The Republic of Bulgaria is located in the southeast corner of Europe. Bulgaria lies at the shore line of the Black Sea to the east, in its west division we can come across Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and Montenegro and the Republic of Macedonia, and Romania is at its north division all along the eminent river Danube.

The Republic of Bulgaria is a beautiful country. Approximately fifty percent of Bulgaria contains mountains. The majestic Balkan Mountains divide Bulgaria in two portions.

The mountains split the Black Sea to the east coast and the Bulgarian-Serbian border to the West. The country’s plains and the lowlands occupy huge areas on both sides of the scenic Balkan Mountains.

The weather in Bulgaria is colorful and has all four seasons. The weather in the northern part of the country is moderately cold in harmony with the European general season, while the climate in southern Bulgaria is moderate.

The weather is most amazing for the people of Europe and for the travelers arriving from other parts of the world looking for cooler weather. The climate always plays a significant role in deciding the destination of your trip.

The famous and busiest Sunny Beach is the biggest beach resort in Bulgaria. This beach is on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Every year it attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world. Bulgaria has long been the most admired and loved destinations in Eastern Europe during the dark period of communism. This allowed Bulgaria to experience tremendous economic growth in this transitional political period.

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. Populated with over half and a million people, Sofia is considered a hub for functions relating to economy, culture, education and administration.

Bulgaria has a lot of attractions for gamblers people as well. The casinos in Bulgaria are mainly found in Sofia with very large resorts on the Black Sea. Casino Rila at Hotel Rila, International Casino Club at Hotel Sheraton, Hemus Hotel Casino, Casino Princess and many more are located in the center of the capital, Sofia.

Bulgarians celebrate a number of conventional ceremonies and festivals. The history of some of these Bulgarian events are centuries old. Some of the most famous occasions are The Kukeri Festival that’s celebrated on January 11. St. Trifon Zarezan celebrated on February 14 is a very old celebration event of the local wine growers. Granny Marta’s Day is on March 1. The Festival of Roses is celebrated in early June and the Koprivshtitsa Folk Festival is a musical festivity.

Master chef Roy Yamaguch serves his amazing Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine at Roy’s Restaurant in Honolulu.

Roy takes great pride in his work and always wants to instill the true aloha spirit in his fine restaurant by offering the best food, service and Hawaiian hospitality.

Chef Roy Yamaguchi opened his very first Roy’s Restaurant in Honolulu in 1988. Roy’s also a proud winner of the James Beard Award, Hawaii’s first-ever.

Roy’s is well known as the Hawaii Kai mecca for the best in Pacific Rim Cuisine. The restaurant has always been a favorite for locals but its popularity meant many visitors can enjoy the complete dining experience.

Roy’s specialty is fine seafood with fresh catch from around the local Hawaiian Islands, including: Ono, Onaga, Opakapaka, shellfish, sushi, as well as hand-cut meats.

Roy’s uses only the freshest local ingredients and mixes them with bold Asian spices and European sauces,with a focus on seafood.

The resulting textures, colors, and tastes leaves his restaurant guests with the complete satisfaction they have enjoyed a truly special meal.

Setting’s upscale casual, and while the star attraction’s a superlative menu, live music and fabulous sushi also rock the stage.

Patrons can enjoy an award-winning wine list that ensures a good pairing to enhance the unique culinary experience.

From the original opening over 20 years ago, Roy’s Restaurant has expanded to over thirty restaurants around the world.

Roy’s Restaurant
Waikiki Beach Walk
226 Lewers St.
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-923-7697

Bernini Honolulu

I heard about this cute little restaurant from a friend, so four of us gave it a try one evening. We finally located it, and I must say, the exterior lighting and appearance of the Bernini Honolulu eatery was very classy and attractive, (reminiscent of Taormina Sicilian Restaurant in Waikiki).

The interior is tastefully decorated as well, very upscale, and attractive. My only criticism of the Bernini Honolulu interior decor and lighting would be to either get rid of the refrigerated display case and its bright fluorescent lighting immediately inside the entrance.

Or, if this display case is necessary, install some cool temp. incandescent lighting inside to highlight whatever you want to emphasize. The fluorescent lighting in the case wages a battle with the rest of the very classy lighting throughout the restaurant.

Now for the important topic — the food:

We first tried a sampling from their Antipasti selection and chose the Chef’s Selection of the Day $28.00 — A trio including Tuna Carpaccio w/ Sicilian Lemon Sauce, Porchetta – Homemade Slow-cooked Pork Ham, and Venetian Style Marinated Octopus and Potato Lightly flavored with Anchovy.

