STI: dr hols

March 31, 2009

dr hols

 

I am visiting my girlfriend in Milan, Italy, in November. What are the romantic places I can take her to? I am on a budget.

 

David Tay

 

ASA Holidays recommends a look-see around Lake Como. Located outside the city, just an hour's train journey from Milan, the place is gorgeous and quiet, with many beautiful and romantic spots. There are lakeside villas there, if you are interested in staying for a day or two.

 

The largest town, Varenna, has a lovely lakeside promenade as well as private alcoves with benches.

 

Also worth a visit in this town is a hilltop castle called the Castello di Vezio and two lakeside gardens, Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero. At Castello di Vezio, see an exhibition on birds of prey and a flight demonstration by the falconer of the castle.

 

At the famous town of Bellagio, stroll along its narrow and picturesque streets, which are filled with colourful houses and decorated shops. Look out for little hidden passages with nice views.

 

Also found there is the Basilica of San Giacomo, a church built at the end of the 10th century. It is famous for its Roman-Lombard architecture.

 

Visit the islands of Lake Maggiore, Italy's second biggest lake. The Borromeo Islands - Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori and Isola Madre - are known for quaint terraced gardens, peacocks and pheasants.

 

What are some must-see attractions in Melbourne and its vicinity? And where are the good places to shop?

 

Joel Goh

 

Visit the Yarra Valley wineries, take in the city sights while dining at the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant and walk the streets of Melbourne to explore the lanes and arcade streets.

 

Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne's GPO and Melbourne Central form the Fashion Triangle. Here you will find more than 500 stores offering local and international labels.

 

Fashionistas, check out www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Pages/Home.aspx for news of major events and fashion shows.

 

For short trips out of the city, spend a day admiring nature at the Grampians National Park, drive along the scenic Great Ocean Road, explore the winding roads around Mount Dandenong and enjoy a Puffing Billy Steam Train ride on the Dandenong Ranges Tour. Farther out, you can go on the Phillip Island Tour to view penguins, koalas and kangaroos.

 

I am an avid backpacker and plan to visit Tibet in June. Please suggest places where I can stay, things to do and attractions that I can view.

 

Eve Tan

 

If you are adventurous enough, ASA Holidays says it is possible for you to travel alone. But due to the language barrier, it is advisable to join a tour group.

 

Tibet is surrounded by some of the world's highest mountains. The Himalayas to the south, the Karakoram to the west and the Kunlun to the north - all are dream destinations for adventurers and mountaineers.

 

The region is also home to great rivers such as the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Lancang River which eventually flows into the Mekong River and the Ganges.

 

There are also more than 1,500 lakes. Check out Heavenly Lake Namtso, the highest saltwater lake in the world at 4,720m.

 

If you are interested in Tibetan Buddhism, visit the monasteries to look at the murals and sculptures.

 

The Yarlong Tsangpo Canyon, the largest canyon in the world, is home to rare plants and animals.

 

For souvenirs of your adventurous trip, pick up some handicrafts at Barkhor Street.

 

And of course, Mount Everest towers over the region and is a must-see, even if you do not plan to scale it. More than 40 snow-capped peaks are now open to mountain-climbing enthusiasts.