Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria after the capital Sofia and is one of the oldest cities in Europe, even older than Constantinople and Rome.
Because of its geographical location not far from the Bulgarian border with Turkey Plovdiv is a place where west and east meet giving it a unique and interesting view of times of old. In ancient times the city was a major stop of the trade routes from Persia to central Europe and has been a city of interest ever since.
History
In the years before Christ Plovdiv was a major settlement for the Thracians, this was until the time of Philip of Macedon II who took Plovdiv and named the city Philippoupolis (city of Philip).
Later on the city became one of the farthest reaches of the Roman Empire and was rename Trimontium meaning the city of three hills, although there are more than three hills in the city.
Because of its rich history the city has become a place of much interest and benefits visitors with a wonderful array of historical monuments and sites to visit.
Sights
Plovdiv Roman Theatre – Unearthed by a landslide in 1970 the Roman theatre is the best preserved in the Balkans. The theatre held around 7,000 citizens when it was built in the second century AD under the rule of Trajan the Roman Emperor.
Plovdiv Roman Stadium – With a capacity of 30,000 and at over one hundred and eighty metres in length the Roman Stadium of Plovdiv is a magnificent reminder of Plovdiv’s Roman past. The stadium is only partially uncovered with the majority lying under the main street of Plovdiv city centre.
National Revival – In the old town of the city there are many beautiful nineteenth century houses built in the renaissance style that are majestic to look at and really take one back in time to when Bulgaria became independent from Ottoman Rule.
City Garden – B the centre square of the city is the wonderful city gardens that are beautifully cultivated and provide a tranquil and serene place for tourists and the people of Plovdiv to enjoy.
Further to the above there are hundreds of Roman ruins dotted around the city that you can view at your pleasure, there are also many wonderful Orthodox Churches and Islamic Mosques to see and a number of different museums.
Retaurants and Shops
There are many amazing restaurants in the centre of Plovdiv all serving regional food from the Balkans such as Banitza, Shopska salad and Sarmi.
One of the favourites to visit are Dreams during the day which is on the main street by the City Gardens, here you can indulge in cakes, coffee, sandwiches’ and other meals while basking in the sun and watching the world walk by. Another favourite is Happy Bar Grill where you can sit inside and sample all the delicacies of Bulgaria from salads to Meze and hot meals all washed down with the beverage of your choice.
Plovdiv has many small boutiques selling a range of clothes, cosmetics and other products as well as having two small shopping malls. The shopping malls offer everything from sports clothing to regional souvenirs and jewellery.
Nightlife
At night the city comes alive with activity as the many bars, clubs and casinos light up enticing everyone to visit. Some of the great places in the centre include bar nonsense where you can enjoy beer and shots in an informal setting or the more upmarket cocktails bars where you can sample many handmade cocktails to great music.
Hotels
Novotel Hotel
Sankt Peterburg Hotel
Dedeman Trimontium
Alliance hotel
Gabi Hotel
Noviz Hotel
Dafi hotel New
Apart Complex
Avion hotel
Belle Ville Hotel
Best Western Hotel Bulgaria
Bright House
Business Hotel Plovdiv
Ego Hotel
Elite Hotel
Expo Hotel
Famous House Hotel
Hebros hotel
Kendros Hotel
Leipzig Hotel
Metropol Hotel
Nord Hotel
Noris Hotel
Odeon Hotel
Park Hotel Imperial
Real Hotel
Rodopi Hotel
Romantica Hotel
Russalka Hotel
Seven Hills Hotel
Interested in visiting Plovdiv? Why not try to find a deal today at Expedia | Travelocity | Lastminute
Friday, 31 July 2009
Plovdiv Travel Guide
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
VIP Lounge Priority Pass
Luxury is one thing that we cannot always afford, especially when it comes to frequent flying for personal and business related purposes. For some the plane journey in economy is not a problem and for this reason they don’t go first class, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the luxury of a VIP lounge while waiting at the airport.
One company has set up a wonderful priority pass scheme whereby users can enter up to six hundred VIP lounges worldwide.
These lounges are based in over one hundred different countries and over three hundred different cities across the globe.
The best thing about this pass scheme is that you don’t even have to be flying with the carrier who owns the lounge or have a ticket higher than economy class.
