The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music in Salzburg

Some come here for the legendary Mozart. Some come for a more recent musical legacy, The Sound of Music. Either way, one thing is for sure, people stay for its spellbinding beauty. This city in north-central Austria is not only known for its musical legacies, but also for being the epitome of Baroque architecture, which is very much evident in the streets of old town. Nestles bedside the fast-flowing Salzach River, this wondrous city gives you spectacular views of beautiful spires and domes, a formidable clifftop fortress from a distance, and the endearing mountains from afar. So what are you waiting for? The music is calling! Download the Salzburg Travel Guide and Offline Map now.

1.      Festung Hohensalzburg

The city’s most visible icon is this mighty, 900-year old-old cliff-top fortress. The fortress is considered one of the biggest and best preserved in all of Europe. Built in 1077 as a humble bailey at present is now a formidable fortress thanks to Leonard von Keutschach, prince-archbishop of Salzburg from the late 1400’s to the late 1500’s. One of the highlights of anyone’s visit is the Golden Hall where lavish banquets used to take place under a gold-studded ceiling imitating a starry night.

2.      Schloss Mirabell

Built in 1606 by prince-archbishop Wolf Dietrich to impress his mistress, this splendid palace with a lavish interior, replete with stucco, marble, and frescoes. Its famed Marble Hall provides a sublime backdrop for evening concerts. Its gardens are a thing to behold as well. Here you’ll find the Pegasus statue, the steps and the gnomes of the Dwarf Garden where the von Trapp children practiced their “Do-Re-Mi”.

3.      Erzabtei St Peter

A Frankish missionary named Rupert founded this abbey and monastery in around 700, making it the oldest in the German-speaking world. Though the vaulted Romanesque portal remains, today’s church is very much baroque with rococo stucco, statues, and striking altar paintings. Its cemetery is also home to the catacombs—cave-like chapels and crypts hewn out of the Monchsberg cliff face. The graves itself are also intricate works of art made from stone and filigree wrought-iron crosses.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

From Sleepy to Metropolitan, Booming Portland

What once seemed like a sleepy town, Oregon's largest city is now booming with rich advancements any metropolis would envy. The grubby dive bars have been replaced by coffee roasteries and craft breweries on just about every block. And the food carts--more and better than ever. If it sounds like Portland has become a concrete jungle, fret now. There is an abundance of natural beauty – perfect parks with leafy trees and a view of Mount Hood on the horizon. Download the Portland Travel Guide and Offline Map and go see for yourself!

1.  Pittock Mansion

This grand and beautiful 1914 mansion was built by pioneer-entrepreneur Henry Pittock, who revitalized the Oregonian newspaper; his wife, Georgiana, also a pioneer, started the earliest of Portland's annual Rose Festivals. Guided tours are available, but it's also worth visiting the grounds simply to have a picnic while taking in the spectacular views. If you're up for a wander, the mansion lies along the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park, with dozens of miles of connecting trails branching off it.

2. Forest Park

Abutting the more manicured Washington Park to the south is the far wilder 5100-acre Forest Park, a temperate rainforest that harbors plants and animals and hosts an avid hiking fraternity. The Portland Audubon Society maintains a bookstore, a wildlife-rehabilitation center and 4.5 miles of trails within its Forest Park sanctuary. It's worth visiting the grounds just to check out the spectacular views – bring a picnic.

3. Pioneer Courthouse Square

One of Portland's grandest Victorian hotels once stood here, but it fell into disrepair and was torn down in 1951. Later the city decided to build Pioneer Courthouse Sq, and grassroots support resulted in a program that encouraged citizens to buy and personalize the bricks that eventually built the square. Names include Sherlock Holmes, William Shakespeare, and Elvis Presley. Across 6th Ave is the Pioneer Courthouse. Built in 1875, this was the legal center of 19th-century Portland.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Discovering the Myth and Magic that Cyprus Has to Offer

While everyone scurries away to Italy, Greece or Spain during the warm European Summer everyone seems to overlook the beauty that Cyprus has to offer. Located in the eastern Mediterranean, it boasts romantic harbors, splendid ancient ruins and ruggedly stunning beaches that are for sure the stuff of myth and magic. Download the Cyprus Travel Guide and Offline Map now and discover this underrated summer destination.

