Cultural Tourism

Welcome to the 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence Seaway Here Ontario and the United States meet... their cultures blending in the waters of the mighty St. Lawrence and Great Lake Ontario. The native peoples called this region the “Garden of the Great Spirit.” Today, many people still remark that this gorgeous garden of woods and waters that is the 1000 Islands is truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Others will tell you its friendly atmosphere, fresh outdoors and laid-back pace makes the 1000 Islands a place that inspires the spirit and renews the soul. Take some time to browse through our web site and absorb a small bit of the spirit of the Islands. You’ll discover that the amazing inventory of things to do and see in the 1000 Islands can make for a very special vacation. When you’re ready to start planning your visit, you’ll find great information on the region’s attractions, accommodations and communities. The Islands Did you know there are actually over 1,800 islands (1,864 to be exact) that make up the 1000 Islands region? To become an official part of the count, an island must meet two criteria: it must be above water 365 days a year and it must support two living trees. Ferries or bridges provide access to Wellesley, Hill, Wolfe and Howe Islands. The islands are unique, offering a wonderful recreation experience that spans two nations. Each island has its own individuality with features such as stately granite cliffs, soft sandy bays, tall dark pines and vibrant maple trees—it’s a sightseer’s paradise. Many islands are privately owned but ample public access can be found at island parks and villages throughout the region. The Islands in History It was French explorers who named the region. Vacationers discovered the islands in the 1870s, when wealthy people began to build summer homes while other travelers came to stay in large hotels. For more than a century the area has been a mecca for summer visitors. In the more distant past the islands were stepping stones between New York State and the Province of Ontario—in times of trouble between Canada and the United States, a place of refuge and a setting for disreputable deeds.

