South America!

Every thing before South America was just a warm up!

You haven't really travelled until you've taken on South America. Thirteen countries strong, the continent is home to astounding natural and cultural wonders, including the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, thousands of kilometres of magnificent white-sand beaches, captivating colonial towns and indigenous villages, and the Amazon rainforest home to more plant and animal species than anywhere else on the world. 

But what can I do?

Sweat yourself dizzy on an Amazon canoe ride before ending the day caiman-watching on a black water lagoon. Brave a white-knuckle bus ride down Peruvian slopes and be astounded by endless Andean vistas. Endure Patagonia's wind driven rain while chasing life-affirming sunsets or simple lose yourself (and possibly your belongings) in the break-neck chaos of Buenos Aires or Salvador. 

Tantalise your senses with a multi-country South America tour! Taste mouth-watering steak in Argentina, or juicy seafood in Peru. Smell the fresness of Patagonia and unpolluted air of the Amazon. See the spectacular colours of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the ancient world of the Incas in Peru and stunning geological formations in Bolivia. Feel the warm waters of the Varibbean Sea in Venezuela and cool breezes of the Atlantic in Brazil. Hear the sultry sounds of the tango in Argentina and the ever present rhythmic beats of the Samba in Rio!

The challenge is deciding where to begin!

With so much choice, its as thought the continent was built for travel; a place that excites, thrills, challenges and infuriates! South America however is not just about breathtaking sights - its stunning soundtrack is sure to leave your feet tapping long after you're back in the day job. Samba spices up the sandy streets of Brazilian beach towns, Argentine "folorica" trickles out of truck radios in the pampas and the jolting rhythm of Cumbia making those Andean bus rides even more absurd!

& when it comes to experiencing this incredible land the real reward is undoubtably the South American spirit! The entire continent approaches life with the enthusiasm of an old-fashioned road trip: windows down and stereo blaring. South America is a continent that engulfs you and changes you - your state of mind, your outlook on life. As soon as you step foot on South American soil, the transformation begins!

Ready to go? 

To visit many other popular trips and tours, take a look at South American Tours!

Here is one of their tours they have to offer from Australia! 

• Day 1: AUSTRALIA - SANTIAGO Transfer to hotel.
• Day 2: SANTIAGO (B) Half day city tour of Santiago, dramatically set at the foot of the Andes mountains to discover the city's many layers of cultural influence, visit "La Moneda" government house and try some pisco sour.
• Day 3: SANTIAGO - LIMA (B) Transfer out to airport for flight to Lima, transfer in and half day city tour.
• Day 4: LIMA - CUZCO (B) Transfer to airport for your flight to Cuzco. Transfer to hotel.
• Day 5: CUZCO - SACRED VALLEY (B, L) Full day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Overnight.
• Day 6: SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU (B, L) Train to Machu Picchu, ruins tour and overnight.
• Day 7: MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO (B) Morning free to visit ruins. Return train and land transfer to Cuzco.
• Day 8: CUZCO (B) Half day city tour of some of the sites in and around Cuzco including the cathedral, Q'oricancha (the temple of the sun) and the fortress of Sacsahuaman.
• Day 9: CUZCO - PUNO (B, L) Spectacular Andean Explorer train journey across the Altiplano Puno to the shores of Lake Titicaca.
• Day 10: PUNO (B) Half day tour of Uros, to visit the communities that live on these reed islands.
• Day 11: PUNO - LA PAZ (B, L) Cross from Peru into Bolivia, via the lovely lakeside village of Copacabana, boarding a comfortable catamaran to begin the scenic crossing of the magical Lake Titicaca. Stop at the complex on Sun Island for an introduction to the mysterious Tiwanaku civilisation on the way to La Paz.
• Day 12: LA PAZ - LIMA(B) Half day city tour including the rock formations of Moon valley and learn about the local "Pacenos" customs and traditions including a trip local witchery market. transfer to airport for fligt to Lima. Overnight
• Day 13: LIMA - RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Transfer to airport for flight to Rio de Janeiro, one of the scenic and lively cities in the world. Transfer to hotel.
• Day 14: RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Tour and cable car trip to one of the city's favourite landmarks Sugar Loaf mountain, the famous granite and quartz peaks overlooking Guanabara bay for a fantastic view.
• Day 15: RIO DE JANEIRO (B) Half day trip to the top of Corcovado mountain, catching a small train through the Tijuca forest before reaching the top to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
• Day 16: RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUAZU FALLS (B) Transfer to airport for flight to Iguazu. Transfer and tour to the Brazilian side of the falls for a panoramic view of the 275 falls spanning nearly 3 kilometres and running along the border of Brazil and Argentina.
• Day 17: IGUAZU FALLS (B) Guided walk along the many trails on the Argentine side of the falls, including a small train journey to the impressive Devil's Throat, the impressive point during which most water passes.
• Day 18: IGUAZU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES (B) Transfer to airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to hotel.
• Day 19: BUENOS AIRES (B) Half day tour of South America's stylish capital, Buenos Aires, whose architecture and boulevards are steeply influenced by a European heritage. Visit the bohemian street market of La Boca, the tango barrio of San Telmo and the famous Recoleta cemetery, home to the resting place of Eva Peron.
• Day 20: BUENOS AIRES (B, D) Free day to discover this exciting city or go shopping. In the evening, experience the tango in all its glory and sample the succulent local beef with a dinner and show.
• Day 21: BUENOS AIRES - AUSTRALIA (B) Transfer to the airport for flight home.
• Day 22: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Travel: 

