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Since January 2011, the Albanian biometric passport has replaced all previous Albanian passports in circulation. The new biometric passport contains an embedded microchip that stores data on the holder such as fingerprints, photo and signature. This new type of passport helps keep its holders safe and helps prevents counterfeiting. Because of this new policy, many Albanian citizens must renew their passports when traveling. Knowing how to apply for an Albanian passport can help the many Albanians living throughout the world to be prepared when crossing country borders.
The Himalayan mountain range spans more than 1,600 miles, running through six countries: India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mount Everest is the best known mountain in the Himalayas, and arguably the most famous mountain in the world. The Himalayas, though, are home to 10 of the highest mountain peaks in the world, eight of which fall within the region of the Nepalese Himalayas.
Visiting Greece is a dream for many, though a bit of culture shock may be experienced for those not accustomed to the ways of life in the island country. Greeks are known for being social and passionate. While visiting a Greek beach, you should respect the culture and exercise proper Greek beach etiquette guidelines to fit in, and respect the country you traveled to visit.
The Kosovo Conflict began in early 1998, between Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Liberation Army. On March 24, 1999, NATO began strategic air strikes on targets in Yugoslavia and Kosovo to deter Yugoslavian aggression. A handful of cities in the region were particularly affected by the fighting, which is said to have resulted in around 13,000 civilian deaths and disappearances.
The Allegheny Mountain Range is part of the Appalachian Mountain system of the eastern United States and Canada. The Alleghenies extend from southwest Virginia to northern Pennsylvania, covering about 400 miles. The 10 highest peaks of the Allegheny Mountains are all located in three West Virginia counties in the eastern portion of the state: Pocahontas, Randolph and Pendleton.
The highest mountain peaks on Earth are located on the continent of Asia. Although they are spread across different countries, such as Nepal, China, Tibet and Pakistan, the very highest ones can all be found within the Himalayan or Karakoram mountain ranges. The top five highest peaks are Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. Over the years, many attempts have been made to scale these peaks. Although quite a few attempts have been successful, many have also ended tragically, and some of the bodies of those who died were never recovered.
Many imposing mountain ranges, with soaring summits, sprawl across the United States. Just one state, however, is home to the 10 highest mountain peaks in the United States -- Alaska. Alaska's many rugged peaks can be categorized into three basic groups of mountains -- the Brooks Range, Alaska Range and Aleutian Range. They are visually stunning, and distinctive not only because of their elevation, but also the glaciers, earthquakes and ongoing volcanic activity commonly exhibited.
A newly independent nation, Kosovo is located in Eastern Europe and takes influence from the neighboring countries of Macedonia, Serbia and Albania. Though still a developing nation, Kosovo offers travelers rugged wilderness, bustling cities and small towns where time seems to stand still and provides a true "off-the-beaten-path" experience.
New Hampshire's tallest peaks are in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in the northeast region of the state. The name Presidential Range comes from the names of the mountains in the range, which include Mount Washington, Mount Jefferson and Mount Adams. Each at more than 5,500 feet, these three mountains are among the tallest mountains in New England.
The Olympic Mountains are situated on Washington's Olympic Peninsula and stretch for 101 miles. The mountains offer visitors hiking, backpacking, camping, wildlife-spotting and birdwatching opportunities, and are quite rainy: The west-facing mountains receive 12 feet of rain per year while the east-facing mountains receive 25 inches of rain per year. Although the Olympic Mountain range isn't the highest in the United States, it does have its range of high-reaching mountain peaks.
More than 6,000 islands make up the Greek Islands. These are organized into a number of clusters including the Argo-Saronic Islands, the Cyclades, the North Aegean Islands and the Ionian Islands. Only a few hundred of these islands are inhabited, some with fewer than 100 individuals living on them. Cruises to the Greek Islands are popular, and while large cruise ships are preferred by some, others enjoy cruises on small ships with similar amenities.
The Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is Athens's state of the art international airport, which is located at Spata. The airport, which opened in 2001 and serves more than 15 million passengers every year, has good road and rail links with the city's important transportation hubs, and offers a number of transportation options for arriving visitors. You'll find a regular bus service, a metro train, taxis and limousines to choose between.
While most the tallest mountains in the United States are in the western mountain ranges, hikers in the eastern United States have access to tall peaks. The eastern region of the country features relatively tall mountains in the Appalachian Mountains, which stretches from the southern United States to New England. Other ranges with tall peaks include the White Mountains in New Hampshire and Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina.
