With its infinite cultural and natural diversity, with its marvelous historical heritage that goes back for millennia, with mesmerizing mountains, beaches and rural havens, Europe is undoubtedly the most popular travel destination as a whole. each country of Europe is a unique and fascinating travel destination. While there are thousands of lesser known places to discover in Europe, the old continent stands out through many quite famous highlights, from the charm and elegance of France to the cultural trove of Italy, from the distant wilderness of Iceland to the idyllic beaches of Greece. beyond these, upcoming destinations like Poland, Romania, Croatia and so many more are beginning to shine and often offer a more authentic travel experience, far from the crowds in the west. Wherever your path may lead you, there are countless stories to uncover in Europe!
ITALY
To try and describe Italy as a tourist destination is one of the most difficult attempts, as this is truly the definition of diversity and ultimate variety. Considered by many as having the highest concentration of cultural heritage sites in the world and also featuring some of the most amazing landscapes, Italy is one of the most visited places in the world. The country lies in southern Europe, characterized by the unique shape of the peninsula, like a long boot from the northern Alps Mountains and deep into the Mediterranean Sea, together with several islands around it. Italy is considered one of the cradles of Western Civilization, together with Greece. The Roman Empire and Roman culture have influenced huge portions of the world and most of Europe, while the Italian Republics have continued this supremacy into the middle ages.
When speaking about tourism in Italy, it is rather tough to name all of the important destinations, maybe starting with Rome, or Venice, or Milan. Rome, the most important city of the ancient world for centuries has an overwhelming number of landmarks, practically every rock in the city having its own history. From the Coliseum to the Pantheon and from the Roman Temples to the magnificent cathedrals, with its palaces and gardens, villas and fountains, Rome is truly unique in the world. A life might not be enough to praise the wealth and beauty of this city. Leaving the capital, there are tourist attractions everywhere, from the magical Venice and its San Marco Square to the Milan dome and fashion, from the charming Naples with the Vesuvius volcano behind to the extraordinary architecture of Florence, the wonders of Italy are countless.
Leaving the cities filled with history and culture, each region of Italy has its own particular charm, so it is like visiting a new country altogether. Starting from the sunny south with Sicily and its olive orchards up to the snowy mountain ridges of Lombardy, there are thousands of places to stop. Maybe sample the delicious Chianti wine, visit the fascinating Cinque Terre region, taste the divine cuisine of Bologna, stay in a Tuscan villa in the middle of the rolling hills, take a cycling tour around Lake Como, visit the romantic Verona or ski in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the possibilities are limitless. Not to mention the Italians who are the definition of Latin character, charming and warm, active and open. There are many more things to say about Italy and its attractions, but the best way to discover the country is by visiting it for a week, or a month, or maybe a lifetime.
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Restored to its original splendour, The Gritti Palace is set in a former noble residence on Venice’s Grand Canal, with views of Santa Maria delle Salute Church. The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice is 500 metres from St. Mark’s Square. The hotel’s Club del Doge restaurant serves dishes made with fresh ingredients from the Rialto Market.
FRANCE
Perhaps the most amazing and diverse tourist destination in the world, France has captured the imagination of people around the world and has fascinated the hearts of anyone who has visited it. One of the powers of the world ever since medieval times, France is so multifaceted that it is hard to even comprehend all the marvels and treasures it holds. The country that has given so much to the world, with its art and free society, today stands proud as the most popular tourist destination in the world, with tens of millions of tourists each year. Combining the infinite beauty of its nature with the inciting treasures of cultural heritage, maybe the most famous cuisines in the world and a unique art of living, France is splendid and unforgettable, from the tall snowy peaks of the Alps to the shores of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and from the elegance and grace of Paris to small traditional villages with castles and medieval fortresses.
Any and every visit to France usually start by discovering Paris, the city of lights and famous as the most romantic destination in the world. Paris is unique and nothing can come close to the atmosphere of the French capital. From the technological and architectural marvel of the Eiffel Tower to the grandeur and magnificence of the Notre Dame Cathedral, everything here is made to awe and inspire travelers. Among the most visited and popular attractions we can include the Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace, Champs Elysees boulevard, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur Basilica, cruise o the Seine and so many more. But Paris is just the tip for the iceberg, as the other French cities have their own particular charm and an amazingly rich heritage, naming just Strasbourg, Nantes, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nice or Reims for example.
