Arts & heritage
Flanders has a deep and rich cultural heritage that goes back hundreds of years. The region has a multitude of world-class museums, galleries and art centres and a wealth of art events throughout the year. With artists including Jan van Eyck and James Ensor, as well as sculptors and photographers, art lovers will find plenty to immerse themselves in on a trip to Flanders.

Belgian design
An appetite for design? Discover the flourishing design scene in Flanders. Admire the creations of internationally renowned people such as Victor Horta and Henry Van de Velde. Visit interesting museums, fairs, exhibitions and shops in Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels and Kortrijk. You immediately notice that Flanders has a long and rich history in creativity.

Major international artists paved the way for a very wide palette of contemporary designers specialized in the most diverse disciplines including jewelry, ceramics, furniture and textile design. We have plenty of talent that creates exceptional work at an international level.

Belgian fashion
When it comes to fashion, Belgium has a rich history, but also a very lively contemporary fashion scene.

In terms of fashion, Antwerp has a unique story to tell. In fact it all began in 1663, when the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp was founded. The Academy soon developed into an internationally acclaimed institute for Fine Arts, Architecture and Design, visited by artists and designers such as Henry Van de Velde and Vincent van Gogh.

In 1963 the prestigious Fashion Department of the Academy opened its doors. The Fashion Department became world leading in the early eighties and “The Antwerp Six” were a hot issue in the media.

In the 21st century Antwerp still has a unique fashion story to tell. The city prides itself on workshops and stores of fashion talent. Add to this the trendy flagship stores and exclusive store concepts, and you pretty much get a complete picture of fashion in Antwerp. Thanks to all these different facets, Antwerp is considered an outstanding fashion and shopping city, with good reason. Explore and discover fashioninantwerp.

But there is more!
While the Antwerp style is often described as avant-garde and dark, Brussels style is well known for its romantic and playful fashion. Each year new talent graduates from the Brussels “La Cambre” fashion school. Ghent is a rising star on the fashion front. In Ghent you will spent a cozy time for shopping. It is specialized in vintage.

Comics
Belgian comics are a distinct subgroup in the comics history, and played a major role in the development of European comics, alongside France with whom they share a long common history.

While the comics in the two major language groups and regions of Belgium each have clearly distinct characteristics, they are constantly influencing one another, and meeting each other in Brussels and in the bilingual publication tradition of the major editors.

As one of the few arts where Belgium has had an international and enduring impact in the twentieth century, comics are known to be “an integral part of Belgian culture”.

Cycling in Flanders
Flanders is a paradise for cyclists. Are you ready to get on your bike and explore its beautiful sceneries, picturesque villages and artistic cities? You will find all the information you need in our leisure pages, from interesting routes and bike rental, to bicycle-friendly accommodations.

If you are a cycling-race enthusiast, a trip to Flanders is nothing less than a pilgrimage to the most hallowed grounds in the sport. Read on and find out more about cycling events, musea, routes to explore, inspiring stories, and more.

Flanders wants to be an enjoyable cycling destination for everyone: tourists of all ages, with or without disabilities or care needs, etc. Therefore, we are happy to help you if you have additional needs or questions when planning a trip to Flanders.

Flanders Fields
From 1914 to 1918, Flanders Fields was a major battle theatre on the Western Front during the First World War. A million soldiers from more than 50 different countries were wounded, missing or killed in action here. Entire cities and villages were destroyed, their population scattered across Europe and beyond. The destruction of the city of Ypres and the brutal conditions endured during the Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) became worldwide symbols for the senselessness of war. Today, the peaceful region still bears witness to this history through its monuments, museums, cemeteries and the countless individual stories that link it with the world.

In Flanders Fields
Remembrance of the First World War will always live on in Flanders. In places such as the Menin Gate, where the Last Post sounds every evening, Tyne Cot Memorial and Cemetery (the largest Commonwealth military cemetery in the world) and the many, many memorials dedicated to the fallen and the missing. Also, the poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’, by John McCrae, went on to inspire the use of the poppy, which once grew on the battlefields of Flanders Fields, to become an enduring symbol of remembrance across the world.

Learn the stories, experience the places and discover the history of Flanders Fields.

Flanders is a festival
Flanders is the ultimate place to experience a festival atmosphere during summer. Whether you’re looking to rock out with your favourite band, chill out to some relaxing jazz or party all night with top international dance DJ’s, with more than 280 festivals and 10,000² miles of festival ground across Flanders you’re certain to find something that suits you.

Set against a backdrop of lively cities like Brussels and Antwerp or located among the medieval marvels of Bruges and Ghent, you’ll have an experience you’ll never forget. For festival fun that will make your summer, look no further.

From Flanders with food
Love of food and flavour is in a Fleming’s blood, and good taste is rooted in our DNA. We are living the good life. We have fries, beer and chocolate, but there is so much more to discover. Small-scale microbreweries are emerging, young chefs are innovating in the kitchen with zero waste, experimenting with local ingredients. Chocolatiers are redefining the classic praline, and street food is taking over our streets. Expertise and know-how are passed down from parent to child. A creative young generation is breathing new life into our traditions. That’s what keeps our culinary heritage alive.

Discover Flemish cuisine
With its 94 Michelin-starred restaurants, Flanders has one of the world’s highest densities of top-class eateries. So, anyone who want to eat at the highest level in Flanders will have no difficulty. However, Flanders has a great offer for everyone’s budget. Take a look in the Bistronomie guide for a collection of the best no-nonsense restaurants in Belgium. Or find all restaurants by city on Resto.be.

We offer you Flemish craftsmanship, a delight at any table.
That’s why real Foodies come to Flanders!

Handmade in Flanders
Flanders has a rich history in arts and crafts. Throughout the century it has never lost its authentic way of working. Nowadays, we can still experience the traditions from the past…with a contemporary touch.

The trade of tapestry making began in Flanders in the 13th century. Thanks to their high quality and extended use of colour, Flemish tapestries soon rose in popularity throughout Europe. Up until now, they are an integral part of our cultural heritage.

Sophisticated craftsmanship and elegant fashion meet each other in the world of lace. With many contemporary designers still making gorgeous creations today, it is definitely a story worth discovering.

Looking for something more luxurious? Immerse yourself in the brilliant world of diamonds in Flanders.

Red Star Line
The Red Star Line was a legendary shipping company, which carried 2.6 million passengers – mostly from Central and Eastern Europe – from Antwerp to New York and Philadelphia. The company was founded in Philadelphia in 1871, as a joint venture between Americans and Belgians.
In September 2013, the Red Star Line Museum opened in the historic warehouses of the Red Star Line shipping company in Antwerp. Visitors to the museum can embark on a moving journey, retracing the footsteps of emigrants such as Irving Berlin, Albert Einstein and Golda Meir.

Flanders Fields
Flanders commemorates the Great War
In 1914, the German army marched through Belgium en route to France, the start of a war that would affect many nations. The majority of the country was occupied. Only the ‘Westhoek’ part of Flanders remained free from occupation, and was part of the Western Front. For 4 years, the region was the site of a hopeless trench war, with countless victims. ‘A lost generation’.

Now, a century later, the Great War is being commemorated throughout the world. In Flanders, numerous museums, exhibitions and events offer you the opportunity to engage with the history of the war, understand how nations got involved and refl ect on the impact of the First World War for us today, and the message of peace and remembrance for the future.

The Flemish Coast
Discover the beautiful and scenic Flemish coast
The coast’s 42 miles long stretch of sandy coastline has 13 resorts, each with its own character and unique atmosphere. The sandy beaches are ideal for children. The beaches shelve gently out to sea, and life guards ensure everyone’s safety. Sunbathers have found that they acquire a healthier tan here than in southern Europe, thanks to the iodine and salt in the air.

The Flemish coast offers a wide range of sport and recreation facilities : here you can hire a bicycle or a buggy, or go sailing or fishing. The wide beach is ideal for ball games, horse riding and beach surfing. And there is more: take a stroll along the beach promenades, great shopping in fancy stores that are also open on Sunday and great food and local specialties are offered in a wide variety of restaurants.

The resorts are well connected by public transport: de “Kusttram” drives all the way from Knokke to De Panne. A cheap, easy and pleasant way to explore the Flemish coast. Close by, there is Bruges, one of Belgium’s finest cities of art. A visit to this historic city is a must.

The summer months are the busiest period for the coast. However, other seasons have their own charm, even if sunbathing is not part of it.

Antwerp
Antwerp, Stylish to a Fault
Whether you’re in the central train station or MAS, the remarkable town museum, it’s impossible not to find the architecture attractive. It ranges from medieval buildings like the impressive town hall and square, to the contemporary courthouse, to numerous Art Nouveau gems in between. From stylish buildings to well dressed window displays, Antwerp is a good-looking city.

This isn’t a new accolade either as it was one of the greatest, richest cities in all of Europe in the 1500’s. A century later, the iconic Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens called Antwerp his home, along with Anthony Van Dyck. In more recent years, canvas has been replaced by cotton and the artists of note are fashion designers. This city is home to world-renowned shopping, the famous Antwerp Six and a bustling diamond trade.

Bruges
Bruges, Picture Perfect
When one imagines Belgium, they often are thinking of Bruges. Canals loop across the town like a string of pearls, creating the well-earned moniker of ‘the Venice of the North’. With cobblestone paths, brick archways, stone churches and quaint bridges, it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photograph. The addition of swans on the water, horse drawn carriages in the lanes and daffodils in the park make it nearly magical.

Listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bruges has the best-preserved example of a medieval city centre, with its bell tower leaving over the wide open market. With the centre closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, although a boat ride along the quiet canals is something not to be missed.

While a small city, to truly uncover the many pleasures around each corner, from lace boutiques and chocolates shops to architectural and historical treasures, give yourself plenty of time to get happily lost.

Ghent
Ghent, Europe’s Best Kept Secret
The undiscovered Flemish jewel of a city boasts an opera house, a handful of museums, even more ancient churches, and countless bridges spanning the two rivers that wind themselves through the city. The true joy of the town is to be found whiling away an afternoon in an outdoor café. Whether your wrapped under blankets sipping a coffee in the winter or sunning yourself in the springtime with a cold Belgium brew, you will fit in with the locals if you simply enjoy the great atmosphere this town offers. If possible, find a seat on the Graslei, a scenic canal spot in the centre of town, with a great view on the many bridges, grand houses and medieval buildings.

