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VPG-DVD-116 - SINGAPORE Singapore is a city of gardens and the heart of South East Asia. Its history began in 1819 with Stamford Raffles, a young official who worked for the British East India Company. Raffles estimated that the natural harbour was perfect for trading ships and so he bought the land from the Sultan of Johor and founded a trading settlement. As a free port, Singapore attracted trading ships from all over the world and today four million people live here on an area that covers 640 square kilometres. In June each year there is an exciting boat race in Marina Bay known as the Dragon Boat Race that features magnificently painted dragon boats with hand-carved heads and tails accompanied by the sound of frenetic drumbeats. Dating back to colonial times, British influence is omnipresent, whether the Cricket Club or the Parliament, traditional English spirit rules despite Singapore's Independence. The World Famous Raffles Hotel is situated in the Colonial District near to the Singapore River. In the hotel's Ashanti Bar it was customary to throw expired peanut shells directly onto the floor and at the same time to reverently sip a Singapore Sling, the national drink. The Singapore Zoo is one of the finest in the world in which the animals can roam freely, their territory being surrounded by a landscaped ditch. Approximately 2800 animals live in the spacious enclosures and even those from the world's coldest regions can be observed both below and above water, thanks to cleverly designed viewing areas. A complete mix of ethnic cultures, there's Chinatown, Little India and the Arab Street Quarter in which there are mosques, women wear burqas and there is all the hustle and bustle of a bazaar. Singapore is an exotic city of skyscrapers, a cultural melting pot and the exciting gateway to South East Asia!
Vista Point SINGAPORE
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m42s
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VPG-DVD-108  FÈZ In the early and late Middle Ages, the royal city of Fez was the capital of Morocco. Where two of the most important trading routes from the Sahara to the Mediterranean crossed, a follower of the prophet Mohammed established Fez in a delightful river valley. In the old walled town of Medina in which Muslim belief is omnipresent, everyone lives within easy listening distance of a minaret and also the relentless babble of traders and craftsmen. Through the old city gate of Bab Boujeloud is entered the exotic world of the Arab-Islam Middle Ages. The beautifully restored inner courtyards of the city palaces show the splendour of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Arabesque wall decorations and floor mosaics represent 1200 years of Muslim belief and reflect the cultural prosperity enjoyed by this royal city whose historic past today intermingles with aromatic aromas, a wealth of craftsmen, and the smell of dough-cake as baked in the time of Roman occupation.
Vista Point FES Morocco FEZ
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m30s
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VPG-DVD-233 - ZANZIBAR Zanzibar is a paradise-like island just off the Tanzanian coast. An island of spice and exotic aromas, sultans' palaces, harems, shining white beaches and fiery red sunsets. The ancient oriental city of Zanzibar derived its name from its many old stone buildings. Charming and mysterious they have witnessed much of the island's dramatic past and the tangled architecture of coral stone and shell lime serves as a fascinating backdrop to this colourful city that is strongly influenced by an Arabian way of life. In the north of the old town is one of the island's most beautiful buildings, the Ismali Dispensarium. It was built by a wealthy Indian businessman and was originally a hospital with an adjoining pharmacy. Today it contains a cultural centre. The house of the infamous Tippu Tip who was once Zanzibar's biggest slave trader, has not yet been restored. He was an extremely unpleasant man who sent his servants into the African bush to catch slaves who were later sold in Zanzibar Livingstone House was built in 1861. The famous missionary and explorer once resided there prior to going on his final expedition. He was frequently the guest of Tippu Tip who offered Dr. Livingstone various maps that were based upon his slave routes. A tropical paradise just off the African coast with the flair of the Orient, historic architecture and the colours of Africa. Zanzibar is most assuredly a legendary and fairy-tale island of global culture.