France goes way beyond its cities, with traditional little villages and small medieval towns, many still having that authentic look and feel to them that makes tourists feel overwhelmed. Not to mention the castles of the Loire Valley and others around the country, the cathedral and churches that embellishes every settlement, the ancient ruins and so on. All these on the background of some unbelievable landscapes, some of the most diverse in the world, with the glaciers and snowy peaks of the Alps and the beaches of the famous French Riviera, with the wine growing fields and the lavender plains of Provence. The ultimate diversity can be encountered in France and it all depends on what a tourist is searching. From culture to religion, from hiking to sailing and from cuisine to fashion, all is at superlatives in France.
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Set in Paris and with Luxembourg Gardens reachable within 2.6 km, Drawing House offers concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can use the spa and wellness center with an indoor pool, fitness center, and sauna, as well as a terrace.
Spain
If there is a country in Europe that any traveler should visit at least once, that is Spain, a fascinating land filled with wonderful things to see and do. As one of the biggest countries on the continent, many assume they know everything about Spain if they visit Madrid or Barcelona, but the truth is the authentic and real Spain lies in its smaller towns, preserving the traditional culture and the unique laid-back style of life of the Spanish. The destination occupies most of the Iberia Peninsula in Western Europe, between France, Portugal, the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, also including several beautiful islands. The country has one of the most diverse landscapes, from the Pyrenees Mountains to the beaches of the south, mixing everything in between. Another great feature is the cultural diversity, with every region having its own traditions and beliefs.
Any visitor of Spain should definitely start with the two major cities, the capital of Madrid and the magical Barcelona. The royal city of Madrid is truly amazing, with a variety of interesting landmarks and attractions. The true charm of the city comes mainly from its wide boulevards and exquisite architecture, the parks and the museums. There are many things to see in Madrid, but the most important ones include the Royal Palace, El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, Almudena Cathedral and many more museums and monuments. On the other hand, Barcelona is more extravagant and fascinating, with its holiday spirit, its nightlife and beaches. It also features its own set of great sights, the most interesting and popular being the Rambla Boulevard, Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Placa de Catalunya, the Montjuic Castle and Park, Maritime Museum, Picasso Museum and many more parks, museums, modernist monuments and so on.
But Spain is much more than that, with other beautiful cities and towns spread throughout its territory, with Valencia, Burgos, Bilbao, La Coruna, Valladolid and more. The more authentic charm of Spain comes from its small towns and villages that still preserve their regional character. From Galicia to Murcia and from Catalonia to Extremadura, these historical provinces have their own distinct and traditional features. Spain is also a great destination for an active holiday, with a great variety of hiking and cycling routes, adventure sports and beach destinations. Not even to mention the Balearic Islands, with incredible Majorca or crazy Ibiza. All these and much more like exquisite cuisine, vibrant nightlife and so on, make the real Spain that every traveler gets to love.
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Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel offers 5-star accommodation in Madrid, next to Paseo de la Castellana. It is located on a 20th century listed building beautifully decorated with a belle-époque design. The hotel features a modern décor, offering an urban and cosmopolitan spirit, merged with up-to-date technologies. All rooms come with a private bathroom with high-end toiletries, bathrobe and slippers.
Portugal
Portugal is a truly magical destination by all standards and one of the places anyone should visit at least once. Everyone assumes they know what Portugal is about just because it is in Europe, but the truth is that this country is extremely surprising, packing a unique experience as a European destination. Portugal is located in the Iberian Peninsula, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Spain to the east. Despite is rather small size; Portugal was the starting point of a huge colonial empire that stretched from Africa to South America.
Portugal is a truly amazing place, combining some of the most diverse and condensed attractions on the continent, rapidly passing from beautiful cities to remote villages, from high mountains to the serene beaches, from lush valleys to dry deserts. Overlooked in comparison to destinations like France, Spain or Italy, Portugal has preserved much of its authentic charm and feel. There are many things to say about Portugal, starting with its most impressive cities, such as Lisbon, the enchanting capital with its incredible monuments and atmosphere. There are many things to see in Lisbon, including Sao Jorge Castle, the Cristo Rei monumental statue, the Belem neighborhood, as well as the museums, parks, funiculars and so on. Another great destination is Porto with its UNESCO World Heritage historical center, its famous wine and the exquisite scenery.