If you have never been in a VIP lounge then you certainly don’t know what you are missing, but trust me when we say you are missing something special as VIP lounges really make you feel comfortable and help you relax before both long and short flights.
- Phone
- Fax
- Internet
- Hot and cold beverages
- Light snacks
- Well trained and courteous staff
- Latest Newspapers
- Comfortable surroundings
There are three tiers of membership to suit all types of people so you don’t end up paying more than you need; this is another reason to choose the Priority Pass Scheme.
The scheme works worldwide and is an international product although currently is most successful in Germany and the United Kingdom where most members are from.
Get your Priority Pass today.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Sofitel London Gatwick Review
Sofitel London Gatwick
Address:
North terminal,
Gatwick Airport,
West Sussex,
RH6 0PH
United Kingdom
Tel: 01293 567070
Image courtesy of Flickr
Location:
Situated at the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport the Accor Sofitel Hotel is the place to stay when travelling from Gatwick.
The hotel is so close to the airport that you can walk into the North Terminal without even having to step foot outside as there is a hallway taking from the terminal into the hotel. The Sofitel London Gatwick is also perfectly situated close to the monorail that takes a matter of minutes to get you from the North Terminal to the South Terminal.
For those wishing to connect from Gatwick to London or Heathrow the Sofitel London Gatwick gives the perfect base to rest and recuperate before taking the 30 minute connecting Gatwick Express bus to London.
Hotel:
The Sofitel London Gatwick is a huge and luxurious hotel boasting five hundred and eighteen en suite bedrooms boasting self indulgence of the highest quality.
The hotel also has eleven meeting rooms and many dining options from the restaurants and bars around the central atrium to the executive lounge reserved for those who choose the higher class of bedroom.
Interested in booking at the Sofitel London Gatwick then click here
Restaurants:
Gatwick Oriental – Fine cuisine from the orient
Le Café – A fine café offering tea, coffee and light bites all day
La Brasserie – Contemporary and modern dishes of the European influence
Bars:
Kua Bar – Glamourous cocktail bar where you can unwind with simple beverages or posh cocktails made to order
La Terrasse – A Parisian style street bar where you can buy snacks and refreshments throughout the day and overlooks the hotel atrium.
The room themselves have a bed with luxurious covers and quilting, a television with cable, an en suite bathroom with shower/bath combination with complementary toiletries. Even the dressing gowns offered are of the best material and the most wonderful you will ever wear.
For those lucky enough one side of the hotel gives an amazing view over the North Terminal runway where you can watch the planes taking off and landing only a short distance away. The windows are sound proofed so you don’t even hear the loud sounds of the planes.
Pricing:
Prices vary depending on the time of year, room requested and special promotions. Generally the lowest prices range between 70 GBP and 100 GBP per room per night.
Booking:
Interested in booking at the Sofitel London Gatwick then click here
Monday, 27 July 2009
Lloret de Mar Travel Guide
Lloret de Mar is a wonderful coastal town in Catalonia situated on the Mediterranean. Located in the province of Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar is the most popular of the tourist destinations in the region and mainly caters to the 18 to 30 year old demographic.
The tourism in Lloret de Mar is seasonal with the late spring and summer being the times of choice. This seasonal tourism is because of the warm climate and the seven kilometres of golden beaches bringing sun seekers to Lloret de Mar.
The main tourism for Lloret de Mar comes from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
Although Lloret de Mar has found itself to have a tag for younger people who have a passion for sun, sea and sangria the town is also steeped in history and has many amazing places of historical and cultural value to visit.
History
Lloret de Mar is a very old town that has archaeological evidence of both Roman and Iberian settlements, this dates the town to over two thousand years old although evidence suggest it could have had older settlements.
Earliest written evidence has Lloret de Mar under the name Loredo from which the current name was derived. Although a quiet town Lloret de mar did encounter many attacks by the Saracens in the middle ages.
Interestingly the town centre was based inland until about two to three hundred years ago to stop Algerian and Turkish pirates besieging the town by boat. In the 18th century the town became more commercial as a port and the centre moved towards the seas edge.
Sights to visit
Church of Sant Romà: A church in the Gothic style built in 1522 as a place of refuge for the people of Lloret de Mar during times of conflict when Algerian and Turkish pirates attacked.
Castle of Sant Joan: A wonderful castle built in the eleventh century for no other reason than to protect the town from invading forces like the English fleet in 1805.