Vista Point ZANZIBAR...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m24s
Views: 25  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-216 - VALLETTA Valletta is the capital city of the Mediterranean island of Malta and is also known as The City of Palaces. It was once inhabited in turn by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Turks and in 1530 the Order of the Knights of Malta moved its main residence to this section of the island. Malta's pre-historic epoch is demonstrated by its primeval stone temples and graves. They belong to the Menhir period that extended to the British Isles. The St. John's Co-Cathedral was built in1577 by Gerolama Cassar as a monastic church of the Order of the Knights of Malta. At the command of Pope Pius the 7th, in 1816 it was designated as a cathedral and was given the same privileges as the bishop's seat in Medina, thus its somewhat strange title of 'Co-Cathedral'. Situated on the northernmost point of the peninsula is the famous Saint Elmo Fort, a dominant feature of the coast. Throughout the centuries it has been witness to many bloody battles and much courageous resistance. It reached its zenith during the time of the Knights of Saint John who expanded the fortress and made it almost totally impregnable. Its walls successfully fended off the Turks and later the French blocked off the harbour entrance to the British fleet. During the Second World War anti- aircraft artillery were positioned on the fort's upper levels to defend against both German and Italian bombers. The Orient and the Occident have both left their traces in Valletta a picturesque location carved from stone. The former City Of Knights in which the future joins with the past.
Vista Point VALLETTA Malta
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m27s
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VPG-DVD-178 - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Situated on the Arabian Peninsula between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the United Arab Emirates are like a fairy-tale from the One Thousand And One Nights. In just a few years the region has been catapulted from the Middle Ages into the 21st century and it is now an international financial centre within an ancient desert region. It contains seven sheikdoms that are united both politically and economically. Dubai is a wonderful holiday paradise with a romantic desert and a long history in which the past unites with the present. It is the second largest state in the United Arab Emirates and is situated on the north coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Fifteen kilometres from Dubai is the tiny Emirate of Sharjah where life continues according to age-old Arabian tradition. Tourism was once popular on this former pirate coast but the Saudi king subsequently prohibited the consumption of alcohol and thus the tourists stayed away. Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates and means, Father Of The Gazelle, a name derived from an ancient legend. The seventy three thousand square kilometres of the Abu Dhabi region cover eighty-six per cent of the United Arab Emirates and in the 1960's the city had a population of five thousand that has now grown to almost a million. As the oil supplies gradually trickle away the sheiks are becoming increasingly cautious with their spending and the oil boom has now been followed by tourism in this fairy-tale holiday paradise that is full of desert romance.
Vista Point UNITED ARAB...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m24s
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VPG-DVD-153 - TUNIS Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and this 'Paris' of North Africa is a metropolis with a long history. In the centre of the medina the domed roof of the souk encircles the Olive Tree Mosque the spiritual centre of the old town. The central market district dates back to the Hafsidic and Early Christian period. Here there's something for everyone, many of the goods being skilfully crafted under the watchful eye of prospective purchasers and while strolling through the markets it's like being part of an Arabian fairy-tale with all the magic of the One Thousand And One Nights. The tall, octagonal minaret of the Sidi Youssef Mosque is an example of Tunisia's earliest Syric building design and opposite is the Dar El Bey, former palace of the Turkish monarchs. Dar Ben Abdallah is a splendid palace that dates back to the 18th century and since 1975 has incorporated a folklore museum that is well worth a visit. A large cool courtyard is dominated by a central marble fountain and surrounded by both residential and official rooms. The lavish lifestyle of the 19th century is on full display in numerous rooms with precious furniture and crystal chandeliers as well as beautifully attired life-size dolls. Today Bardo is an elegant suburb of villas but in the 19th century the Turkish Beys built their palace district within it and the former harem today contains the majestic Bardo Museum. Tunis has all the wonderful atmosphere of this region's historic and colourful past.