Find all travel information about Curacao at our site. We selected for you the best Hotels, Resorts, Restaurants and Car rentals on Curacao. We offer you price indications and the possibility to make an online reservation at selected Hotels, Resorts and Car rentalsCuraçao, Where the Fun Shines Night and Day Curaçao is where tropical charm, Latin style, a proud African heritage and European sophistication meet in the Caribbean. The fun shines night and day on 38 beaches, 65 world-class dive sites, unique family attractions, historic monuments, museums and more. Explore by day feeding sharks and ostriches, discover a secluded white-sand cove, or ride horseback through a national park. By evening be ready to dance the night away, listen to hot jazz and enjoy some of the Caribbean's best cuisine under the stars. All this plus year-round events and festivals from Carnival to Salsa and a welcoming people make Curaçao an ideal Caribbean vacation Destination. Location: Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean. The largest of the Netherlands Antilles, it is 38 miles long and from 2 to 7.5 miles wide. It is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, 42 miles east of Aruba and only 2 1/2 hours by air from Miami. Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt, making it a sure holiday destination for good weather. Climate: Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator -- and outside of the hurricane belt -- Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature is about 27° C ( mid 80s F). Refreshing trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The rainy season, October to February, is marked by short, occasional showers, usually at night, and continued sunny weather by day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570 mm (22 inches). Occasionally a tropical storm brewing elsewhere in the Caribbean can cause uncharacteristically cloudy weather for a day or two. Population: The population of 130,000 is made up of 55 nationalities. Willemstad is the island's capital and only city. Government: Curaçao, along with neighboring Bonaire and three islands in the north eastern Caribbean (St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba), form the Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçaoans are Dutch nationals and carry European Union passports. Language: Dutch is the official language, but Curaçaoans also speak English, Spanish and their own unique blend, Papiamento. Cruise Lines: Air Tours/Sun Cruise, Deutsche Sectouristik, Carnival Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Royal Cruise Line. Airlines and Flight Times: DCA, American Airlines, Avianca Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Servivensa Airlines, Aeropostal and Air Jamaica. Miami: 2-1/2 hours, Amsterdam: 9 hours, Caracas: 45 minutes and Montego Bay: 1-1/2 hours. Departure Tax: An airport tax of U.S.$ 20.00 per person for international flights and flights to Aruba, or U.S. $10.00 per person for inter-island flights is payable when leaving the island. Documents: U.S. citizens must present either a passport or birth certificate with photo ID. A driver's license is not a valid proof of citizenship. Canadian citizens and Citizens from all other countries must present a valid passport. International visitors must present their passport. Some citizens from countries need a visa to enter the Netherlands Antilles. Taxi hints: Taxi's are easy to recognize by their signs and the TX on their registration plates. The prices are based for 1-4 people from 6 am-11pm. A fifth person costs 25% more. After 11pm there is 25% surcharge. Passengers should agree on a price for the journey with the driver first. There are taxi stands at the airport, hotels and Sha Caprileskade in Punda. Taxi Main Office: tel: 869-0747 Complaints: 869-0747. The Flag: Curaçao’s flag portrays the blue sea and sky, bisected by the yellow sun. The two stars represent Curaçao and its uninhabited sister island Klein Curaçao; their five points symbolize the five continents from which the varied local population originates. Religions: Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Muslims all have their own houses of worship and practice their religions freely. Over 80% of the population is Catholic, largely people of African descent. Curaçao has a well earned reputation for religious and ethnic harmony. Adventists, Anglican/Episcopal, Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Methodists are all represented and practice their religions freely. Time zone: Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time: one hour earlier than US Eastern Standard Time (the same time as Eastern Daylight Savings Time) and four hours later than Greenwich Mean Time. What to Wear: Since temperatures are warm throughout the year, light, casual tropical wear is in order. Outside, protect yourself from the sun. Most indoor establishments are air conditioned; you may need a lightweight jacket or long sleeves. Locals dress fashionably, particularly for indoor evening events; dress for outdoor festivals is decidedly casual. The strong trade winds may make wraparound and billowing skirts a problem. Some restaurants prohibit shorts or sandals; some casinos also require jackets for men. Overly revealing clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate, except on the beach. If you plan to walk in the countryside, wear sturdy shoes and long pants to protect your legs from the cacti. Tipping: It is customary to tip porters NAFl. 1 per bag, and taxi drivers 10% of the fare. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill; you can leave a couple more guilders change if you like. Most hotels add a 12% service charge to the bill. All this beside the 5% Government sales tax. What to Bring: Film and video cassettes, batteries, sunscreen, disposable diapers, sporting goods and books are all generally more expensive in Curaçao. Local stores carry a good selection of most items. It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent as this is often in short supply, especially during the rainy season. Currency: Netherlands Antilles Florin US$1=NAF 1.78; U.S. Dollars widely accepted. Electricity: 125 volts/50 AC; U.S. appliances are compatible. More than just sun and sand, Curacao is rich in exciting adventures. Explore the capital city of Willemstad, named on UNESCO's World heritage list for its rainbow of bright pastel buildings and intricate gabled facades. Witness a 19th Century pontoon bridge open as ships enter the harbor. Take off on a self-guided tour of the countryside, "kunuku" and discover natural caves, limestone deposits and Volcanic formations. Walk back in time at the Kura Hulanda Museum and trace the island's history from the Amerindians of South America, the Spanish, English, French and Dutch who came and stayed. We welcome you to Bon Bini island Curacao!

Welcome to Cyprus, an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. A storied past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here - but then, people do tend to get possessive when faced with such beauty. Aphrodite made her home on Cyprus, and travellers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute. Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café. A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people. This official website of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation is designed to be your electronic entry to the quiet beauty of Cyprus in all its dimensions. Step inside for an in-depth look at an island that is as exotic as you imagine - and more accessible than you might think