Monument to the Fisherman’s Wife: A touching bronze statue erected in 1966 as a way to commemorate the town of Lloret de Mar. The statue has since become an endearing symbol of the town.
Iberian settlements at Puig de Castellet and Montbarbat: For those interested in history of old a visit to one or both of the Iberian settlements is a must. At the settlements you can enjoy the old world excavations and architecture of old ruins.
Sanctuary of Sant Pere del Bosc: The Santuary of Sant Pere del Bosc was built in the tenth to eleventh century and was a hermitage for St Benedictine Monks until the seventeenth century. In the seventeenth century French invaders burned the sanctuary and a lot of it was rebuilt at this time. The buildings today are a beautiful piece of architecture and history that leaves all inspired and in awe.
Angel monument: Erected in 1904 of the Angel monument is dedicated to Mossen Cinto Verdaguer. Situated on the top of a summit called Ses Pedres Lluidores the Angel monument is a wonderful vision to behold.
Maritime Museum - Can Garriga: What visit to Lloret de Mar would be complete without a visit to the towns Maritime Museum where you can find out all about the towns past on the high seas and as a port town. The museum is not only exquisite but is also housed in a beautiful nineteenth century building.
Restaurants and Shops
Lloret de Mar has a wonderful array of fine restaurants ranging from Arabic and Argentinean food to the more regional food of Catalan cuisine.
The shopping in Lloret de Mar is an enjoyable experience, with retail being the second largest economy in the town those who live in Lloret de Mar like to ensure tourists enjoy what is on offer.
Night Life
The night time is when Lloret de Mar truly comes alive. With pubs, clubs, live entertainment and nightclubs all vying for your attention the town tries its very hardest to make your evening out amazing, which it always is….if you remember it!
With top DJ’s and acts at the night clubs every weekend it is not hard to see why thousands of tourists flock to Lloret de Mar every year.
Leisure Activities
Lloret de Mar likes to keep those who like to be active busy during daylight hours with many great activities on offer such as Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Sailing, Kayaking, Water skiing, Parasailing, Hiking, Golf a water park and many other great sports on offer.
Interested in partying it up in Lloret de Mar? Why not try to find a deal today at Expedia | Travelocity | Lastminute | Thomson Holidays
To find out more about Lloret de Mar try a travel book
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Phone Calls Overseas
When travelling to another country international phone calls can be quite an expense if you use your own mobile/cell phone or use a hotel phone, but there are alternatives that can reduce this cost dramatically.
The first option is to purchase a phonecard before your journey, this way you will know exactly how much you are spending per minute and how many minutes left you have to talk to your friends and family. Phonecards are also pre paid for so you know before you travel that you dont have to factor expensive phone call costs into your budget.
Phonecards are relatively inexpensive, especially when talking for long periods of time or if you are on a long trip overseas.
For the best phone card deals click here
The second option is to purchase a sim card in the country you are staying in. Most countries operate pay as you go sim cards which are perfect for the traveller as you can use and dispose of your sim card after your journey.
It is always good practice to review who are the major mobile/cell phone operators in the country you are visiting. To support you we have listed all major mobile/cell phone operators and the countries they serve below.
- China Mobile - China (including Hong Kong), Pakistan
- Vodafone - United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Romania, Greece, Portugal, Netherlands, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Albania, Malta, Northern Cyprus, Faroe Island, Iceland, USA, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Egypt, Ghana, Fiji, Lesotho, Mozambique, India
- Telefónica / Movistar / O2 - Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Ireland, United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Germany, Czech Republic, Morocco, Slovakia
- América Móvil - USA, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Jamaica, Peru, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador and El Salvador
- Telenor - Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, Russia, Ukraine, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and India
- China Unicom - China
- TeliaSonera - Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Russia, Nepal, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine
- T-Mobile - Germany, USA, United Kingdom, Poland, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Orange / France Télécom - France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Poland, Spain, Romania, Moldova, Slovakia, Belgium, Austria, Liechtenstein, Israel, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Cameroon, Botswana, Madagascar, Mali, Senegal, Mauritius, Réunion, Martinique, French Guiana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Uganda, Togo, Niger, Equatorial Guinea, Armenia
- MTN Group - India, Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Republic of Guinea, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia
- Bharti Airtel - India, Seychelles, Jersey, Guernsey, Sri Lanka
- MTS - India, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia
- SingTel - India, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan
- Etisalat - India, Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, the Ivory Coast, Egypt, Gabon, Indonesia, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, United Arab Emirates
- Verizon Wireless - United States
- AT&T Mobility - United States, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands
- Reliance Communications - India , Sri Lanka
- Telecom Italia / TIM - Italy, Brazil, San Marino, Vatican City
- Orascom Telecom - Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan, Tunisia, North Korea, Italy, Greece, Lebanon, Zimbabwe
- NTT docomo - India, Japan, Bangladesh, USA
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport
(IATA: LGW - ICAO: EGKK)
Annual Flights – 263,653
Annual Passengers – 34,205,887
Airport:
Gatwick airport is the second largest in the United Kingdom by size and passenger numbers and ranks number twenty eight in the world for total passengers and number nine for international passengers.