Vista Point TUNIS Tunisia
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m21s
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VPG-DVD-166 - SULTANATE OF OMAN The Sultanate Of Oman is a fabulous land full of surprises, a splendid example of original Arabia that extends from the Straits Of Hormuz to the southern Dhofar. Up until the 1970's the third largest country in the Arabian Peninsula was only accessible by various caravan routes but today it boasts an abundance of mysterious desert towns and splendid palaces. The white city of Sohar is the historic harbour of the Islamic world and the 'Gateway To China'. It is still guarded by the white Sohar Fort, a mighty four-storey structure that dates back to the 14th century. The Hajar Mountains extend for almost six hundred kilometres from the Musandam Peninsula in the north to its eastern sections. They are also known as the Oman Mountains and divide the coast from the inland. Oman covers around three hundred thousand square kilometres and is one of the most sparsely settled countries in the world with only one and a half million inhabitants. Nizwa, the religious center of the Omans, has a moving past that manifests itself in the city's defensive fortress. Until the 12th century it was the capital of the Desert State of Oman. Even today this oasis city and trading metropolis has lost none of its former importance. Al-Hamra is the name of a three hundred year old oasis village that dates back to the reign of Imam Saif Bin Sultan. At the end of the 17th century members of the Abriyin Tribe settled here the descendants of whom still live in the Jebal-Akhdar Mountains. Al-Hamra means 'The Red One', an Arabic name that is also to be found in the word 'Alhambra', in Spain's Granada. The Sultanate Of Oman is a treasure trove of rarities. Its twelve thousand year old history is visible throughout the entire country and the beauty of the mysterious Arabian Peninsula is a truly captivating experience.
Vista Point SULTANATE OF...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
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Runtime: 1m19s
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VPG-DVD-191 - SICILY Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and the most diverse region in Italy, a land of gods and natural forces and a place of ancient cultures. Catania in the north east of the island is Sicily's second largest city that has been strongly influenced by earthquakes and also the volcanic activity of Mount Etna. It is believed that Greek settlers from Chalkidi founded it and some centuries later it was conquered by the Romans, and later the Arabs brought the city a new wave of prosperity. Noto is a charming town with around twenty thousand inhabitants and it is one of the most beautiful enclosed Baroque towns in Sicily. However, many of Noto's historic buildings have been neglected for many years and are thus in somewhat less than perfect condition. The Catedrale Di San Nicolò also fell into disrepair as a result of continued neglect and this caused both its dome and part of its roof to collapse in 1996. A proud and mighty volcano rises above eastern Sicily. Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, is the undisputed ruler of this fascinating Mediterranean island. The snow on the summit region of Etna obscures the fact that deep within the volcano is an unimaginable natural furnace with a temperature of around a thousand degrees Celsius. Marsala was given its name by the Arabs who called it 'Marsal-Allah', 'God's Harbour'. The monumental city gate is a reminder of the landing of Giuseppe Garibaldis on the 8th of March, 1860. In the mountain area close to Palermo, another wonderful city featured on our journey, is the picturesque town of Monreale, a townscape that for more than eight hundred years has been dominated by a single building. Monreale Cathedral was built due to a struggle for power between the Bishop Of Palermo and the Norman King, William. Sicily is exquisite. An ancient island of both discovery and pleasure.
Vista Point SICILY Italy
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
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Runtime: 1m31s
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VPG-DVD-181 - RODOS Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodekanissa, a group of Greek islands located in the south east of the Aegean just off the west coast of Turkey. Since antiquity its unique location has brought it both power and wealth. On the northernmost tip of the island is the fascinating metropolis of Chora Ródos whose harbour entrance was once adorned by the Seventh Wonder Of The World, the Colossus Of Rhodes. But the legendary lighthouse has long since gone and today excursion boats and yachts crowd the island's former trading harbour that has a rich and dramatic past. Byzantines, Arabs, The Knights Of The Order Of St. John, Ottomans and Italians, each one influenced the ever-changing history of the island that was first settled in 400 B.C. At the city's highest point is the huge palace of the Grand Master, the monumental junction of the Street Of The Knights and the command post of the Christian order. The Grand Master was the highest dignitary of the Order Of The Knights Of Malta, a lifetime office. The Street Of The Knights leads from the Grand Master Palace down the hill to the Hospital, a unique ensemble of Gothic medieval architecture set amid the Mediterranean. The main buildings of the various groups of knights were erected along the main street and it was here that the knights met and conferred according to their membership of various European regions. Rhodes is an island steeped in history as well as the calm lifestyle of the Mediterranean.