1.  Pafos Archaeological Site

Nea Pafos is, ironically, the name given to the sprawling Pafos Archaeological Site, to the west of Kato Pafos. Nea Pafos was the ancient city of Pafos, founded in the late 4th century BC and originally encircled by massive walls. Despite being ceded to the Romans in 58 BC, it remained the center of all political and administrative life in Cyprus. It is most famed today for its mesmerizing collection of intricate and colorful mosaics based on ancient Greek myths.

2. Old Town

Wrapping around the Old Harbour, the diminutive Old Town is an atmospheric area for a wander. Its winding alleyways hold a jumble of abandoned stone buildings slowly slipping into disrepair, mixed with newer concrete additions. Modest remnants of Kyrenia's long history are speckled throughout the lanes. Two of the major monuments are the Ottoman-era Ağa Cafer Pașa Mosque and the dilapidated remains of 16th-century Chysopolitissa Church. There are also ancient Greco-Roman tombs on the road leading to Archangelos Michael Church.

3. Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is a Mediterranean resort town on the southeast coast of Cyprus, known for its beaches. The town's main landmark is the storied, Venetian-era Ayia Napa Monastery, which stands in the central square of Plateia Seferi, surrounded by bars and clubs. Freshly caught seafood is served at Ayia Napa Harbour’s busy tavernas while adjoining Pantachou Beach offers a stretch of golden sand.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Three Compelling Sites You Shouldn't Miss in Kakadu National Park

There's nothing like exploring the Australian outback, but we say there's truly nothing like exploring Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is a whole lot more than a national park. In just a few days you can cruise on billabongs bursting with wildlife, examine 25,000-year-old rock paintings with the help of an Indigenous guide, swim in pools at the foot of tumbling waterfalls and hike through ancient sandstone escarpment country. Download the Kakadu National Park Travel Guide and Offline Map and start exploring.

1. Ubirr

Ubirr is 39km north of the Arnhem Hwy via a sealed road. It'll take a lot more than the busloads of visitors to disturb Ubirr's inherent majesty and grace. Layers of rock-art paintings, in various styles and from various centuries, command a mesmerizing stillness. Part of the main gallery depicts images of kangaroos, tortoises, and fish. Predating these are the paintings of mimi spirits: cheeky, dynamic figures who, it's believed, were the first of the Creation Ancestors to paint on rock.

2. Cahill's Crossing

It may be small, but there can be few more dramatic frontiers in Australia. This shallow causeway, which is impassable when the tide's in, crosses the East Alligator River from Kakadu National Park on the west bank to Arnhem Land to the east. And watching you as you cross is the river's healthy and rather prolific population of saltwater crocs. If you're not going across, wander down to the slightly elevated lookout on the west bank, but go no further as crocs lie in wait right by the riverbank.

3. Injalak Arts & Crafts Centre

At this center, artists and craftspeople display traditional paintings on bark and paper, plus didgeridoos, pandanus weavings and baskets, and screen-printed fabrics; the shop is excellent and half of the sale price goes directly to the artists. Take the time to wander around and watch the artists at work. The women usually make baskets out in the shade of the trees on the center's west side, while the men paint on the verandah to the east. Some of the works come from remote outstations throughout Arnhem Land.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Why You Should Never Miss the Guggenheim Museum When Visiting the Big Apple

The Guggenheim Museum in New York houses works by art heavyweights such as Kandinsky, Picasso and Jackson Pollock. But the real draw is the temporary exhibitions by some of the great visionary artists of today. Not to mention the stunning conical white spiral in which these great artworks are displayed is reason enough to visit. Download the Guggenheim Museum Travel Guide and Offline Map to help your art outing.

1.  Woman Ironing by Pablo Picasso

During Picasso's Blue Period, he famously depicted peasants, laborers, beggars and other downtrodden folks in shades of blue. Though this long-limbed, hunched woman is shown in grays and blacks, she represents that same period of gloom. It's a kind of metaphor for the poor in general, the forever oppressed.

