Situated in northern Italy and not far from the Swiss border, Lake Maggiore or more commonly known by the locals at Lago Maggiore, has much to offer as a spectacular travel destination. The lake and surrounding area make it a popular summer destination, attracting visitors from all over.
A number of islands are dotted throughout the lake, with Isola Bella being one of the more significant. The island forms part of the Borromean Islands and has been occupied since well before 1632 by inhabitants of a tiny fishing village. However, during 1632 the construction of the monumental Baroque ‘Palazzo Borromeo’ commenced by Count Carlo III. The Palace contains priceless furniture, tapestries and art collections. The terraced gardens are an excellent example of a seventeenth century “Italian garden”. Isola Bella is easily accessed from the lakeside town of Stresa.
Travel Photo of the Week: Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia
Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain in the background is located in the Cradle Mountain National Park in the state of Tasmania. The area forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The area offers a variety of bushwalking. Some short walks and some overnight camping walks. The abundance of wildlife so close up is fabulous for the visitor – to see paddy melon wallabies nibbling at the grasses, echidnas and bennets wallabies just to name a few.
Granada is the fourth largest city of Nicaragua and was established by the Spanish during 1524 as a showpiece. It was built in recognition of its Spanish namesake, Granada. Granada lies on the shores of Lake Nicaragua but is only a mere 70km from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The rich, Spanish colonial heritage, can be seen in its architecture and layout. Granada is commonly referred to as the “Gran Sultana del Gran Lago”, the Great Sultan of the Great Lake.
Granada is an ‘off the beaten track’ travel destination but well worth a visit for its colonial heritage and beautiful architecture that can be enjoyed here. Granada is built around its main square, the Parque Central, and represents the city’s cultural, social and economic hub. Around the Parque Central you will find Granada’s cathedral, City Hall, banks, cultural centres, as well as a collection of small shops and stalls selling traditional food and handicrafts.
Lake Nicaragua with its warm climate makes it rich in tropical flora and fauna and is home to the only species of freshwater shark. A volcanic chain cuts right through the lake forming many beautiful islands that attract many to the area to enjoy a range of outdoor and water activities. A ferry service connects Granada to neighbouring cities on the lake.
Canberra is the political capital of Australia and located in the Australian Capital Territory. It was a purpose built city by US architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin. They were announced the winners of a competition to design the national capital during 1912. Canberra is well planned and demonstrates modern orderliness.
Some of the great sites to visit in Canberra include the grass topped Parliament House on Capital Hill, War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, Lake Burley Griffin, National Botanic Garden, Old Parliament House, National Film & Sound Archive and the Australian Institute of Sport. If you have access to wheels there’s also some great places to visit just out of Canberra.
A terrific time to visit Canberra is during September and October – early Spring. For a period of 4 weeks, Canberra becomes Australia’s drawcard to celebrate the arrival of Spring with the Floriade Festival.
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