R. Ritchie asked:


Sicily’s prime geographic location in the centre of the Mediterranean Basin has meant that, over time, settlers and conquerors from the medieval Normans, Aragonese Spanish, Moorish North Africans, ancient Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans have come and, except for the latter, mostly, gone. Today, Sicily’s Roman ruins are rivaled only by those in Rome, and lovers of Roman archaeology will find a treasure trove of sites to explore.



To get an idea of the diversity of Sicily in ancient times and particularly the range of artifacts from the Greek and Roman colonizations of the island, visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale in Palermo. One of Italy’s greatest archaeological museums, it is filled with rare finds that put the multiple foreign occupations in perspective. As well, you’ll have a chance to compare priceless artifacts from the island’s different civilizations, including those from the Phoenician, Punic, Greek, Roman and Saracen periods. Listed here are some of the best Roman ruins in Sicily:

Cape Boéo – Marsala

Roman ruins here include a villa with baths and colourful mosaics, and the Church of San Giovanni, built over a cave converted into a home in Roman times. The Baglio Anselmi Archeological Museum on Lungomare Boéo exhibits ship from the Punic era.

Catania

Catania has two Roman amphitheatres, one reminiscent of Rome’s Colosseum. The smaller one, off Via Vittorio Emanuele, built upon an earlier Greek theatre, accommodated 6,000 spectators, while a larger amphitheatre, near the commercial centre in Piazza Stesicoro, is completely Roman and was built in the second century AD.

Solunto – Palermo

Seventeen kilometres east of Palermo, overlooking the coast, and on a site that was originally a Phoenician village that had been expanded by the Greeks in 396 BC, are the ruins of a town that was rebuilt by the conquering Romans 50 years later. The ruins mostly consist of floors, with some mosaics, the lower portions of walls, with some murals, and some columns. While there is a small archaeological museum here, most of the original artifacts are in the Palermo’s Regional Archaeological Museum.

Taormina

The Greek amphitheatre here, built in the third century BC, was expanded later by the Romans, who enlarged the stage. The view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond the theatre is spectacular. During summer, the theatre stages dramatic performances. A much smaller Roman theatre, the odium, is near Santa Caterina church.

Tyndaris – Capo Tindari

Tyndaris, founded by Dionysius the Elder in 396 BC, and later destroyed by pillaging conquerors, has been excavated to display the ruins of everything from a basilica to a Roman theatre. Overlooking the sea, the setting here is magnificent.

Villa Romana del Casale – Piazza Armerina

This Roman villa, a few kilometers outside town, and built between 330 and 360 AD, is one of the largest surviving classical-era Roman dwellings anywhere. The villa contains 40 rooms with western Europe’s most magnificent mosaics depicting scenes from daily life, such as hunting, and one mosaic of ten young women dressed in strapless two-piece swim suits that could be in fashion today.

No archaeology lover’s trip to Sicily would be complete without visiting the Valley of the Temples, the largest and best collection of ancient Greek ruins in the world. You’ll also see necropoli, houses, streets and everything else you would expect to find in an ancient city. Be sure to check out the small amphitheatre, the several auditoria, and the first-rate archeological museum. You can’t miss the Concord Temple with its with 13 tall, wind-eroded columns. Set outside the city of Agrigento, on the southern coast of Sicily, the temples look dramatic at night when floodlights accentuate their shape and form.



Paula

Stefano Loi asked:


Do you think Sardinia is a beautiful place, but very expensive? You’re half right: indeed the beautiful island of nuraghi offers the chance to be discovered even at very reasonable prices.

One of the best way to enjoy a low cost holiday is to stay in one of Sardinia’s many bed and breakfasts.

There are many special offers for your accommodation in Sardinia and it’s always the right moment to discover one of the most beautiful places in the whole world!

Once the accommodation problem has been solved you can relax and enjoy the reality of a dream island.

Special offers, package holidays and excursions in Sardinia

In Sardinia you can choose among many different excursions, food and wine offers and sport activities available in every season. Beaches, nature, trekking, biking, golf, horse-riding, free-climbing, canyoning, quad, windsurf, kitesurf, boating, diving, snorkelling, canoeing, kayak, wellness and much more!

In Sardinia you can choose long and challenging itineraries; or beautiful paths of no difficulty, suitable for beginners or people who might have some problems coping with gradients.

The excursions could last few hours or the whole day. The walking-tours in the Gulf of Orosei or the relaxing trips in the middle of Sardinia are particularly unforgettable.

More challenging, but also more fascinating and adventurous, are the excursions to the Gola di Gorropu (the Gorge of Gorropu) or the Supramonte of Baunei. The great walking-tour to Tiscali is dedicated to culture and nature.