Among the other cities and towns of Portugal, some make incredibly interesting experiences, such as Sintra, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Coimbra, Amarante and many others. Beyond these destinations, the rural side of the country is also fascinating, with traditional and authentic villages. Portugal is also famous for its idyllic beaches that stretch along its infinite shores. From the ones close to Lisbon to the popular resort of Algarve and from the beaches in the islands of Madeira or Azores to the ones of Alentejo, these destinations are excellent for all types of water activities, including some of the best surfing in Europe. Portugal has been named one of the best golfing destinations in the world, with perfect courses in magnificent places. There is much more to discover in this amazing country, not even mentioning the mountains and the natural protected areas, great for hiking and other adventures.
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The 5-star Altis Avenida Hotel offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Lisbon city. Altis Avenida Hotel is housed in a historical building, where guests will find a mix of traditional Portuguese architecture and design inspired by Art Deco. The plush rooms feature signature retro-style furniture with the soft shades of the leather headboards. Some rooms offer views of Lisbon’s historical downtown and balconies.
Greece
Greece and most specifically the ancient Greek is one of the cradles of Western civilizations, giving the world much more than democracy, theatre, philosophy or the Olympic Games. Greece is located in southern Europe and is described by its overwhelming islands, each with its own marvels and features. From Athens to Rhodes and from Corinth to Crete, Greece today has become one of the most popular and famous tourist destinations in the world, with hundreds of beautiful places to see and experience.
Visitors of Greece usually start with Athens, one of the most influential city in the ancient world and one of the most beautiful cities today, with a high concentration of cultural landmarks. The Acropolis of Athens still draws visitors like a magnet, fascinated by the rich history of this place and its significance for mankind. Starting with the largest temple of the complex, the famous Parthenon, and continuing with inspiring temples and monuments, such as the Erectheion, the temple of Athena and others, this is the place to see ancient Greece.
Many other treasures are present everywhere within the city, including its museums, the most important attractions including Syntagma Square, Plaka and Monastiraki districts, New Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, Ancient Agora, Museum of Cycladic Art, Temple of Olympian Zeus and so on. Other interesting and fascinating destinations on the mainland include Thessaloniki, Delphi, Meteora, Mount Athos, Olympia, Larissa, Patra and many more.
Practically, everywhere you look on the mainland there are either old villages with authentic traditions, beautiful landscapes or archaeological vestiges. But to truly understand what Greece stands for, travelers must also travel to the islands, spread on all sides and exhibiting a multitude of local influences. Known mostly for their amazing beaches, these islands are also natural heavens, many still preserving the traditional Greek villages with white and blue houses and olive orchards.
Beyond their beaches and the amazing water activities, islands like Rhodes, Santorini, Crete, Zakynthos, Corfu, Thasos, Mykonos and at least a dozen more, are truly inspirational. The ancient civilizations that inhabited these islands, the unbelievable legends and myths of the old ages, the picturesque views and panoramas, the cruises that stop in each place, everything in Greece seems like a fairytale.
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Santorini Kastelli Resort enjoys a secluded location just 2 minutes’ walk from the beach of Kamari. Surrounded by fragrant gardens and lush lawns, the 5-star resort offers 2 swimming pools, a spa and a poolside bar restaurant. Each with a cheerful décor, the elegant rooms open to terraces or balconies with a view to the lush gardens or the main pool.
Germany
Germany or the Federal Republic of Germany is a rather big country located in Central and Western Europe. Germany is bordered by Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Switzerland and Austria to the south, France, Belgium and the Netherlands to the west, while the North Sea, Denmark and the Baltic Sea form its northern border. Germany is one of the largest countries in Europe, both by size and population, with almost 82 million people. The landscape of Germany is varied, with the mountainous south formed by the Alps, to the forested hilly uplands in the centre and the lowlands in the north, towards the Baltic and North Sea. The territory of the country is also shaped by the Rhine, the Danube and the Elbe rivers. Germany is one of the most industrially and economically developed countries in the world. Marked by the destruction of the two World Wars and the tragedies of the past, Germany continues to have a rich and interesting natural and cultural heritage.
