For first time travelers, here are some historical destinations you can consider for you student travel:

Athens

As the center of knowledge, government, and system in the ancient world, every student would be amazed how this ancient city grew and evolved. Students can visit Acropolis, Agora, Library of Hadrian, Kerameikos, Olympieion & Southeast Athens, Pnyx, Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds, Arch of Hadrian, City Eleusinion and other ancient sites in this ancient city of Athens.

Egypt

Visit one of the earliest civilizations founded in this part of the world. Egypt features 3000 years old city in the banks of River Nile. Egypt is also one of the oldest tourist spots in the world with visitors coming from the ancient Rome and Greece.

Moving your way south from Cairo, the nation’s capital, you can stop at Giza where the infamous Great Pyramid stands. It was built by Pharaoh Khafu in the year 2550 BC. Standing at 147 meters, it was the largest and the most ambitious structure built in the ancient Egypt requiring 2.3 million stone block to erect. Also at Giza, see the Pyramid of Khafre home if the Sphinx. It was built 30 after the Great Pyramid. As the second largest, the Pyramid of Khafre stands at 144 meters of 471 feet. The third pyramid located at Giza was the Pyramid of Menkaure which stands at 65 meters or 213 feet.

Further south, Saqqara is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser built in 2630 BC. Pyramid of Pepi II, also located at Saqqara was the last pyramid built by ancient Egyptians. In Dahshur, the Bent and the Red Pyramids are located. And down south at Maidum, the Maidum Pyramid can be found.

See the temples, mummies, tombs, hieroglyphics, and Valley of the Kings and the Queens if you visit Egypt.

Rome

See ancient Rome still intact with evidences of Roman structure and architectures built more than 2000 years ago. Rome presents the living timeline from the Roman Empire to the shift of the Middle Ages, to baroque and renaissance, to the dawn of the romantic period and enlightenment. Rome preserves its temples, churches, arts, and priceless paintings and murals.

Turkey

A former territory of the Roman Empire which stood strong for more than a thousand years against several barbarian attack. Turkey is in the easternmost part of Europe that features a diverse culture, religion, philosophy, and architectures.

China

Travel Far East and learn the history of the ancient eastern civilization that was once unknown until the last centuries. See the Great Wall, a remnant of the Zhou Dynasty along with other unique oriental culture and tradition. See the Chinese painting, calligraphy, paper cutting, and Chinese art.

Peru

As the center of the Inca civilization, Peru is a great destination for student travel for discovery of South American history. The 500-year old Inca traces could be relived in the Inca Trail that is both exciting and educational. Walk to the Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, Machu Picchu, and Pisac.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has charming cobble stone streets, active volcanoes, and enough charm to make you contemplate ripping up your return ticket home. This former capital was the political and economical center of Guatemala for over two hundred years before being decimated in 1773 by an earthquake.

9. Beijing, China

Playing host to the 2008 Olympic Summer Games, Beijing is sure to be a hot destination this year as it shows off all it has to offer to the world. This three thousand year old capital boasts such sights as the impressive Tienanmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. In addition, the Beijing Zoo is world class complete with panda bears and Bengal tigers. If that wasn’t enough, a day trip to The Great Wall is feasible as it is only a two hour car ride from downtown!

8. Northern Ireland

A perfect trip for first time travelers, Northern Ireland offers the history and beauty of the rest of Europe minus the language barrier. The Mournes Stone walls are a perfect getaway from the busy cities and make for a fantastic spot for hiking. Whether your exploring the amazing Dunlace Castle or the mysterious Beaghmore Stone Circles, save some energy for a pint at the local pub after the sun goes down!

7. Quebec City, Canada

With it’s skyline dominated by the one hundred year old Chateau Frontenac, the city of Quebec is as charming as it is French. First settled by the French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1553 Quebec later became a part of the French Colonial empire. Some argue that Quebec is “More French than France,” and it’s difficult to disagree. Whether your strolling down the narrow picturesque streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain along the St. Lawrence River or eating crepes in a cafe on a brisk October morning it’s difficult to imagine that you are somewhere other than Paris. If you’re looking for a European experience without the long flight Quebec is for you.