How can I get there?

By Plane: Getting to South America has gotten much easier in recent years due to massive increases in flights to the continent by major global airlines. Although some particular places are still quite hard to reach (i.e. Paraguay, Suriname, northern Brazil), the places that you most likely want to go, such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, are more accessible than ever before. 

From Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific: A somewhat surprising number of options exist. Both Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN Airlines serve Auckland and Sydney from their respective hubs at Buenos Aires and Santiago, while Quanta's introduced a non-stop service between Sydney and Santiago on March 2012. LAN also operates one of the world's most obscure flights of all- a service linking Santiago-Easter Island-Tahiti. From Perth Emirates provides affordable flights to Buenos Aires with a stopover in Dubai, around 30 hours total flying time. 

South American Culture:

The cultures of South America draw on diverse cultural traditions. These include the native cultures of the peoples that inhabited the continents prior to the arrival of the Europeans; European cultures, brought mainly by the Spanish, the Portuguese and the French; African cultures, whose presence derives from a long history of New World slavery; and the United States, particularly via mass culture such as cinema and TV. South Americans are culturally influenced by its indigenous peoples, the historic connections with Iberian Peninsula and Africa, and the impact of mass culture from the United States, alongside waves of immigrants from around the globe. 

South American nation have a rich variety of music. Some of the most famous genres include vallenato and Cumbia from Colomvia, samba and bossa nova from Brazil, and Tango from Argentina and Uruguay. 

In many places indigenous people still practice a traditional lifestyle based on subsistence agriculture or as hunter-gatherers. There are still some uncontacted tribes residing in the Amazon Rainforest!

In many places indigenous people still practice a traditional cultural lifestyle based on subsistence agriculture or as hunter gatheres. Believe it or not, there are still some uncontacted tribes residing in the Amazon Rainforest! How cool is that? Talk about culture!

Another thing you need to keep your eye out for in South America is the Language! Portugese and Spanish are the primary languages of the continent. The majority of South American's speak Portugese, however most South American countiries are Spanish speaking, and nearly all of the continents lusophones reside in Brazil. 

Latin American MUSICO!

Latin American music, sometimes simply called Latin music, includes the music of all countries in Latin America and comes in many varieties, from the simple, rural conjunto music of northern Mexico to the sophisticated habanera of Cuba, from the symphonies of Heitor Villa-Lobos to the simple and moving Andean flute. Music has played an important part in Latin America's turbulent recent history, for example the nueva canción movement. Latin music is very diverse, with the only truly unifying thread being the use of Latin languages, predominately the Spanish language, the Portuguese language in Brazil, and to a lesser extent, Latin-derived creole languages such as that found in Haiti.

Latin American Arto!

Beyond the rich tradition of indigenous art, the development of Latin American visual art owed much to the influence of Spanish, Portuguese and French Baroque painting, which in turn often followed the trends of the Italian Masters. Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is perhaps the best known Latin American artist. She painted about her own life and the Mexican culture in a style combining Realism, Symbolism and Surrealism. Kahlo's work commands the highest selling price of all Latin American paintings.

Latin American Cuisne:

This refers to the typical foods, beverages and cooking styles common to many of the countries and cultures in South America! Some items typical of Latin American cuisine include maize-based dishes of tortillas, tamales, pupusas and various salsas and other condiments including guacamole, pico de gallo, and mole! 