Alternatively, hop on a bike and explore the nearby Patershol district with a small labyrinth of charming cobblestone streets, the towering Gravensteen Castle and Unesco recognised bell tower. The laid back atmosphere of this liveable, lovable city means enjoying the vibrant nightlight of a university town then quaffing cava at the flower market the following Sunday morning.

Leuven
Leuven, Mecca of Books and Beer
A vibrant student population and a rich history combine in the city of Leuven, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities (KU Leuven), founded in 1425. The university, one of the most important in Europe, has its roots in the centre of Leuven, and its historic college buildings dominate many of the squares and streets. A few lucky students even have the distinct privilege of living in the 13th century stone beguinage, a UNESCO world heritage site worthy of a visit. 28,000 students and professors lend a distinctly youthful atmosphere to the city. Or perhaps it’s the beer!

Leuven is Belgium’s reigning brewing capital – no small feat in a country that produces hundreds of delicious varieties. Leuven is the headquarters of Inbev, the second largest brewery in the world, famous for Stella Artois beers. Centuries of Flemish tradition and craftsmanship lie behind Leuven’s premium brews. Leuven is a great place for the curious traveller with time to explore. It is an intimate city; any spot can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle.

Mechelen
Mechelen, Beers, Bells and Tapestries
Mechelen is a small and picturesque city that is big on charm and history, thriving with quaint shops, car-free areas and pleasant little squares. The grace of centuries-old palaces and majestic churches appeals to everyone. There are no less than 336 listed buildings and monuments, including eight gothic and baroque churches from the 14th-17th century. The Begijnhofkerk is especially unique, with its feminine art schemes and pastel colours.

Mechelen is a city for all ages. Young people can actively enjoy themselves in the Toy Museum or the Tivoli Children’s Farm, whereas the young at heart can entertain themselves at the Anker, one of the oldest operating breweries in Belgium. Students from all over the world come to learn to play church bells at Mechelen’s carillon school. Sitting outside on the terrace of a cafe sipping a local beer while listening to the bell music coming from the sky is nothing short of delightful. It is also home to one of the last remaining places in the world that restores and repairs antique tapestries, at Royal Manufacturers De Wit.

No matter what time of the year you choose to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’ll find something going on. Thanks in part to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rich culture and love of celebration, there’s never a quiet moment in even the smallest of towns. You’ll find arts presentations and cutting-edge cultural commentary in Sarajevo and Banja Luka, while smaller cities offer more traditional festivals, including winter sports competitions and countless religious celebrations.

Be sure to check out Bosnia-Herzegovina’s festival schedule to choose the right time to travel there! Choose from contemporary showings and traditional events to see different sides of this diverse country.

International Sarajevo Winter Festival (February/Winter)
The International Winter Festival attracts exhibits from all over the world, including contemporary artistic presentations, concerts, sculpture exhibitions, and cultural commentary. Since its first year in 1984, this festival has become an indispensable part of life in Sarajevo. The International Sarajevo Winter Festival has received one of the highest awards possible, called “Sestoaprilska Negarda Sarajeva.”

Banja Luka Choir Gathering (April/May)
Enjoy a series of rich programs with some of the most beautiful voices in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Kids’ Festival (June)
The biggest independent kids’ event in southeastern Europe is a great destination for a family vacation. Keep the kids entertained with cartoon films, workshops, kiosks, jugglers, dancers, and magic shows, and maybe catch a show or two yourself!

Bascarsija Nights (July)
Bascarsija Nights is one of the most notable cultural festivals to come to Sarajevo. This month-long festival is filled with 40-50 events that span anyone’s interests. Free admission and the beautiful location of this festival has added greatly to its charm over the years. Enjoy literary events, children’s programs, classical music, films, and classical opera and ballet.

Summer on the Vrbas (July)
This traditional event is held near the Kastel Fortress. What makes this festival unique is its blend of athletic events and cultural pursuits. Both artists and athletes display their impressive skills and abilities, so from kayak racing to meetings of artistic associations, there’s no way that visitors won’t find something just right.

Sarajevo Film Festival (August)
The Sarajevo Film Festival focuses on regional films, both long and short, and a variety of genres to choose from. Whether you’re a film buff or someone interested in taking in the culture of Bosnia-Herzegovina, you won’t be disappointed in this fantastic event and meeting place for artists all over the globe.

Banja Luka Summer Games (August)
Life returns to the area around Banja Luka’s historic Kastel as the Summer Games draw masses from Bosnia-Herzegovina and beyond. Enjoy a youthful spirit in the balmy city, while onlookers champion (and even rival) the outstanding athletes of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s past. As training conditions improve every year, it’s just a matter of time before Olympic gold medals flood Banja Luka again.

MESS Theater Festival (October)
This festival takes place every October, and has been since 1960. MESS, which stands for Small Experimental Stage, offers theater and modern dance performances are hand selected from all Europe. You can explore lots of creative performances that span many different cultures and languages, sometimes providing on-stage translators for specific events.

Jazzfest Sarajevo (November)
Jazzfest is Sarajevo’s jazz scene at its finest. This internationally-minded festival blends perfectly with the strong cafe culture that has regained its strength in Sarajevo. Any jazz lover should mark this festival as the perfect opportunity to experience jazz in an original, European setting.

When you travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, be sure that you enjoy traditional dishes. Food in Bosnia and Herzegovina puts a spin on Balkan entrees and has a little something for every traveler, whether you love a good steak or you’re strictly veggie.

Appetizers
Bosnian food can be rich, but not in an unhealthy or unappetizing way. Fresh ingredients and whole foods make meals from Bosnia and Herzegovina totally appealing.

Start your day with a simple breakfast. The usual morning meal is a kwizija, or hearty meal. Stock up on a variety of small courses that include scrambled eggs and bread with a spread like jam, butter, and honey. Drink a strong, traditional coffee with a dash sweet sugar, or a cup of black tea. The feature of the breakfast is a soft white cheese straight from the farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s countryside.

Entrees
If you like meat and potato courses, you’ll be thrilled with the options you will find for entree selections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lunch is generally the largest meal of the day, so find the most intriguing restaurant in town and indulge!

Try dishes like the Bosnian bosanki lonac, a slow-roasted pot of meat and vegetables, or japrak, made up of cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory filling. If you are traveling in Mostar, try the trout, which is a specialty to the area. A buttery, flaky texture awaits, and is one option for someone who loves fish.

Dinner in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally light. You’ll probably have it after 8:00 p.m., and for Americans and the British, this may seem quite late. Pack a snack of some Bosnian sweets to tide you over, like a tiny square of baklava, normally reserved for special occasions amongst Bosnians.

If you take advantage of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s surprisingly lively nightlife, try the Bosnian fast food called when you’re out late. This food may be fast but is actually quite traditional, dating back nearly 400 years! Your Bosnian cevaps, as they are nicknamed, will be made up of small sausages and chopped onions, folded in a pita bread called somun.

Drinks
Locally-produced wines and brandies spoil any connoisseur for choice. Sample the rakija, which is available in lots of fruit flavors like plum and grape.

Desserts
Besides the famous baklava, desserts often have fresh fruit and cream as main ingredients. Try the tufahijia, which is a delicious dessert dish made from apples filled with walnuts, and then topped with a rich layer of whipped cream. If you are partial to pudding, have the krempita, with a creamy, soft flavor similar to cheesecake. If you have room, you’ll want to try this delicious Bosnian food.

What makes Bosnian food even better is the overwhelming sense of hospitality and warmth. You’ll be offered cookies, cakes, sweets, coffee, meat platters, and cheese samplers, and once you start sampling, you won’t be able to stop. Just be sure to save room for the main course!

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most diverse countries in former Yugoslavia, and you will feel this almost immediately when you visit. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, three groups make up the greatest percentage of the population: the Bosnians, Croats, and the Serbs. You can also find Jews, Romanian, Albanians, and Turks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this rich blend of culture and beliefs, you’ll feel steeped in a very old and complex way of life. Enjoy it!

Home Life in Bosnian Culture
In the countryside in Bosnia and Herzegovina, families usually live in houses of brick, stone, or wood. Countryside homes were traditionally zadrugas, which were made up of several families living on a common land. Families shared the farming responsibilities to lighten the workload of farming a great deal. Today, you will still find a great community atmosphere in small villages and suburban city regions alike.

Many Bosnians are Muslims, and if you plan home visits during your travels, keep in mind that removing your shoes is regular practice in Muslim households. Slippers are generally provided by the host when you visit Bosnian homes.

Family Life in Bosnian Culture
Elders are respected in Bosnian culture and are considered extremely important members of the family. Their opinions and wishes are always handled with the utmost care.

In fact, family life in general may seem more formal, including the relationship between parents and children. Bosnian culture still maintains extended family groups, which means that the grandparents live with their adult children and care for the children while the parents are at work. Godparenting is commonly practiced, and all children are raised with values respecting their older relatives and knowing that they will most likely care for older relatives later on.

Families were affected by the war in the 1990s, which visitors should keep in mind. Some families have been broken up and are now headed by widows after husbands were lost to the conflict. In addition, different areas reached a higher concentration during the war. More people moved into cities from the countryside, where they remain today. Suburban areas became much more heavily populated in the mid-1990s, adding even more personality to these already diverse areas.

Women and Marriage in Bosnian Culture
Women usually work outside of their homes in cities and large towns. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, women have equal political and economic rights. In many families, women may be more responsible for household tasks like food shopping, household chores, and childcare, particularly in more rural Bosnian regions.

Food in Bosnian Culture
You’ll find that no matter which cuisine you choose to sample, it most likely combines delicious roasted meats, stewed vegetables, and bread in a bevy of combination. Have a traditional Bosnian stew of cabbage and meat, and burek and pida, which are layered meat and cheese pies. Try baklava, a Turkish sweet, to finish off your meal.

Bosnian Culture Tourist Tips
*In Bosnia and Herzegovina, tipping in bars and restaurants is expected. In smaller restaurants, it’s not customary but is always appreciated. Aim for 5-10% of the total.

*Use caution when discussing politics. While many Bosnians are both friendly and enthusiastic to talk about any subject, it’s recommended that you listen to political opinions and not necessarily voice yours.

The territory of Bulgaria has been inhabited since antiquity, as the country’s many ancient settlements and burial mounds attest. Present-day Bulgaria was a cradle of some of the earliest civilizations in Europe – the oldest gold ornament ever discovered, unearthed in the Chalcholite necropolis near Varna, is evidence of that. From the age of Ancient Thrace we have inherited valuable cultural monuments, including tombs (such as the Kazanlak tomb, the Aleksandrovska tomb, and the Sveshtarska tomb); treasures (the Panagyursko, Rogozensko, and Valchitransko teasures, among others); and sanctuaries and temples (at Perperikon, Starosel, Kozi Gramadi, Begliktash, and elsewhere).