Germany has one of the finest and richest cultural heritages in the world, with select destinations and charming landmarks, from small charming towns with a romantic atmosphere to big modern cities with an old heritage, from small churches to grand cathedrals, from exquisite museums to beautiful monuments. This fact is attested by the great number of UNESCO world heritage site, counting no less than 37 of them. The most important and impressive are: Cathedral of Aachen, Old Town of Bamberg, Museum Island in Berlin, Town Hall of Bremen, Cathedral of Cologne, Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Landscape, Cathedral and Church in Hildesheim, Historical Centre of Lubeck, Monastery Complex of Maulbronn, Prussian Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin, Old Town of Regensburg, Roman Limes, The Wadden Sea, Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Classical Weimar and many others.
These are not the only cultural landmarks of the country, with countless treasures hidden in small town and villages. But Germany is also a country of great natural diversity, with beautiful landscapes, going from the mountains to the sea. There are many protected areas in the country, the most interesting ones being the national parks, protecting places of great richness and charm. Germany has no less than thirteen national parks, each one with its own special look and feel: Bavarian Forest National Park, Berchtesgaden National Park, Eifel National Park, Hainich National Park, Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park, Harz National Park, Jasmund National Park, Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Lower Saxony Wadder Sea National Park, Muritz National Park, Lower Oder Valley National Park, Saxon Switzerland National Park, Schelswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Western Pomeranian Boddenlandschaft National Park.
Germany is also one of the best places to have an active holiday, with countless opportunities for tourist activities, from hiking and cycling, to more adventurous ones. Another part of the heritage of the country is linked to its richness in mineral and thermal waters, being a great destination of spa and wellness tourism. If you need another reason to visit Germany, it also has one of the most delicious gastronomies in the world, with various specialties and who could forget about the famous German beer.
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Located in the center of the beautiful city of Augsburg, this historical luxury hotel features unique rooms with splendid furnishings and decor, high quality services, an amazing Michelin star restaurant and a spa area!
Austria
Most travelers associate Austria with the ultimate winter destination, packed with world class mountain resorts and wonderful alpine landscapes and Austria is exactly that but also so much more. Those that truly discover the charm of this rather small country that stretches over the Alps and several amazing valleys can testify that the destination is truly diverse and enchanting. Beyond the beautiful picturesque mountain landscapes, there are also magnificent castles, imperial cities, authentic villages and everything in between.
If you have ever seen those famous posters with wooden lodges in green pastures one the background of white mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes, the destination is just like that. There is an incredible amount of things to see and do in Austria, starting from the impetuous capital of Vienna and several other fascinating cities and towns, continuing through the mountains with their resorts, hiking routes and villages.
Any travel guide or tour of Austria usually starts with Vienna, the imposing and sumptuous imperial capital, with its elegant streets and wealth of palaces, museums and architectural attractions. The entire historical center of Vienna is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a rich cultural, historical and religious heritage coming from the times when it was the capital of a large empire that stretched over much of central and southeastern Europe.
Among the most famous and popular tourist attractions of Vienna, we can certainly include the Hofburg Imperial Palace that occupies much of the old center, today a fascinating museum, the impressive twin museums of Art and Natural History, the magnificent Stephansdom Cathedral, the City Hall of Vienna, the large Schonbrunn Castle, the Belvedere Palace, the Opera House, the Danube Tower and many other museums, parks, monuments and elegant avenues.
The other cities of Austria are equally fascinating, starting with Salzburg, the city of Mozart and its imposing castle, and continuing with marvelous destinations like Innsbruck, Graz, Linz, Klagenfurt and others. The other side of Austria can be discovered in the mountains, upon admiring the authentic landscapes of the Alps, hiking across the dense network of charming trails and skiing in one of the many mountains resorts.