A Sardinia that has to be lived with soul and body, to discover the secrets of an environment that is rough, but hospitable at the same time.

A paradise of nature and adventure, crossing the whole island, from North-West, with the climbs and descents along the rocks in the territory of Sassari, to the North-East, with the relaxing walks in Gallura, or in the area of Oristano, in Barbagia and Ogliastra.

Look for the excursion that is perfect for you. From the walking-tour to a day of climbing that can be more or less challenging.

Find what you’re looking for: the path towards adventure has been traced, now you just have to go along it.

Do you want to discover the real Sardinia! Do you know what nuraghi are? NDiscover the Nuraghi Island, its Archaeology, its culture, with Nuraghes, Sacred Wells and Giants Tombs, Find the real Sardinia: click here.



Gary

Rudradatta Rath asked:


Santorini has a great history and tradition. Santorini is the most famous and popular magical Island in all over the world with beautiful beaches, villages, spectacular landscape, unforgettable sunset and plenty of museums to visit and see. There are plenty of museums in the island that speaks loudly about the rich history and tradition of Santorini. How ever one can get a wide idea about what was Santorini and what made the Santorini Island we see today.

One can find a plenty of museum in Santorini such as; The Archaeological Museum, The Megaron Gyzi, The Museum of Prehistoric Thira, The Folklore Museum, The Naval Museum, Wine Museum and many more.



The Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum is based in Santorini’s capital Fira just opposite of the cable car station. There is a great collection Hellenistic and Roman sculpture ranging from Archaic to Roman period. How ever this Archaeological museum consists of vases and clay figurines which are the very precious finds range from Geometric to classical period.

This Archaeological Museum gives a wide idea about the long history of the Santorini Island and represents various things found by different excavations in island of Santorini.

The Megaron Gyzi

The Megaron Gyzi museum is located in Fira behind the Catholic cathedral. Fira is also known as Thira, The capital city of Santorini. The museum Megaron Gyzi exhibits a fine collection of engravings dating from 16th century to 19th century. This museum is a cultural center and the prime aim of this museum is for spiritual development and advancement in whole Cyclades.

During the up season or tourist period the Megaron Gyzi organizes various exhibitions such as: photo exhibition, painting exhibition, stage plays, musical events, film shows and many more to let the tourists know about the rich culture of the whole Cycladic Island.

The Folklore Museum

The Folklore Museum which was built in 1861 in the capital of Santorini, housed in a conventional cave house. This museum exhibits Traditional winery, barrels, wine press, linens and antique utensils. However one can get evidence of various volcanic excavations in the Cycladic Island. Here you can find the art gallery, historical archives and glimpse of past life of people on the Santorini Island.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thira:

This museum is situated at capital city of Santorini, Fira. Many things admire this museum such as masterpieces of art fro the prehistoric time, history of Thira, geology of Thira, and hey day of the city at Akrotiri.

Wine Museum:

The wine museum exhibits the life and history of wine dating from 1660 to 1970. However the wine museum is an amazing natural cave which 300 meters long and situated 6 meters below the ground level.

The Naval Maritime Museum:

The Naval museum is located in the famous and traditional village of Oia on the northwest coast of Santorini Island. This museum consists of huge and rich collection of maritime items by retracing the Santorini’s naval history. This maritime museum gives a wide idea about the prosperity of Oia was in pick in the late 19th and early 20th century.



Barry

Stefano Loi asked:


Do you think Sardinia is a beautiful place, but very expensive? You’re half right: indeed the beautiful island of nuraghi offers the chance to be discovered even at very reasonable prices.

One of the best way to enjoy a low cost holiday is to stay in one of Sardinia’s many bed and breakfasts.

There are many special offers for your accommodation in Sardinia and it’s always the right moment to discover one of the most beautiful places in the whole world!

Once the accommodation problem has been solved you can relax and enjoy the reality of a dream island.

Special offers, package holidays and excursions in Sardinia

In Sardinia you can choose among many different excursions, food and wine offers and sport activities available in every season. Beaches, nature, trekking, biking, golf, horse-riding, free-climbing, canyoning, quad, windsurf, kitesurf, boating, diving, snorkelling, canoeing, kayak, wellness and much more!

In Sardinia you can choose long and challenging itineraries; or beautiful paths of no difficulty, suitable for beginners or people who might have some problems coping with gradients.

The excursions could last few hours or the whole day. The walking-tours in the Gulf of Orosei or the relaxing trips in the middle of Sardinia are particularly unforgettable.