Beverages includes mate, horchata, atole and aguas frescas. Desserts include dulce de leche, arroz con leche and flan.The richest products of South America come from the middle of the continent, the Amazonia. In countries like Peru there is a strong influence of the Inca. Potatoes are frequently grown as a result of this, and also plants such as quinoa. On the Southern tip of South America lies the Pacific Ocean, which provides a large array of seafood. Many plains also are on this continent, which are rich for growing food in abundance. In the Patagonia south of Chile and Argentina, many people produce lamb and venison. King crab is typically caught at the southern end of the continent. Tuna and tropical fish are caught all around the continent, but Easter Island is one place where they are found in abundance. It's safe to say a wide range of foods are grown, caught and deliciously served up for all in South America!

So much to see, so little time! Best Tourist Attractions for South America?

South America is a patchwork of stunning landscapes with its snow capped mountains, treacherous jungles, surreal desserts and spectacular mountain ranges. It delights travelers, sweating their way through outdoor challenges or simply sitting back to admire its awe inspiting Andean views. What the adventure, South America does not disappoint. It's spirit is infectious and no matter where you go the fierce Latin Passion will sweep you away! 

Here are ten tourist attractions that must be on your must-see list:

1. Machu Piccu - Peru!

Peru has become the hot spot in South America and the darling of the traveling community. But it  would be nowhere without its shining jewel, the Incan kingdom of Machu Piccu! Hidden within the best lush peruvian mountains, this mystical city remained a secret for ages and now is the continent's best known archaeological site. While some travellers chose a plush train ride to enjoy the view in comfort, others choose to trek the original Inca Trail and after several days are delighted by the ruins that dot the terraces. But for all, a tremendous sense of wonder for an ancient society can be felt!

2. Amazonia - Ecuador!

One of the most unique ecosystems on our planet, the Amazon is an enormous region covering about 40% of the South American continent and it touches many countries. One of the more popular entryways is within Ecuadorian borders through its capital city, Quito. The Amazon is not for the lighthearted. It is one of the world's most diverse biological areas in the world with simple trips providing opportunities to see diverse creatures such as monkeys, birds, caimans and tarantulas. That's right. Massive spiders, and massive snakes! Are you up for the challenge of the Amazon?

3. Angel Falls - Venezuela!

Nestled within Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, Angel Falls are the highest waterfalls in the world. Although impressive, the hike into Angel Falls are not the only reward. This jungle trek is its own adventure as a guide navigates the grasslands, rivers and mountains to reveal spectacular waterfalls and lagoons. Travellers who brave the trip deep into the jungle are treated to tropical wildlife in the area including monkeys, poison arrow frogs and orchids. 

4. Torres del Paine - Chile!

Torres del Paine National Park is located in the Southern most region of Chile and for those willing to venture to Patagonia it offers astonishing hiking opportunities amongst glaciers, lakes and blue mountains. Treks are available for varying experience levels on clearly marked paths with options for accommodation and basic services. Those wanting just a taste of its breathtaking views can choose a day trip, while many others hike for the popular five day "W" route. For the most adventurous, the full circuit can be completed in 9 days! 

5. Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia!

The world's largest salt flat in the world, salt and other abundant minerals are sought in this area. But travelers know this area as the "worlds best photo op".  Photographers flock here to capture the unique landscape. Although dry season is recommended for its limitless horizon perspective; the rainy season also provides Dali-inspired reflective photos that make amateur photographers look like pros.The salt flats are often part of a 3-4 day tourin Bolivia that promises to defy expectations and include such unusual stops as the Salt Hotel. This location feels out of this world.

6. San Pedro de Atacama - Chile! 

San Pedro de Atacama once was a destination when transporting cattle and today has flourished into a major tourist destination.The star of the area is the Valle De Luna (Moon Valley) tour at sunset. Travelers marvel as the desert morphs and provides an idyllic setting for star gazing. But the area has much more to offer with its beautifully hot, dry landscapes that crack the earth and mountainous sand dunes. Guests are taken by the town's quaint charm and often stay longer than expected for its many tour offerings of craters, canyons, caves, valleys and salt mines.