2. "Untitled” by Mark Rothko

This classic Mark Rothko piece was painted between 1952 and 1953 and features his iconic large-scale blocks of bright colors. Rothko, an American artist, is one of the central figures of the New York School, who creates his abstract pieces to illicit “basic human emotions — tragedy, ecstasy, doom, and so on,” from the audience, according to Rothko himself.

3. “The Renowned Orders Of The Night” by Anselm Kiefer

Anselm Kiefer was born in Germany just before the end of World War II, and many of his artworks explore the themes surrounding war, as well as the rise of fascism. This piece, entitled “The Renowned Orders Of The Night,” features the artist himself lying on a bed of dry, cracked earth, as if he were a corpse, under a vast starry sky. In his later artworks, Kiefer became obsessed with the night sky, and he created a few different artworks exploring its beauty.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Top Three Reason Why the Greek Islands is the Ultimate Summer Destination

It's hard to imagine a more picturesque destination for your European Summer adventures than the Greek Islands. Laced with wondrous ocean landscapes, delectable food, unique architecture, and myths any history buff would want to discover. You can never contest how it has become the continent's most popular destination. Enjoy the island breeze and sip wine in one of the many local restaurants while enjoying one of the most stunning sunsets in the world. So what are you waiting for? Download the Greek Islands Travel Guide and Offline Map now and let the adventure begin!

1. Santorini

Although there are plenty of islands to choose from, Santorini is considered to be the most spectacular. Its cliff-side homes with their iconic white and blue color combination are very symbolic of Greece. Catch the sunset in Oia, visit the many historical sites, and go for a winery tour--Santorini offers so much more than just great sceneries. It may be touristy but the prices are surprising low which makes it possible for you to soak up the sun on this beautiful island even longer.

2. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

People flock to Crete for many reasons, but one thing is never missed while spending time here--visiting Greece's second largest and most important museum. The two-story revamped 1930’s Bauhaus building makes a gleaming backdrop for artifacts spanning 5,500 years from Neolithic to Roman times, including a Minoan collection of unparalleled richness. The rooms are color-coded and displays are arranged both chronologically and thematically and presented with descriptions in English. A visit here will greatly enhance your understanding of Crete’s rich history. Don’t skip it.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus

While you are walking about Athens, this is an incredible archaeological site to stop at. This temple is massive and took over 700 years to construct (dating back to the sixth century). A can't-miss on two counts: it's a marvelous temple, the largest in Greece, and it's smack in the center of Athens. The temple is impressive for the sheer size of its 104 Corinthian columns, of which 15 remain – the fallen column was blown down in a gale in 1852.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

What to See in London's Renowned Tate Modern

This modern and contemporary art gallery is known to be one of London's most amazing attractions. What used to be Bankside Power Station on the South of the Millenium Bridge was revamped into what is now known as Tate Modern. The mesmerizing synthesis of modern art and industrial brick design brings about an extraordinarily successful in bringing challenging work to the masses. Download the Tate Modern Travel Guide and Offline Map now and start exploring.

1. Marilyn Diptych

Andy Warhol is a household name in the world of art, and this piece on Marilyn Monroe is eerily more relevant in today’s picture and pop-obsessed culture than ever before. Made in the months following the star’s death, Warhol combines ideas of finitude and the cult of celebrity by repeating the same image of the starlet with a gradual fade out that hints at mortality as it is contrasted with the acid bright images on the left.

2. Nude Woman With Necklace

One of Picasso’s best-known works, this colorful portrait bursts with unbridled energy and life. It depicts Picasso’s second wife, Jacqueline Roque, and her enigmatic facial expression is full of enough mystery to rival the Mona Lisa – she is at once vulnerable and defiant. The complexity of her portrait and the chaotic figuring of the body as simultaneous landscape and natural energies encapsulate the turbulent nature of their marriage.