6. Cairo, Egypt

The legacy of the Ancient Egyptians is alive today through engineering masterpieces such as the Great Pyramids as well as the fermented masterpiece we now call “beer.” While in Egypt the pyramids are a “must-see,” but Cairo offers much more to travelers than that. Take a morning to shop and explore the Khan El-Khalili bazaar which has changed very little in the last 700 years. If bargaining for goods isn’t your cup of tea, hire a guide to and see the sights of this historic city from a boat on the Nile. Cairo is rich in religious history and offers stunning attractions to explore covering Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

5. Luang Prabang, Laos

For those looking for something exotic but not overwhelming Luang Prabang is the ticket. This UNESCO World Heritage City is situated on the Mekong River in central Laos. Whether your are enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the street markets or taking day trips to the exotic Kuang Si Falls a trip to Luang Prabang will cleanse your mind and invigorate your being. This is the perfect stop if you are going to, or coming back from a trip to Wat Phou. With Laos emerging as a popular vacation destination now is the time to go!

4. Salta, Argentina

Located in the Lerma Valley of Northern Argentina, prepared to lose yourself in a world filled with fantastic wine, Spanish colonial architecture, and unmatched charm. For thrill seekers, you can para glide from Mount Bernardo or white water raft in the cool currents of the Juamento River. For those looking to unwind, Salta has many vineyards to visit and hiking trails to enjoy. This a perfect trip for a two week getaway during winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.

3. Kotor Bay, Montenegro

Montenegro has now gained independence from Serbia and is leveraging it’s natural beauty to win over tourists from every corner of the globe. With black mountains crashing into the sea this corner of the Adriatic delivers magnificent scenery uncontested anywhere else in the Balkans. If you get your fill of seeing the fjords from a birds eye view, take time to explore the city of Kotor and the picturesque deserted fishing village – turned resort – called Sveti Stephan. This relatively unknown gem will blow you away, like it did for me!

2. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul has served as the liaison between East and West for centuries, it’s time for you to connect yourself with this great city. A perfect vacation for 2008, the sights are many, the foods are amazing, and the dollar is still strong here. Lose yourself in the crowds of the Grand Bazaar or in the beauty of the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque and bring yourself back at 5 Kat.

1. Serengeti Plain, Tanzania

Trade in your Planet Earth DVD box set for the real thing because the Serengeti brings the experience of high definition animal watching to a entirely new level! Here giraffes, lions, and elephants are as common as knock off Louis Vuitton hand bags sprawled out on the sidewalks of Rome. The inner child in you has always wanted to sport a khaki safari outfit and a pair of binoculars, so let loose and make 2008 the year you made the trek to explore the world you dreamed about as a kid.

Hopefully this list has inspired you to get out and explore new places and experience different culture. Like any top ten list there are always worthy places left off. In 2008 seek out new thrills and let the natural and man made beauty of this world make a profound and lasting impact on you. I encourage you to post your opinions and begin lobbying for you favorite locations in 2009!

Cheers!

If you fancy yourself as the next academic adventurer and are considering a cultural heritage holiday abroad, here are five of the most important places to visit around the world.

The Parthenon, Greece

Anyone on a specialised classical Greece holiday will see many amazing sights, including the Temple at Delphi and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus at Mount Olympus. But dwarfing them all is the Parthenon in Athens, often regarded as the most important classical monument that is still standing today. It is an ancient temple to the goddess Athena, and is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture and artwork. The inside is a treasure trove of sculptures (though much of its content now resides in the British museum), and the temple is placed in an unforgettable location on the Acropolis, looking down over Athens.