We also ordered Grilled Scallops with Eggplant in a Balsamic Reduction Sauce $14.00 All antipasti selections were quite tasty, however a little sparse with respect to volume. We ordered a bottle of Prosecco, (Flor Prosecco), to accompany our antipasti ($39.00) , which was quite good.

The main dishes we ordered were all under the “Pasta” heading and were all spaghetti offerings including Ricci de Mare – Fresh Sea Urchin – Peperoncino Style $26.00; Vongole Bianco – Fresh Clams in a White Wine Sauce $22.00; Chicken Carbonara – Creamy Spicy Chicken Sauce $18.00; and King Crab – in a Tomato Cream Sauce w/ Broccoli $24.00.

We enjoyed an excellent meal at Bernini Honolulu.

The French Riviera’s La Villa Mauresque on the French Riviera is one of the most splendid villa hotels you will find anywhere.

La Villa Mauresque is located in the charming village of Boulouris, which lies between Cannes and St. Tropez.

La Villa Mauresque features 17 luxurious bedrooms housed in two Moorish villas dating from 1860. Most rooms offer stunning sea views, while the others provide lovely garden views.

Found on a private seafront, the luxury boutique hotel offers luxury and serenity with an infinity pool and a seafront spa and Jacuzzi, lush garden, and private harbor
with facilities for complimentary water activities: canoeing, kayaking, small catamaran, zodiac and snorkeling.

Windsurfing and scuba diving are also offered, as well as a small 4cv motor boat for those without a sailing permit.

To really enjoy the local sites, hire a 97-foot private yacht for day cruises along the scenic French Riviera or a 17-foot motor boat.

Ideally located for exploring the French Riviera, otherwise known as the Côte d’Azur, La Villa Mauresque is just 30 minutes from Cannes, 30 minutes by boat from St. Tropez, 50 minutes from Nice airport and one hour from the port of Monaco.

For additional information or reservations, please call +33 (0) 4 94 83 02 or visit the website at www.hotelsfrench-riviera.com

The upcoming Summer Olympic Games in London, England is expected to be one of the best ever.

As the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games nears, VisitEngland has put together a summary of England’s Olympic history.

A look at England’s Olympic history showcases its humble beginnings in a rural Shropshire Market Town to the Bright Lights and Award-Winning Architecture of London in 2012.

1850 – Once Upon a Time, in Shropshire
So everyone knows that the Olympic Games were first conceived in Greece, right? Well, in fact, the modern International Games have their roots not in Athens, but rather in the small market town of Much Wenlock in Shropshire. In 1850 the town’s local doctor, philanthropist William Penny Brooks, established the Wenlock Olympian Games to ‘promote the moral, physical and intellectual improvement of the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood of Wenlock by encouragement of outdoor recreation.’

Now, more than 150 years later, one of the London2012 mascots has been named Wenlock in Brookes’ memory, cementing in history the crucial role he played as the forefather of the modern Olympic Games.

1865 – The Games Go National
After several successful years of Much Wenlock Olympian Games, Brookes was responsible for creating the National Olympian Games in 1865. The premiere in Crystal Palace, London attracted 10,000 spectators, and the Games were held annually in different English towns and cities in the following years.

1908 – First Opening Ceremony and Going the Full Distance
Having originally been awarded to Rome, the fourth International Olympic Games instead came to London after the 1906 eruption of Mount Vesuvius skewed plans. The stadium at White City had been built at short notice for the Games (the first purpose-built Olympic venue), and was considered a marvel of its day, holding 68,000 spectators.

That year, the Olympic marathon started in front of the royal apartments at Windsor Castle and ended on the track at White City stadium in front of the royal box. At the time the actual race distance wasn’t fixed – it was just a very long road race; around 25 miles. Moving the starting point from Queen Victoria’s statue to East Terrace so that spectators wouldn’t hinder the athletes added 700 hundred yards to the typical distance.

The 1908 Games were the first to be launched by an Opening Ceremony, during which the competing nations marched into the stadium following their respective national flags.

It was during a speech for Olympic champions by Bishop Ethelbert Talbot in 1908 that the Olympic Creed derides. The Olympic Creed, still used to this day, reads: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

When the Games closed in October, Great Britain topped the medal table with a total of 145 medals. Despite the short notice, the Games were widely declared a success and lay the foundations for London’s legacy as a host Olympic city.

