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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: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m24s
Views: 25  | Comments: 0
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VPG-DVD-147 - SHANGHAI Shanghai is a gigantic city that is a meeting point of both east and west. The shoreline is without a doubt the city's main focal point. The city is a combination of the past, present and future and contains the historic monuments and eye-catching buildings of a great metropolis. It was once referred to as 'the whore of Asia': capital of crime, the Paris of the east and the centre of Maoism. But today the city is ruled by modern-thinkin communists and the Yangzi Delta is not only China's largest port but also its new shining star of capitalism. The Oriental Pearl Tower is a mighty four hundred and sixty-eight metre high television tower that contains an entertainment centre, futuristic luxury hotel, fine restaurant and offers the most superb views across the city. In the centre of the city's labyrinth-like shopping alleys a zigzag bridge extends across a small pond to a famous tea house. The bridge was designed thus in order to fend off evil spirits who, it was believed, could walk only in a straight line! Located in the countryside, Suzhou is above all famous for its gardens. The 'Garden Of The Policy Of The Common People' is one of China's four most famous gardens. The complex was built between 1522 and 1566 at the command of an important mandarin and designed according to his wishes. South of Suzhou is Zhou Zhuang that is said to have been the first water village in China. A journey on its canals is certainly worthwhile as the surrounding area is covered with thousands of canals and rivers and many villages in the area are only accessible by boat. Shanghai and its surrounding area has now freed itself from its early growing pains and from the restrictions imposed by Chairman Mao and today enjoys the rich rewards of capitalism.
Vista Point SHANGHAI China
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m34s
Views: 21  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
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: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m28s
Views: 19  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
CASABLANCA Casablanca, a city of many faces, Oriental yet also modern. From a former Berber settlement to today's commercial metropolis. Around eighty per cent of Moroccan industry is concentrated in Casablanca, the country's financial, technological and commercial centre and also Africa's largest seaport. Jutting into the sea is the Hassan The Second Mosque. 'It was He who created Heaven and Earth in six days!' This paragraph from the Koran inspired Hassan The Second to build his momentous mosque that extends for nine hectares, a superlative construction that could comfortably accommodate the entire Petersdom in Rome. Casablanca is a large city surrounded by many ancient villages where life has changed little since ancient times. The Place Mohammed The Fifth is the centre of Casablanca and is located between the old Medina and the new town with its large residential districts. Several administrative buildings, mosques and Art Deco buildings are situated in the vicinity of the Place Mohammed and there's also a pedestrian-only shopping mall. The head offices of numerous banks, insurance and commercial companies are located within the modern and flamboyant city centre with its imposing skyscrapers. The souks contain a labyrinth of alleys and each usually has its own speciality. The souks are the perfect place for those who wish to experience typical Morocco as the aromas and sounds of their narrow alleys are far more descriptive than any travel guide. Casablanca captivates all those who experience it. This former coastal city of seafarers and pirates is today both lively and contemporary with all the atmosphere and flair of a bygone time.
Vista Point CASABLANCA...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m35s
Views: 20  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
OTT-DVD-133 - There are many ways by which one can travel across the state of Rajasthan in northern India but the train is probably the most fascinating. This journey explores the history of India's former maharajahs and mughals and begins in Delhi, India's great capital city. The streets of Delhi are full of life and even though there is much poverty the city is currently enjoying a degree of cultural and financial prosperity. Many historic landmarks such as the Lal Qila, the Red Fort, are a reminder of the city's glorious past. Due to its numerous magnificent historic buildings, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is one of the most beautiful and impressive cities in the region. The facade of the city's most famous landmark, the Palace Of The Winds, is one of the most photographed sights in India. Around forty-two kilometres west of Jaisalmer the Desert National Park helps visitors to experience the natural beauty of the remote Thar Desert. At night the inhabitants of the desert, accompanied by traditional and exotic sounds, display the oriental side of their culture. Traditional music and dance are part of the nocturnal ambience of the desert and create an evocative scene straight out of the One Thousand And One Nights. With around seven hundred thousand inhabitants Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. The Meherangarh Museum contains an extensive collection of historic objects that once belonged to the rulers of Jodhpur. Agra is the most popular tourist destination in India. Between 1630 and 1653 Shah Jahan built a unique monument here that is one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal, a magnificent example of Mughal architecture that is synonymous with India itself. Historically, culturally and scenically the journey has provided many colourful impressions of Royal Rajasthan, the legendary kingdom of India's Rajput and Mughal rulers.