The cultural interaction between the Thracians and the Hellenistic civilization were particularly dynamic. Many cities and towns heavily influenced by Greek culture were established between 6th-2nd century BC in Thrace, Misia and along the shores of the Black Sea. In the middle of the 1st century AD, all Bulgarian lands became a part of the Roman Empire. Many architectural and archaeological monuments have been preserved from this period, such as the Ancient Theater and the Roman Stadium in Plovdiv, and remains of the Roman cities Ulpia Escus, Nove, Nikopolis ad Istrum, Nikopolis ad Nestum, Augusta Trayana, and Abritus.

After the dissolution of the Roman Empire, the present Bulgarian lands came under the control of the East Roman Empire, later called Byzantium by historians. In the second half of the 7th century, the proto-Bulgarians settled in what is now Northeast Bulgaria. They united with the Slavs to form the Bulgarian state, recognized by Byzantium in 681. The head of the state was the leader of proto-Bulgarians Han Asparuh, and the city of Pliska was declared the state’s capital.

During the reign Han Krum (803-814), to the west Bulgaria bordered on the empire of Karl the Great, and to the east the Bulgarian armies reached the gates of the Byzantium capital, Constantinople. In 864, during the reign of Prince Boris I (852-889), Bulgarians adopted Christianity as its official religion, which makes Bulgaria one of the oldest Christian states in Europe.

At the end of the 9th century, the brothers Cyril and Methodius created and disseminated the Slavonic alphabet. Ohrid and Veliki Preslav became centers of the Bulgarian and Slavonic culture. From Bulgaria, the Slavonic alphabet spread to other Slavonic states as well. To the present day, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Macedonia and Belarus still use the Cyrillic alphabet, with rules of orthography established by the students of Cyril and Methodius and their followers in the Bulgarian capital Preslav. The reign of Tsar Simeon the First (893 – 927) is famous as the Golden Age of Bulgarian Culture, and the borders of the country at that time reached to the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea.

In 1018, after protracted warfare, Bulgaria was conquered by Byzantium. In 1186, the uprising led by the boyar brothers Asen and Peter, freed Bulgaria from Byzantine rule, establishing the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, with Tarnovo as its capital.

The former might of Bulgaria was restored during the rule of their youngest brother Kaloyan (who ruled from 1197-1207), and during the reign of Tsar Ivan Asen the Second (1218-1241), the Second Bulgarian Kingdom reached its zenith, achieving political hegemony in Southeast Europe. It expanded its borders to the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea, and greatly developed its economy and culture. Some of the most important monuments preserved from that time are the wall paintings in the Boyana church, the churches in Veliko Tarnovo, the Zemenski Monastery, the Ivanovski Rock Churches, the miniatures that illuminate the London Gospel, and the Manasiy Chronicle.

At the end of the 14th century, the country was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. In the first years of Ottoman rule there were scattered attempts to liberate the country. Later the Hayduk movement created the preconditions for an organized national liberation movement.

The Bulgarian Revival began at the beginning of the 18th century, when the Bulgarian church, educational institutions, and culture were re-established. The beginning of the organized national liberation movement to throw off the Ottoman yoke is marked by the activities of Georgi Rakovski (1821-1867), and key figures in the liberation movement are Vasil Levski (1837-1873), Lyuben Karavelov (1834-1879), Hristo Botev (1848-1876), among others.

In April 1876, the April Uprising took place. This was the largest and the best organized attempt to liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman domination. The uprising was brutally suppressed, but it placed the struggle for Bulgarian sovereignty at the center of international political discussions.

In 1878, with the Russian defeat of Turkey, the Bulgarian state was restored. The Berlin Congress (1878) divided the former Bulgarian territories into three parts – the Principality of Bulgaria, ruled by a prince, Eastern Rumelia, with a Christian governor appointed by the sultan, with Thrace and Macedonia remaining under Ottoman control. Alexander Battenberg was selected as the first prince of the Bulgarian Principality.

Bulgaria’s first constitution was adopted in 1879, and was one of the most democratic constitutions of its time. In 1885, the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia united. In 1908, the Bulgarian Prince Ferdinand Sachsen-Coburg-und-Gotha proclaimed Bulgaria’s independence from Turkey, and he was then declared Tsar of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom.

Bulgaria was victorious in the Balkan War of 1912, when together with Serbia and Greece the country gained the independence of Thrace and Macedonia. However, discord among the former allies led to the outbreak of the First Balkan War (1913), in which Bulgaria was defeated. As a result, territories predominantly inhabited by Bulgarians were cut off from the state. The participation of Bulgaria in the First World War on the side of the so called Allied Powers ended in national catastrophe. The Neuilly Peace Treaty (1919) imposed strict sanctions on Bulgaria, and the country lost much of its territory. In the Beginning of the 1940s, Bulgaria’s foreign policy reflected the interests of Germany and the Axis powers. In 1941, Bulgaria entered the war on the side of the Axis, but the Bulgarian army did not participate in the battles on the Eastern Front. During this time, Tsar Boris the Third, representing the general consensus, refused to deport some 50,000 Bulgarian Jews. Of all European countries, only Denmark and Bulgaria managed to save their Jewish populations from the Nazi gas chambers. In the autumn of 1944, Bulgaria joined the Allied Forces and actively participated in expelling the German forces from Southern and Central Europe.

After the Second World War, Bulgaria came under the political and economic influence of the USSR. In 1946 the country was declared a republic and the Bulgarian Communist Party came to power. All political parties except for the so-called Fatherland Front (Otechestven Front) were forbidden, the economy and the banks were nationalized, and the agricultural land was organized as collectives.

The democratic changes in Bulgaria started at the end of 1989, when multi-party elections were held and a new constitution was adopted. At this time Bulgaria began its transition to democratic development and a market economy. Its foreign policy was redirected towards rapprochement with European institutions. Since 1991, Bulgaria has been a member of the Council of Europe, and in 2004 Bulgaria became a member of NATO. In 1995, it filed an application to join the European Union, with negotiations commencing in 1999. On 25 April 2005, the Accession Treaty granting the Republic of Bulgaria the right to join the European Union was signed in Luxemburg. On 1 January 2007, after fulfilling all membership criteria, Bulgaria became of full-fl in Luxemburg was signed edged member of the European Union.

Lifestyles and cultures in what is now Bulgaria have developed over thousands of years. The country is located at the crossroad between Europe and Asia, and the lands of Bulgaria have been populated since antiquity. The Slavs and proto-Bulgarians were greatly influenced by the cultures of the Thracians, Illyrians and Greeks, and all peoples who resided on these lands – Thracians, Romans, Slavs, and Bulgarians – have contributed to the world’s cultural heritage. It is no accident that the earliest European civilization grew up here. Some of the most famous treasures in the world were discovered at the Varna necropolis, including the worlds oldest golden ornaments; There are Thracian tombs and sanctuaries in Kazanlak, Sveshtari, Starosel, Aleksandrovo, Perperikon, and Tatul.

A large number of other golden artifacts have been found, in the Panagyurishte, Valchitran, Rogozen, and elsewhere. The remains of the Thracian, Hellenistic and Roman culture are many and varied. In the dozens of Thracians tombs that have been discovered, there are unique remains attesting to the high material and spiritual culture of antiquity. Entire city complexes had been found – Augusta Trayana, Trimontium, Nikopolis ad Istrum, Pautalia, Akre, Mesemvria, Apolonia, Serdika and many others. The traditions, festivals, customs, and rituals preserved by Bulgarians through the ages are evidence of the country’s profound spirituality and its dynamic lifestyle and culture.

Bulgarian customs are rooted in antiquity and are closely tied to the country’s history and particular expression of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Dancing on live coals is an ancient Bulgarian ritual still practiced in a few villages in the Balkan Mountains. The ritual in its authentic form is performed on the name day of Saints Konstantin and Helena – 21 May or (3 June according to the old calendar. Fire dancers prepare for their dance by spending hours locked in a chapel, venerating the icons of these two saints while listening to the beating of drums and the music of gaidas (Bulgarian bagpipes), which is a special melody associated with fire dancing, after which they often fall into trance. In the evening they perform their special dance on live coals. During their dance they always hold aloft in both hands an icon of Saint Konstantin and Saint Helena. Amazingly, they never get hurt or burn their feet.

“Mummers” is another local tradition that also found in other societies in the world. The Mummer games are special customs and rituals conducted most often on New Year’s Eve and at Shrovetide. They are only performed by men, who wear special masks and costumes that have been made for the occasion by each of the participants. The mummers’ ritual dances are said to chase away bad spirits and demons at the beginning of every year, so as to greet the new year cleansed and charged with positive energy.

“Laduvane” is another interesting ritual thatis performed on the New Year’s Eve, George’s Day, Midsummer’s Eve and St. Lazar’s Day. At this ritual young women predict their future in marriage and the men they will marry. They address Lada, the goddess of love and family life, to ask her about their future husbands.

“Lazaruvane” is a ritual related to coming of spring. It is conducted on St. Lazar’s Day, eight days before Easter. The date of the celebration varies, but it is always on the Saturday before the celebration of Palm Sunday. On this day willow branches are picked and used to decorate the doors of houses on the following day. Then the young maidens in the villages pick flowers to shape as garlands on Palm Sunday. On Saturday maidens gather in the home of one of their number and dress in festive clothes decorated with flowers and sprigs. Then they walk through the village from house to house, offering blessings for good health and rich harvests. They are invited in and given small gifts. Probably the most important symbol of Bulgaria is the ritual of making and giving martenitsas for health and happiness at the beginning of March. For Bulgarians this is a symbol of the year’s renewal, again intended to promote health and successful harvests.

Especially well-respected in Bulgaria are traditions related to the circle of life – birth, christening, wedding, and funeral. Saints’ name days are also highly respected in the country, the most famous ones being St. John’s day, St. George’s Day, and St. Dimitar’s Day.

The holidays that are most honored by Bulgarians are undoubtedly Christmas and Easter – when the generations all celebrate together, united by the feeling of belonging to the harmonious Bulgarian family. Also especially highly honored are the first Sunday before Lent, the second Sunday before Lent, Mother’s Day, All Soul’s Day, and Lent.