3. Spatial Concept ‘Waiting’

Modern art famously challenges traditional artwork, forcing the viewer to scratch the surface and consider the true nature of artistic representation. Perhaps no work does so more simply and effectively than Spatial Concept ‘Waiting’, which presents the viewer with a boldly slashed canvas and asks them to reflect on the nature of the image and the materiality of the painting.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Rijksmuseum, Home to the Netherlands’ Art Heroes

See one of the world's finest art museums, packed with more than 7,000 masterpieces over 1.5 kilometers of galleries. The museum also showcases art by local masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. But there's more to do at the Rijksmuseum than just art, stroll around their sculpture studded, lush gardens or dine in their Michelin star in-house Rijks restaurant. Whatever you do, don't forget to do it with the Rijksmuseum Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1. The Night Watch

Known to be Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn's most famous and largest canvas it comes to know surprise that this piece attracts thousands of visitors. Rembrandt was the first to paint lively figures in a group portrait. Made for the Arquebusiers guild hall survived its cutting to fit into the Town Hall in 1715. And during World War II, it was rolled into a cylinder form and moved out of Amsterdam.  In the last 40 years there have been two attacks of vandalism on the painting

2. Vincent Van Gogh's Self-portrait

The master's self-portrait represents many facets of his tragic story. In 1888, Van Gogh moved to France and experienced great creativity, but alongside is came tensions and dementia and at one point ended up cutting his own ear. After the incident, he checked himself into a mental institution. His creativity, although coupled with madness, never wavered until he moved to Auvers-sur-Oise in 1890, where he eventually committed suicide.

3. Banquet at the Crossbowmen’s Guild

Bartholomeus van der Helst's most famous work was done in 1648, depicting the signing of the Treaty of Münster, which marked an end to the war with Spain. The banquet takes place at the Amsterdam crossbowmen’s guild. It is a symbolic meal of peace, where Amsterdam's reconciliation politics are highlighted. But this isn't just why it's so famous. If you look closely you will see fine details in the painting that you wouldn't at just a glance.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Why You Should Visit the Largest Ancient Castle in the World in Prague

The castle has always been the seat of Czech monarchs as well as the official residence of the head of state. Looming above the Vltava's left bank, its serried ranks of spires, towers, and palaces dominate the city center like a fairy-tale fortress. Its history begins in the 9th century when Prince Bořivoj founded a fortified settlement here. It grew haphazardly as rulers made their own additions. Download the Prague Castle Travel Guide and Offline Map and make your way there now.

1. The Crown Jewels

Stowed away in a chamber of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Bohemian Crown Jewels include the St. Wenceslas crown, royal scepter, and coronation cloak. And the Republic isn't taking any chances with their safekeeping. Both the chamber door and iron safe inside have seven locks, the keys to which are held by seven people, including the President, Prime Minister, and Prague Archbishop. The President typically puts them on display every five years. When he does, all seven key holders must head over to the Castle for the unlocking process.

2. Its History

A crucial Holocaust organizer, Reinhard Heydrich held court at Prague Castle starting in 1941. Terrified Czechs nicknamed him The Butcher of Prague. But a group of exiled Czech government officials decided to take action. Two Czech soldiers parachuted back into the country and headed for Prague, where they hopped on bicycles and rode toward the Castle. When they spotted The Butcher in his Mercedez convertible, they made their move, shooting and tossing grenades his way.

3. The Largest Castle in the World

The Prague Castle complex is enormous, with an area totaling of 753,474 square feet. That makes it the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The complex extends down to the Lesser Quarter or Mala Strana, where several chateaux and palaces are found. Wallenstein Palace, for one, is home to the Czech Senate and includes 26 houses and six gardens.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

What to See in France's Very Own Orsay Museum

The glorious Gare d’Orsay railway station now stands proud as the country's home for its national collection of the impressionist, postimpressionist and art-nouveau movements spanning from 1848 to 1914. The museum itself is an art-nouveau showpiece. The must-see on every visitor's list is Orsay Museum's painting collections, centered on the world's largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. Download the Orsay Museum Travel Guide and Offline Map and take a trip to France now.