1924 – England Sets Marathon Standard – 26 Miles 385 Yards (naturally)
In 1924, the length of the 1908 Olympic marathon – which turned out to be 26 miles 385 yards – was internationally accepted as the official length of a marathon.

1943 – Stoke Mandeville Develops Sport for Rehabilitation
This August, the Buckinghamshire village of Stoke Mandeville will play host to the Paralympic Torch Relay; apt, as this was in fact the birthplace of the Paralympics. Pioneering German neurologist Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann became head of the National Spine Injury Centre (NSIC) at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital in Stoke Mandeville towards the end of WWII and came up with the revolutionary idea of using sport for rehabilitation. Sir Ludwig’s patients were encouraged to try activities such as wheelchair polo, basketball and archery.

1948 – War is Over: National Morale Boosted by First Televised Games
Despite a shortage of time and resources, London rose to the challenge to host the first Games after World War II and a 12-year hiatus. This time the Games centred around Wembley stadium and were the first televised Olympic Games, though at that stage few people owned their own television set.

In 1948, the historic coastal town of Dover provided the welcome point for the Olympic Torch. It was a first for both Dover and England because the 1908 London Games took place before the torch relay tradition began. The flame, setting out from Olympia in Greece, travelled in 1,531 stages totalling 720 miles (1,160km), and 1,720 weatherproof torches – including spares – were manufactured to carry it on its way. Brought from Calais to Dover aboard HMS Bicester, a destroyer of the Nore Command, the flame then continued its relay via the Kent towns of Canterbury, Charing, Maidstone and Westerham, through Surrey and Berkshire and on to Wembley.

In 1948, due to post-war rationing, many teams who attended the Olympic Games had to bring their own food with them.

1948 – London’s Second Olympic Games Bring Paralympics to the Fore
In 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttmann organised a competition for 16 paralysed servicemen – the Stoke Mandeville Games for wheelchair athletes – which coincided with the opening ceremony of the London 1948 Olympic Games. Prior to 1948, athletes with disabilities had competed in the same sporting events. The first official Paralympic Games, open not only to war veterans, took place 12 years later, in Rome.

Sir Ludwig went on to found the British Sports Association for the Disabled, and was knighted by the Queen when he retired in 1966, having already been awarded an OBE and CBE. The NSIC continues its rehabilitation programme using sports and exercise to this day, and has expanded from just 26 beds to 190 in the main hospital.

2005 – “The International Olympic Committee has the honour of announcing the Games of the 30th Olympiad in 2012 are awarded to the city of… LONDON”

A spine-tingling announcement was made to thousands of gatherers in Trafalgar Square in central London on 6th July 2005. The city staved off stiff competition from Moscow, New York, Madrid and finally Paris after an impressive presentation by ex-Olympian Lord Coe, who chaired the bid. Prime Minister Tony Blair called it a ‘momentous day’ for the country, saying of London: “many reckon it is the greatest capital city in the world and the Olympics will help keep it that way”.

2012 – London Hosts 30th Olympic and Paralympic Games
This year, London becomes the first city to have hosted the Olympic Games three times. The Games will take place across the country – many outside of the purpose-built 500 acre Olympic Park in Stratford. Football matches will place in Coventry, Manchester and Newcastle; sailing events in Weymouth; cycling in Surrey; rowing in Eton Dorney; mountain biking in Essex and canoe slalom in the Lee Valley.

The 2012 Games will coincide with the culmination of a four-year cultural programme, the Cultural Olympiad, which includes 500 events held over four years. The finale, the London2012 Festival, is the biggest festival the UK has ever seen.

The 2012 Olympic Torch Relay departs from Land’s End, Cornwall on May 19th and will make a 70-day journey – carried by 8,000 torchbearers – around the UK, travelling within 10 miles of 95% of the population. On August 24th, a Paralympic flame will be lit in London, and will meet flames from Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff in Stoke Mandeville – the birthplace of the Paralympics – before returning to the Olympic Stadium.

For more information and inspiration visit www.visitengland.com.

Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere show at the Treasure Island (TI) hotel, is like being awake during one of your most bizarre and with wonderful dreams, and it’s quite an incredible ride.

The stunning Las Vegas show invites its guest to venture into a magical world filled with brilliant colors and bizarre creatures on a wild journey to the edge of human potential. Intrigued yet?