While traveling around the country, tourists will become acquainted with various rituals and customs, many of which are typical only for specific regions in Bulgaria.

The Rose is the symbol of Bulgaria. Rose picking, one of the oldest and traditional customs of Bulgarians, has become primarily a tourist attraction. Carpets from the time of the Bulgarian Revival are now highly valued works of art. The major centers of carpet weaving are Kotel, Chiprovtsi and Samokov. Along with traditional handicrafts, Bulgaria’s people have also preserved a wide range of traditional popular customs and songs.

There are a number of architectural reserves in the country that preserve the unique Bulgarian architecture from the age of the Revival (18th – 19th centuries) – Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna, Bozhentsi, Zheravna, Bansko, and Melnik, among others. In some of the ethnographic complexes, such as Etara, Zlatograd, and Old Dobrich, tourists can appreciate first-hand Bulgarian customs and handicrafts, since residents continue to make articles according to old techniques passed down from generation to generation.

During the Bulgarian Revival, the monasteries served as centers of artistic and educational activity. There are still many working monasteries in the country – Rila Monastery, Bachkovo Monastery, Troyan Monastery, Zemen Monastery, Glozhene Monastery, Kilifarevo Monastery, Shipchenski Monastery, and others. Our country is also famous for its well-established national traditions of icon painting and wood carving. The best known icons and carvings are from Samokov, Tryavna and Bansko.

The Bulgarian national costume is an intrinsic part of Bulgarian lifestyle and culture. Over the ages, folk costume designs have been influenced by Thracian, Slavonic and ancient Bulgarian motives. The basic article of clothing is a white shirt with long sleeves, worn under vests and coats of various shapes, materials and decorations. There are four types of national female costumes: the single apron, the double apron, the tunic, and the sayana, and there are two types of national male costumes: white-shirt and black-shirt. Each ethnographic area (Dobrich, Pirin, Rhodope, Northern, Thracian and Sofia) has its own typical workday, holiday and wedding costumes.

An important part Bulgarian culture is folk music and national dances, such as the horo. Instruments typically used to perform Bulgarian national music are the fiddle, the mandolin, the kaval (flute), the gaida (bagpipe), the pipe, the dvoyanka (double pipe), the drum and the taranbuka, another percussion instrument. Bulgarian folksongs are handed down orally from one generation to the next. The ensembles “Cosmic Voices”, “The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices” and the folklore ensemble “Pirin” are internationally famous. Bulgarian traditional dances are exceptionally vivid forms of artistic expression. Most often they are performed by a group of people touching palms in a closed or open circle, semicircle, serpentine pattern, or in a straight line. Participants perform similar movements in unison, along with gestures and steps to a specific melody (the horo). Depending on the rhythm and the steps, there are a number of horo types: the standard horo, the rachenitsa, the paydushko horo and the improvised horo.

Bulgaria’s museums preserve valuable collections of domestic, cultural and military articles; statues, burial steles and monuments; masks, mosaics, and small statuettes of ancient gods; and many other precious exhibits.

Bulgarians have developed their culture and enriched it over the millennia, and they preserve it and continue to develop it to the present day. In more recent times, Bulgarians have also had reason to take pride in their literature, arts, music, and architecture. A proof of ongoing involvement is Bulgaria’s rich cultural calendar of national and international festivals for young and old alike, as well as other gatherings, cultural events, and expositions.

Bulgarian cuisine is exceptionally diverse and delicious, consisting of various salads, breadstuffs, stews, and other local dishes. Many of the dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation over the centuries.

The most products for which Bulgaria is internationally known are yogurt and white brine (feta) cheese. These are almost always present on Bulgarian tables in one form or another.

One of the most famous and most popular breakfast items in the country is banitsa. It is a made of dough with various fillings, such as cheese, spinach, rice, and meat.

Other popular breakfasts dishes include pancakes, buhtas (fritters), mekitsas (fried dough pieces), and fried bread slices. All of these are particularly delicious when served with jam, marmalade, honey or Bulgarian yogurt.

People in rural areas grow vegetables that are exceptionally tasty, which is why salads occupy a central place in our culinary tradition. The most popular Bulgarian salad is the Shopska Salad, but there are also other salads worth trying – Shepherd’s Salad, Harvest Salad, Snezhanka, Monk’s Salad, Dobrudzha Salad, Roasted Peppers Salad, and many others.

One of the most popular appetizers is Tarator (cold Cucumber Soup). It is prepared with yogurt, cucumbers, dill, crushed walnuts and spices.

Soups and broths are also popular in the countryside – particularly delicious bean soups are served in the region of the village Smilyan, in the Rhodope Mountain. Excellent fish soups are served in the regions of the Black Sea and the Danube River.

Some of the most popular Bulgarian dishes are grilled – meat balls, kebapches, grilled meat pieces, grilled sausages, and others. Various stews and dishes in clay pots are also a regular part of the Bulgaria cuisine (hotchpotch and casseroles). These include Chomlek, Kavarma, and Kapama (in the Bansko region).

Another favorite Bulgarian dish is prepared with stuffed cabbage or vine leaves – the leaves used may be either small or broad. The dish, which is prepared by wrapping the filling in the leaves, is very popular in the Thracian region.

One of the trademarks of the Bulgarian cuisine is Cheverme – an entire lamb roasted on a spit. This dish is typical for the Rhodope region, but it is also served throughout the country.

Potatoes are a main ingredient in many Bulgarian recipes. The most popular potato dishes include Ogreten (au gratin), Patatnik (in the Rhodope region), potato stew, and fried potatoes.

Bulgaria’s cuisine also consists of various cold cuts and other meat delicacies. Flat sausage is the most famous of thewse. It is prepared all over the country, but it has the longest tradition in the city of Gorna Oryahovitsa. Another popular delicacy is the Banski Starets (the “Bansko Old Man”). As the name suggests, it is served in Bansko. In Elena and the region known as the Elena Balkans, a specialty is the Elena Pork Leg, prepared with salted pork.

Such delicacies are usually accompanied with a Bulgarian wine, since Bulgaria is justly famous for its wines. Thanks to the country’s unique climate and soils, a variety of grapes thrive here – Gamza (North Bulgaria), the Wide Melnik Vine (in the region of Melnik and Sandanski), Dimyat (in the regions of Varna, Shumen and Stara Zagora), Mavrud (Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Asenovgrad), Red Misket (Straldzha and Sungurlare), Ruby (Plovdiv and Septemvri) and Pamid (Pazardzhik, Pamidovo and Plovdiv).

Another very popular Bulgarian spirit is Rakia. It is made of grapes or other fruits – plums (in the region of the town of Troyan, Teteven), apricots (in the region of Tutrakan, Silistra, Dobrich), figs, pears, and others. A rose rakia is distilled in the Valley of Roses (in the region of Karlovo and Kazanlak), since this is the home of Bulgaria’s oil-yielding roses.

This brief introduction only touches on the diverse Bulgarian dishes and drinks. To fully know the culinary magic of the country, it is necessary to visit all of the regions where the traditional recipes are proudly maintained and culinary delights are constantly on offer.

Croatia is known for its summer bliss, amazing blue waters and sunny coastline, but now it is time to FALL in love with Croatia in autumn.
Discover the colours of Croatia and bask in the softer yellow of the sun, the deeper blue of the sea, the evergreens of the beautiful inland, the changing colours of the leaves from yellow and orange to reds and browns through any of the amazing National or Nature Parks throughout the country, from the rocky faces of Northern Velebit to the lowlands and marsh of Kopački rit.

Try the tasty new red or white wines, from the just harvested green or purple grapes, or visit a pumpkin festival and enjoy any of the many squash varieties, be they white, purple or orange. Visit an open-air market and bask in the rainbow of autumn or take a guided tour and forage for mushrooms, or a fresh water fishing trip and catch a silver trout.

Sail the Adriatic and feel the wind and the enjoy the crisp blue surroundings. Or take a walk through a museum or heritage site and revel in the amazing colours of folk costumes, artistry of traditions passed down for generations, view the clay remnants of some of the oldest known artifacts, or learn about the history of olive oil or cheese making, green-gold and creamy-yellow delicacies.

Whether you are taking in the coast or inland of Dalmatia, Kvarner and Istria, or traversing the hills and mountains of Lika, Gorski Kotar and Zagorje, or exploring the meadows, trails and fields of Međimurje, Slavonia and Baranja, or the bustling markets in Zagreb, let the colours of Croatia wash over you.

Luxuriate on idyllic beaches
with turquoise waters, relax in secluded coves edged with pine trees or explore finger-like sand spits, in a perfect opportunity to fully recharge your batteries. Whether urban, hidden, wild, unspoiled or pebbly, Croatia has over 6,000 km of coastline sure to feature the beach of your dreams and beyond!

In Croatia, there’s no such thing as a regular hike
Think family adventures in the forest, romantic moments under waterfalls and pushing yourself to the limit with your friends by stunning lake basins and on exhilarating mountain peaks. But perhaps the best part of all is that there’s no need to travel long distances to enjoy this wealth of fantastic scenery.

This singular rendezvous of civilisations
and influences is also reflected on the dining table, where meat, fish, vegetables and wine prevail. The result is an original national cuisine that is sure to delight your taste buds.

With 1,244 islands, islets and crags to be exact, and every one of them surrounded by crystal clear waters, it’s time to come aboard!
Island hopping is undoubtedly the best way to discover the Croatian coast from a truly dazzling perspective.

The Kornati archipelago
encompasses 89 of these remarkable islands. This national park is a veritable maritime labyrinth for sailing fans, and quite simply the perfect setting for you to get back in touch with unspoilt nature.

If you’re all about water sports
or would love to give them a try, Brač is the island for you. Here, you can enjoy windsurfing on the unmistakable Zlatni Rat beach, as well as scuba diving, water skiing, kayaking and jet skiing, all in the island’s waters!

After all that adrenaline, it’s time for a crucial element to any vacation: rest and relaxation. And there is no better place for that than Lošinj: the island of Vitality. With a health tourism tradition dating back 125 years, here the air is so pure that every breath will fill you with energy!

All that relaxation can give you an appetite, and a great place for a local meal is the island of Vis. Here, you will be able to taste authentic Dalmatian Buzara-style seafood dishes featuring fresh fish, lobster and shellfish at konoba (local taverns), and also sample extraordinary organic liqueurs and wines such as Vugava and Plančić from the island of Hvar. Bon appetite and cheers!