More challenging, but also more fascinating and adventurous, are the excursions to the Gola di Gorropu (the Gorge of Gorropu) or the Supramonte of Baunei. The great walking-tour to Tiscali is dedicated to culture and nature.

A Sardinia that has to be lived with soul and body, to discover the secrets of an environment that is rough, but hospitable at the same time.

A paradise of nature and adventure, crossing the whole island, from North-West, with the climbs and descents along the rocks in the territory of Sassari, to the North-East, with the relaxing walks in Gallura, or in the area of Oristano, in Barbagia and Ogliastra.

Look for the excursion that is perfect for you. From the walking-tour to a day of climbing that can be more or less challenging.

Find what you’re looking for: the path towards adventure has been traced, now you just have to go along it.

Do you want to discover the real Sardinia! Do you know what nuraghi are? NDiscover the Nuraghi Island, its Archaeology, its culture, with Nuraghes, Sacred Wells and Giants Tombs, Find the real Sardinia: click here.



Bryan

Aoureliou Televko asked:


Greece, many wonders are popping into my minds that are associated with this word. Greece is the country that has everything: a very rich history, many legends, mighty mythical Gods and picturesque views of its lands and sea. It is a sin not to travel at least once in a lifetime to Greece and plunge into its culture and beauty. Everyone has to try and enjoy living in a bed and breakfast made to look in appearance like Flintston’s house with a luxurious modern touch and unique charm.

People are attracted to Greece like a magnet for a few main reasons.

First, they want to visit archaeological sites there like:

1. Acropolis and Parthenon.

2. Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery of Athens Archaeology Site and Museum.

3. Monument of Lysicrates.

4. Electeion

5. Temple of Zeus Olympios (Olympieion).

6. Athens favorite sunset spot – Cape Sounion in Attica

Second, Greece offers grate fun under the sun on its beaches.

Third, some people are just curious and want to expend their knowledge about Greeks culture. In some cases, it is a call to explore theirs family Greek history. The best way to go there is to fly directly to Athens. In Athens are many things to see and enjoy. No trip to Greece can be complete without visiting attraction #1 there – Acropolis that is crowned with Athena’s most famous temple Parthenon. It is a magnificent site to see. It was made more than 2500 year ago, and a big part of it was destroyed by fire and many earthquakes, but in spite of all that it is still astonishing in its appearance.

Attraction #2 – would be Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery of Athens Archaeology Site and Museum. The best time to visit it is late winter early spring when is the rain season. The ruins and all around them are covered then with succulent and vibrant grass giving the place a look of Ireland during summer. It is very beautiful and you can see many artifacts, which will give you a very good idea about how life was in ancient times. It is much to say about different attractions in Athens, but you do not have to stop and see just this city. Greece is a peninsula and is surrounded by 1400 islands. Traveling from one island to another is a hall adventure by itself. I will mention just a few of the most popular and famous Islands. The island of Crete is the biggest of them all. The island can be considered as a new country in itself. It has good roads on the northern side and many archaeological sites to visit and enjoy.

The interior is covered by mountains, and the southern part of the island is less developed then its northern region. One of the archaeological sites there would be The Minoan Palace of Knossos. You can just take a bus to this place and enjoy the restored labyrinths of the palace. Another Island that captured my attention with its exceptional beauty is the island of Santorini. The capital city of the island is Fira. It has superb white buildings with serpentine stairs that take you down to the sea. White churches have blue domes, making the look of the building blend with the blueness of the sky. It is a grate and romantic place were to get married or enjoy a honeymoon. If you do not have enough time to travel far from Athens, then visit island of Hydra. It is more expensive than other islands but has a charming harbor, good taverns, fun shopping stores. It is much more to go and see in Greece. Travel agencies offer tones of cruises and tours. You just have to invest some time in investigating what kind of vacation you are seeking there. You may find everything from spontaneous and more independent trips by car or bus, to very well guided trips, organized by the travel agencies. It doesn’t matter what kind of personality you have, you may find all sorts of sites and activities to enjoy, making unforgettable memories.



Erik

Douglas Scott asked:


Although the smallest of all the Andean countries, The Republic of Ecuador holds historical, cultural and natural wonders befitting an entire continent. Straddling not only two hemispheres but also two worlds, the ancient and the modern. This tiny republic with its remnants of past civilizations and Spanish conquests offers the traveller a striking blend of landscapes, peoples and cultures.

From ancient markets of the indigenous peoples, Amazon tributaries, Inca ruins, Andean peaks, 16th century churches, and the wildlife rich Galapagos Islands, Ecuador boasts an incredible diversity which belies its diminutive size. Indigenous cultures, tropical forests, active volcanoes, and a wealth of animal and bird life are all highly accessible within a matter of hours in a country no bigger than the US State of Colorado.

