Wahington DC offers a fantastic blend of world class museums top rated restaurants, and endless options! Spend a day exploring the free museums of the Smithsonian institute! If you visit on spring dont miss the National cherry blossom festival!

Having only 2 days available we had to rush a lot in order to make the most of our staying there! Thankfully we had the most amazing cousin and his adorable family over there who made our visit incredible and our experience unforgettable!

So here are the 2 days itinerary we had while visiting Washington

Day 1 in Washington

• Union Station
• White House
• Washington Monument
• Obelisk
• National World War Memorial
• Vietnam Veteran;s memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Dr Martin Luther King Jr National Memorial
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial
• River Potomac (drive by)
• Drive through Rock Creek Park (ideal dor trekking lovers)
• Mount Vernon

Day 2 in Washington

• US Capitol – the most widely recognized symbol of democratic government in the world.
• Supreme court
• Library of Congress
• United States Botanic Graden
• National Air and Space Museum
• National Museum of Natural History
• The US National Archives (Declaration of Independence)
• National Museum of American history
• National Cathedral
• Great falls

Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Thomas Jefferson

More things to do and see in Washington

• Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• Kennedy Center
• Ford’s theatre
• International Spy Museum
• Smithsonian Institution
• L’ Enfant Plazza

Best way to explore Washington

The best way to explore Wahington is on foot, by bike or scooter! The choice is up to you! It is for sure that the whole area is really huge so 2 days of walking could be exhausting for some, while for others may be the perfect way not to miss a single thing! Try both walking and cycling! Jump bikes and scooters can be found everywhere make it the most convenient way to move around! Last but not least we always use Uber, you know that, just like the americans do!

• Extra tip Book any extra tickets prior arrival  even if its for free (eg. US Capitol free entrance and guided tours are offered throughout the day between 8.40am – 3.20 pm Monday to Saturday, but tour passes are required).
• Extra tip Be in line early or late enough because the queues are really long there.

We hope you enjoyed our travel posts about our east coast adventures in the US! Both New York and Washington DC are amazing and inspiring in a different way and deserve a visit!

We thank our family in Washington for showing us around all city’s highlights and for making our trip unforgettable! Hope to cu soon in Greece!

Check out our map with all main Washington’s attractions!

The post A BEGGINER’S GUIDE TO WASHINGTON DC appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

After reading our travel itinerary check out more useful stuff and more things to know such as the Internet connection or the visa you need before flying to the USA! Also for more inspiration do check our guest post about New York! Keep traveling in USA by reading our blog post about Washington or the West coast roadtripping in California!

Check out our map with all New York’s attractions and top things to do!

After checking the top things to do check how to use Bounce and store your luggage in US cities! Discount 10% Use our link and get a discount

Use this link and get an extra 10% discount on the already super low price of 5, 90 USD per day!

Day 1 – Lower Manhattan

• Ground zero
• 9/11 Memorial – free entrance and open to public 7.30am – 9.30pm
• World Trade center and Freedom tower
• FDNY Memorial Wall
• St Pauls chapel
• NY City hall and Park & Foley square
• Wall street & NY Federal hall
• NY Stock exchange & Financial district
• Charging Bull
• Highline – perfect for a walk among the skyscrapers
• Chelsea market – perfect for a lunch or a drink – look for  happy hours
• Explore Greenwich village a beautiful district of Manhattan
• For more touristic cliche look for Carry Bradshaw’s or Friends’ apartments
• Head towards Washington square park and watch the locals passing by
  
• Cross the Manhattan bridge
• Archway under Manhattan bridge
• Walk down the Pebble beach where you ll meet Jane s carousel
• Enjoy sunset hours under the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan’s big lights
  
• Walk Brooklyn bridge towards Mnahattan(30’ walking)
• Have a drink at Soho
• Enjoy  Times square by night
  

Day 2 – Midtown

• Morning views of Times Square
  
• Walk towards  Top of the rock observatory [( 8.00 am -00.00pm) admission 56 usd for double entering, 41.5 usd per day ticket]
• Rockfeller Building (ticket 32-38 usd)
  
• Radio city music hall
• St Patricks cathedral
• MOMA (25 usd 10:30am–5:30pm open every day of the week)
• Trump tower
• Grand central station
• Chrysler building
• 5^th avenue
• Public library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building 10.00am-18.00pm perfect for some relaxation at one of the worlds greatest libraries
  
• Empire state building
  
• Try to find a ticket offer to watch a performance at Broadway

Day 3- Upper West to east side Manhattan

• Sunrise at Brooklyn Bridge
• Take a big long walkt at  Central park
  
• American museum of natural history (23 usd 10.00am – 17.45 pm begin exploring from up to downstairs)
  
• Visit Harlem district
  
• Shopping time! Get your tickets via groupon at 27 usd to visit Woodbury commons premium outlets (the normal price would be 40usd, you need an hour to get there and buses start from midtown Manhattan) or visit Century 21 in Lower Manhattan
• East village or little Italy for some bar hopping

Day 4 – Battery park – Liberty statue – Ellis island

• Battery park and cruise tickets info.
  
• The Statue of Liberty is a universal symbol for freedom given to the United States on October 28, 1886 as a gift from the people of France. The statue was designed by Frederick Bartholdi, a French sculptor, and framed by Gustave Eiffel, the same gentleman who designed the Eiffel Tower. Today, the statue is visited by millions of people a year and continues to remain an icon for freedom as well as a welcoming symbol to immigrants arriving to America.
• Ellis Island, also known as the ‘Island of Hope and Tears’, was the largest gateway for millions of immigrants looking for a new beginning and a new life for their families in America. Ellis Island was once America’s busiest immigration station that operated for over 62 years (1892 until 1954) and saw millions of people from around the world.Today, Ellis Island Immigration Museum Wall of Honor hosts 700,000 names inscribed on the wall of many who once passed through the island. Million of visitors travel to the island by Statue Cruises to explore one of America’s greatest historical sites. 
• Late in the afternoon visit Flatiron and relax with a nice cup of coffee

Day 5

Today is your day! Once you’ve seen almost all the main sights, highlights and instagrammable spots of New York City now its time to experience New York in a more alternative way, read our blog post about a different idea of New York and get inspired… Choose areas that you liked the most and walk them again and again! Take a walk at the Hudson River Pier, start your day by running at your nearest park, observe the world, get lost among the locals and become a stranger among strangers, enter a museum that you did not get to enter earlier… Generally  speaking do something different than just being a typical tourist! Give New York the time it deserves… feel its vibes and fall in love with its alluring city lights!

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