If you made your way to Vis, don’t miss the opportunity to discover neighbouring Biševo and the Blue Cave, only 5 kilometres away. This famous cave has been named after the magical and mesmerising blue light that appears at certain times of the day.

This fabulous Route of 1,000 Islands concludes with a visit to the minute Porer at sunset! Can you imagine a more special place to spend a night than this stunning centuries-old lighthouse perched atop a round, 80 metre-wide crag? It’s bound to be unforgettable!

Cyprus is a small island with a long history and a rich culture that spans 10.000 years, making it one of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean – as evidenced by the many fascinating cultural sights, museums, monuments and galleries. Situated at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – the island’s unique geographic position has played an important part in its turbulent past since antiquity. Its Prehistoric Age inhabitants were joined 3,500 years ago by the Mycenaean Greeks, who introduced and established their civilisation, thus permanently instilling the island’s Greek roots. Many other cultures followed thereafter, including Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Romans, Franks, Venetians, Ottomans and British, who all left behind visible remnants of their passage, and have thus created a mosaic of different cultures and periods.

As such, the island is an open-air museum of prehistoric settlements, classical Greek temples, Roman theatres and villas, Early Christian basilicas, Byzantine churches and monasteries, Crusader castles, Gothic cathedrals, Venetian fortifications, Moslem mosques, and British colonial-style buildings. The old ways of life, customs and traditions are still beautifully preserved in the rural villages, and interesting elements of the island are captured in the many museums and galleries. It is not surprising then that UNESCO includes a number of the island’s sights on its list of World Heritage Sites. Whilst the preservation of historical sites and riches is of the upmost priority for the island, these efforts are in stark contrast with the unfortunate reality that a large part of its cultural heritage remains under Turkish occupation since July 1974, and has been subjected to severe damage. But when visiting Cyprus, you will never have to look far to find a piece of its history and culture, whether you want to discover more about the traditions of the island, or immerse yourself in its captivating past.

Kykkos Monastery
Located in the mountainous region of Marathasa Valley, the Monastery of Kykkos is the wealthiest and most lavish on the island, and stands on a mountain peak, at an altitude of 1.318 metres.

Dedicated to Panagia (the Virgin Mary), the monastery possesses one of three icons attributed to Agios Loukas (Apostle Luke) the Evangelist. The icon – covered in silver gilt – is in a shrine made of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl that stands in front of the iconostasis.

According to tradition, Cypriot hermit Isaiah miraculously healed the daughter of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118 AD). As a reward, he asked for the icon, and though grieved at the prospect of losing the treasure, the emperor sent it to Cyprus, along with the funds to pay for the construction of a monastery where the sacred relic would be kept. The monastery burned down several times and nothing remains of the original structure.

Today, the monastery produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks, and holds religious fairs on September 8th (Birth of the Virgin) and August 15th (Dormition of the Virgin). There is also a museum on the grounds, whilst it is noteworthy for being the monastery that the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III served at as a novice.

Local Archaeological Kourion Museum, Episkopi
Kourion Archaeological Museum is housed in a traditional building that was once the private residence of the late George McFadden, Assistant Director of the University of Pennsylvania, who led extensive archaeological research at the ancient city of Kourion and its environs from 1934 -1953.

The museum opened in 1969 and consists of two exhibition halls that showcase finds from the nearby archaeological sites, including red polished ware of the Early Bronze age, pottery and golden jewellery of the Mycenaean era, and a large number of offerings from the nearby Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates.

The skeletal remains of inhabitants of the city who lost their lives in the 4th century earthquakes constitute one of the most impressive exhibits of the museum, and were found in situ in a Roman house.

Cyprus Postal Museum
Located within the walled city of Lefkosia (Nicosia), the Cyprus Postal Museum is housed on the ground floor of an old two-storey mansion. It was founded in 1981 to exhibit the rich and diverse material of the island’s postal history, which started from the 15th century, when postal communications to-and-from Cyprus were organised for the first time during the Venetian period.

The halls of the museum exhibit postage stamps and rich philatelic material in chronological order, including material from the period of British Rule. In particular, the oldest series of Cypriot stamps with the portrait of Queen Victoria of England, which are overprinted with the word ‘Cyprus’, as well as the first dedicated Cypriot series of 1928 that depicts historic sites and figures related to the island’s long history.

Other exhibits include ‘first day of issue’ envelopes and stamps issued since the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960 until today, and that showcase the island’s historical dates, great figures, culture, touristic sights, monuments and overall contribution to civilization. Methods of insuring post is also displayed, from sealing-wax to machinery, along with weighing scales and other philatelic books and magazines.

Cyprus Museum of Natural History
Located within the grounds of the Carlsberg Brewery, the museum is the largest natural history exhibition of its kind on the island and was founded by ‘The Photos Photiades Charity, Scientific and Cultural Foundation’. Amongst its 2.500 or so exhibits are: embalmed mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and insects, along with rocks, minerals, semi precious stones, shells and fossils.

Aphrodite Cultural Route
Follow in the footsteps of Aphrodite, the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty, and protectress of Cyprus, and discover the archaeological sites dedicated to her ancient cult as you wander through layers of history, culture and mythology.

Cyprus has always been considered the ‘Island of Aphrodite’, and no other place in the world can boast of being the birthplace of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. In the 8th century BC, Homer mentions Aphrodite as ‘Kypris’ and ‘Golden Aphrodite’, whilst there are many myths connected to Aphrodite that possibly originated on the island, including those concerning Aphrodite and Hephaistos, Aphrodite and Ares, and Aphrodite and Adonis.

With a historically accurate programme of cultural routes – centred on the search for the traces that Aphrodite has left throughout the island – you will embark upon an enchanted journey through the sites of Palaipafos (Kouklia) in the Pafos (Paphos) region, the ancient city kingdom of Amathus in the Lemesos (Limassol) region, and Kition, in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region. Each is linked to other sites and museums, where artefacts related to the Goddess endure to this day. And upon the way, you will delight in learning all about her birth, mythology and character, as well as the rituals, plants and seashells connected with her cult.

Palaipafos – which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site – has the deepest links with the Goddess, as it is the area that played a central role in the genesis (birth) of Kyprida Aphrodite, and combines the most interesting sites of the route, including the main archaeological site of Palaipafos (Kouklia) and the Chalcolithic site of Lempa. There are also a number of related museums, nature sites and trails in the region.

The ancient city kingdom of Amathus – on the Bay of Lemesos – was probably founded by Greek Mycenaean settlers in the 12th to the 11th centuries BC, and was one of the most important kingdoms where Kyprida Aphrodite was celebrated. The ruins of the temple of Aphrodite can be seen at the main archaeological site of Amathus, whilst the District Museum of Lemesos complements the visit with in-depth information about the celebrated Goddess.

Larnaka and the Agia Napa area offer a combination of sites relating to Aphrodite. The main archaeological site is Kition – Kathari in Larnaka, where visitors can explore the links of the ancient city of Kition with the Goddess Kyprida Aphrodite, along with the area’s ties to the sea, culminating at the Kyprida Aphrodite Nature Trail at Cape Gkreko in Protaras.

Nowhere else will you find legend, history and romance so intricately intertwined, with each new discovery a beautiful reminder of the island’s unique and special bond with Aphrodite.

Antiquity Cultural Route
Discover the rich, historical wonders of an island that has seen many visitors through the ages, and bears the unique mark of each of them. As you follow a route of ancient ancestors, the insight and revelations they offer will transport you back to the adventures of bygone eras and heroic times. From the oldest settlements to grand architectural feats, a vast choice of archaeological sites can be explored, with so many paths leading back to the glorious past.

Begin your journey on the east coast with the ancient city of Kition in Larnaka (Larnaca). The site provides the first clear evidence that the Mycenaean Greeks arrived in Larnaka in the 13th century BC, and the Phoenicians in the 9th, and features temples dating back to these times.

Thereafter, head for new heights between Larnaka and Lemesos (Limassol), where the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia stands proudly on the hillside, distinctly marked out by cylindrical stone and mud dwellings that lay claim to the earliest permanent human housing on the island. The site is remarkably well-preserved and has been a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Further down the southeast coast, the ancient Greco-Roman Kourion stands as one of the island’s top ancient highlights and was an important city-kingdom in antiquity. Its magnificent theatre was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. Today, the theatre has been completely restored and is used for open-air musical and theatrical performances during the summer months, commanding breathtaking views of the surrounding patchwork land and sea.

As you follow the coastline towards Pafos (Paphos), history further comes to life, with the whole town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its world-famous archaeological sites that stretch out from Palaipafos (Kouklia) to the heart of Kato Pafos. Included are ancient villas of stunning mosaics and numerous sites associated to the cult of the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty, Aphrodite, whom legend tells was born of sea foam in the region.

Eastern Cultural Route
Take a journey through the picturesque rural areas of the eastern part of the island, where traditional charm has been retained – and continues to defy the hands of time.

The route begins in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) area to visit the farming villages that are collectively known as ‘Kokkinochoria’. Comprised of the two Greek words for ‘red’ and ‘villages’, their name perfectly reveals that it is here that the abundance of the island’s potatoes, strawberries and watermelons are grown, in mineral-rich red soil that gives them a deliciously distinctive taste.

Heading further towards Larnaka (Larnaca), the Greek Orthodox monastery of Stavrovouni sits perched up high on a mountain peak, breathtakingly isolated and straight out of a classic painting. Savour the view before heading for the quaint mountainous village of Lefkara – famous for its handmade lace and filigree silver.

A stroll through its narrow winding lanes will take you past traditional terracotta-roofed houses, where the ladies of Lefkara sit outside, busily hand-embroidering intricate lace linens known as ‘Lefkaritika’. This skilled art has been practised exclusively in Lefkara since Venetian times (1489-1570 AD), when the village was a holiday resort for nobles, and the Venetian noblewomen taught the locals how to make the exquisite drawn-and-counted thread embroidery. The linens became an important trade for Lefkara and were world-renowned, and even the great painter Leonardo Da Vinci bought a large tablecloth for the altar of the Milan Cathedral when he visited the village.

In workshops across Lefkara, a second folk art is also still thriving – that of silverware, and the delicate craft of filigree jewellery known as ‘trifouri’. The cobweb effect of the beautiful handmade earrings, pendants and brooches is created by twisting fine silver wire into various designs. Enjoy a touch of traditional shopping for lace, silverware and other local products before stepping into the Folklore Museum for a journey back in time.