The airport was established in 1958 and has grown in size since this time. Today the airport is owned and ran by BAA.
There are two runways at Gatwick Airport, one is 3,316 metres in length and the other is 2,565 metres in length.
There are two terminals at Gatwick; these are named the North Terminal and the South Terminal.
Carriers:
There are sixteen carriers using the North Terminal at Gatwick with the main carriers being:
- British Airways
- EasyJet
- Thomson Airways
- Aer Lingus
- EasyJet
- Flybe
- Monarch Airlines
- Thomas Cook Airlines
- Viking Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
Shops available at Gatwick are:
- Coral
- Marks & Spencers
- Clarins
- Cavier House & Prunier
- Boots
- Books etc
- Bags etc
- Animal
- All Saints
- Accessorize
- Dixons Travel
- Antler
- Fat Face
- Game Grid
- Collection
- Clinique
- Apostrophe
- EAT
- Burger King
- Caffe Nero
- Costa
- Frankie & Bennies
- Garfunkels
- Joes Kitchen & Coffee House
There are a number of hotels at Gatwick Airport varying in price and luxury. A number of the hotels available on the airport site or in the local vicinity are:
- Accor Sofitel Hotel (4 Stars)
- Renaissance Hotel (4 stars)
- Arora International House Hotel (4 Stars)
- Ramada Plaza Hotel (4 Stars)
- Premier Travel Inn Hotel (4 Stars)
- Holiday Inn Hotel (4 Stars)
- Hilton Hotel (4 Stars)
- Thistle Hotel (3 Stars)
- Travel Lodge (3 Stars)
- Express Hotel (3 Stars)
- Ibis Hotel (2 Stars)
Transport:
National Express offers coaches to and from Gatwick from across the United Kingdom. For those looking for a transfer coaches operate from Gatwick to Heathrow and Stansted Airport.
By Rail Gatwick Airport travels directly to London stations where connections can be made to the rest of the UK and also to stations in the south such as Brighton and Worthing.
By Car Gatwick Airport is located one mile (1.5 km) off junction 9A of the M23 just south of the M25 London Orbital.
Parking:
There is ample parking at the airport through BAA’s own parking facilities. On top of the airport parking, Purple Parking offer alternative parking arrangements for Gatwick Airport.
Click here to check out Purple Parking
Contact:
Address:
Gatwick Airport,
West Sussex,
RH6 0NP
Tel: 0844 335 1802
Friday, 24 July 2009
Bremen City Guide
Situated in north western Germany Bremen is a beautiful city to visit because of its rich history, wonderful sites of interest and its places to eat and drink.
For anyone wishing to sample a city full of historical atmosphere yet aspiring to move forward through innovation, Bremen is certainly a place to visit.
Sights
Schnoor
The Schnoor is the oldest part of the city and consists of small medieval shops and taverns lined along narrow paths. In old days the Schnoor was a maritime and a red light district but today serves as a wonderful and quaint visitor’s attraction full of interesting places to visit.
Böttcherstrasse
Probably the most famous street in the city the Böttcherstrasse takes you on a breath taking vision of old buildings mixed with newer buildings of the Art Noveau style of the 1920’s and 1930’s.
As well as being in awe of this amazing architecture you can sample the cafes shops and galleries that these stunning buildings have become.
Schütting + Haus der Bürgschaft
The Schütting are three nineteenth century buildings located to the west of the Markt. These buildings are ornate in design and used to house the merchants of the city.