While Austria is a modern country in all meanings, there are still traditional and authentic villages with the typical wooden architecture and the specific atmosphere. Among the most famous mountain destinations of Austria, we can include places like Kaprun, Zell am See, St. Anton, Kitzbuehel, Solden, Mayrhofen and many others. The best of Austria experience can include both a tour of the charming cities, but also some time spent far away from civilization, in a remote lodge surrounded by the tall peaks of the mountains and the idyllic green scenery.
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Located close to the center of Vienna, this highly appreciated hotel features superb superior rooms with all the necessary amenities, high quality services and a lovely atmosphere!
Turkey
Turkey is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in the world, a crossroad of civilizations and religions, today’s Turkey holds the heritage of the older and much larger Ottoman Empire, of the Byzantine Empire, of ancient Roman and Greek settlers and even further down the path of time. Turkey is located on two continents, with a small part in Eastern Thrace and the majority of the territory in Western Anatolia, on the Asian part. Turkey is bordered by eight countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, Syria and an Azerbaijani enclave) and three seas: the Black Sea to the north, the Aegean to the west and the Mediterranean to the south. The landscape of the country is dominated by mountains and coastline. 97% of Turkey is situated mostly in Asian Anatolia, where the Koroglu, Pontic and Taurus mountain ranges stretch over most of its territory. Turkey is a large country, with many geographical features. It has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world, mainly due to the cultural heritage and beach holidays in its many resorts.
Turkey holds one of the richest and most fascinating cultural heritages in the world, with several civilizations and religions living together through the years, making it one of the most culturally diverse destinations anywhere. Starting with Istanbul, the city of two continents and the largest urban conglomeration in Europe, Turkey holds many treasures. Of great importance are the UNESCO heritage sites and Turkey has several sites of universal importance: Archaeological Site of Troy, City of Safranbolu, Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi, Hattusa the Capital City of Hittites, Historic Areas of Istanbul, Nemrut Dagi, Neolithic Site of Catalhoyuk, Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex, Xantos – Lethoon, Goreme National Park and the Rock Site of Cappadocia, Hierapolis – Pamukkale. These are just some of the many sights and cultural landmarks of this great country.
At the heart of modern tourism in Turkey stand the summer resorts along its coastline. There are dozens of destinations, some of them famous for luxury and first class services. Apart from the sandy beaches and azure waters, these resorts are usually located near great cultural landmarks or natural landscapes, offering many opportunities for visits. Turkey is one of the best countries in the world for beach destinations, with over 250 Blue Flag beaches all along its coastline. The best summer destinations in Turkey are: Kusadasi, Marmaris, Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, Fethiye, Dalyan, Kemer, Side and others. These are great spots to experience the famous Turkish hospitality, with some of the best hotel services in the world. You can also have an active holiday with countless opportunities to try all types of activities and sports.
Apart from the beaches, the landscape of Turkey is also fascinating with magnificent places all across its territory. From the high mountains to the low plains, you have a choice of great natural areas to admire and experience. Another part of the Turkish charm is the traditional culture, including its delicious cuisine, with some of the most exciting delicacies in the world. All in all, Turkey is one of the best and most diverse destinations on Earth.
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Located close to the main sights of Istanbul and featuring splendid authentic atmosphere, this well appraised boutique hotel offers beautiful rooms with unique character, a nice garden and a terrace overlooking the sea!
Poland
Poland is a rather large country in central Europe, bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east and by the Baltic Sea, Lithuania and a Russian enclave to the north. Poland has a large population of almost 40 million people, making it the largest ex-communist country. The landscape of Poland is varied and characterized by the disposition in steps, from the mountainous south, to the hilly lowlands in the centre and north and the coastline of the Baltic Sea in the north. Despite of the massive destruction occurred during World War II, Poland has managed to preserve most of its cultural heritage, including some treasures that could rival the best destinations in the world.
Poland features a rich and inciting cultural heritage, starting with several exceptional sights that have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, offering great opportunities for discovery. These sights include: Cracow Historic Centre, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Belovezhskaya Pushcha/Bialowieza Forest, Historic Centre of Warsaw, Old City of Zamosc, Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, Medieval Town of Torun, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica, Wooden Churches in Southern Little Poland, Muskauer Park and Centennial Hall in Wroclaw. These extraordinary landmarks are truly the best things that Poland has to offer in terms of cultural heritage.