Finally, the adjacent village of Kato Drys (‘lower oak’ in Greek) is equally beguiling with its traditional architecture, beautiful views and interesting museums.

Copper Cultural Route
Cyprus Copper Itinerary – A tour Through the Heart of Cyprus

Uncover the island’s rich and significant historical ties with copper on a self-drive route that will scenically take you on a journey to the various copper mines and associated sites of the island. Along the way, you will discover a fascinating account of how Cyprus was the largest producer and exporter of the metal to the ancient world for many centuries, and its role in shaping the island’s history.

Pure copper – or its alloys – was a basic material needed for the development of large civilisations around the island, and Cyprus’ copper contributed to the technological progress of the entire Mediterranean world and beyond.

The drive starts from either Lemesos (Limassol) or Larnaka (Larnaca) towards the village of Sia (Sha), where just a few kilometres outside of the village you can admire the bright yellow and brown gossans (iron cap) that are typical of areas where there is copper mineralisation. Two open cast copper mines lie to the left – where the rock formations can be studied on a stroll of the site.

The next stop is the Mathiatis South Copper Mine, preceded by fragrant pine trees, which give way to the bright colours of the gossans that will guide you to the lake of the copper mine. A further drive in the Agia Varvara direction takes you up the road, where there is partial view of the North Mathiatis Open Cast Copper Mine.

From there the journey continues further north towards Agia Varvara village, where a turning near the olive oil factory will lead you onwards to a small valley where the Almyras Copper Mine and its workshops are located.

By continuing your drive through the villages of Kotsiatis, Marki and Tseri, the next site of interest is at Katydata village for a visit to the insightful Museum of Mining Heritage*.

The Skouriotissa Copper Mine and abandoned village are only a five-minute drive from Katydata. To the southwest of the copper mine is the UNFICYP San Martin camp, where you can visit the chapel of Panagia Skouriotissa: ‘Our Lady of the Skouriotissa Copper Mine’, which dates back to around 16th century, and houses some interesting icons. Northwest you will encounter abandoned houses that were built by the mining company CMC, and were used by the miners until 1974. A newly established monastery is situated a few hundred metres from some of the abandoned houses, and is also an interesting sight.

The Cyprus Copper route cannot fail to conjure to mind the rich and vivid past of ancient kingdoms, and the major part that copper played in their development, making it both an interesting and informative day out.

Combining the allure of a sunshine island with first-rate healthcare facilities and attractive fees, Cyprus is fast becoming a favoured option for medical tourism. And with the added bonus of recuperating in relaxing surroundings that are conducive to healing, it is no wonder that an increasing number of patients are choosing the island for their treatments. Alongside conventional medical treatments – that take place in the comfort of modern hospitals and clinics – the island is also home to luxury spa resorts and rural retreats, where comfort and nature harmoniously intertwine with health. Pampering, holistic therapies, beauty treatments and a general sense of wellbeing are all invoked, along with the feeling of escaping and focusing solely on oneself… without the stresses or distractions of daily life.

Whether you are undergoing a medical procedure or enjoying a spa indulgence, other aspects of the island also link with its suitability to healthy living. With the health attributes of the Mediterranean diet widely recognised, and the island’s abundance of fresh, local produce that bursts with flavour, eating well is a pleasure that comes easy in Cyprus. And with it comes the added bonus of enjoying your dining outdoors… with panoramic sea or mountain views. The fantastic year-round climate of dry summers and mild winters, also allows for a myriad of activities and pursuits, from walking and cycling to swimming and diving, whilst the areas of stunning natural beauty – from coast to forest – are soothing to all of the senses.
The finishing touch comes in more practical forms; the island’s enviable location makes it quickly accessible from a number of destinations; English and other languages are used extensively in the medical and tourism industries, and medical and wellness professionals and staff are all highly-trained and vastly experienced.

With health and wellness being such important gifts, you deserve to give yourself the best, and Cyprus provides the facilities, atmosphere and all the extra incentives to ensure you feel confident and relaxed that your health is in the most healing of hands.

A True Sense of Wellbeing
Aphrodite’s island has held the key to beauty and health for centuries, with the Goddess herself symbolising eternal youth and wellbeing. Today, Cyprus continues to induce and inspire an atmosphere of healthy living and a sense of total wellness through a combination of factors, from its Mediterranean charm and climate, to the extensive selection of premium spas and wellness centres.

Select your experience from being pampered in the luxury of world-class spas and spa resorts, to the grounding tranquillity of nature’s lush surroundings of greenery, blue seas and golden coasts. Whether you prefer the comfort of refinery or to immerse yourself in the island’s landscape, your total relaxation and rejuvenation is guaranteed.

With its alluring combination of year round sunshine, picture-perfect surroundings, and an environment conducive to healthy eating and leisure pursuits, the island has all the elements in place to invoke a true sense of harmony. This is further enhanced by impeccable accommodation, attentive and experienced staff, and a myriad of facilities designed for surrendering to.

Indoor and outdoor pools, freshwater and saltwater pools, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, hamams, fully equipped gyms, fitness studios, treatment rooms and beauty salons are just the start… there you will find an immense range of treatments and packages on offer for your revitalisation, including detoxifying algae and mud body wraps, aromatherapy, thalassotherapy, hot stone therapy, massages, shiatsu, reflexology, natural therapies and beauty treatments, along with so many other delectable treatments.

The linking services continue with counselling and fitness assessments to fit your own specific requirements, and personalised sessions to make you feel special, whilst the island is also home to its own holistic health secrets with an array of locally grown herbs and plants that are all put to good use.

So, for blissful relaxation, the chance to unwind and de-stress, or the opportunity to start or enhance your beauty or fitness regime, Cyprus has not only maintained Aphrodite’s secrets… but has built upon them in the most indulgently exquisite of ways.

Premium Medical Tourism
Combining healthcare with a relaxing holiday offers the benefits of top medical treatment at cost effective prices, coupled with the opportunity to recuperate on a beautiful sunshine island that is restorative to the mind and soul, as well as the body.

Cyprus is fast becoming a popular choice for medical tourism, thanks to a large array of modern private hospitals and clinics; excellent facilities with state-of-the-art equipment, and experienced and highly-qualified doctors and medical staff – largely trained in Europe or the USA. As such, it offers a one-stop service from treatment to recuperation.

From annual check-ups, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, physiotherapy, kidney dialysis, cardiac care, dental and surgical procedures, to infertility treatment, the island offers attractively priced healthcare holidays, with added incentives and advantages.

The convenience factor encompasses the island’s enviable location that is easily accessible from many countries, whilst also allowing patients to book an operation upon arrival. Same day appointments are the norm, and you can see an astounding range of specialists either in a single medical centre, or within a short drive apart.

A considerable number of clinical laboratories offer a vast range of diagnostic tests both routine and specialised, whilst turnaround times for test results and doctor’s diagnosis are all speedy. Care is given by teams of highly trained medical and auxiliary staff who all speak English, whilst a large number of physicians also speak other languages, including Russian, German, French and Arabic.

As a small island, distances are short, placing everything at your fingertips, for both medical purposes and for the recuperation phase, where you can easily connect to a range of beautiful and serene surroundings, leisurely activities, gentle sports – and enjoy the healthy Mediterranean diet. And with sunshine for most of the year round, you don’t have to be confined to recovering indoors.

The ritual of sharing good, fresh local cuisine is an important part of the island’s culture, and is intrinsically linked with every social event, from family gatherings and special occasions to religious festivals… each marked with its own distinct delicacies and recipes. From hearty meat dishes and specialty cheeses to unique desserts of carob and grape, the Cypriot cuisine is an exotic blend of Greek and Middle Eastern cultures, sprinkled with remnants of ancient civilisations such as indigenous Roman root vegetables or old Phoenician delicacies. And it is no secret that the ‘Mediterranean diet’ is considered to be of the healthiest, thanks to its abundance of heart-healthy olive oil, pulses, lean meat, local herbs and freshly grown fruits and vegetables. Add to this the favourable climate – that gives the fresh produce its intense flavour – and a celebration around every corner, complete with special treats, and you will find a big gastronomic adventure awaits on this tiny island!

Synonymous with Cypriot cuisine is the ‘meze’ – a variety of small dishes that combine to create a feast, and a good starting point to become acquainted with the local dishes, such as moreish dips, braised, stewed and clay-cooked meats; local, freshly caught fish; pulses and legumes in various sauces; specialty cheeses and delicatessen cuts, and more unusual bites, all authentically prepared.
And if you are visiting the island during a festival or holiday period, an amazing array of treats and dishes unique to the event appear to mark the occasion, often made by the women of the family, who gather together on specific days to share in the traditions passed down from generation to generation…

…and that remain today so that both locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy, savour and share the mouth-watering, appetising, fragrant and abundant everyday experience that Cypriot cuisine!

Commandaria
Cyprus can proudly lay claim to the world’s oldest wine still in production – that of the delicious sweet dessert wine Commandaria.

Thought to date back to 800 BC, references to the consumption of a wine named ‘Cypriot Nama’ is believed to have been Commandaria before it was given its current name during the crusades in the 12th century. It was thought that the wine had therapeutic qualities and it was widely used as a tonic.

Richard the Lionheart celebrated his capture of Cyprus and his marriage to Berengaria in Lemesos (Limassol) with Commandaria, declaring it “the wine of kings and the king of wines”. In 1192 he sold the island to the Knights of St. John and the Knight Templars, who then sold it to Guy de Lusignan, but kept their headquarters at Kolossi. Commandaria was mainly produced in Kolossi – which was called ‘La Grande Commanderie’ – and it was here that the wine found its name. Commandaria was considered so good in ancient times that it even won the first recorded wine tasting competition the ‘Battle of the Wines’ in the 13th century, held by the French king Philip Augustus.

Sweetly similar to sherry, Commandaria has been made in the same manner for centuries, and in the same 14 winegrowing villages of the island. The indigenous grape varieties of Mavro (red) and Xynisteri (white) are picked late and dried in the sun to enhance their sugar content, giving the drink its distinctive taste. The dried grapes are then pressed, with the run-off collected and fermented in tanks or huge earthenware jars – much like those used in bygone times.

No visit to the island is complete without picking up a bottle to take home, not just as a drink, but also as a sweet piece of the island’s history!

Brandy Sour
The national cocktail of the island is undoubtedly the famous Brandy Sour, and although it is also enjoyed in other parts of the world, the Cypriot version is unique for the Cypriot brandy used in it and its interesting, royal origins!