On Tour... ROYAL...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m27s
Views: 12  | Comments: 0
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OTT-DVD-142 - Singapore is a city of gardens and the heart of South East Asia. It is here that the journey begins on the Eastern & Oriental Express, a nostalgic train journey that has all the exotic atmosphere of colonial times. The history of Singapore 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 thus bought the land from the Sultan Of Johor and founded a trading settlement. The train station exudes the ambience of British colonialism and is an ideal setting for those who love nostalgia. The journey begins and soon we arrive at the Malaysian border. This is the first section of our extraordinary train journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. After eight hours we reach Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's modern capital city that is relatively young and was established in the middle of the nineteenth century at the junction of the Gombak and Kelang Rivers. The journey continues along splendid route through the jungle that since 1923 has connected Singapore with Bangkok, with Butterworth as the next station from where a bridge and ferry boat lead to the island of Penang that is also known as The Pearl Of The Orient. The next section travels further north to Kanchaburi in Thailand and to the bridge on the River Kwai, a somewhat inconspicuous bridge that once brought infamy to this region. For those who are fascinated by the evocative atmosphere of Colonial times the extra special train journey from Singapore to Bangkok must surely be the journey of a lifetime!
On Tour... EASTERN &...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m35s
Views: 6  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
GTR-DVD-1138 - Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and the political, commercial and cultural centre of the country: the Paris of North Africa and a metropolis with a long history. The centre of the city is the Medina, the Arabic old town. Surrounded by the market streets of the souks towers the large mosque of El Zitouna. Apart from the Sidi Oqba of Kairouan, this noble building is the most important religious sanctuary in Tunisia. The central market quarter dates back to the Hafsidic and Early Christian period and the leisurely ambience of the Moorish coffee houses still exists today. The tall, octagonal minaret of the Sidi Youssef Mosque is the earliest Syric building style in Tunisia. Next to the mosque are the securely guarded government buildings that incorporate the architectural styles of the old town. In the labyrinth of souks there is a tiny square with red-green pillars, the former slave market in which human captives were sold for profit. The 18th century mausoleum of Tourbet El Bey contains the tombs of the Husseiniden Dynasty, its stucco walls and marble pillars highlight the influence of Italian Renaissance. Even today the Medina of Tunis enchants all those who experience it and it is one of the oldest and most constantly populated areas of the Mediterranean that is as evocative as an oriental fairytale. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures TUNIS...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 2m1s
Views: 14  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
GTR-DVD-1062 - During the Middle Ages, Venice was the most powerful trading metropolis in the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean and also a mystical place with a fascinating charisma.Several times a year the sea penetrates the city and overflows onto the Piazza San Marco in which the Basilica, with its Oriental and Byzantine influences, is an impressive sight. Famous personalities such as Casanova and Cagliostro lived in Venice and their decadent lives made a unique contribution to the city's historic reputation. Standing proudly above the Grand Canal is the world famous Rialto Bridge that is supported by 12 thousand pillars and measures 48 metres long and 22 metres wide. The most prosperous of the city's families erected their palaces on the city's canal banks and the foundations of these buildings are supported by thousands of pillars. They also donated lavishly furnished churches and promoted the arts, thus artists such as Giorgione and Tizian became world famous. In earlier times, gravediggers travelled on black veiled gondolas to the small island of San Michele. Flickering lights on wooden poles still illuminate the way to the island cemetery. The humidity of the soil forced the Venetians to bury their dead in the honeycombed alcoves of cemetery walls. During carnival time, the city takes on a special charm when, for ten days prior to Lent, enchanting, colourful costumes and masks dominate the lagoon city. During carnival the melancholic splendour of past centuries awakes and each year the extravagant spectacle attracts large numbers of tourists from all over the world. For mystical delight with a good serving of history, Venice is without equal! Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures Mystic...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m25s
Views: 10  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
