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Travel Guide: Istanbul, City of Two Continents

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Istanbul is a city that belongs to a group of selected cities which have the elements of both traditional and modern life. It bridges Asia and Europe, both physically and culturally. Situated at the junction of two continents, the city is home to ancient structures like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in the Old City, as well as modern businesses, hotels, restaurants and nightlife in the New City. Presenting Europe and Asia (more of Middle East style Asian culture) at a single place, Istanbul has one of the most diversed cultures bonded with the thread of Islam. This astonishing combination of culture had helped Istanbul to become one of the three European Capitals of Culture. View of mosques and dashing markets and the fragrance of pure incense and spices is casual in this city, whereas the Asian side has much to offer the glimpses of every day residential life.

Being Turkey’s most populous city, its cultural and financial center, the city’s population is estimated between 12 and 19 million people, making it also one of the largest in Europe and the world.

The city was established on the trade route between Europe and Asia. While Europe is considered expensive, Asia is imagined to be comparatively cheaper. If you are a well planned and aware tourist to be travelling to this place, you can spend your cheap Turkey holidays really joyful and economical.

Just like the culture, Istanbul’s climate is also diverse, you may experience from hot and humid summers, to rainy conditions and snowy winters.

With Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires leaving their footprints over this city, Istanbul offers plenty of historical and religious places, giving you the flavor of different times.

Starting from the North of the city’s peninsula, across the Golden Horn is Galata district of Istanbul, crowned by Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi in Turkish) — called Christea Turris (the Tower of Christ in Latin). The stone tower was built in 1348, during an expansion of the Genoese colony in Constantinople. It was the apex of the fortifications surrounding the Genoese citadel of Galata.

galata tower
Galata Tower, Photo taken by David J. Lull
galata tower view
View from Galata Tower, Photo taken by Halilgokdal

If you are in Istanbul, you must pay a visit to famous Hagia Sophia, which used to be earlier a church which was converted into a Mosque and finally into a museum. The museum is famous in particular for its massive dome, considered to be the epitome of Byzantine architecture, being said to have “changed the history of architecture.” It used to be the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.

hagia sophia
Hagia Sophia, Photo taken by Valentin Likyov

Just 500 feet (150m) to the southwest of the Hagia Sophia is the famous Basilica Cistern. Built in the 6th century, during the period of Byzantine empire, it is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul.

Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern, Photo taken by Luca Zappa

Another must see place in the city is Topkapı Palace, earlier a royal residence, the palace also having been a setting for state occasions and royal entertainments. The magnificent building of the palace now serves as a museum. It is a major tourist attraction and contains important holy relics of the Muslim world including the Prophet Muhammed’s cloak and sword. The Topkapı Palace was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace,  Photo taken by CyberMacs
Inside view of Topkapı Palace
Inside view of Topkapı Palace, Photo taken by Michael Goodine

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque because of its blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior, is another major tourist attraction in the city. It was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder and still continues to be a mosque, unlike few others which have been turned into museums. With the capacity of 10,000, the mosque is amazingly grande with 6 minarets.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Photo taken by Alessandra Kocman

Tulip gardens and Turkish Bath, Hamams are another must see things in Istanbul. Hamam is an essential part of a trip to Turkey and I am sure you will repeat it atleast once before leaving the country. There are many Hamams around Istanbul, you must take care while visiting this place, as not all all Hamams are clean and good experience. I am not concluding here as there is a lot to write. Watch out for this space or subscribe via RSS to this travel section so you get all latest articles and updates about my journey around the world. Keep an eye on this article as I write about what to do, eat and shop in this city of Two Continents.

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Discover the finest tours across Morocco: an adventure oasis

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Morocco is a North African country renowned for its contrasts and many wonders. Its territory stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Moreover, it boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years and a culture that intertwines Berber people, Arab heritage, and French influence. 

If you’re in search of Morocco desert tours that allow you to explore and experience unforgettable adventures in the country, the options are as diverse as its landscapes. You can immerse yourself in the impressive urban landscape of Fez, savour the exquisite cuisine of Marrakech, relax on the coasts of Essaouira, and, of course, journey through the Sahara Desert via various tours, which will also invite you to explore numerous cities and towns of Morocco, and indulge in unique activities. If you’re keen to discover more about the desert tours that Morocco has to offer, this article will introduce you to some of the finest.