With its mild winters and long, hot summers, Greece and its islands play host to millions of tourists each year,who come to marvel at sites of classical history, enjoy clear blue waters, golden beaches and the warm welcome and hospitality of the friendly Greeks. Many travelers fly into Athens and set sail on cruises around the islands directly from there.
The Greek Island of Rhodes, a member of the Dodecanese island group, is one of the warmest areas of the Mediterranean, boasting 300 sunny days a year. Rhodes is a paradise for those wishing for a vacation full of sunbathing and water sports, offering an array of golden beaches and crystal, cobalt-blue water.
Japanese writing uses traditional Chinese characters, known as "kanji", and two types of modified Chinese characters called "hiragana" and "katakana." More than 130 million people in Japan, Palau and expatriate communities around the world speak Japanese. "Loser" in English is a negative word that's often used as an insult, as in describing someone as "a real loser." Japanese has a word that's used in that same context, and is considered rude. The word also can refer to an unmarried woman over the age of 30.
When traveling to Greece on vacation, you are spoiled for choice not only in the number of islands to spend your holidays but the sheer number of beaches that are available to you. Whether you want a party atmosphere or a more secluded environment, there is a Greek island that can suit your fancy. Take your pick from beaches ranging from remote pebble beaches to sprawling beaches with white, golden or dark sand.
Situated at the crossroads of the Baghdad and Persian caravan routes, Sivas, Turkey offers history, relaxation and outdoor adventure. The city is near the geographical center of Turkey, roughly 400 miles east of Istanbul. The city is famous for its Kangal dogs, thermal springs, colorful rugs and mountainous landscape. Although Sivas is one of Turkey's largest cities, you won't find any international hotels or five-star resorts. There are many suitable places to base yourself for exploring the region. For those in search of higher standards, a pair of international hotels is located an hour's drive away in Kayseri.
Alykes is a small coastal town on the Greek island of Zakynthos. It is located in the Ionian Sea to the west of mainland Greece. Zakynthos, also known as Zantos, is a popular summer vacation destination. Excavations have shown that the island has been inhabited since Neolithic times, and it is mentioned in Homer's Iliad and in his Odyssey. Zakynthos was once conquered by Ulysses, who came from nearby Ithaca. There are several small hotels in Alykes and the surrounding region, and a few newer and much larger hotels.
Glyfada, known as the Athens Riviera, is the most cosmopolitan Athens suburb. It is home to many of the country's millionaires, government ministers and other personalities. Glyfada is well known for being fashion conscious and houses many well-known restaurants, summer clubs, up-market cafes and boutiques. Located just to the south of Athens International Airport, Glyfada is a popular tourist venue. It's conveniently placed and offers beaches, marinas and cosmopolitan night clubs -- among other attractions.
Visit Northern Ontario to enjoy some of the most scenic vistas Canada has to offer. More than 300 lakes and boreal forest surround the town of Lively, in the center of the town of Walden, which amalgamated with Sudbury in 2001. This area has the third-largest French-speaking population in Canada. Visit the nearby Sudbury Basin, a geological wonder resulting from the second largest meteorite impact on earth, in 1850. While exploring the area, the visitor will find a number of hotels.
Valamar Hotels and Resorts are located in six destinations along the Croatian coastline, including Porec, Rabac, Dubrovnik, Krk Island, Pag Island and Pula. These properties include hotels, apartment complexes and campsites. Each hotel is designed to cater to guests looking for a unique vacation, such as a romantic getaway, wellness retreat, family vacation, meeting or event or even a naturist escape.
Mardin is a mainly Arabic city in southeastern Turkey. The culture is infused with the many influences from various civilizations that have flourished there. Mosques and Suriyani Christian churches co-exist peacefully within the area. It is rich in history, culture and architecture and has the potential to become a major tourist destination. It is also a candidate for UNESCO's List of "Cities of World Heritage." There are a handful of affordable hotels to stay in while visiting Mardin.
Downtown Athens, Georgia, offers something for everyone. While the Georgia Bulldog football games are a main attraction, visitors also enjoy a vibrant music scene, several museums and fine art galleries. Outdoor lovers will enjoy visiting the Sandy Creek Nature Center and the Heritage Trail on the North Oconee River Greenway.