Experience Saratoga Springs! Come to this exciting, historic and cultural center nestled in Upstate New York, minutes from Albany and a short drive from most Northeast locations. The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau provides one-stop services for group planners and organizers of meetings and events in Saratoga Springs, NY. Whether you are planning a large scale event or convention, a small meeting, or you need motorcoach tour assistance - we can help! Our website serves as your resource: You will find everything you need - from online reservations, to where to shop and where to dine, whether your group consists of 5 or 5,000! We are Saratoga's official group destination marketing organization. As a non-profit, private membership organization, we are dedicated to building the economy and positive image of Saratoga Springs through tourism and convention development, major events and the marketing of Saratoga to the marketplace worldwide. You will find our broad membership base is comprised of the finest Saratoga hotels and motels, inns, restaurants, retailers, attractions, and service providers. All that Saratoga has to offer is just a click away! SARATOGA IS EASY TO GET TO... just 30 minutes from Albany and a short drive from most Northeast locations - attracting more attendees than other destinations! WHERE THERE ARE FUN THINGS TO DO... Saratoga Springs, New York, is a collection of amazing museums, great golf courses, legendary horse racing and scenic lake cruises perfect for group tours. IMAGINE A PLACE... THAT IS LIKE NO OTHER... where American style, grace and history is seen in every charming street corner... heard in the sounds of hoof beats... and held in your heart forever. A PLACE THAT HAS THE PERFECT FACILITY TO HOST YOUR EVENT... from spacious conference centers to elegant ballrooms and beautiful Victorian landmarks. AND WONDERFUL PLACES TO STAY, DINE AND EXPLORE... given a top destination award by Facilities magazine... our legendary "city in the country" will dazzle you with our award-winning restaurants, accommodations and charming downtown. NEED MORE CONVINCING? Read The Top Ten Reasons to V

In 2007 our company celebrates a very important event: Our 25th anniversary. For a quarter of a century, FreeGate has been providing the discriminating traveler with high quality services, at prices everyone can afford. Hundreds of thousands of travelers have enjoyed worry-free vacations on our tours, and have returned home with unforgettable memories, and experiences to last a lifetime. While we celebrate our most important milestone, we never forget the reason for our success: You, our clients, who entrust us to make the best of your valuable vacation time. Most of our business comes from repeat clients, who have enjoyed our service and continue to book with us, while referring FreeGate to their family and friends. We take this responsibility very seriously: Our trained professionals spare no effort to ensure that a vacation they propose will fit your specific travel needs and budget. Our pre-packaged tours have been carefully selected over the years from among the top-selling programs we have ever published. Most of them offer a variety of accommodations at different prices. If none of our packages suit your taste, simply tell us where and when you want to go. Our experts will then create a customized trip - just for you! This is our major advantage over most of the competition. And, very importantly, rest assured that your travel funds are safe with us: Your payments are deposited in a trust account, which is only withdrawn after your travel arrangements have been rendered. We invite you to celebrate our 25th year with us. Book your trip with FreeGate, and we will treat you not as a customer, but as guest at our party and in any of the beautiful destinations we call home.

The incomparable beauty and quaint charms of Rockland County offer peaceful, pastoral countryside spiced by river villages, historic sites and, arguably, the world's most beautiful river valley. It's unmatched as a getaway spot for a day, a week, or more. There are magnificent Hudson River views that once inspired a whole school of American painters. 32,000 acres of unspoiled parklands. Rolling mountains, sparkling lakes for swimming, fishing and boating. Unique historic sites that made important contributions to America's earliest history. Intriguing museums, landmarks, music and theatre await you. But don't be fooled by this seemingly rural charm. Because of the county's proximity to New York City (16 miles), and residents that are no less than icons in the theatre, arts and business, there is a sophistication found only in big cities. With Palisades Center Mall and close-by Woodbury Commons, boutiques, shops and galleries, you will find endless shopping opportunities. And restaurants—we rival Manhattan's best. We have some great things hidden in the little corners of our world. So close to the bustling city, Rockland is everybody's playground. There are no less than 32,000 acres of untouched parklands dotted with sparkling lakes and streams rushing down to the Hudson. Mile after mile of marked trails lead you right to the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains. There are all kinds of recreational opportunities: swimming and fishing, hiking and boating, camping, horseback riding, historic house tours, golf and tennis in Spring and Summer. Ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing in Winter. And a magnificent foliage display rivaling the best of New England every Fall.