Tours from Marrakech to the desert

From the vibrant city of Marrakech, you can find numerous tours departing towards the desert, promising to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience. One of the most popular Marrakech desert tours is the trip to the Zagora desert, which over two days allows you to explore the High Atlas. 

Here, you can admire landscapes of breathtaking beauty and visit Berber villages that reflect their culture and origins to the teeth. Upon arriving in Zagora, you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels at sunset, followed by a cosy night under the stars in a traditional camp. 

If you’re seeking an even deeper and comprehensive experience, you can also undertake three-day tours from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, which give you the chance to explore the popular Erg Chebbi dunes, as well as including visits to historic kasbahs, fertile valleys, and allowing you to observe the interesting local life in the oases.

Camel Trekking in Merzouga

Merzouga is also the perfect starting point for a Camel trekking Morocco, thanks to its spectacular sand dunes. Through this activity, you can experience nomadic life, trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes, known to be the highest in Morocco. 

At the same time, you can opt for a one-night camel excursion, where you’ll enjoy the sunset in the desert, a traditional dinner around a campfire, and a night in a Berber tent. Then, upon awakening, you’ll witness the tranquillity and beauty that can only be offered by the sunrise in the desert. 

For those more adventurous individuals, there are also options for multi-day trekking, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit numerous nomadic communities and explore the unique geography of the desert. Ultimately, camel trekking tours are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty and simplicity of the Sahara Desert.

Tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert

Fez, the impressive imperial city steeped in history and culture, is another starting point for embarking on a Sahara desert tour. It’s a typical two-day tour that takes you from the antiquity of Fez through the Middle Atlas mountains to the entrance of the desert

Along the way, you can see cedar forests with wild monkeys and the dazzling Ziz Valley. Then, once you’ve reached Merzouga, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a camel ride to the desert camp, where you’ll spend the night. 

On the other hand, tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert also often offer the possibility of visiting local villages and markets, providing you with an authentic insight into desert life. Finally, you’ll have the unforgettable experience of sleeping surrounded by the immensity of the dunes and under the stars of the desert sky.

Whether it’s exploring ancient Berber villages, trekking across towering sand dunes, or experiencing the tranquillity of a desert night under the stars, these tours promise an adventure like no other. Book your Moroccan adventure today and create memories to last a lifetime.

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Discovering Valencia and the Valencian Community: an unforgettable holiday experience

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Valencia, with its Mediterranean charm and a rich history seamlessly intertwined with modernity, stands out as a unique tourist destination in the Valencian Community and one of the main attractions on the entire Iberian Peninsula. Explore everything you can do in this wonderful region, where magic, natural beauty, and culture offer a wide range of options for enjoyment.

Spain is one of the most tourist-oriented countries in the world. Its extraordinary natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, excellent tourist services, and a wide range of entertainment options make it one of the most visited destinations in the European continent. Among the regions and cities that contribute to Spain’s international tourist significance, Valencia, and the entire Valencian Community undoubtedly take the top positions, always preferred by both national and international visitors.

Transport: Essential for your adventure

The first thing to organise before travelling to Valencia is the transportation within the city. Fortunately, there are excellent options to meet all types of needs, preferences, and budgets. A good idea is to use Uber Valencia services, with a broad network of vehicles available from any part of the city, at any time, without restrictions and at quite reasonable prices. It is an efficient, practical, and modern means of transportation accessible through their corresponding mobile application. Who doesn’t know about this extraordinary transportation service in these times?

However, if you enjoy immersing yourself in the daily lives of the city’s residents, you can purchase Valencia bus tickets and explore the city using this comfortable and cheap form of transportation.

The Municipal Transport Company (EMT) Valencia is responsible for providing public transportation services in the city, with high-quality buses perfectly equipped to ensure maximum comfort. Their routes cover not only Valencia but also reach nearby towns such as Alboraya, Alfara del Patriarca, Sueca, Burjassot, Tavernes Blanques, Moncada, Vinalesa, and Sedaví.