Machu Picchu, Peru

This “Lost City of the Incas” was only rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century, and is an essential place to visit for those interested in past civilisations. Situated on top of a mountain above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, this excellently preserved site is the one of the finest remaining examples of Inca architecture and has been voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

You can reach Machu Picchu by train from Cusco, but for a really adventurous cultural heritage holiday you can walk the Inca Trail, a multi day hike through a number of Inca ruins that reaches Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fourth day.

Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

Out of the Seven Wonders of the World listed by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one that can still be seen today on an ancient history holiday to Egypt. Built over 4500 years ago, the Pyramid was built as a tomb for the Egyptian pharaoh Cheops. It took over twenty years to construct, and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for several thousand years.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Cultural heritage holidays to Mexico inevitably tour the ruins of ancient Mayan civilisation, and Chichen Itza is one of the most important Mayan sites in Mexico. The temple complex was built over 2000 years ago, and most of the buildings remain intact today, including the Temple of Kukulkan, the Great Ball Court and the Temple of the Warriors. It was the capital of Mayan civilisation for almost a thousand years – why Chichen Itza was abandoned is not known, but archaeological research suggests its downfall was violent. The site is truly a must-see for those with an interest in ancient Mayan culture, with some of the best preserved Mayan architecture left standing today.

Coliseum, Italy

Situated at the centre of Rome, this colossal amphitheatre (the largest ever built in the ancient Roman empire) is almost 2000 years old. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Coliseum could hold over 50,000 spectators, and hosted gladiatorial contests, performances and historical enactments. Despite damage from earthquakes and robbery, it has stood the test of time and remains one of the landmark sights for a cultural heritage holiday to Italy.

Machu Picchu was built by the Incas in the 1460s and is thought by many to be a sacred sight because of it’s remote location. When Francisco Pizarro and the Spaniards arrived in Peru in the 1530s looking for gold and treasure the Incas destroyed much of the Inca Trail leading to the citadel in order to protect it from being destroyed. It worked, as following the end of the Inca civilization Machu Picchu remained hidden high in the Andes for nearly 400 years until American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered the immaculate ruins in 1911, most of which was overrun by the jungle. It is the incredible stonework and the spectacular setting of this ‘Lost City’ that people flock to Peru – and Cusco – to see, and for us it was the final destination of our three day trek (thank God!).

After stopping for the obligatory photo-op overlooking the site, Ivan led us on a 2 hour tour of the main ruins, including the incredibly intricate stonework of the Sun Temple. Huge granite boulders were cut and placed together like a jigsaw puzzle, with no cement or mortar. The Incas didn’t even have a written language, and how they managed to cut and fit the stones so perfectly together – let alone move them – remains a mystery to this day adding to Machu Picchu’s mythical aura. I think I would have been far too lazy to have been a productive Inca, and as the clouds wispily drifted by revealing the Urubamba River thousands of feet below, I decided I was definitely too lazy. Hell, I’m not even a productive Englishman.

Ivan left us alone to wander around the ruins which were still fairly empty as the train full of day-trippers doesn’t arrive until about 10:30. By this time we had met up with pill-poppin’-Pat again and together with Tim we inexplicably decided to climb yet another mountain in order to get a hummingbird’s view of Machu Picchu – but I don’t think hummingbirds are daft enough to fly that high. Huayna Picchu is the steep-sided peak in the background of all the classic Machu Picchu postcard views and, believe it or not, those crazy Incans managed to build some things up

One of the world’s most impressive waterfalls can be found in Natal the Iguassu Falls: a series of 300 ft waterfalls 20 miles wide. When water level is high, 10 million liters of water thunders down per second – quite a sight! Water is quite a theme in Natal maybe because it’s so hot. Visit one of Natal’s fantastic water parks and cool off in style as part of your Natal travel and adventure.