1. Polar Bear

Considered as the museum's most iconic work, Polar Bear is one of the standouts by Francois Pompon. The master himself was once an assistant to Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin who later on struck out on his own and create his animal-inspired works. Eschewing realism, he sought to communicate the barest minimum of the animal and upon closer inspection, the animal begins to fade away – leaving only marble.

2. Olympia

Edouard Manet was fondly known as the bad boy of the art world in his days. His most controversial work, Olympia, depicts a nude prostitute who looks calmly at the viewer and in complete indifference of her nakedness. This was a huge clash against the classical tropes of blushing virgins and highborn women in art, which ignited a huge conversation about the representation of women in art.

3. Poppy Field

This dreamy, peaceful landscape painted by Claude Monet is one of the artist’s most famous works. Painted after he had moved from England to laidback Argenteuil, the impressionist artist produced vibrant colors to channel the spirit of a beautiful sunny day in nature. The striking reds of wild poppies against a muted green background serve to make the piece all the more vivid, heightened only by the black and white figures slipping through the field.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

3 Compelling Reasons to Visit the National Gallery of Art in Washington

There are various reasons to visit the National Gallery of Art in Washington, its collection of paintings, prints, photos, sculpture, and decorative arts traces the development of Western Art from the Middle Ages up to the present. This includes the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas and the largest mobile created by Alexander Calder. Download the National Gallery of Art in Washington Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1. Ginevra de’ Benci

The portrait of Ginevra de’ Benci is the only Leonardo da Vinci painting on public display not just in the District, but in all the Americas. The late 15th-century oil is more austere than da Vinci’s best-known portrait, made about 25 years later. There’s no hint of a smile on the face of this young woman, probably 16 and newly engaged when she posed.

2. Electronic Superhighway

Approach the tiny screen that represents the District in “Electronic Superhighway,” and you’ll see yourself live on closed-circuit TV. That’s one of many playful touches in Nam June Paik’s 40-foot-wide assemblage, which represents the United States in images fed from 50 DVD players to 335 television sets, plus that D.C. one. The screens show sweeping landscapes, iconic products and clips from Hollywood movies, all hurtling by as if glimpsed from a car racing at the speed limit.

3. Adams Memorial

There are works by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art (the plaster version of his famous memorial to Robert Gould Shaw), but one of the most evocative of his statues isn’t in a museum, but rather in Rock Creek Cemetery. Commissioned by the great American writer Henry Adams, the Adams Memorial is a haunting, shrouded figure, set alone in a peaceful copse, a powerful memorial to Adams’s wife, who died by her own hand in 1885.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Malta, Paradise Found at the Center of the Mediterranean

This tiny archipelago may be small but it packs a punch when it comes to glorious landscapes. It boasts prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, hidden coves, and thrilling scuba diving. Its cuisine also should not be overlooked; traditional Maltese food mixes Sicilian and Middle Eastern flavors while making use of local ingredients such as rabbit and honey. If that's not enough to make you book that ticket Malta, we don't know what will. While you're at it download the Malta Travel Guide and Offline and start exploring.

1. Valletta

The capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is often dubbed as "one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world". It was built by the Knights of Saint John on a peninsula that's only 1 kilometer by 600 meters. It retains its 16th-century allure and elegance to this day.  New museums, restored golden-stone fortresses, and new hotels ushered Valletta's status as European Capital of Culture for 2018.

2. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon in Comino is one of the island's biggest draws. It is a sheltered cove between the western end of the island and Cominotto--an uninhabited islet. It's famed for its white-sand seabed and clear waters. The blue is so bright and intense that you would think a real-life Instagram filter was used. There are top-notch swimming and snorkeling here, plus you can swim over to Cominotto.

3. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Hypogeum, from the Greek, meaning underground is a subterranean necropolis, discovered during building work in 1902. To visit is to step into a mysterious and silent world. Its halls, chambers, and passages, immaculately hewn out of the rock, cover some 500-square meters; it is thought to date from around 3600 to 3000 BC, and an estimated 7000 bodies may have been interred here.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Outstanding Reasons to Visit the Hermitage Museum in Russia

The Hermitage Museum does not disappoint and it certainly lives up to its reputation. You can get lost for days just soaking up all the treasures in its 360 rooms. And to think what's on display is a mere fraction of over three million items in their collection--this amounts to a comprehensive history of Western European art. Catherine the Great, one of the greatest art collectors of all time, began the collection. Visiting the museum requires planning so download the Hermitage Museum Travel Guide and Offline Map and start now!

1. Portrait of Soler

One of the most emotive paintings from Picasso’s ‘Blue Period’, Portrait of Soler is a picture of a young man sitting alone in a café, and is widely considered a comment on loneliness and isolation within the artist’s own life. Painted in 1903, using his good friend and patron, Soleras as his model, Picasso expresses melancholy through a powerful use of color, expression, and lighting – or lack thereof.

2. St. Luke Drawing the Virgin

A significant artwork by Belgian painter Rogier van der Weyden, St Luke Drawing the Virgin portrays an artist--perhaps a self-portrait of van der Weyden himself--sketching the Virgin Mary as she cradles baby Jesus. Interestingly, the canvas was initially two separate pieces, one half owned by Tsar Nicholas I, and the other by Alexander III. If you look closely, you can still see the vertical join.

3. Head of Athena

There are a number of sculptures of Greek Goddess Athena throughout the State Hermitage Museum, but the Head of Athena is arguably the most captivating. Dating back to the 2nd century, the marble is immaculately preserved, so her powerful and wise gaze continues to be as striking as it would have been when it was created.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Germany, More Than Just the Land of Beer

Germany definitely goes beyond its big city reputation to many beautiful landscapes that look like came out of a story book, romantic castles fit for fairy-tales, and half-timbered towns. Still need convincing to go? Experiencing Germany through its food and drink will add a rich layer to your memories and stomach. You'll quickly realize that there's so much more than just pretzels, sausages, and beer to good old German cuisine. So what are you waiting for? Download the Germany Travel Guide and Offline Map now!

1. Berlin 

Being such a multicultural metropolis, local place great emphasis on their mantra 'live and let live' and put greater emphasis on personal freedom and a creative lifestyle than on material wealth and status symbols. Cafes are jammed at all hours, drinking is a religious rite and clubs keep going until late. Size-wise, Berlin is pretty big but its key areas are wonderfully compact and easily navigated on foot, by bike or by using public transport.

2. Schloss Neuschwanstein

Appearing through mountaintops, Schloss Neuschwanstein might look familiar to majority of visitors. This wondrous palace was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. King Ludwig II planned this fairy-tale pile himself, with the help of a stage designer rather than an architect. He envisioned it as a giant stage on which to recreate the world of Germanic mythology, inspired by the operatic works of his friend Richard Wagner.

3. The Wild Life

The Black Forest or popularly known has the forest where Hansel and Gretel encountered the wicked witch got its name from its dark canopy of evergreens. The vast expanse of hills, valleys, rivers and forests stretch from the swish spa town of Baden-Baden to the Swiss border, and from the Rhine almost to Lake Constance.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Pack Your Bags, Georgia is Calling

Georgia is the stuff that mountain scenery dreams are made of. From green valleys to sprawling vineyards to its old churches and watchtowers, it is a favorite among hikers, horse riders, cyclists, photographers, and travelers of every kind. But the view isn't the only thing that makes Georgia so special, its proud, high-spirited, cultured people is one of its best assets: guests are considered a blessing and hospitality is their way of life. Download the Georgia Travel Guide and Offline Map now and experience it for yourself.

1. Tbilisi

Tbilisi in all its picturesque glory sits on a deep valley of the Mtkvari River. Filled with colorful architecture that is partnered with a lively arts and culture scene, this city is a must-visit when visiting Georgia. Prepare yourself for a plethora of inviting cafes, funky bars and clubs, spruced-up museums and so much more. Modernized transportations make it so much easier and fun to go around the city.