Roland Statue
Constructed in the eleventh century the statue of Knight Roland sits in the Markt of Bremen and is well celebrated by the people of the city. The statue is also celebrated across the globe and has been designated as protected by the UNESCO world heritage.
Theatres and Cinema
There are many small theatres and cinemas in Bremen that are mostly privately owned. Each of these theatres and cinemas offers a flash back in time because of the way they operate while also showing new and inspiring shows.
Museums and Exhibitions
There are many enterprising museums, galleries and exhibitions in Bremen, the below are but a small number of what is available.
Cathedral Lead Cellar (Bleikeller)
Not for the faint hearted the Cathedral Lead Cellar (Bleikeller) has eight preserved bodies on display all in open coffins deep in the bowels of the Cathedral. For those who have the wish to visit and take those tentative steps downstairs it is a thought provoking site to behold.
Roselius House
Set in a beautiful old building called Roselius House Ludwig Roselius founded a museum at his house. The museum shows sculptures and paintings from as far back as the twelfth century along with precious furniture, carpets and other wonderful items.
Gerhard-Marcks Haus
The Gerhard-Marcks Haus hosts sculptures from many creative and renowned sculptors from around the world including sculptures from the late Gerhard-Marcks Haus himself.
Hafenmuseum Speicher XI
This is a wonderful museum that brings to life the history of Bremen from the times of the ancients to present as a harbour city.
Food and Drink
Bremen is packed full of restaurants, cafes, bars and bier kellars that the city ensures there is something for every one. From traditional German food and beer to Irish bars just a short walk through the city is sure to get your taste buds salivating at the thoughts of the wares on offer.
Shopping
Although conventional high street names are not on offer Bremen brings shopping alive in its own way with small chocolatiers, antique jewelry, designer brands, souvenirs and the famous Markt.
Festivals
From early January to Christmas time Bremen comes alive with many festivals that celebrate the history of the town, food and music of the region. All festivals bring the city alive with happiness and joy, definitely worth a visit.
Interested in visiting Bremen? Why not try to find a deal today at Expedia | Travelocity | Lastminute
To find out more about Bremen why not buy a Bremen Travel Guide
Dedeman Trimontium Princess Plovdiv
Trimontium Princess
Address:
2, Kaptain Raycho St
Plovdiv,
4000,
Bulgaria
Tel: 032 605000
Location:
The Trimontium Princess is located in the heart of Plovdiv city centre. Situated in the centre square of the city it is a prime location for any visitor to use as a base for exploration of this beautiful and ancient city.
Right outside the doors of the hotel you will find Roman ruins (there are 200 archeological sites to investigate), amazing city gardens, clothing bazaars and a great mix of different shops.
For those who wish to find a taste of Bulgaria there are also a great deal of restaurants and bars within a short walking distance such as the well known Dreams cafe.
Hotel:
Spacious and luxurious rooms await visitors to the Trimontium Hotel, bathrooms are even available with Jacuzzi tubs where one can unwind after a days walking in the city.
The full listing of hotel rooms are as follows:
121 Standard twin rooms
21 French bed rooms
12 Jacuzzi room
3 Suits
1 Presidential suite
The Trimontium offers a large restaurant offering a wide variety of international cuisine, an Irish steak house, ambassador roof restaurant, three bars, a gym, swimming pool, sauna and Casino.
Pricing:
The Trimontium Princess average room prices per night are around 151 USD or 92 GBP
Booking:
Find the best bookings at Expedia | Travelocity | Hotelopia
Thursday, 23 July 2009
About Us
The Travelling was established in July 2009 as a place where travellers can come and find unbiased information and deals to help them build the dream trip of a lifetime.
Established by a single person as an alternative to the many other online travel sites The Travelling has an ideal that everyone should be given the option of what they want. Too many sites today offer the ideal of what a customer wants but delivers the generic holiday to suit all.
As The Travelling is in its infancy there is no background to talk of so lets talk about the man behind The Travelling.
The man behind the scenes is a 20-something (He's nearing 30 but lets not go there!) who has a passion for travel and has been to many wonderful countries and cities across the globe. Favourites his travels are Bremen in Germany, Plovdiv and Varna in Bulgaria and also Zandvoort in the Netherlands (Holland).