Once the Inca Empires northernmost territory, successive waves of invaders have left their indelible mark on the country. The remains of Inca and pre Inca fortresses dot hill tops across the Sierra, while in the highland valleys Quechua speaking Indiana sell traditional handicrafts in thousand year old markets. The beautifully preserved cities of Quito and Cuenca, both rich in 16th century art and architecture, and the elegant colonial haciendas found throughout the conquests and three hundred years of Spanish rule.

The Ecuadorian Dollar is the official unit of currency, but the US Dollar is accepted throughout Ecuador at equal value.

Temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the region, altitude, and seasonal factors

The Ministry of Tourism is working on many projects to develop tourist activity in Ecuador. In the Ministry section you will find detailed information on these projects, institutional information, and important contacts of the different offices within the Ministry.

Ecuador has many tourist destinations where you can participate in a variety of activities. You can practice mountain biking, climbing, rafting, or scuba diving, as well as visiting archaeological sites, museums, or theatres.

Straddling the equator, this small nation is richly endowed with snowy Andean peaks towering over emerald green slopes, rivers winding through tropical jungles, and beyond all this in the Pacific, lie the Galapagos Islands. Located in the Pacific Ocean and approx. 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador, directly on the equator, the isolation of the islands has permitted life forms to evolve into species found only in Galapagos. This was observed by Charles Darwin, and his research contributed to the fame of the islands. It is a dramatic and beautiful world of volcanic landscapes and fearless animals: Giant Tortoises, Fur Seals, Sea Lions, Land and Sea Iguanas and many species of birds. A visit to this impressive wildlife sanctuary will be a memorable experience for those who appreciate nature.



Arnold

Rod Ritchie asked:


Many people take a holiday on the Greek island of Crete and enjoy the fantastic beaches, charming villages and endless sunshine. But Crete offers the visitor much more than this.

As if welcoming people, charming mountain villages, rocky bays, sandy beaches and one of Europe’s best climates were not enough reasons to visit Crete, it is also a historian’s and an archaeologist’s paradise. Its fascinating archaeological ruins and world-class museums are surely a bonus. And in the far northwest, east and south of the island, away from the tourist trail, you can expect to see some really excellent smaller Minoan sites that are hardly visited.

But before heading for the archaeological ruins, check out the stunning collection of the Iraklion Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, the capital of the island. Home to the world’s finest collection of Minoan art and culture in the world, the twenty rooms and galleries provide the perfect introduction to 5,000 years of island history from the Neolithic to the Graeco-Roman era.

The famous Minoan Palace of Knossos, just south of Iraklion, was one of Europe’s finest buildings during Bronze Age (2800-1100 BC) with around 1,400 rooms. Staircases with shallow alabaster steps lead to upper or lower floors and lovely frescoes, with scenes from everyday life, decorate the Palace walls. The King’s and the Queen’s apartments feature blue dolphins, while the throne room contains the oldest throne in Europe, the alabaster throne of King Minos.

If you are feeling more adventurous head for remote Central Crete’s prehistoric site of Gortys, once the largest city in Crete. Besides being the first city to accept Christianity, and with a history as far back as the Minoan period, Gortys was occupied by the Romans in 68 BC and destroyed by the Arabs 900 years later. This layer on layer of civilization brings history to life as you discover an ancient past that helps explain the present.

The great thing about Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is that it’s big enough to get away to places that are not teeming with visitors all the time. As well as resorts and nightlife you can also enjoy simple pleasures such as sipping a coffee at a roadside café in a mountain village. But, whatever you do, be sure to soak up the island’s history through the archaeological remains of the past civilizations. And remember, entrance to all archaeological sites, museums, archaeological collections and monuments is free on Sundays and public holidays between 1 November and 31 March.



Lisa

Douglas Scott asked:


The Republic of Guatemala is a country in Central America, in the south of the continent of North America, bordering both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Guatemalan cuisine cant compete with that of Mexico, although standard Mexican fare such as tortillas and tacos can be found. You will encounter a lot of grilled or fried meat. Beans and rice are often the cheapest and best alternative and the country has a surprising number of Chinese restaurants. Coffee is available everywhere sometimes spectacularly good, but the best beans are typically exported. Beer is prevalent, in light and dark versions, and rum are the nations favoured drinks.

Guatemala is a colourful land of volcanoes, colonial cities, archaeology, wildlife in the heart of the Maya world. Most of the indigenous population live in the south of the country, and there are over 2000 archaeological sites, many of which have yet to be excavated. The Easter celebrations in Antigua are a riot of colour and sound. Bright carpets of sawdust and flowers are laid along the processional route.

