Where are the Villa Borghese Gardens?

The Villa Borghese is made up of 148 acres of landscaped gardens and building housing some of Rome’s most famous artworks including the Galleria Borghese. It is the second largest public park in Rome and on weekends and public holidays it fills with both locals and visitors who come to enjoy its tranquil environment.

The history dates back to 1605 when work began to convert the vineyard by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V and patron of Bernini, into the most extensive gardens built in Rome. Further development of the garden took place during the early nineteenth century.

Highlights of the park other than the galleria include a large lake which is home to both swans, ducks and geese and is dedicated to Aesculapius. Boat hire is available here and you can row by the Temple of Esculapius. You can also visit the Piazza di Siena, an international equestrian site which was also the home to the 1960 Rome Olympic Equestrian games.

Gardens of Italy [Hardcover] – by Ann Laras

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of the Villa Borghese Gardens

One Great Reason to Visit the Villa Borghese Gardens

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the peaceful setting which contrasts so well against the chaos of central Rome.

Villa Borghese Gardens

For More Information

Travel Photos of the Week: Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show for 2011 has just wound up and a close English friend of mine was fortunate enought to attend with her husband.

The features include show gardens, floral marquees, pavilions, talks and demonstrations. It is the second major national show after the Chelsea Flower Show but has a different character, focusing more on environmental issues, growing your own and cookery, while also opportunities to buy a whole range of gardening accessories, plants and flowers.

Being a keen gardener, I had the photos shared with me and decided to brighten up my blog by adding these splendidly, colourful photos.

A splash of colour!

The cottage garden

Weird and wonderful designs

Photos courtesy of Lavinia from Dorset.

Accra, the capital of Ghana, virtually comes alive during the night

Accra is quickly becoming a fun city. First of all talking about the cheap flights, flights are cheap and plentiful. There are just so many international students heading here as well as executives working for the multinationals, young people going to the university and other Africans attracted by the relatively safe work and family environment, the beautiful beaches and green parks. The city, now a tapestry of nations, is coming alive. And there’s no better way to prove this than by sampling the nightlife.

So here’s a list of the top nightclubs in Accra

The Aphrodisiac Night Club was top on my list, especially when I heard Stevie Wonder had come by and loved it back in the day. The cab driver, on the way in from the airport told me it recently relocated to Nii Bodu Street in a suburb called Dzorwulu, not too far from the airport. It was my first stop after a shower and a change.

Ladies, here’s some good news. You get in free. Here, beneath the multi-colored strobes and the pounding music you can dance. There are two great dance floors, two state of the art bars and a laser show to watch if you just want to sit back and enjoy the show. Here it is wild, it is oud and it is packed, but the good news here is if you want to just sit back and take it all in, you can do just that.

Next stop: Vienna City. Ever heard of a night club located within an airport? I didn’t believe it either but the Vienna City night club, while not as high profile as the Aphrodisiac, is well-laid out and very cool inside. The bars are exotic, the poker machines and pool tables are a fun way to while away your time, or to relax after work. And best of all you can actually win! I won! Later that night, we headed out to the Garden Restaurant, which really feels like you’re on a vacation there with its late-night atmosphere and its music.

On my last night in Accra, I decided to be a little more downbeat, I was tired. The concierge recommended the Macumba night club. The people watching were great, but the music was loud, too loud if you ask me and the bars were crazy busy, and not at all what I was in the mood for. But I soon found what I was in the mood for, Le Borsalino. A quiet French meal with warm subtle red wines, Roquefort cheese and steak.

Accra has it all.

Night life in Ghana’s capital is simply great, if you have the time and inclination. Do check for cheap flights to Accra.

Where is Barcelona?

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most versatile tourist destinations: one minute you can be touring architectural masterpieces and the next lying on a beach and topping up your tan. There are obvious choices when it comes to what to see and do whilst in Barcelona, but why not explore the area in a bit more depth and seek out some hidden gems? You’re likely to discover a new and exciting side to this Catalan city.

To really get a taste of Barcelonan life, take a leaf out of the mature residents of the Gothic Barrio’s book. Come two o’clock, when most locals are settling down for a siesta, don’t follow the other tourists returning to their Barcelona hotels . Instead, take a trip to Fira Nautumismo and browse the wide range of collectables on offer in the street market set up by the elderly residents. You can get anything from stamps and coins to crafts and jewellery here and will discover some real gems that cannot be found on the main shopping strip.

If you want to hang out with the coolest Barcelonans then head to the (not so) secret bar, El Mariachi. Tucked away in the Barrio Gotico and identifiable only by the painting of a snake-entwined woman sitting below the legend of El Mariachi on the ‘shop front’, this bar is the most popular hangout for musicians such as Manu Chao. Take in the mismatched furniture whilst supping on a random array of spirits and beers. If you dare to venture into this muso den, you should make sure you sample the interesting cocktails on offer, such as the Mariachi – made with Pacharan, or hydro-miel – the house speciality liqueur blended with honey.

Whether you’re looking for an ideal souvenir for your stay in Barcelona or wanting to feast your eyes on some local art, then take a walk from the Ramblas to Escudellers. Here you will find Art Escudellers, a pottery shop selling pieces from all over Spain. Navigating the shop is easy as the products are divided by their region of origin. Expect prices to increase as you head downstairs and if you do find yourself making an extortionate purchase, ease your soul with a swig from the fabulous wine cellar in the basement.

It’s also worth heading out on foot and making the most of the beautiful landscape surrounding Barcelona. Pack your own picnic and watch the world go by on a trip to the Botanical Gardens at Montjuïc Mountain, situated near the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. These beautiful gardens showcase the Mediterranean’s most extraordinary plant and wildlife and are a great place to relax and spend an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and beaches.

This post is part of a monthly Spanish Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find plenty of Barcelona hotels suitable for all tastes and budgets.

Fodor’s Barcelona

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Barcelona

One Great Reason to Visit Barcelona

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the numerous landmarks and monuments.

Barcelona

For More Information