Vista Point RODOS Greece...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
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Runtime: 1m23s
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VPG-DVD-194 - PALERMO Once known as the stronghold of the Mafia, Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has gradually improved its image and the joie de vivre of its inhabitants has turned it into one of the most lively cities in Italy. The monumental Palermo Cathedral is located on the edge of the Piazza Cathedrale, throughout the centuries a place for rendezvous, celebrations and justice. Following the city's conquest by the Saracens an ancient cathedral on this site was transformed into a Friday mosque and was later used for Christian ceremonies. When in 1072 the Normans conquered the island they were so captivated by this 'paradise on earth' that they were careful to preserve it. They admired its oriental splendour and Arabian-Norman architecture but when the kings of Aragon attained power the golden age of Palermo came to an end. The Castello Della Zisa is the largest building of Arabian design in Palermo and in former times it was a residence situated within a regal park that was used for the royal sport of hawking. In a mountain area close to Palermo is the picturesque town of Monreale, a townscape that for more than eight hundred years has been dominated by a single building: Monreale Cathedral was built due to a struggle for power between the Bishop Of Palermo and the Norman King, William The Second. The Sicilian metropolis of Palermo has been both feared and loved but it most assuredly remains 'a flower within a golden shell'.
Vista Point PALERMO Italy
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
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Runtime: 1m28s
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VPG-DVD-201 - MALTA Homer called Malta, 'The Centre Of The Sea'. This island situated in the heart of the Mediterranean and was important to both the orient and the occident. After the Phoenicians and the Punier came the Romans followed by the Arabs and the Normans: but it was the Knights Of Malta who made the most indelible mark here. Valletta is also known as The City Of Palaces and is Malta's main city, full of historic buildings, and in 1530 the Order of the Knights of Malta moved its main residence to this part of the island. The St. John´s Co-Cathedral was built in1577 by Gerolama Cassar as a monastic church of the Order Of The Knights Of Malta and its splendid interior was financed by the profits gained from hostilities mounted by the Order against Muslim trading ships. Mosta is situated in the middle of the island, a busy small town with a famous landmark, Mosta Cathedral, a huge sacred building whose mighty dome can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. The rugged southern coast of Malta contains small fjord-like features and numerous grottos, the most spectacular of which is the Blue Grotto. From the village of Wied-Iz-Zurrieq a steep path leads down to the sea and when the weather is suitable experienced guides take passengers on small boats through a narrow canyon into the grotto where the colour of the water is truly fascinating. One of the prettiest villages on Gozo is Gharb whose Baroque parish church dominates the main square. Here it is as though time really has stood still. With seven thousand years of history Malta is a colourful and beautiful island with tales of the sea and noble knights: a tantalising pearl set in the very heart of the Mediterranean.
Vista Point MALTA
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
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Runtime: 1m37s
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VPG-DVD-130 - MADRID Madrid is Europe's most elevated metropolis, a royal capital of history, outstanding buildings and cultural treasures. Most of Spain's royal palaces are in Madrid, the capital of Spain since the 17th century. Including the Palacio Real that even today serves as a royal castle. The colossal building of grey granite and limestone owes its impressive appearance to its length of five hundred metres and strategic elevated location. On the southern side of the castle is Madrid's most recent cathedral, La Almudena. It boasts a combination of styles between New Gothic and Classical and was two hundred years in construction. Madrid also has a boulevard that has transformed it into a major metropolis, the Gran Via, that compares in both flair and dimensions with the exquisite streets of Paris and New York, with splendid noble buildings along with the contemporary. What the Gran Via a hundred years ago the Paseo De La Castellana achieved comparable renown at the end of the last millennium: a replica of Manhattan, the Zona Azca. A modern city district with spectacular skyscrapers and spacious streets where chrome, glass and concrete dominate the futuristic skyline. The royal splendour of former times has managed to successfully combine with the contemporary, and today Madrid is no less flamboyant - a city of historic joie de vivre!
Vista Point MADRID Spain
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 154 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m28s
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