Drinking water from the taps

An interesting and significant feature is that Valencia tap water is entirely suitable for human consumption; in other words, it can be consumed directly from the tap without any sanitary risks. Tap water in Valencia undergoes strict quality controls to ensure its potability. Competent authorities constantly supervise the water supply to ensure compliance with the highest standards set by the European Union. Controls include periodic tests to determine the presence of possible contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, harmful residues, and heavy metals. Being in Valencia, you can be confident that tap water is well treated and will not pose any problems.

Shopping: Exploring the best stores

In addition to its fascinating beaches, beautiful tourist sites, modern architecture, historic centres, stunning landscapes, nature, gastronomy, festivals, traditions, and exciting nightlife, Valencia shopping tours are another interesting attraction to explore in this wonderful city.

The majority of shops and shopping centres throughout the Valencian Community are open every day, including Sundays and holidays, ensuring that you can shop whenever your heart desires. Shopping is a relaxing activity that also provides the opportunity to find items and products that may not be available in your hometown.

Valencia boasts stores of the finest trendy brands, modern shopping centres, and complementary services, making any shopping spree an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Valencia and the Valencian Community offer a truly enchanting experience, seamlessly blending the allure of its Mediterranean charm with a rich historical tapestry and modern vibrancy. From efficient transportation options like Uber Valencia to the exploration of the city’s daily life through bus rides, the journey is as convenient as it is immersive. Moreover, the assurance of safe tap water underscores the city’s commitment to quality living. In addition, the vibrant shopping scene, coupled with Valencia’s myriad attractions, ensures that every visit becomes an unforgettable adventure. So, embark on this unique odyssey, where history, culture, and contemporary life converge to create memories that linger long after you’ve bid farewell to this captivating corner of Spain, you won’t regret it. 

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Cheapest place to buy a house abroad

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Buying a house or making investments in development projects was always a great way to access a better life. This can be seen in foreign lands, where families and investors find great opportunities to live or invest —and profit of—. The dominican republic real estate is one of the best ways to do so.

Buying property oversea

Nowadays, many people find that the best way to invest in the real estate business is to look oversea; there are incredible countries and opportunities to get our money’s worth. Between the best places, we can mention the Caribbean shore and, in Europe, the Spanish peninsula —between many others—. These places are beautiful and the respective real estate markets are strong.

Nevertheless, the people who have most success in this area recommend getting a great assessor in property law & investment from the country in which we want to make our investment. The cost of doing so is marginal, but it can help us to avoid any inconvenient or delay in the process.

Which are the best options to buy abroad?

Spain

According to the specialists, Spain can be one of the most attractive places to live and invest. There, the opportunities are bigger and more lucrative, as this country contains some of the most exclusive cultural and historical sites in the world, and is one of the most selected destinations because of his great landscapes and beaches.

The real estate law is especially hard, and requires the listing of a professional that can resolve the different aspects of the purchase. Even more, if we want to invest in an urban project, they bring comfort and security to the process —they are guaranties of the success of our investment—.

Even though the spain real estate business can be complex and overwhelming for someone who doesn’t know the law —many taxes must be pay and there’s an abundance of documentation that must be presented to avoid any inconvenient—, it remains one of the best options to buy abroad.

The Caribbean shores and Dominican Republic

Across the Atlantic, one of the most lucrative and safer investments out there remain in the Caribbean shores; in the Dominican Republic real estate business. If we want to buy a house to live in or if we want to put our savings in a safe and profitable financial instrument, there’s no better place.

Effectively, this country is much cheaper than Spain. This is one of the most important reasons why so many people choose to live there. In the Caribbean, we can find many affordable properties and developments of ever-growing performance in a market of great demand.

There, we can find many properties close to the most incredible shores in the whole continent; even more, the prospect of growth in this market, over the years, will give us a profit over our investment that can’t be match.

Many specialists recommend investing in the Dominican Republic real estate. Then also indicate the benefits of hiring a property law advisor that can provide knowledge and experience in the matter. The cost of doing so is relatively low, and it betters our chances to buy a cheap house abroad.

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