Omonia metro station was named after Omonia Square, the oldest square in modern Athens. It runs directly under the square and is one of Athens's central and most busy metro stops. It was opened in 1895 and connects the Line 1 Kiffisia/Piraeus line with the Line 2 Agios Antonios/Aghios Dimitrios Alexandros Panagoulis line and is only one stop from the Line 3 Egalio/Doukissis Plakentias line. The square is surrounded by hotels at different price points and many department stores, making it a key tourist destination.
Prizren is located in the Southern portion of the independent state (as of 2008) of Kosovo. The Dokufest film festival is held there every year, so the city's hospitality industry is well-equipped to provide for travelers. Some hotels, such as Hotel Theranda, have been around since the 1960s, while other hotels, such as the Centrum Hotel, were newly constructed as of 2011.
Coker Creek is a small town in the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains in Monroe County, Tennessee. It meanders through a gorgeous landscape and terminates at Coker Creek Falls. Several local legends try to explain the name of the creek, one claiming that it was named after a Cherokee chief named Coqua and another arguing the creek was named for a Cherokee princess named Coqua Bell whose gold nugget necklace caused the 19th century gold rush that took place there. For a price, tourists can learn to pan for gold at Coker Creek by visiting Bill's Pit Stop.
Agia Marina is a thriving seaside resort community on the northwest coast of Crete, about five miles west of the city of Chania. The long sandy beach is dotted with quaint hotels, restaurants, bars, vendor shacks and water-sports facilities. Many of the bars and nightclubs are open all night and the party atmosphere in Agia Marina is nonstop. More peace and quiet can be found in lodgings farther into town.
Kifissia is a northern suburb of Athens, Greece. It is one of the more exclusive and expensive neighborhoods in the Athens area. Though the hotels in Kifissia are not as centrally located as their counterparts in downtown Athens, staying in Kifissia offers up-market shopping and an alternative to the busy Athens streets.
Kassandra is the first peninsula of Halkidiki, which is one of the three legs of Greece. Kassandra is a tourist attraction due to its sandy beaches and lush greenery. You will find plenty to do from sightseeing and water skiing to taking advantage of the enchanting hotels that line Kassandra.
Located in the center of Istanbul, Turkey, Taksim Square is a popular recreation and tourist destination. It is named for the water system that was built in the 18th century, and is considered the center of the city. Today, the square is home to many upscale restaurants, shops and hotels.
Bled is a small lakeside resort town in the Alps mountain region of northwestern Slovenia. Just west is Lake Bled, the result of the melted Bohinj glacier that measures 1.3 miles long and 0.8 miles wide. A small island features an old church while many other attractions surround the lake. Many area hotels channel hot springs into on-site swimming pools.
Athens is an ancient city, and the capital of Greece. It is located along the southern coast of the Greek mainland -- a few miles from the Aegean Sea. Long considered the cradle of western civilization: Modern Athens is a sprawling city, that holds its major attractions, and historic sites, in its center. Renting an apartment in Athens involves selecting the neighborhood that you want to be in, and the accommodations that best fit your needs.
Finding the right hotel in another country is a tall order. It's not like you can browse hotels in person, before selecting one. By knowing the basics of comparing hotels in Athens, you can easily select the right hotel -- at the right rate -- and with all the right features.
Split is Croatia's second largest city and is metropolitan hub for the eastern european country of Croatia. It is located on the coast of the Mediterranean, and specifically on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Split is the home of Diocletian's Palace which has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the city offers a plethora of museum's and Roman ruins in a setting that is perched next to the sea. Learn about some simple preparations you can take before visiting the town of Split, in the country of Croatia.
The coves, reefs and underwater caves draw tourists to the Mediterranean port city of Marmaris, Turkey, but the former fishing village has more to offer than extreme water sports and pristine beaches. Boasting a wild nightlife thanks to the city's booming tourism business, Marmaris works well as a hub for history buffs and nature enthusiasts.
Many travel agencies offer tours of Turkey for small groups or will customize tours for small groups if asked. Once known as Byzantium and later as Constantinople, after Constantine the Great, Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, holds much Christian history and is the site of the Hagia Sophia. The magnificent, domed church built during the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian has served alternately as a cathedral, a mosque and a museum. Other Turkish cities have a rich Christian heritage as well, and quite a few tours feature stops at locations where the Apostle Paul preached.