7. The Galapagos Islands - Ecuador! 

The ultimate animal lover's paradise! The Galapagos are perhaps the last unspoiled place on earth where man continues to respect the boundaries of mother nature and wild creatures prosper without the fear of man. No where else can you find animals frolicking, unafraid of their onlookers. Like a child's fairytale, here you can play amongst sea lions, laugh with the penguins and swim alongside turtles. This is nirvana and it won't last forever. Walking amongst this wildlife creates a memory you most certainly wont forget. A must do for every South American trip!

8. Lake Titicaca - Bolivia! 

South America's largest lake and the home to several indigenous communities make the area both agriculturally strong and full of cultural significance. Copacabana is the heart and largest town on the shore. Due to it's rich history, Copacabana's religious festivities, often celebrating Pachamama (Mother Earth), are frequent and well known. No worries- the music and colour will get you celebrating mother earth as much as the locals! But wait, there's more, the experience doesn't end at the shore. Many boats leave for Isla del Sol, the sacred Inca island. Here travellers bask in the beauty of deep blue sky towering its fresh water. It's a cozy feeling as it's all tucked in the snow topped mountains of the Cordillera Reel!

9. Easter Island - Chile! 

Easter Island, also known as Isla de Pascua or Rapa Nui by the Spanish and Polyesian, is one of the most alluring sacred sites on Earth. Famous for its enigmatic giant stone figures, the Moai were built centuries ago, but continue to remain a mystery and our only link to the demise of this isolated Polynesian culture. Easter Island also hosts two white sand beaches making it the idyllic location to take in a bit of ancient culture while basking in the tropical sun. After a morning admiring the Moai, visitors can enjoy body surfing, surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling. 

10. The Pantanal - Brazil! 

Perhaps the wildest region in the world, the Pantanal has the greatest density of animal life in South America. Created by seasonal flooding of the river Paraguai, these wetlands are considered one of the worlds largest and most diverse freshwater wetland ecosystems. Not to mention the home of the purest water source in the world. Thats right, this place is a gold ticket of pure natural goodness. While many flock to the Pantanal on a photographic safair to see the majestic jaguar, a number of colourful birds including hummingbirds, macaws and parrots that inhabit this area. Its a beautiful collage of animals and wetlands that make this place so special to this earth. 

Stay Safe!

Ladies and Gentlemen, leave your crystal necklaces, earrings, watches and wads of cash at home. Wearing or carrying items which may identify you as an affluent tourist can be a mistake. You shouldn't pack anything that you would be upset to lose. Only carry what you need. That goes for credit cards and other documents as well; if you have no need for them leave them behind in the hotel safe, only take what money you are likely to spend with you. 

& i'm not only talking about human dangers of robbery, the monkey's are known to take a jewel when they see one, so beware!

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN IN SOUTH AMERICA! I'll be extremely jealous. 

~ ♡ Marika ♡ ~

Jordan !!

Hello!! This blog is about Jordan, which is an Arab kingdom in the Middle East, located on the East Bank of the Jordan River, & extending into the historic region of Palestine. Jordan borders Saudi Arabia to the south & east, Iraq to the north – east, Syria to the north & Palestine to the west.  The capital of Jordan is Amman.

Jordan has plenty of great places to visit if you ever get the chance to visit it. These places include: Petra, The Dead Sea, Hammamat Ma'in (Ma’in spa), Jerash, & Aqaba Gulf. 

Petra: 

Petra is one of the current Seven Wonders of the World, it is famous for its rock-cut architecture & water conduit system. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the colour of the stone out of which it is carved.

Once a visitor enters Petra the only methods of transport allowed within Petra are walking or riding a camel, donkey or horse. This is done is order to preserve the architecture inside.  

When I went to Petra my family & I chose to walk, which in my opinion it was worth it as we got to see all the small details between the rocks, which otherwise we would have missed. 

When we visited we stayed at the Marriott hotel. It was a nice hotel that was not cheap or expensive. It also had a great view & in general was a comfortable hotel to stay at, however, I would not recommend paying too much detail to hotels when visiting Petra, as it’s the architecture & sighting you should focus on. 

For more information about Petra:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Petra

http://www.visitjordan.com/default.aspx?tabid=63

 

& for more information about the Marriott hotel: 

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mpqmc-petra-marriott-hotel/

The Dead Sea: 

Another great place to visit in Jordan is the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world at 394.6m below sea level. The water in The Dead Sea is extremely salty & it is the second saltiest major body of water in the world. The Dead Sea’s name is derived from the fact that the water is far too salty for marine inhabitation. 

