Top 10 Fall Vacation Ideas

1. Southern Italy is the home of Pompeii and Naples. If you have an adventurous spirit, visit the Bay of Naples and observe the almost 4300 mile high Mt. Vesuvius. Said to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, it buried the city of Pompeii in 79 AD. Today, you can visit the volcano at the park that is set up around it, or you can use a designated walkway to walk up the mountain. Pompeii is an ideal spot for history buffs. Visit the ruins of the temples and artwork left by the people of Pompeii when Mt. Vesuvius erupted. There are many hotels and restaurants available in the Pompeii area as well as nearby Naples. Many tours are offered in both cities.
2. Greece is a fantastic array of hillsides with wildflowers blooming in stunning colors in the fall. Take advantage of the tours offered to Meteora, where you can climb steps to see monasteries, jutting out over the surrounding hills. Visit the Greek Island of Crete and see the lost city of Olos in the Elounda Lagoon. Stay at the Avli Lounge Apartments, a complex of only seven suites. With tours and visits to vineyards, as well as the pampering you would expect from such a unique establishment, staying here would make your visit to Crete a once in a lifetime experience. Dining at this complex is a special treat as well. They offer traditional cuisine as well as original dishes designed by their chefs, but guaranteed to give you the flavor of the island.
3. Japan is beautiful in the fall. The leaves are turning on the maples and everything is in lush, brilliant colors. You can attend one of the fall festivals held in Okinawa at Shuri-jo Park, where the Shuri Castle sets on a hill overlooking a magnificent view. Take advantage of lower prices by staying in one of Japan's many guest houses. Dine at the Kakiya no Kakiya, an oyster bar at the Sendai Train Station. While in Sendai, visit the statue of Kannon (Buddhist god) or see the Sendai Castle Ruins.
4. A tour of southern France would have to include the city of Nimes. Rich in Roman history, the city has many places of interest that are a must-see. Nimes is home to the best kept Roman amphitheatre in France. They still use it today for bullfights and concerts. If your taste is more in the present, Nimes has the Carri d'art, or museum of modern art, complete with library and cinema. For a peaceful and relaxing visit, get a room at the Jardins Secrets, an 18^th century coaching inn, nestled in a flowered garden. Drink coffee at the many café squares in the city and try the local traditional food at the La Belle Respire.
5. River cruises offer a unique way of observing the countryside, deep in history and local customs. Take a ride down the Yangtze River in China and marvel at the Three Gorges, the world's largest hydroelectricity dam. It is 607 feet high and over a mile long. Do some sightseeing in Beijing or Shanghai. Visit Hong Kong and take the tram up to the Peak for a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding areas.
6. Take a cruise to the Mediterranean and visit the port of Barcelona, Spain. Here you will find the Barcelona Aquarium, an underwater sea world of sharks, stingrays, and penguins. You can visit the Picasso Museum or see the Magic Fountain of Montjuic with a symphony of lights and music.
7. A cruise to the Caribbean is always breathtaking and inspiring. The Cayman Islands offer an abundance of snorkeling opportunities along with submarine rides. If your ship stops in Jamaica, visit the Dunn's River Falls, a 600 foot waterfall.
8. Hawaii is always a beautiful place to go almost anytime of the year. Gentle tropical breezes relax you as you enjoy the brilliant colors of flowers and birds on the islands. For those who like to surf, Hawaii offers some of the best surfing in the world and fall is the best time for it. Stay at one of the many beachfront hotels. For a unique dining experience, attend a Hawaiian luau.
9. Florida is one of the top retirement spots in the country, but going their just to visit in the fall is a great idea, too. Daytona and Fort Lauderdale Beaches are white with blue-green water. Disneyworld is far less crowded in the fall, and you can enjoy going without the long lines that are prevalent in the summer. Stay at one of the Disney Resorts and you are almost within walking distance of the Park. Attend a dinner theater, such as the Pirate's Dinner Adventure in Orlando for a special dining experience.
10. Texas has a lot to offer for history buffs. The Alamo in San Antonio is a big sightseeing attraction. The River Walk is also popular and you can stop to eat at the Lone Star Café. Stay on the River Walk at the Omni La Mansion del Rio, a 4-star hotel, centrally located for easy access to all the attractions.

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Resourses

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