Greece is most famous and most visited for its ancient past. Greece's past includes the invention of democracy, philosophy and countless advancements in the sciences and arts, all of which served to form the basis of Western civilization as it stands today. Ancient ruins are spread throughout Greece, and in the former Greek possessions of Italy, northern Africa and the Middle East. Tours can be arranged to see any site or region, but several trips will be required to see them all.
Ephesus was a vibrant city of ancient Greece and Rome famed for its beauty and wealth. It was widely known for its Temple of Artemis, one the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today Ephesus is in Turkey near the city of Selcuk in Izmar Province. Traveling to Selcuk is fairly easy with several ways to get there.
The Turkish city of Antalya is known for its combination of stunning beaches, peaks and the historic Kaleici area and marina. Perched on a cliff in the southern part of the Anatolia peninsula, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Anatalya is home to hundreds of hotels in every price range. You can find everything from luxury four- and five-star resorts to boutique hotels and inns. Booking a room for your trip to Antalya is just as easy as it is for any other popular tourist destination.
Ancient Kastamonu is a small town in Northern Turkey, located less than two hours drive from the Black Sea coast. The town was founded more than 4,000 years ago, as archaeological evidence suggests. In addition to its historical heritage, which includes a 12th-century Byzantine castle, several Ottoman houses and old mosques, Kastamonu is situated less than 40 miles from Ilgaz National Park, a gathering place for ski enthusiasts during winter and hikers in spring and summer. Visitors can find a few options of budget accommodation in Kastamonu, all nearby the town center.
Alanya is a Turkish city best known for its beaches, food and nightlife. The best hotels in Alanya allow you to take full advantage of all three. Many people prefer to stay close to the beach, where there is also fine dining and nightlife, and make short treks to explore the historic culture of the ancient city.
Whether you're seeking a local getaway or spending some well-deserved vacation time with your loved ones, a cruise around the many island ports off the shores of Greece may be just what you need. Cruise companies offer state-of-the-art ships equipped with amenities and technological features that will make your trip as relaxing and comfortable as possible.
Syntagma Square is the main square at the heart of the Greek capital. From here you can explore the sights, shopping and leisure attractions of ancient Athens. The area itself has an interesting history. The Greek Parliament sits at the top of the square and it has often been the focal point for political demonstrations. A range of hotels in or near the square provide a central location for business or leisure travelers.
Bodrum is both a peninsula on Turkey's southwest coast and the largest town on the peninsula. A historic resort area for the Turkish elite, in the 2000s the peninsula experienced a surge of tourism and development. Often called the Turkish Riviera, Bodrum is a prime location for pampering and relaxing on unspoiled beaches with crystal clear waters.
Founded in the fifth century B.C. by Cadmus the Phoenician, the town of Budva, Montenegro, is one the oldest settlements on the Adrianic Coast. Today, Budva is a thriving tourist town, thanks to its Venetian architecture, open-air nightclub, and seven miles of sandy beaches. With a wide choice of cheap hotels, Budva has something to suit every tourist's budget.
Yugoslavia was a term used for the union of states created after the collapse of Hapsburg Austria-Hungary, and modeled on the Soviet Union. Yugoslavia made up the western part of the Balkan Peninsula in Europe from approximately 1918 to 1993. Today the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovinia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo and Slovenia are recognized by the U.N. member states. The monuments in the former Yugoslav states are a testament to the rich history and the cultural diversity of the people.
Known for its vineyards, Alba Iulia occupies the region in central Romania between the Apuseni Mountains and the Transylvanian Plateau. After visiting the historic landmarks of Alba Iulia, one of the oldest settlements in Romania, indulge in a traditional Romanian meal. National dishes include eggplant salad, crepes with blackberry whipped foam, plum pie, sweet cheese dumplings, vegetable stew and sour soup.
Similar to Rome, the city of Tulcea was built on seven hills. One of the Romanian city's most popular attractions is a 3,000-square-foot natural reservation called the "Danube Delta" that features waterways, lakes, forests and sand dunes. Tulcea's visitors can take boat tours of the area and enjoy wildlife watching. Tulcea has a number of hotels to choose from that provide easy access to area attractions, including the city's museums and restaurants.
Napoli is the Italian name for Naples, an Italian city known for its historical significance and culture. According to the Know It All website, Naples was originally a Greek settlement that played a major role in the Roman Empire. In medieval times Naples became a major European center as the capital of the kingdom of Naples from the 13th to the 19th century. Visitors often travel to Naples to see the Bay of Naples, the city's architecture and to see the nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano.