Travel through the Natal sand-dunes on a sand-buggy. The dunes of Genipabu are beautiful maybe too beautiful to speed through, so how about taking the camel ride instead? That would certainly be an adventure in Natal! Water sports and swimming as well as offshore bathing are all popular in the calm waters off Natal’s shores. The Atlantic Forest and the dolphins to be found there are some of the attractions that make the southern coast a major tourist attraction for Natal travel and adventure.

At Lagoa de Jucuma aerobunda is the latest craze and involves whizzing down a frighteningly long and high aerial wire into the sea. Whatever next?

Perhaps a little calm down from Natal travel and adventure with the Dutch fort, built in 1598? That’s an easy and enjoyable way to escape the heat and spend a half-day at least.

Natal’s top folkloric show (folkloric do Zas Tras) is a fun filled night of family entertainment.

Some of the best diving off the coast of South America can be had at Maracajau, just outside Natal, and there are many diving schools in town which where you can go looking for more Natal travel and adventure. Go see those dolphins up close and personal!

Natal is home to Brazil’s largest aquarium, which exhibits about 60 marine specie in 30 small tanks. Most species were collected at the Brazilian and Rio Grande do Norte coast.

Species include several kinds of fish (including piranhas), sea horses, shrimps, lobsters, stingrays, octopus, etc are on show. There are even a couple of penguins.

In a central tank, there is a family of the meekest sharks in the world, the sandpaper-shark. You can even touch them as part of your Natal travel and adventure.

To the south, the ride to Pirangi is amazing. Stop off along the way to visit Cajueira is the home of the world’s largest Cashew-nut tree (cajueiro maior do mundo), with branches covering an area of 8,400 sq m that’s as big as several football pitches! There’s a guide to tell you all about it and you can climb to a watch-tower to look down on the tree just don’t get dizzy! For those who want their Natal travel and adventure a little less energetic, outside the streets are lined with handicraft stalls and musicians to give you an authentic air of turismo en natal.

If the Cajuiera cashew nut tree gives you a taste for heights – how about Natal mountaineering? Don’t forget – Natal is part of the Brazilian rainforest. It’s a wonderful place to see exotic animals and plants quite an adventure in itself.

I had just lost my jacket with my passport, money, credit cards and last bar of chocolate when I met up with Caroline from Wales who was trying to polish her Spanish by travelling through remote villages. We discussed subjects of mutual interest and soon decided to move on together to the plains of Huanuco.

THE WIDE ‘PLAINS OF HUANUCO’ are filled with cattle. Resting against a mud-house along the ancient road, a mid-aged lady arrives on horseback to deliver milk. The man in the mud-house transfers it into a plastic container. “Improvised refrigeration” he says, as he lowers it into a running stream that runs alongside. Then he offers sweet yoghurt, which I drink to run down the last crumbs of bread that I found at the bottom of my rucksack.

Across the road where we sit, are the ruins of what was once the Hunuco Pampa citidal, a city built for festivals. It lies on the major Inca thoroughfare that connected Cusco with Cajamarca. In those days, says the caretaker, different ethnic groups who were incorporated into the Inca Empire populated the area but why was it known as the ‘city of festivals’ is yet unknown. Perhaps it has to do with the abundant produce in the region or the sublime beauty, or perhaps because it has traces of the most ancient human occupation in Peru, the Lauricocha people, dating back some 10,000 years.

HUARAZ TREKKERS MECCA. Most adventurers, who come to this region as I did, start their journey from Huaraz, capital of Ancash and trekkers Mecca in Peru. Walking down the main street, I see trekkers stocking up on vegetables, eggs, tinned meat, soup packets, marmite and local ‘pan’ (bread) that happily lasts for over four days. Chavín is three days from Huaraz by llama trek or three hours by bus. I chose the later (and lost my jacket on it) to explore the ruins of Chavín de Huántar, the temple that existed around 1000200 B.C. a period called the Early Horizon.

CHAVÍN DE HUÁNTAR is located in the north-central sierra of Peru, sandwiched between the desert coast – one of the driest deserts of the world – and the humid tropical Amazonian lowlands to the east. The famed Andean prehistoric states, culminating with the expansive Inca Empire, were primarily situated in coastal and sierra environments.