2. Vardzia

This remarkable cave city was built by King Giorgi III as a fortification in the 12th century. His daughter, Queen Tamar, established a cave monastery that grew into a holy city housing for some 2,000 monks. It is a cultural symbol for all Georgians and a spiritual bastion of Christendom’s eastern frontier. This rock-hewn dwelling ranges over 13 floors and spans over 400 rooms, 13 churches, and 25 wine cellars, and to this day more are still being discovered.

3. Stepantsminda

Imagine a valley town with the famous hilltop Tsminda Sameba Church and surrounded by the snowy cone of Mount Kazbek. What used to be known as Kazbegi is now officially named Stepantsminda is a great must-visit for hikers and mountain-bikers alike for its rich scenery and fresh air.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

A Taste of the Pure Life in Costa Rica

According to recent study, Costa Ricans live longer, healthier lives than people on the rest of the planet. And it all comes down to every locals' mantra, which is "pura vida" or pure life. After a few days in this beautiful, rich country, you'll soon realize the true meaning of pura vida and will start living it too. So just sit back and enjoy life's ride in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Plan your trip by downloading the Costa Rica Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1. The Peaceful Soul of Central America

Costa Rica is also known as the "rich coast" and for good reason. It earned its name for its cutting edge surfing, farm-to-table, and sustainable tourism. As one of the world's most biodiverse countries it also protects one-quarter of its wild lands through law. Developing infrastructure is balanced by green energy like wind and hydro, and while there's no standing army, you almost always feel safe.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Costa Rica offers a plethora of outdoor activities that any adventurous soul can think of. From rain forest hikes and white-water rapid rides to world-class surfing and canopy zip-lining--Costa Rica has it all. National parks allow visitors to glimpse life in both rain forest and cloud forest, simmering volcanoes offer otherworldly vistas, and reliable surf breaks are suited to beginners and experts alike.

3. The Wild Life

With half a million species--from insects to the giant anteaters that devour them--one quarter of its lands is protected by law. So much wildlife abounds in Costa Rica that it almost seems like you've been transported to a different land where only animals exist. Blue morpho butterflies flit amid orchid-festooned trees, while colorful tropical fish, sharks, rays, dolphins and whales thrive offshore – all as if in a conservationist’s dream.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Exploring the Great Canadian Outback

It comes to now surprise how the world's second largest country can offer endless varieties of landscapes. Spread across six time zones, Canada has sky-high mountains, glinting glaciers, spectral rain forests, and remote beaches. Whether it's snowboarding Whistler's mountains, surfing Nova Scotia's swells or kayaking the white-frothed South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories, adventures abound. So go on that next adventure with the Canada Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1. Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii forms a dagger-shaped archipelago of some 450 islands, it offers a magical trip for those who make the effort. The number-one attraction here is remote Gwaii Haanas National Park, which makes up the bottom third of the archipelago. Attention has long focused on the many unique species of flora and fauna to the extent that 'Canada's Galápagos' is a popular moniker. But each year it becomes more apparent that the real soul of the islands is the Haida culture itself.

2. Niagara Falls

Witness a spell-binding rush of unstoppable water over the arcing fault in the riverbed with thunderous force. Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls conveniently placed at the nook of the international border between Canada and the United States. These falls have a combined falls form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America that has a vertical drop of more than 165 feet.

3. Cabot Trail

Who can resist driving through Cabot Trail? Driving the trail is Nova Scotia's most famous recreational activity. Let the winding roads take you to serene lakes, beneath soaring eagles, and cliff-top vistas. Along the way, artists' workshops dot the southeastern flank of the trail like Easter eggs, from Englishtown to St Ann's Bay. You'll find pottery, leather, glass and pewter workers, painters and sculptors, and discover living remnants of Mi'kmaw and Acadian culture.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Exploring Greece, the World's Most Ancient City

Probably the most go-to country during the European Summer, Greece has countless of adventure-filled destinations for both the young and young at heart. Step into the ring where Olympians first competed. Climb steps hewn out of stone to Meteora’s monasteries, perched atop towering rocks. Experience Greek culture at its best with passionate music, inspired cuisine, and thrill-seeking activities. Don't forget to download the Greece Travel Guide and Offline Map as you plan your trip.