The story goes that it was originally invented in the early fifties for King Farouk of Egypt at one of the island’s oldest hotels in the Troodos mountains. As the king loved Cypriot Brandy, the staff created a drink using brandy that looked like an innocent ice-tea, so that it wouldn’t be obvious he was enjoying alcohol!

The cocktail is made with Cypriot brandy – which is milder than Cognac or Armagnac – lemons (fresh or squash), Angostura bitters, soda water (or lemonade) and ice.

As well as enjoying it during your visit to the island, you can make the cocktail back home by buying a bottle – or two – of Cypriot brandy whilst you are here!

Travelling from the source of the Elbe in the Krkonoše Mountains to Bohemian Switzerland along one of the most beautiful European rivers.

Get on your bike and set off on a journey guided by the majestic Elbe River. Head to the valleys of the mystic and imposing Krkonoše Mountains and continue through vast lowlands, past medieval towns, unique rock formations and places shrouded in myths and legends. On the Elbe Route you will be able to enjoy beautiful scenery, history and architecture whilst pedalling from Germany to the Czech Republic and back. A great cycling experience starts right here in the Krkonoše Mountains together with the Elbe.

The Elbe Route begins in Germany, where it is known as the Elberadweg. When we say it is known, we actually mean it is very well-known since it ranks among the most sought-after cycle paths throughout Germany and beyond its borders. In the Czech Republic the Elbe Route has become very popular with families with children. Following the elevation profile of the river is not very demanding, which is appreciated not only by cyclists keen on long-distance rides but also by absolute beginners. From its source to the mouth in the North Sea, the Elbe Route measures over a thousand kilometres (620 mi), with almost 400 km (250 mi) leading through the Czech Republic. It is a part of the EuroVelo European network and is divided into several interesting sections, so it is up to you whether you embark on the full experience or choose only some parts. Put on your helmets and saddle up your bikes as we are going to guide you along the Czech section of the Elbe Route pedal by pedal.

From the Krkonoše Mountains through a safari to a military fortress
A good place to start your along-the-Elbe trip is in Špindlerův Mlýn, which is a popular ski resort in winter and in summer a starting point favoured among mountain hikers. The town is located in a valley of the Krkonoše Mountains under the spring area of the River Elbe. You will not be able to reach this actual spot by bike, but from Špindlerův Mlýn you can set out for Medvědín and from there ride along the mountain road as far as the Labská bouda (Elbe Chalet), where you can safely leave your bike. The path to the spring is less than a 15 minute walk away.

Leaving Špindlerův Mlýn behind, head for Vrchlabí and from here continue onto Dvůr Králové, which will be appreciated mostly by children. The Dvůr Králové Zoo with an African safari is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. You can embellish the story of your travels by claiming you have seen giraffes, zebras, elephants and lions whilst on your bike journey. Military history fans will insist on continuing along the path to Jaroměř since there stands Josefov fortress, which used to guard the borders of the Czech lands from the late 18th century. However, before that you will ride past Kuks, a unique complex of a Baroque spa and hospital.

In pursuit of architecture, gingerbread and sports
From Jaroměř, the Elbe Route continues to Hradec Králové, where you can admire the unique urban architecture of for example Josef Gočár, one of the most famous Czech architects, who ranks among leading personalities of cubism and functionalism. From Hradec Králové the path leads directly to Pardubice – a town boasting not only a beautiful chateau but also unusual points of interest. Pardubice traditionally attracts gourmets as well as sporting fans. The former come here for the renowned, sweet-smelling and delicious Pardubice gingerbread, while the latter arrive to witness the Velká pardubická steeplechase. Held for the first time in 1874, it is considered to be the toughest cross country horse race in continental Europe. You can get involved in a race too – perhaps on your bike along the Pardubice to Přelouč route or even further to the place where the oldest history of the Czech Republic was made.

In search of myths and legends
One such place is undoubtedly Brandýs nad Labem. The town has been an important transport hub since the Middle Ages, when a major route connecting Prague and northern areas of the Czech lands used to lead through here. Being a part of Brandýs nad Labem, Stará Boleslav is the oldest pilgrimage site in the Czech Republic. It is here where the legend of its patron came to be. One morning in the 10th century Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, was on his way to the church which used to stand in today’s Stará Boleslav, when suddenly he was attacked by the cohorts of his power-hungry brother Boleslav. So one of the oldest Czech legends sadly ended in fratricide. Subsequently, Wenceslas was canonized and his relics can still be found in St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle even today. Nonetheless, you might know the name Wenceslas from Wenceslas Square in Prague city centre, where being the patron worthy of his name he oversees law and order in the capital city from atop his horse. By the way, Prague is just a stone’s throw away from the Elbe Route. As a matter of fact, it is just about 30 kilometres from Brandýs nad Labem.

However, we must not forget that we are travelling along the Elbe Route which is just taking us to the historic town of Mělník. Located on the confluence of the Rivers Elbe and Vltava, the town used to be included in the exclusive estate of Czech Queens, and came with the established wine tradition founded here by King Charles IV after importing vines from Burgundy and Champagne.

Situated not far from the town, Mount Říp is associated with a legend even older than that of Brandýs. Říp was supposedly climbed by Forefather Čech, who wished to look around to see if the surrounding lands were a good enough place for his tribe to settle. After a long journey he told his people on this mount that this was the country they had been looking for on their travels, since it was fertile, safe and prosperous. Showing their gratitude, the tribe of his people named their new homeland Čechy (Czech land). Some sources date this event to the mid-7th century, while others claim that the area had already been inhabited in the 6th century AD. The legend is still alive in the Romanesque Rotunda which is situated on the top of the hill and ranks among the oldest buildings in the Czech Republic.

Following historic events which must never be forgotten
After a small detour to Říp, continue towards Roudnice nad Labem and further onto Litoměřice. Here you can admire Mírové náměstí (Peace Square) with its unique Gothic houses, which are still lived in today. Nonetheless, there is another place situated near the Elbe River which witnessed one of the most tragic chapters in the history of the 20th century. Located only two kilometres from Litoměřice, the walled town of Terezín is divided by the River Elbe into the Large Fortress and Small Fortress. One of these was a Jewish ghetto during World War II while the other served as a Gestapo prison. A memorial was erected on this site to honour the victims of Nazi atrocities. Both the memorial and the whole fortress are national cultural monuments.

From Litoměřice the route slowly approaches its end in the Czech Republic. But before that you will ride through Ústí nad Labem and Děčín, with a beautiful castle rising up above the river and reachable via a path carved into the rock.

In the summer of 2016 (from June 1), a part of the route in Děčín will be closed – a detour will lead along the right bank of the River Elbe, and then by using a ferry you can get back onto the route.

Saving the best till last?
It is hard to say which of the historical sites or natural phenomena on the Elbe Route is the most beautiful. It depends on the tastes of individual cyclists. But one thing is for certain, and that is that the last stretch of the Elbe Route in the Czech Republic has something to offer everyone. In this area the Elbe flows through the unique landscape of Bohemian Switzerland National Park. The park consists of rock towers, arches and ravines, rock towns as well as mazes. Boasting the title the gem of Bohemian Switzerland, Pravčická brána is the largest sandstone rock arch in Europe.

The last stop on the Elbe Route in the Czech Republic is Hřensko, a popular gateway to the park with sought-after tourist attractions such as the Elbe Canyon and boat rides through deep gorges. Hřensko is the lowest-lying village in the Czech Republic, but because of temperatures that remain quite moderate even in the summer due to the massive rocks, the local fauna prospers here as nowhere else at this altitude. Apart from cyclists or other tourists visiting the National Park you may quite easily bump into scientists. However, that is nothing unusual for such a unique landscape which Bohemian Switzerland undoubtedly is.

All along the Elbe Route you will find countless opportunities to dive into refreshing water in the sweltering summer, or climb up a lookout tower and feast your eyes on the sights around. You will pass many small regional and family breweries as well as various sports centres. To put it simply, the Elbe Route is a place where you can leave your everyday worries behind, and where it applies, perhaps more than anywhere else, that the journey is its own reward.

Nonetheless, the Elbe Route is not the only cycle path in the Czech Republic. There is the well-liked Prague-Vienna Greenways, as well as the Brno-Vienna path, and of course the ever popular Moravian Wine Trails and Vltava Cycle Route (EuroVelo 7), leading from the Šumava Mountains in South Bohemia as far as Mělník, where the Vltava flows into the Elbe. Increasing popularity has been experienced by a cycle path along the River Ohře (EuroVelo 4), stretching from its source via Cheb and West Bohemia, as far as Litoměřice, where it also joins the River Elbe.

The Orlické Mountains and Podorlicko – the beauty of untouched nature.

The melancholy of deep forests, the mysterious beauty of step valleys, the colourful silhouettes of old beech trees, the wild River Orlice, villages in the foothills spread all over the region, the rugged landscape interspersed with a dense network of cycle and hiking paths, which lead you to romantic chateaux and a unique system of military fortifications. Come and get lost in the Orlické Mountains!

A popular location for trips is Zemská brána, a rocky section of ground right near the Divoká Orlice, a river which gouged out the romantic valley with rock formations here. The ruins of Potštejn and Litice castles are an inherent part of the region. It is certainly also worth visiting the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Neratov. A curiosity here is the glass roof and unusual north-south facing of the church, thanks to which rays of sunshine fall right on the sanctuary at precisely noon on Easter Sunday.

Hanička artillery fort hidden under the ground
Whilst wandering around the Orlické Mountains, you must not forget to visit Hanička Fort, which belonged to the system of pre-war fortifications in Czechoslovakia. The artillery fort, which now serves as a museum, was secretly converted into a nuclear bunker in the 1970s. Under the fortress, at a depth of 20 to 36 m below the surface, is an intricate network of corridors, shafts, a unique water treatment plant, ammunition warehouses, dining halls and barracks for the men. The tour ends on the combat level of the surface of the building, where you again reach the surface via 126 steps. The temperature under the ground is 5 – 8 degrees, so we recommend warm clothing and suitable footwear. You can also walk the six-kilometre nature trail which passes by the light military fortification buildings in the area around Olešnice.