Mystere experience begins before the curtain rises with classic Las Vegas entertainment, as two clowns come out to play tricks before the large audience and on each other. The demonstration is a very light hearted note and helps the time to pass away while the audience is seated.

As the clowns direct you to your seat, they playfully hold onto your tickets and take you on a wild goose chase before you’re safely seated.

As show begins, that’s when the real magic starts. It’s a variety of  acrobats, bicyclists and the music is so beautiful and  haunting that it will absolutely leave you mesmerized.

No matter which direction you look, there is always non-stop action. You’ll see athletic skills unlike anything you have ever experienced. In addition, the sets and costumes are simply beautiful.

Sometimes the whole experience seems like a surreal dream or like that you have just stepped into the mind of Salvadore Dali. It’s a parade of  graceful ballerinas, gigantic Snails, dashing heroes and total buffoons.

Your senses are often pulled in different directions. Half of the time you will be mesmerized and the other half you will be laughing yourself silly.

There are many amazing stage shows in Las Vegas but Cirque du Soleil is a must see. It is not the aquatic splendor of  O or the Beatlemania of Love, but is the perfect cameo of what a Cirque show should be.

All the show’s performances are of top quality and the entertainment experience will definitely be appreciated by all ages.

Mystere has a wonderful sense of intimacy to it. It’s feels like you are privy to your own private show or an intimate glimpse into a mystical world of magic.

Photo: Pamplemousse

Las Vegas is well known as a city packed with glittering new properties and exciting activities. But if you are looking for pure old-Vegas authenticity than look no further than Pamplemousse restaurant on East Sahara Ave

Off the beaten path, Pamplemousse is just a few blocks from the Hilton but seems half a world away from the bustling strip of Sin City Vegas.

Pamplemousse can be easily missed but this little bungalow just off the Strip, is a must. The restaurant has been voted Best Romantic Gourmet Restaurant in Las Vegas.

If you want entertainment then Maitre d’ and server Keefer is your man. Keefer is wonderfully bizarre and must be seen to believe. You won’t forget the experience.

No matter how many times you dine at Pamplemousse, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The restaurant doesn’t offer a proper menu, so every day brings new, delicious offerings.

A popular staple that is loved by many, the famous crudite salad is always the same. It’s an enticing basket of fresh veggies ready for dipping.

The Pamplemousse offers a charming French country cottage, dining experience. The cuisine is exquisite. It’s simply a Las Vegas, fine dining best.

Pamplemousse
400 E Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: 702-733-2066
Fax: 702-733-9139

Luxembourg or frequently named Luxembourg City, is often called the “Gibraltar of the North”. Luxembourg is a stunning city with numerous valleys and plateaus that provide beautiful scenery.

The city is divided into 24 different districts. Only 3 of those should be a concern for any visitor to the city. Ville Gaute is known as the medieval core, the train station can be found in Gare, and Kirchberg is the modern city.

By far, the best choice to get around Luxembourg is by foot or using the bus network. Luxembourg is a small city so walking isn’t difficult at all, and this way you can fully enjoy this attractive city.

Luxembourg Castle is the best known attraction. The castle, over a 400-year period had been attacked on a repeated basis, then rebuilt by the Spaniards, Austrians, French, and then the Dutch. The result of the rebuilding is Luxembourg Castle has become the strongest fortress in all of Europe, second only to Gibraltar.

Be sure to visit the Casemates Bock. It’s a series of underground fortifications that were developed back in the 18th century.

The Casemates Bock are a World Heritage Site and can be found beneath all of the city. The Bock is the rock where the very first castle stood.

The old town is extremely picturesque and on both Wednesday and Saturday, enjoy a local market at Place Guillaume. You can also view a statue of William II of Netherlands.

Another must see is Alzette, which is a small but scenic river. The surrounding valley is locally known as the Grund. Here you can find a fortress that surrounds the valley. Nearby take a visit to the Neumunster cathedral, which has become a cultural center.

Containing the Parliament, the Grand Ducal Palace has been completely renovated. The Notre Dame Cathedral was constructed in the 17th century.

Nearby, take a look at the Gelle Fra, or Golden Lady. It’s a golden statue of a woman that holds a wreath, representing a symbol of victory.

Grand Duke’s birthday is held on June 23rd and is a national holiday in Luxembourg. It’s a fun time with multiple street celebrations and firework shows at night.

Schueberfouer is large celebration that runs two weeks between August and September. There is lots of great food to enjoy and many rides.