There are many first class hotels in Guatemala City and throughout the country. Many offer excellent service in restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Dry season is early October to May, but even in the rainy season showers generally fall only in the afternoons, except for September which can be very wet. There is usually a 6 week Indian summer in mid July. It is coolest in December and January, especially in the highlands. In the March and April are the hottest months and temperatures of 36 degrees and 85 percent humidity are not uncommon.

The total population 10 million, of whom 6 million are Mayan.

It is sometime described as a country without social or economic justice.

Education in rural areas is non existent, with the result that 50 percent of the people are illiterate. Half of the countries children suffer from malnutrition. The real power in Guatemala is in the hands of the Army. During more than 30 years of civil war, over 150,000 Guatemalans have been killed or disappeared, tens of thousands have been forced to flee to Mexico.

Guatemalas location on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean makes it a target for hurricanes, such as Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and Hurricane Stan in October of 2005, which killed more than 1500 people. The damage was not wind related, but rather due to significant flooding.



Julio

Rudi Van Der Zalm asked:


Baza is the capital of the northern part of the Province of Granada, and festivals take place here that are unique in Spain, such as the famous Cascamorras. Archaeological remains tell us that man has lived here since prehistoric times. The well-known Dama de Baza was found in one of the Iberian burial sites in the area, and the Moorish baths are among the most complete in the country.

Baza is believed to be one of the oldest of all human settlements in Spain. The town and its surrounding area has a rich and varied architectural, historical and archaeological heritage, having been home to many different cultures down the centuries and back to pre-historic times. Its town centre was declared a Historic Centre in 2003, and in its narrow winding streets, especially around the walled medina area where the Alcazaba was built, we can see many remains of this rich and ancient past.

Approximately 20,000 people live in the municipality, situated to the north of the province of Granada. Its archaeological sites, such as the Iberian-Roman town of Basti and its ancient burial sites, in one of which was discovered the famous Dama de Baza, and its Moorish Baths all make this one of the most important archaeological and historical towns in Andalucia.

From the point of view of the environment, Baza offers a contrast of landscape which ranges from its mountain range, declared a Nature Park in 1989, to almost desert landscapes in the area known as the Altiplanicie, with an oasis of green between the two, which is La Vega. But the region is also known far and wide for its own particular type of domestic architecture, which is the house cave. Many of these ancient dwellings, which were used in the past by farmers, cattle breeders and miners, have now been adapted for rural tourism.

Baza has an important architectural, archaeological and historical heritage, the result of the many different peoples who lived in this area over the centuries, ah of whom left something of their culture behind them. Although little remains of the Alcazaba de Baza these days other than sections of wall and sorne towers, in its day it was an impregnable fortress. Its walls were built in three phases: the first in the 11th and 12th centuries, the second in the time of the Nazari occupation and the third by the Christians in the 16th century. It is located in the heart of the old town centre, dominated by the old medina.

The palacio de los Enriques is a magnificent example of a Renaissance palace designed in the style of an Italian country villa, and as such it is unique in all of Andalucia. It was ordered built by Enrique Enriquez and his wife Maria de Luna, aunt and uncle of the Catholic Monarchs. Work on the palace began in 1506, and since then it has been extensively restored. Inside can be seen sorne excellent examples of Mudejar armoury, all extensively decorated with Renaissance motifs.

The Real Posito was built in 1762, during the reign of Carlos III, and it still conserves its beautiful patio surrounded by galleries. On the main entrance we can see the royal coat-of-arms and that of the corregidor (the local chiefmagistrate) and the mayor. Inside, besides being a grain store, works of theatre are also held. This was also once the headquarters of the Economic Society of Friends of the Baza Country during the last quarter of the 18th century. The Moorish Baths in the town are particularly well preserved, dating back to the 13th century. They are a magnificent example of urban baths of the period, located beside the mosque in the old area of Marzuela (the present barrio of Santiago). A visit to the Moorish Baths is a must for any visitor to the town.

As one would expect, there are numerous churches in the town, the most outstanding being the Iglesia Mayor Colegiata. One should also see a monumental fountain situated close to the Puerta del Peso, on the royal Lorca road, which was designed in the form of lion and human heads. There are many local festivals throughout the year in the town, the most outstanding of them being the Festival of El Cascamorras. It was declared to be of National Tourist Interest in 2006, and begins every year on September 6, from six in the evening, kicking off what has become one of the most popular traditional festivals in the entire region.



Luis