There are surely many other things to see and do in Poland, beginning with the magnificent cities and towns. The capital of the country is Warsaw and while there are many things to do and see in this city, the historic and cultural capital of the country is Krakow, with a fascinating cultural heritage, including a captivating city centre and the Wawel Castle, as well as a quarter of the museums in the country. Other beautiful and attractive cities and towns are Wroclaw, Lodz, Gdansk and others. Apart from these big cities, there are exceptional small towns with a unique character and look, a rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Some of the best and most fascinating natural landscapes can be found in Poland, from the high mountains in the south, to the green lowlands in the centre and north. Some of the wildest and most beautiful forests in Europe can still be found in Poland. This is the case of the Puszcza Bialowieska, the last natural lowland forest on the continent, designated as a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO site. There are 23 national parks in Poland, each one featuring a different kind of landscape and wild species. A special mention should be made about the mountains in the south of the country, with excellent hiking trails. Another important natural area is the coast of the Baltic Sea, with some beautiful and still wild landscapes.
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Located in the city center of Krakow, just a few minutes from the Royal Castle, this prestigious and amazingly rated hotel offers quality accommodation in superior rooms with beautiful decor, a modern restaurant, terrace, a cozy bar and much more!
Netherlands
While most people who travel to the Netherlands for the first time will most probably land in Amsterdam and discover the fascinating capital without ever setting foot in the rest of the country, there are a wide variety of destinations to be discovered and experienced. The Netherlands is an extremely pleasant and interesting travel destination, even beyond the canals and museums of Amsterdam, with some unique and authentic attractions and landmarks, starting from the famous windmills and tulip fields, continuing with the small traditional villages and towns, all on the backdrop of the specific green plains of the country. For travelers that are sick of the city and have seen everything there is to see in Amsterdam, there are a number of good alternative to try, starting with the city of Rotterdam, the biggest port in Europe and one of the biggest in the world.
With its modern architecture and determined atmosphere, Rotterdam is located about 55 kilometers away from the capital and features some interesting landmarks, including interesting museums, charming monuments and several windmills, as well as an inciting zoo garden. Another great escape is the old city of Utrecht, with its impressive Domchurch, beautiful architecture and several museums. Utrecht is located about 30 km away from Amsterdam, while another destination, Maastricht, is about 200 km to the south. The latter exhibits an old and charming historical center and a rich cultural scene. Another interesting visit can be experienced in Nijmegen, the oldest city of the country with over two millennia of history, much of which is displayed in its old centre and its museums.
Other exceptional cities with beautiful and authentic architecture include Arnhem, Delft, Hague, all of them in short distance from Amsterdam. These are only the main urban destinations, as the Netherlands features a wide variety of attractions, from traditional Dutch villages, colorful tulips fields, islands and canals. Among the most famous and popular destinations, rewarding trips include the Keukenhof, just south of Amsterdam, in the Bulb Region, especially fascinating during the flower blossoms in spring, the Kinderdij area close to Rotterdam with their authentic windmills, the traditional wooden houses and windmills of the Waterland and Zaan regions, the Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Efteling theme park and many more. While there are plenty of things to do while visiting the countryside, nothing beats a cycling tour of the Netherlands, an especially popular activity for Dutch people.
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Located inside a beautiful historical building in the center of Amsterdam, close to the main sights, this prestigious hotel offers a unique atmosphere and experience, offering splendid rooms with nice ambiance and all amenities, as well as a modern restaurant with European cuisine!
Finland
While any place on Earth can represent a travel destination for someone, there are certain places where everyone goes or at least has heard of, more than necessary after some point. But luckily, there are also those places that few people know what they are all about, mysterious and authentic destinations that only some fortunate travelers get to discover. This is also the case for Finland, a country in the far north of Europe, yet amazingly green and characterized by its thousands of lakes and islands. The country of reindeer, Santa Claus and the Northern Lights, Finland has many things to offer to avid adventurers, beyond its peaceful and organized towns and villages, lays the magnificent wilderness, a land where one can find nature at its best. A natural heaven at its core, the country is also a pleasant cultural destination, with many fascinating cities and towns.