What surprised me were the animals and plants typical of the lowlands in Chavín art. Most observers agree that Chavín de Huántar would not have been natural home to the animals like caiman (alligator), monkey, and plants represented in their art. But the Mosna River, along which Chavín lies, eventually leads to the Amazon where these exist, albeit through a tortuous route.

Looking at the site’s structures, a simple sequence of construction can be postulated. An Old Temple, built in a U-shaped form around a circular plaza. And a new temple on a larger scale extending south and east.

EL LANZON. Built underground, its maze of tunnels and air ducts produce a profound confusing image in my mind. I am struck by one single stone that stands at the centre; beautifully carved with snakelike, human and feline features. It is called “El Lanzon” and looking at it closely one can note that it has the form of the eye and tooth of a jaguar, an orang-utan or a tiger. It is the art that impresses me most. But I am not alone in coming to this conclusion. Even Pablo Picasso said “Of all of the ancient cultures I admire that of Chavín amazes me the most. Actually, it has been the inspiration behind most of my art.”

“CHAVÍN” Comes from a Quechua Word Meaning “CENTRE OF CENTRES”, the centre of the universe as a magic and sacred place. Weather Chavín de Huántar was a temple or a fort at the centre of the Inca universe or weather Lanzon was the stone of power or sacrifice is not known. One archaeologist says that, it was a ceremonial centre with a twist on its architecture drains where water could be pushed through and the roar of the water could be heard through vents and chambers within the centre itself. When this was done, the centre literally “roared,” and you can imagine how awestruck the worshippers would have been!

Chavín had proven links with a religious grouping located on the north coast and in the sierra of Peru. Recent excavations have clearly proved these links by unearthing Chavín ceramics in the surroundings of Puemape, in Cajamarca.

MACHU PICCHU. There are so many of us who have been to Machu Picchu and there are so many more of us who know the famous Inca citadel, than those of us who have walked through the temple of Chavín. Archaeologist John Rick of Stanford University is trying to turn this renowned archaeological site into a tourist interest destination that is of equal importance as Machu Picchu. Rick, who has been digging in for over 10 years, believes that this is not only feasible but also possible. The future of Chavín de Huántar looks promising thanks to the support and the Global Heritage Fund.

Caroline had by now decided to study Chavín art and to stay back in Peru longer than she had planned. But I had to turn back and return to Lima to get my new passport and return home. Sitting in the aircraft I kept weighing the importance of Machu Picchu against Chavín de Huántar. Just as Machu Picchu is grand, Chavín to is mysterious and the more I think of it, the more impressive it becomes. May be one day, we may know the secrets of the stone of power but till then, it will remain shrouded in mist and mystery and inspire us with its art. 

We start our tour just east of Genoa at the seaside town of Nervi. We continue southeast down the coast to the Portofino Promontory and the towns of Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Then it’s back to the main coast and several destinations: Rapallo, Moneglia, La Spezia, and finally Lerici.

The little town of Nervi near Genoa has been a resort for well over one hundred years. Swimming there is not recommended because of Genoa’s pollution. You may want to visit in July when Nervi hosts the International Ballet Festival. Nervi’s highlight is its mile-long (1.5 kilometer) Passeggiata (Promenade) Anita Garibaldi named for the wife and comrade-in-arms of that famous Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, the founder of the modern Italian state. I’ll return to this great promenade, but first let’s talk about Madame Garibaldi. She was born in pre-independence Brazil to a poor family and raised by a single mother. She married at age 14. It is said that when Garibaldi first laid eyes on her he could only whisper, “You must be mine.” And she was. She taught the sailor Guiseppe about the gaucho culture of her homeland and fought by his side in many battles. The couple had four children and she died where carrying their fifth child several years before the independence of Italy. In 1860, when Garibaldi rode his horse to greet Victor Emanuel II as King of a United Italy, he wore Anita’s striped scarf over his gray South American poncho.