In the dead a person can float with ease due to the hypersalination of the water. In fact it is nearly impossible to sink. 

The mud along the shore of the Dead Sea contains many minerals & it has medical & therapeutic benefits. In fact many visitors cover their body with the dark mud. 

The water at the Dead Sea has a greasy feel to it & it is advised to wear waterproof sandals as the salt is very jagged & can easily cut your feet. & wear goggles as the salt in water stings & causes pain if it comes in contact with the eyes. 

For more information about The Dead Sea:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Dead_Sea_%28Jordan%29  

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g293985-d318768-Reviews-Dead_Sea-Jordan.html

Hammamat Ma'in (Ma’in Spa):

Another great place to visit in Jordan is Hammamat Ma'in. What is great about Hammamat Ma'in is the amazing waterfalls it has. The water there is rich in minerals which leads it to always being naturally hot. 

When I visited Hammamat Ma'in I remember it had water falls ranging from extremely hot, to warm & to cold. It was great to sit under the waterfall & the water felt like it was giving you a massage. 

Hammamat Ma'in, has plenty of hotels. The hotel I stayed at while visiting was the Movenpick Hotel. Which is a great hotel & it had parties & shows at night. 

For more information about Hammamat Ma'in:

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/jordan/hammamat-main

Jerash: 

Jerash is also a great place to visit in Jordan. Jerash is a city in northern Jordan & it is famous for its Roman ruins. The archaeological site is popular to tourists & it is the second most visited spot in Jordan next to Petra being first.

In Jerash there are plenty of great sites to see & it also has a small souq (which is outdoor shops) just outside of the archaeological park. & from those shops you can buy Jordanian souvenirs & handicrafts. 

Every year in Jerash, the Jerash Festival is held. The Jerash festival is one of the world’s liveliest & most spectacular cultural events. The most famous singers from all over the world attend the Jerash festival as well. 

For more information about Jerash:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Jerash

This was my blog about Jordan, I hope it was informative & gave you useful information about Jordan & encouraged you to visit it one day.

Thank you!! Natalie ~

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the capitol city of Malaysia, well known for its bright night life and fantastic food. All throughout the day there will always be people out and about whether it be eating, shopping or just engaging in the vibrant day to day activates KL has to offer.

Activities

KL is home to some fantastic activities you should definitely check out! They have pampering spas in some hotels and parts of the Golden Triangle. They have several museums for all those who have a thirst for knowledge as well as urban sports such as golf, jogging and horse riding. The Sunway Lagoon is called Subang Jaya and is the city next to KL. The theme park is 40 minute drive from KL but is hope to rides, a huge waterpark, an extreme park for adventure junkies, and a scream park for those wanting a good scare, and a petting zoo for children. For all those shopaholics out there here is a something you can’t afford to miss. KL has a variety of shopping malls with hundreds of branded stores you might not have access to in your home country. No one remembers the nights they got lots of sleep! The night life in Kuala Lumpur is something amazing. In KL you will see friends, families, couples and just individual people walking around in the early hours of the morning laughing, eating good food and just enjoying the atmosphere. If you are planning on going to KL I would most definitely encourage you to embrace everything this country has to off, you will make great friends and great memories.

Accommodation

You are most definitely going to want to stay in KL for more than a day, so you will obviously need a place to stay! There are many places to stay and you will most definitely be able to find one that fits your budget. A hotel which is close and convenient is highly recommended, it will make travelling to you daily activities a lot easier and less stressful.

Here is a link to a variety of different venues for accommodation catering for all budgets. Click here.

Food

You will always be surrounded by fantastic food stall and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur! I would highly, highly recommend checking out most if not ALL of the hawker stalls you come by. The foods they make are usually passed from generation to generation. If you’re looking for unique and tasty you should definitely check these stalls out and experience the talents of these people.

Malaysia foods (partly inspired from other countries) of this fantastic country that I just love, these include:

• ·  Nasi Lemak – fragrant coconut rice with cucumbers, sambal, egg, curry (chicken, beef, vegetables etc.) and ikan bilis.
  ·    Roti Canai – bread served with curry
  ·    Asam Laksa –thick rice noodle soup with flavoured brother (tamarinds and mackerel fish) as well as flakes, mint, pineapple, lettuce and cucumber.
  ·   Rojak - A fruit or vegetable salad with dark, thick prawn paste and yau char quai,

For more information on popular food from KL, click here.