1. Athens

Modern-day Athens is a mix of history and edginess. I lively urban bustles rings around the ancient landmarks, but don't be deceived, the city is pulsating with so much culture and tradition. The historical Acropolis towers over the city and is daily reminded of the Greek's heritage and its many transformations. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Athens and visit its many open-air restaurants and bars whenever you feel like taking a break from all the sightseeing.

2. Ancient Delphi

Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, Ancient Delphi, is the most spiritual place out of all the archeological sites in Greece. Let the views of the Gulf of Corinth that extend into a valley of olive trees whisk you away to another time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was regarded as the center of the world by Ancient Greeks and according to mythology, Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the world and they met were Ancient Delphi stood.

3. Acropolis

Considered as the most important ancient site in the Western World. And how can it not be when it is crowned by the renowned Parthenon. The Acropolis stands proud over Athens and is visible from almost everywhere within the city. Its monuments and sanctuaries of white Pentelic marble shine in the midday sun and gradually transform into a honey hue as sunset arrives.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Jaw-dropping Croatia and Why You Should Visit Now

Spend your days basking under the balmy sun and frolic in the Mediterranean sapphire waters amidst ancient walled towns--there's no better place to be than in Croatia. Its extraordinary island-speckled coastline is indisputably its main attraction where its crystal clear waters will outstand you. Precariously poised between the Balkans and central Europe, this land has been passed between competing kingdoms, empires, and republics for millennia. Download the Croatia Travel Guide and Offline Map and plan your next adventure now!

1. Dubrovnik

Regardless of whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe never fails to descend when you set eyes on the beauty of the old town. Indeed it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s white limestone streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic, or failing to be inspired by a walk along the ancient city walls that protected a civilized, sophisticated republic for centuries.

2. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Within the boundaries of this heavily forested national park, 16 crystalline lakes tumble into each other via a series of waterfalls and cascades. The mineral-rich waters carve through the rock, depositing tufa in continually changing formations. Clouds of butterflies drift above the 18km of wooden footbridges and pathways that snake around the edges and across the rumbling water.

3. Hvar Town

The island’s hub and busiest destination, Hvar Town is estimated to draw around 20,000 people a day in the high season. It’s odd that they can all fit in the small bay town, where 13th-century walls surround beautifully ornamented Gothic palaces and traffic-free marble streets but fit they do.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Top 3 Must-sees in Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

The U-shaped Palazzo degli Uffizi was built between 1560 to 1580 that was used to house government offices. Today, it houses the world's greatest collection of Italian Renaissance art. The collection, which was originally the Medici family's private collection, was bequeathed to the city in 1743. The expansive collection contains some of Italy's best-known paintings. Download the Uffizi Gallery Travel Guide and Offline Map and discover art at its finest.

1.     Tuscan Masters: 13th to 14th Centuries

As you arrive in the Primo Corridoio on the second floor, you will be greeted by Rooms 2 to 7, which are dedicated to pre- and early Renaissance Tuscan art. Among the 13th-century Sienese works displayed in Room 2 are three large altarpieces from Florentine churches by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Cimabue, and Giotto. These clearly reflect the transition from the Gothic to the nascent Renaissance style.

2.      Renaissance Pioneers

Florence's victory over the Sienese at the Battle of San Romano, near Pisa, in 1432, is brought to life with outstanding realism and increased use of perspective in Paolo Uccello's magnificent Battaglia di San Romano in Room 8. In the same room, don't miss the notable Madonna con Bambino e due angeli (Madonna and Child with Two Angels) by Fra' Filippo Lippi, a scandalous Carmelite monk who married a nun from Prato.

3.     Botticelli Room

The spectacular Sala del Botticelli is one of the Uffizi's most visited rooms. Of the 18 Botticelli works displayed in the Uffizi in all, the iconic La nascita di Venere (The Birth of Venus), Primavera (Spring) and Madonna del Magnificat (Madonna of the Magnificat) are the best known by the Renaissance master known for his ethereal figures.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.