The capital of Helsinki is simply elegant and charming, a combination of Russian and Nordic architecture, with the added charm of modern cities. Although small in comparison with other European capitals, Helsinki packs a veritable experience, with many interesting and inspiring landmarks and things to do. Among the highlights of the capital, visitors should definitely include the magnificent Suonmenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating discovery, the charming Senate Square, the Seurasaari Open Air Museum which presents the traditional architecture of rural Finland, Helsinki Zoo, the Lutheran Church, the many museums and so on. The city is also worth a visit for its shopping, cuisine and entertainment scene. While there are other urban destinations in Finland, most can only be thought of as towns, the most interesting including Rovaniemi, Savonlinna, Tampere, Turku and others.
But beyond the wonderful towns and the authentic villages, Finland is mostly made of amazing natural landscapes, although lacking tall mountains; it still has something special and enticing. With almost 200,000 lakes and almost the same amount of islands, the country is a boating heaven, one of the most popular transportation means for Finnish people. There are few things that can compare to visiting a national park and finding your own deserted island. The north can transform to a real Arctic area in the winter, with magnificent spectacles of the Northern Lights. The Nuuksio, Riisitunturi or the Salamajarvi National Parks are just some examples from the unique natural destinations of Finland. The northern Lapland is the perfect place to try cross-country skiing or reindeer sledging, among others. It is also the place to look for Santa Claus, starting from the already world famous town of Rovaniemi.
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Located in the far north of Finland, this unique lodging experience features superb and recently renovated chalets, all equipped with everything from bathrooms to kitchenettes, as well as a family friendly restaurant with local and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy a wealth of specific Finnish activities!
Romania
When many other travel destinations of the world have long lost most of their authenticity and traditional side, there are still places like Romania where times seem to have another notion, with villages where life seems to continue its rhythm for centuries. One of these destinations is Romania, the last secret of Europe, a country overlooked by travelers for decades, but now in the spotlight due to its extreme originality, combining the stunning scenery of the Carpathians with some of the last wildlife habitats on the continent, the fascinating traditional culture and the medieval towns that still have soul, the idyllic Danube Delta with the painted monasteries and everything in between.
Romania is a country of contrasts which seems to be stuck forever between the charming traditionalism and the industrial development, nevertheless one of the most unique and inspiring destinations in the world. Among the best things to see and do in Romania, most tourists arrive in Bucharest and although it isn’t perceived as one of the biggest capitals of Europe, it offers an amazing experience, a mix of Parisian elegance and Balkan charm. It is a great destination for cultural and entertainment visits, with cheap accommodation and dining, great life in the Old Town and the imposing House of Parliament. Among its other highlights, the History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Art Museum, the Village Museum, the Athenaeum, Victory Street and many other make for an inciting visit.
There are many other beautiful and interesting cities and towns to visit in Romania, including magical places like Sibiu, Brasov, Timisoara, Iași, Cluj-Napoca, Târgu-Jiu, Constanta and many others. Beyond the cities, the rural area of Romania is simply fascinating, with traditional customs and wonderful scenery. Throughout the diverse lands of Romania, there are also other inspiring attractions, beginning with the unbelievable orthodox monasteries of Bucovina and northern Oltenia, the wooden churches of Maramureș, the exceptional Bran, Peleș or Hunedoara Castle, the fortified churches of Transylvania and many others. Although many people visit the cities, the true magnificence of the destination can best be felt by exploring the countryside and the wild nature, beginning with the awesome Carpathian Mountains, with some of the wildest and most beautiful landscapes, with canyons and caves, tall peaks and glacial lakes, places where human touch has yet to be felt. There is hundreds of hiking paths and routes across these mountains, hundreds of opportunities to be amazed and inspired. The Danube Delta, the Black Sea beaches, the endless plains and other highlights make up a unique and enchanting destination.
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Centrally located near the Cismigiu Central Park, away from Bucharest’s noisy boulevards, Epoque is a stylishly and elegantly decorated boutique hotel with spacious and air-conditioned rooms, a spa center, an indoor pool and a fitness center. Guests can taste the refined French Haute Cuisine with a contemporary touch in L’atelier Restaurant.