Want to know more? Visit here and here

New York, New York!

Start Spreading the News!
I'm leaving today!
I want to be apart of it!
New York, New York!

-Frank Sinatra

Have you ever wanted to travel to New York? It is one of the most densely populated major city in the United States, and one of the most populous urban agglomerations in the world! As a global power city, New York exerts a significant impact upon commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education and entertainment.

Located on one of the world's largest natural harbors, New York City consists of five boroughs, each of which is a country of New York State including The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. With a census-estimated population of 8,336,697 distributed over a land area of 302.64 square miles, and over 800 languages spoken in New York, you can see why it is considered one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse cities in the world!

Top 5 things to do in NYC! 

Stroll through Central Park: 

Leave your New York hotel and enjoy a stroll or ride a bike through one of Americas most famous parks.
There are plenty of recreational activities and there's always something special going on in the park,
like the Central Park Film Festival. Besides the natural splendor of the surroundings, the best part about Central Park is that it is free!

Carnegie Hall:

An entire trip can be dedicated to Carnegie Hall and its collection of delicious restaurants,
its enticing gift shop and educational museum. As one of the premiere concert halls in the nation,
Carnegie Hall is a national institution.

Time Square:

It doesn't have to be New Years Eve to enjoy Times Square in New York City. As the heartbeat of NYC, Times Square signifies everything that the city represents. The excitement, the glamour, the independent free-spirited and artistic qualities of New York are all on display in this timeless spot. One of the best places to begin sampling true New York night life.

Broadway:

If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. And without a doubt, you should try to make it to a Broadway show! This is the most famous theater district in the world, and you can choose from timeless classic productions like "Chicago" at the Ambassador or a newer stage rendition of "Mary Poppins" at the New Amsterdam Theater. Either way, no trip to New York is complete without some singing and dancing!

Take in the Customary Historical Landmarks:

While every proud American should visit the historical significance of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, The World Trade Center Memorial and the other national landmarks in New York, there are simply too many to detail on a list of five, but make sure you see as many as you can!

When you travel to New York, you need to know the best tours you should go on to experience New York at its full glory! 

So here I have listed the top 10 popular tours in New York City to keep you so occupied, you won't have time to feel home sick! Taking in the City's attractions can be a daunting task for any visitor, but you can experience the excitement of the five boroughs: soaring skyscrapers, legendary eateries and landmark spots in a number of ways. You can take a helicopter ride to snap photos of the world's most famous skyline from up above. Go on a jaunt by foot to see landmarks of Lower Manhattans Financial District. Board a ship for an audience with Lady Liberty. The 10 tours featured here, offer views of New York City's historical spots, exciting attractions and tours to places that are off the beaten path. 

Manhattan Helicopters

Get a bird's-eye view of Manhattan's famous skyline with a helicopter ride high above the City.
Manhattan Helicopters takes visitors to the sky on tours that depart from a downtown platform. These tours showcase iconic landmarks, like Times Square and Central Park. You'll glide by the nearly complete Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.  Pick from a number of tour options, including one that offers views of Brooklyn and Staten Island. Tours run approximately 15 to 30 minutes long and are narrated.

You'll want to bring your camera along for the ride! 

 Spirit of New York

These three-deck ships accommodate up to 600 passengers for lunch and dinner cruises that pass the:

• Statue of Liberty,
• Ellis Island and
• Governors Island

and travel under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges before returning to Chelsea Piers.
Take in the Manhattan skyline from the cruiser's spacious deck, then indulge in a buffet packed with options like tilapia, lemon-basil chicken and pasta primavera. After that, you can dance until you dock, thanks to professional DJs and an ever-enthusiastic singing waitstaff!

Explore New York With Martha

One of the best ways to discover New York is by foot.

Strap on some comfortable shoes and take a springtime stroll with Manhattan-based tour guide Martha Lanzilloti who offers numerous itineraries tailored to the needs of both groups and individuals alike.
Choose from tours of culture-heavy neighborhoods like:

• Greenwich Village,
• Little Italy and
• Chinatown

or site-specific options that explore areas such as the Garment Center. Lanzillotti will also show you some of the City's culinary delights and spots where celebrities frequent, all from a "local's point of view".