GTR-DVD-1111 - Mezquita Cathedral is one of the most important historical monuments in Cordoba, a beautiful city in southern Spain and former residence of the Moorish Caliphs. The cathedral contains both Moorish and Christian architecture and a unique and fascinating combination of styles. However, Oriental design dominates the building. The building complex that surrounds the courtyard and its orange trees is known as the Patio De Los Naranjos and is one of the most beautiful Islamic buildings in the world. The immense prayer hall is the glorious focal point of the Mezquita and its several hundred columns and horseshoe arches create an oasis of stone. The 16th century cathedral is located in the middle of a splendid forest of columns and precious marble and paintings by Palomino decorate the main altar. Here the Moors created a solid and enduring monument of their art and one of Córdoba's most outstanding landmarks. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m37s
Views: 4  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
GTR-DVD-1083 - The Louvre in Paris is, literally, a palace of art as for more than two centuries this former castle of the Kings of France has contained one of the greatest and most famous art museums in the world. The origins of the Louvre date back to the 13th century. Originally, the building resembled a simple fortress until King Carl The Fifth made the building his personal residence. In 1546 the French architect Pierre Lescot received an order from King Franz The First to build a brand new Renaissance palace. Franz The First was also responsible for the fact that a certain Andrea Del Sarto purchased the first art collection for the monarch while visiting Italy. Thus, masterpieces such as Leonardo Da Vinci´S world famous painting, the Mona Lisa, became the property of the French King. One of the most famous and treasured paintings in the Louvre is the perfectly formed statue of Aphrodite, better known as the Venus De Milo. In addition to various collections from the Oriental, Greek, Roman and Etruscan periods, the Egyptian section is particularly impressive. Each year six million visitors pour into the former royal residence of the Louvre, majestic home to much of the world's most treasured works of art. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures LOUVRE...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m18s
Views: 7  | Comments: 0
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GTR-DVD-1243 - Damascus is one of the most fascinating cities in the Orient and its colourful history is still very much apparent in its magnificent palaces.Today an impressive statue serves as a reminder of the city's famous monarch, Saladin. In the twelfth century he did much to improve the city.A walk through the historic centre of Damascus is like a journey through more than two thousand years of oriental history. In contrast to many other cities in the Near and Middle East, most of the original buildings within the old town have survived the test of time.The city's strategic location at the junction of several important caravan routes gave rise to a large number of fortified inns or 'Caravansaries', such as the Khan As'ad Pasha Al Azem.The Omayyad Mosque was for many years the largest and most revered in the Islamic world and the splendid furnishings of its interior make this building a veritable treasure trove.The historic splendour of Syria's remarkable capital city really is like a Paradise On Earth.Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
Global Treasures DAMASCUS...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m29s
Views: 7  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
TOM-DVD-FIVE - Bangkok Bound  Bangkok Bound Volume 5In tonight's programme we meet an ex-pat bar owner, the self confessed 'richest Westerner in Thailand' and follow the search for a perfect maid for an eccentric aunt - in the go-go bars.Mick's Place is the centre of expat activity in Pattaya.  It's run by Jenny a large, tattooed woman from Barnsley and her business partner Nee.  Jenny came to Thailand three years ago and fell in love with the place.  Her bar is now frequented by Bristish guys who take their Thai girlfriends there.Kensington resident Simon Grove claims his son Jan is "the richest Westener in Thailand".  So Simon who is a director of his son's company, is taking his wife NERI on three-month trip to see Jan while he also checks on his son's business interests.  He's not exactly modest: "Speaking Oriental languages goes back six generations in my family.  I'ma millionaire and so is my son."  And he's also not afraid to put his foot down, "Look wife - be quiet while I'm talking."David, a 28-year-old property developer, is searchig Thailand for a maid for his rich, eccentric aunt.  To date there has been a constant flow of maids leaving her household.  The search is on as David scours Thailand's go-go bars and hotels for a woman he can bring back to work for his aunt.  David's auditioning involves little more than him asking whether she can iron his underpants.  Or does it?Each week 10,000 people travel from Britain to Bangkok and this series takes a closer look at the personal stories behind these journeys to reveal some startling and at times truly remarkable experiences.
Bangkok Bound Bangkok...
Categories: Holiday Location and Places 
Added: 160 days ago
By: travel-video
Runtime: 1m10s
Views: 8  | Comments: 0
Rating: Not yet rated
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