Don’t be confused because of the relatively small size of Luxembourg. It is rich in history, has numerous architecturally stunning buildings, and is a scenic pleasure to behold.

Caesars Palace

The non-stop action in Las Vegas can be tiring. Everybody needs to take a break now and then, and do something for themselves. Looking for a place to be pampered and treated like royalty?

The spa at Caesars Palace, Qua, is a therapeutic wonderland with 51 treatment rooms. There are deluxe couple’s studios, facial rooms, wet rooms with Vichy showers, and personal hydrotherapy tubs. Various massages techniques, exfoliation processes, and baths are available.

The spa also offers a complete fitness center with weight-training and aerobic sections. A tea sommelier is onsite to counsel guests on the therapeutic values of herbal teas.

A unique spa experience awaits you at Caesars Palace’s new Qua Baths and Spa.

Qua Baths and Spa is a luxurious retreat that taps into the natural, healing powers of water to bring you a one-of-a-kind experience.

Bathed in natural light, accented by smooth stone flooring, dark woods and cascading waterfalls, Qua is the ideal atmosphere for relaxed “Social Spa-ing” (a new concept in the spa world) as well as individual experiences.

This tranquil environment uses the natural properties of water to soothe away stress and tension from the every day.

Our Signature Roman Rituals are at the heart of the Qua experience, bringing the traditions of the glorious baths of ancient Rome to modern times. Our Roman Baths consist of three distinct pools varying in both temperature and size.

Guests are welcome to come with family and friends to mingle as they unwind and relax.

Additional Roman Rituals include the Laconium Room (an ultra-heated room), an Arctic Ice Room with snow falling from above and a peaceful tea room, where our in-house Tea Sommelier will pair teas with your particular treatment. These are all included with any treatment at the spa.

Qua Baths & Spa
Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
866-782-0655

Courtesy of:  Zanzabar Nightclub (Main dance floor)

Zanzabar Nightclub in Waikiki is still one of Hawaii’s best hot spots, once the sun sets over the deep, blue Pacific Ocean.

Zanzabar is located in the middle of Waikiki, inside the Waikiki Trade Center – at the corner of Seaside and Kuhio Avenues.

Even though Zanzabar Nightclub may no longer be as popular today compared to several years ago, the nightclub is still the most famous nightclub in all of Waikiki.

Zanzabar offers patrons state of the art equipment that creates the perfect playground for their very talented DJs to spin sounds that keep the hottest eye candy on the floor all night long.

If you are looking for some privacy, then VIP members can enjoy a sound-proof room and specialized entertainment for non-stop uninterrupted fun.

Popular Zanzabar Nightclub is known internationally, and it’s where both visitors and kama’aina (locals) play together until dawn.

Courtesy of:  Zanzabar Nightclub (VIP Room)

Featuring cutting-edge style, atmosphere, terrific music, clientele, and class, Zanzabar Nightclub is definitely the place to be to dance the night away.

Zanzabar can accommodate up to nearly 1,000 people, so plan to get their early for your best spot. The nightclub welcomes people 21 and over or even 18 and over on certain nights. You can find parking available in the same building for $3 with validation.

Zanzabar Nightclub
2255 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: 808-924-3939

The National Brewery Centre recently opened in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire – in the heart of England.

The National Brewery Centre is a world-class interactive museum and visitor center that showcases England’s proud brewing heritage and its strong influence on brewing techniques throughout the world.

The new brewery museum offers hundreds of exhibits and rare artifacts, in addition to a variety of multi-media presentations, the opportunity to see brewing first hand, and of course sample some beers.

To celebrate the opening, the official tourism body for England – VisitEngland, is honoring one of the country’s most important national treasures, the English Pub, by highlighting some of the most noteworthy.

The pub list includes those well known to be haunted, the smallest and oldest pub, as well as Michelin star properties, where the food is as much an attraction as the ale.

Pandora Inn near Truro, Cornwall is one of England’s most remote pubs. Being remote is one of the main allures Pandora Inn. Many patrons will arrive by boat, either by their own, or will take the Aquacab water-taxi ride from nearby Falmouth. Parts of the Inn date back to the 13th Century. The historic building still retains many of its original features including its flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and thatched roof. Pandora Inn features an extensive wine list and traditional real ales from St Austell Brewery.