The rock hewn mile-long (1.5 kilometer) Passeggiata (Promenade) Anita Garibaldi is full of palm and orange trees in its 300 acre (120 hectare) park. Be sure that you visit the Parco Villa Grimaldi with its magnificent collection of roses. And don’t forget Anita Garibaldi.

Santa Margherita Ligure, population about ten thousand, is an old, upscale resort town. There’s a Sixteenth Century castle, and a few churches and villas to visit. If you have the money you can stay in a top of the line hotel, costing a lot less than in neighboring Portofino, which is such a famous tourist attraction that it has been recreated, so to speak, in Japan and at the Portofino Bay Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Portofino, population about five hundred, not counting the very numerous tourists is considered one the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. Be sure to see the Castello di San Giorgio (Saint George Castle) old enough to be restored in the Sixteenth Century, with its lovely gardens, views and exhibit showing famous visitors including Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Prince Rainier at play. When you have seen enough of these pictures walk out to the lighthouse and view Portofino’s villas from afar. Stop in for a coffee and watch the fishing boats and ferries go by. Then walk or ferry to the Tenth-Eleventh Century Abbazia di San Fruttuoso now a conservation site that occasionally has exhibits.

Portofino and its surroundings are safeguarded by the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino ( Regional Natural Park of Portofino) and by the Area Marina Protetta di Portofino (Protected Marine Area of Portofino). Visit them both to enjoy the local flora and fauna on land and on sea.

Rapallo, population about thirty thousand, was initially settled in the Eighth Century B.C. perhaps by the Greeks or by the Etruscans. During World War I it hosted an important conference and subsequently became the site of two peace treaties including the Russian-German Treaty of Rapallo in 1922. We all know how well that worked out. Rapallo was once a major resort area but has not kept up with the times. Be sure to visit the Eleventh Century Cathedral of Santi Gervasio e Protasio with a great bell tower and interesting paintings. The Church of Santo Stefano, the first parish church in Rapallo, is the oldest building in town. It was constructed prior to the Eleventh Century. Other churches include the Church of San Francesco, the Sixteenth Century Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montallegro (Our Lady of Montallegro Sanctuary), and the Thirteenth Century Monastery of Valle Christi, abandoned for over four centuries because of the pirates. Visit the local castles that were built to defend against pirates. For another view of life visit the Museo del Pizzo a Tombolo (Bobbin Lace Museum of Rapallo).

Moneglia whose population numbers approximately twenty-seven hundred is a quiet resort town that is less expensive than its better-known neighbors. It hosts the Niccolo Paganini International Guitar Competition. Moneglia is linked to the outside world by a long series of old tunnels. With a little bad luck you can easily be stopped for a quarter hour before the light turns green. Imagine if it were more popular.

You may decide to skip La Spezia, population ninety-five thousand, because of its relatively large size. You shouldn’t. For example, its Thirteenth Century Abbey Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Our Lady of the Assumption) has quite a collection of artwork, often originating in other churches demolished over the years. La Spezia is home to at least eight museums ranging from the Museo Tecnico Navale (Technical Naval Museum) to the Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, often known by its Italian acronym CAMeC. Don’t miss the recently restored Castello di San Giorgio (Saint George Castle) with its Museo del Castello that houses Roman and pre-Roman artifacts.

Lerici, population about eleven thousand, marks the end of our Riviera di Levante tour. Unfortunately, it also marked the end of the English poet Shelley who drowned in the Bay of Spezia while returning to his beloved Lerici. He actually lived in the nearby village of San Terenzo. The Golfo di Lerici was renamed Golfo dei Poeti in honor of Shelley and his friend and fellow poet, Lord Byron. Make sure to see the Thirteenth Century Castello di Lerici (Lerici Castle) that commanded the bay for centuries and now hosts a paleontology museum. What about food? Liguria has quite a seacoast and so you can always find a seafood restaurant. One favorite is anchovies, eaten as antipasto or as a main dish. Popular fish include Swordfish, Tuna, Sardines, and Sea Bass.