A Taste of Harlem Food Tours

Harlem is one of the most culturally rich neighborhoods in NYC. With historic music venues, lounges and eateries, plus an influx of new restaurants, there's a lot to take in here. Harlem is home to restaurants serving tasty soul food, classic Southern fare, as well as cuisine from Africa, the Caribbean and France.

A Taste of Harlem Food Tours allows visitors to sample the area's dishes all while learning about its

lengthy history; you'll see beaux arts homes, theaters and parks in the area, too. Hungry spectators can choose from either the Soul Food Tour or the Harlem's Tasting Tour, the latter of which makes stops at noteworthy architectural destinations.

Artigo Tours LLC

New York City is full of galleries and studios that are unknown even to locals. Artigo Tours offers behind-the-scenes art walks through art-friendly neighborhoods including:

• Chelsea,
• DUMBO,
• Bushwick and
• Long Island City

Covering both well-known and hidden spaces, Artigo offers guided tours that range
from short trips to extended outings that can span a few days. Art lovers will relish the private time spent in galleries and artists' studios, as well as visits to art museums,
design stores and art-centric districts.

The Fisher Landau Center for Art, The Museum of Modern Art and Lehmann Maupin Gallery in Chelsea are among the many spots that can be included on these visually stimulating expeditions!

MCNY Bronx Historical Tours

These guided jaunts explore the culturally diverse neighborhoods of Woodlawn (also known as Little Ireland) and Arthur Avenue (the borough's own Little Italy).

In Woodlawn visitors will taste unique ales from a number of pubs, while a tour of Arthur Avenue offers

wine and cheese samples. Other highlights include weekend trips that cover the Grand Concourse and its historic sites, as well as a tour of the Bronx's finest pizza choices. Not only do these excursions present an opportunity to feast on authentic cuisine, they also supply a wealth of fascinating information about:

• Yankee Stadium,
• The Bronx Museum of the Arts and
• The real-life neighborhood where the movie "A Bronx Tale" was filmed.

These walking tours run for approximately three to four-and-a-half hours, so dress comfortably.

New York's Finest Walking Tours

Tried and true (blue) New Yorker and former NYPD lieutenant Paul Murphy offers an exclusive
perspective on New York City neighborhoods. Murphy takes visitors to spots such as Grand Central Terminal and Greenwich Village, providing historical information and details about infamous crimes and NYC folklore.

Highlights of the Greenwich Village tour include a visit to Aaron Burr's carriage house,

the Hangman's Elm in Washington Square Park and NYC's smallest piece of private real estate.

Urban Oyster Tours

Think you've seen everything New York City has to offer? An outing with Urban Oyster Tours may change your mind. Based on your interests, an expert tour guide will take you to areas brimming with local "microbreweries", restaurants, and mom-and-pop shops. If you have an appetite for something beyond the mainstream, artisanal markets and Italian and Middle Eastern eateries should take care of that, too.


Along the way, you'll be treated to stories about the City's colorful history. Customized group tours and culinary classes are also available.

The Wall Street Experience

If finance and architecture appeal to you, then it's worth checking out The Wall Street Experience.
As its name denotes, the tour offers an all-out experience of the world's most famous financial institutions.

Notable landmarks including the:

• New York Stock Exchange,
• Federal Reserve Bank and
• Wall Street

are covered through a number of tours that range from two to five hours in length!

Led by Andrew Luan, a former vice president of Deutsche Bank, and his colleagues,

the tours supply a wealth of fascinating information about the inner workings of Wall Street and the financial market.There's also an intensive educational tour geared toward finance students that covers all of
Lower Manhattan's prime financial spots!

Stray Boots Scavenger Hunts

Stray Boots Scavenger Hunts offers a scavenger-hunt-style sightseeing experience called New York:
The Game.


The Game transforms sightseeing from a passive experience into an engaging, interactive exploration of New York’s sights and streets. Participants pick a neighborhood (or museum) they want to play and receive clues, tasks and other challenges on their own cell phones. Playable any time of day and day of the week,

The Game features world-famous attractions such as Times Square and the Chrysler Building, as well as hidden spots off the beaten path.The Game is appropriate for people of all ages and groups of all sizes, and it is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

I hope you get a chance to see New York, because it is an amazing, culturally diverse and wonderful city full of friendly people and many many many things to keep you busy! You'll enjoy both the daylight and the nightlife, so save up your money, live life a little and book a ticket to New York today!

~ ♡ Marika ♡ ~