Located in South East England, The Mermaid Inn in Rye, Sussex, is one of the country’s oldest and most enchanting inns. With Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. For many years the Mermaid has been frequented by artists from the stage and screen including Charlie Chaplin, Pierce Brosnan, Andy Garcia and Johnny Depp, along with Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and Prince Edward, who have also visited. Additionally, painters from around the world have spent many hours capturing the rare character of the beautiful inn, which offers a wide range of accommodation including rooms with four-poster beds and fascinating secret passages. The lounge bar boasts one of the largest open log fires in England, while the restaurant offers tempting British and French cuisine using only the freshest of local ingredients.

Famed for being England’s smallest pub, The Nutshell in historic Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, in the East of England, proudly holds the title of smallest pub in Britain as confirmed in the Guinness Book of Records. The quaint and cozy 17th century pub, comprising a bar that measures just 15ft by 7ft, has been serving customers jostling for a place at the bar since it first started serving beer in 1867. The Nutshell is now a major tourist attraction for local and international visitors, who visit as much for the interesting historical items, photos and memorabilia on display, as they do for some of the regions finest ales.

Claiming to be England’s Oldest inn, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham is also quite possibly one of the country’s most unique pubs, carved into rock and connected with the labyrinth of sandstone caves at the foot of Nottingham Castle. Several of the rambling rooms are burrowed into the sandstone rock below the castle, yet the Trip to Jerusalem is fully operational, serving a seasonal menu along with fine real ale and on occasion plays host to beer festivals and special events complimented with a range of guest ales from microbreweries throughout Britain. According to legend, Robin Hood is said to have shared his adventures at the pub over a pint of beer.

Situated next to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Dirty Duck is world famous in Theater circles. A 15th Century building full of history, the very traditional pub is open plan with a separate restaurant, offering food from an extensive menu or Specials Board to be eaten anywhere in the pub. Well-known for its lively atmosphere, as well as its food and beverage offerings, there are often famous faces and ‘after show’ parties held for celebrities. A member of the Kennel Club of Great Britain, The Dirty Duck also welcomes dogs into its long bar.

Often referred to as a model for the perfect English Country Pub, The Star at Harome is a Michelin-Star restaurant and pub in North Yorkshire. Offering exceptional locally sourced food, a relaxed yet efficient approach to service, a place to stay and even somewhere for visitors to shop, The Star Inn offer guests a comforting, homely experience in one of England’s most beautiful rural settings. Despite being recognized as a Michelin-rated gastronomic oasis, The Star Inn retains all its village friendliness, along with its ancient timbers steeped in 600 years of hospitality.

Built to serve herring fishermen in the area, The Olde Ship at Seahouses on the Northumbria coast in the North East of England, features a nautical theme and boasts a rich collection of antique maritime artifacts. An ideal place to stay before or after booking a trip from the harbor to the Farne Islands, home to plentiful birdlife, The Olde Ship is a fully residential property. A highlight in the winter, the main saloon bar, has tremendous character and is lit by stained glass windows and the welcoming glow of an open fire. Perfect for alfresco drinking and dining during the warmer months, overlooking the harbor is a newly developed beer garden with unrivalled views of the surrounding boats and the Farne Islands.

The Philharmonic pub in Liverpool is a dazzling Art Nouveau pub where the Men’s lavatory is so magnificent that women are invited in to view its ornate, marble urinals and toilets, as part of a guided tour. The architectural gem, opened in 1898, was designed by Walter Thomas and stands opposite the Philharmonic Hall. Known by locals as ‘The Phil’, the Grade I listed building features an imposing exterior and highly decorative interior. The Philharmonic has dark wood-paneled walls, musical scenes depicted in copper and Art Deco lights that shine onto the mosaic covered floor and bar. The central, horseshoe-shaped bar is awash with intricate stained glass and is notable for its bunches of glass grapes and huge, golden eagle watching over drinkers. The least elaborate bar at the front of the pub contains a TV and glazed lamps in the windows, each resembling the Statue of Liberty’s torch.

Believed by many to be haunted, the Grenadier in London’s Mayfair, is an atmospheric old pub filled with character and military history. On one of the walls of the tiny pub, which has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most haunted pubs in London, yellowed newspapers tell of the pubs haunted history, and a small crucifix hangs on a wall of the cellar to ward off harmful spirits. Unassumingly situated in a tucked away mews, the Grenadier has a decidedly country village air about it and despite its haunted reputation, it is one of London’s most enchanting pubs.

For more information about visiting England, please visit www.VisitEngland.com<http://www.visitengland.com/>.