Let’s suggest a sample menu, one of many. Start with Zuppa di Pesce (Fish Soup). Then try Pescato del Giorne a la Mode Ligure (Catch of the day, Liguria style – with Potatoes, Olives, and Pine Nuts.) For dessert indulge yourself with Canestrelli, literally little boxes (Doughnuts with Confectioners Sugar.) Be sure to increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal.

We’ll conclude this article with a quick look at Liguria wine. Liguria doesn’t have a lot of room for wine grapes. It is 19th among the 20 Italian regions in both the acreage devoted to wine grapes and the total annual wine production. About 34% of its wine is red or rose, leaving 66% white. The region is home to eight DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. Some 14% of Ligurian wine carries the DOC designation.

There are three DOC wines in the Riviera di Levante region, not counting Cinque Terre to be discussed in a separate article. The Golfo del Tigullio DOC is produced near Portofino from a wide variety of local grapes in a wide variety of styles. The dry Colli di Luni DOC is produced both in Liguria near La Spezia and in neighboring Tuscany in numerous styles from the white Vermentino grape, the red Sangiovese grape, and several local grapes. The Colline di Levanto DOC is a dry white or red wine based on the white Vermentino grape, the red Sangiovese grape, and several local grapes. Liguria exports very little wine to North America so you may have to go there to taste the wines. Really there are many better reasons for visiting this lovely area.

This place is ideal for people who would love to spend some time in a tranquil environment amidst nature and away from the bustles of the urban way of life.

Though there are innumerable tourist attractions that entice people from all over the world to come here, there are a few of these that are must sees while on holiday in the Maldives.

Male is the Commercial hub and capital city of the Maldives, it has various places that cannot be missed, the foremost being the National Museum located in Sultans Park. A perfect exhibition of statues, palanquins, printing press and thrones that were employed by the former sultans has been cherished since long ago here.

The rich culture of The Maldives is showcased here as the items from colonial and pre-colonial era on display in the museum reflecting the grandeur of the place. Apart from this, there is also the Islamic centre and Grand Friday mosque that captivate the tourists.

Known for its magnificent sightseeing locations, Fuamulaku is a somewhat famous tourist spot in the Maldives. The alluring farms that are abundant in vegetables and fruits are a unique feature of Fuamulaku.

Oranges, mangoes and pineapples are grown in fields that are exceptionally fertile. These farms are situated outside the tourist zone, and it is important for visitors to have a feasible reason and a permit to visit Fuamulaku.

Kudahuvadhoo is a great diving spot here in the Maldives, this is another must see location. Mysterious mounds known as hawittas are actually the ruins of various Buddhist temples that endow a spiritual meaning to the place.

The rarest and finest masonry can be witnessed at the old mosque that surpasses even the most famous of works of the world such as in Inca Wall in Peru. Situated few miles from the airport, a well-equipped diving school is also a plus-point that distinguishes Kudahuvadhoo from other islands.

Seenu Atoll, also known by the name of Addu Atoll is quite a popular destination among the divers who visit the Maldives. The mesmerizing crystal clear blue waters of the sea leave them stunned with its thrill and exuberance.

Umarus Plave, Kuda Hohola, and Kuda Kandu Corner are the main diving sites here. For travelers who are eager for more adventure they can take the route towards Muduka and Makunda. The sea here is renowned for its marine life that includes animals like lobsters, green turtles, manta ray and eagle ray.

Naifaru is a perfect holiday spot to be visited with the family, it forms a part of the Lhaviyani Atoll. Apart from the varied scenery, sandy mountains, sandy beaches, the beautiful sea view offers a peaceful and relaxing environment to all of its visitors and makes it an ideal family holiday destination. Many families return to this country year after year.