Extensive collections of pictures and weapons in Opočno
The collection of historical monuments, which is part of the complex of Chateau Opočno, stands testament to the way of life here in ages past, the sophistication and thinking of Bohemian society. Opočno Chateau will astound you with its three stories of arcade loggia in a rectangular shape. You can admire the well-preserved historical interiors here, which hold extensive collections of pictures and weapons or have a walk in the naturally landscaped park which surrounds the chateau. If you would like to get to know crafts long forgotten, all you have to do is visit the Letohrad Craft Museum. Board games, building sets, tin soldiers or trains are hidden away in the Museum of Toys in Rychnov nad Kněžnou.

Where else to set out for?
If browsing historical gems would wear you out, set out for Hradec Králové with its dominant feature, the White Tower. You can visit the local observatory and planetarium, the botanical gardens, or get to know the Hučák hydroelectric power plant, the Art Nouveau building of which stands proudly on the River Elbe.

The royal seat was built in the 13th century as a support base for the ruling family of Přemyslids.

The Protected Landscape Area of Křivoklátsko conceals a castle which, due to its excellent location surrounded by forests full of game, was a favourite of many Czech kings. This royal residence was built in the 13th century as a seat of the ruling Přemyslid dynasty. Vestiges of Czech kings and the splendour of their lifestyle is still evident today at every step. The halls of the castle witnessed many festivities and feasts, but also many consequential political talks and fateful diplomatic negotiations.

During a tour, you’ll be dazzled by the interiors of the Late Gothic chapel and the Royal Hall. You’ll be amazed by the library with 52,000 volumes. Chills will run down your spine on a visit to the torture chamber. And you will be awed by the magnificent view from the Great Tower. Cultural events and traditional markets at the castle will acquaint you with the crafts and goods produced by the inhabitants of the Křivoklátsko region.

Reason to visit
The most valuable part of the castle, with a massive cylindrical tower, is the Royal Hall, which has splendid star vaulting. After the Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle, it is the second largest hall in the Czech Republic. Every year in the first week of August, a traditional craft fair and the Křivořezání woodcarvers’ festival are held in the courtyard of the castle. You will see dozens of master woodcarvers at work and also a permanent exhibition of their creations.

Estonian history extends across a long and winding road through time, telling the tales of many nations from Vikings to the kings, queens and medieval merchants of German, Swedish, Danish and Russian descent. Estonia’s deeply rooted pagan spirit and European mindset means that the country and its people bear close ties with nature while being a proudly independent EU and NATO member state with a growing reputation for innovation.

The history begins with ancient settlers
Shortly after the end of Ice Age in Europe, the first Estonian ancestors settled along the Baltic coast in 9000 B.C. By 800 A.D. traditional Estonian villages and village society had already formed. Many villages established in this era are still inhabited today.
The most striking example of the culture of ancient Estonians is the rhythmic verse, as well as the aural tradition of folk song where each line is repeated several times with thematic variations. These days you can explore the remains of this culture on the island of Kihnu and the Setu border region in southwestern Estonia. Estonians have one of the biggest collections of folk songs in the world, with written records of about 133,000 folk songs.

Nature spirituality is equally and deeply embedded in the cultural history of Estonian people, in which the trees and earth are cherished objects that possess power. Forest has always been the source of life in this region and it was believed to be a sacred place in Estonia’s primeval religion, with the ancestors of modern Estonians worshipping wood spirits.

Estonian Vikings
800-1200 A.D. was a period of raids and counter-raids by Vikings around the Baltic Sea, including by Estonian Vikings. By this time, the inhabitants of Estonia’s largest island of Saaremaa, known at the time as Oeselians, had formed considerable naval force. The most famous event of the time was when when Estonians kidnapped the Norwegian Queen Astrid and her son and future King, Olaf Trygvesson. At the beginning of 12th century they sacked and destroyed Sigtuna, then capital of Sweden. Even today, Saaremaa is rich of Viking-age treasures, mostly containing silver coins and bars.

Medieval heyday
By 13th century Estonia was confronted by, and subsequently converted to, Christianity and ruled by Teutonic Order and Danes. During this time is when the Germans became landed gentry and wielded huge influence over Estonia for the next 700 years. Territory known as Estonia and Latvia then became Medieval Livonia – a loosely tied group of small states included in the German ecclesiastical states of the Holy Roman Empire.

Tallinn, Estonia’s medieval pearl, was granted Lübeck city rights by the Danish king in 1248, under which Estonia’s capital and many other local towns were governed until the end of the 19th century. This was the time when Estonia’s main towns Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu and Viljandi were official members of the prosperous Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and their market towns, dominating the Baltic maritime trade along Northern Europe. If today you were to take a walk in Tallinn Old Town and look up you will see what used to be salt, tea and flour warehouses equipped with attic doors and hooks once used to pull up the cargo.

Soon enough the country’s thriving medieval economy caught the attention of the neighbouring kingdoms looking to expand their geographical influence, and by the 18th century, Estonia had been governed by the king of Denmark, Sweden and the Russian tsar.

This time also saw the founding of University of Tartu by the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf, an institution that later played an important part in Estonia’s national awakening, as here is where the blue, black and white tricolour was consecrated, becoming the official flag of the independent Republic of Estonia in 1918.

Modern Estonia
The Republic of Estonia has been an independent state since 1918, shortly interrupted by the half a century long Soviet occupation following the World War II. Estonia restored its independence in 1991, known as The Singing Revolution that was inspired by the more than century-old song festival tradition.

Today’s Estonia is a thriving and forward-looking member state of EU and NATO, where you can vote online and start your own business in less than half an hour. Many have done so already, including the founders of Skype and TransferWise.

Estonia is tiny, which is great for travellers and locals alike, and there’s a well-developed infrastructure available, so you can travel via car, bus, bike, train or plane, or even walk.

In your own car
Distances between any major towns in Estonia don’t usually exceed 3 hours of driving.

Estonia has right-hand traffic and an extensive road system. The speed limit in the countryside is 90 km/h and 50 km/h in urban areas unless specified otherwise. In the summer season, some highways allow for a maximum of 110 km/h speed. Passengers are required to wear seat belts and lights must be switched on at all times. Estonia has zero-tolerance for driving under the influence.

Estonia recognises driving licenses from countries around the world.

Foreign vehicles must have third party liability insurance in Estonia. Vehicles registered in an EEA country can only be insured in that specific country of registration. Vehicles registered in the following countries must be covered by a Green Card as a proof of insurance: Albania, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Iran, Macedonia, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.

As an alternative to the Green Card, you can purchase cross-border insurance. Those vehicles not registered in EEA or in the countries listed above, must all be covered with valid cross-border insurance upon the arrival to Estonia.

By train
You can take a tram from Tallinn airport to Balti Jaam train station. From here you can take a train to larger towns such as Tartu, Narva, and Rakvere. A ticket can be bought from the station building, also from the train in cash.

There are wifi and charge points available in most trains, and while some trains offer the option of debit/credit card payment, it is wise to carry at least €20 cast just in case. In the middle of each train, there is a section called C-part, from where you can easily enter the coach with wheelchair, bicycle or a baby stroller.

By plane
You can comfortably fly to two of the biggest islands in Estonia – Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa. The flight from Tallinn to Kuressaare lasts 45 minutes, while it takes about 30 minutes to fly to Kärdla.

By ferry
For those travelling by car, taking a ferry is the most convenient way to tour the local islands. There are regular ferries operating to most larger islands, including Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Vormsi, Kihnu, Ruhnu and Aegna. Passenger ferries operate between Tallinn and the smaller Prangli and Naissaare islands.

There are a number of tour operators offering custom trips to smaller islands. Purchasing an e-ticket ahead of time allows you to change the travel time. All the information about ferry schedules is available via veeteed.com, tuuleliinid.ee and praamid.ee.

You can also do island hopping while visiting Tallinn.

With a bicycle
During the summer season, Estonia tends to be a popular cross country cycling destination. The Eurovelo route that passes through Estonia starts from the Latvian border, runs along the coast and the islands pass Tallinn and heads to the Russian border via the northern coast (Saint Petersburg is only 140 km away from the border). Additionally, there are signs for a selection of local and regional bike routes. You get a whole new experience when travelling through Estonia on a bike (as opposed to car drives), meadows and forests alternate with villages and it is perfectly common to stop at the nearest farm to ask for a glass of cold water. There are a number of tourism enterprises located all across Estonia offering bicycle tours and rentals.

If you are just looking to tour Tallinn then look for Citybike rental spots in the city centre. Tartu, on the other hand, has a fully established city bike system.

By caravan
If you’ve decided to get closer to nature, a caravan van is a great option. The best time for a caravan trip to Estonia is of course in the summer, when most of the camping sites are open.

Camping sites are especially common in Western and Northern Estonia and on the country’s biggest island, Saaremaa. Remember that your car headlights need to be kept on all day at all times. When towing your caravan, you will need to keep its backlights on.

By taxi
There are several shared driving services in Estonia. Bolt is currently the most popular taxi app, while Uber tends to be equally popular. You have the legal right to ask for a receipt when using taxi services at all times. Taxi rates vary by company. Yellow sticker in the right rear window of each vehicle will give you an overview of prices included price per kilometre.

Estonia connects the dots between Scandinavia, Central Europe and what lies to the east
Hop over!
You can fly, sail, ride or drive to Estonia from anywhere in Europe. Located in northeastern Europe, this small coastal country is a short ferry trip away from Finland and Sweden, a coach ride away from such European capitals as Warsaw and Berlin, and an overnight train from Saint Petersburg will land you at the heart of Tallinn. Tallinn airport and ferry port are both located in close vicinity to the city centre making short city breaks extremely convenient.

A popular way to visit Tallinn for the first time is to take a daytrip from Helsinki, with the ferry trip averaging up to 2 hours per leg.

Estonia’s capital Tallinn is the best-preserved medieval city in Northern Europe
Fairytale-like
Estonia’s UNESCO world heritage capital city Tallinn was granted city rights in the 13th century by the King of Denmark. Since then, the streets of Tallinn have seen many world’s powers, from the Danes and Swedes to Germans, and tsarist and Soviet Russia. Tallinn Old Town is filled with medieval houses and alleyways and is still protected by the remnants of the city wall. The wealth of architecture in Tallinn means that there are many legends and stories to explore. In addition to the city’s medieval core, new revamped areas such as Noblessner, Telliskivi, and Rotermann are popping up at lightspeed, offering even more cool architecture to explore.

Estonia speaks Estonian…as well as English, Russian, Finnish and German
No barriers…
Estonians tend to be at least bilingual, and according to recent studies, are among the best English speakers in Europe. There’s an ongoing joke that many visitors tend to think that Estonians speak elvish. This magical sounding language is iin fact Estonian, belonging to the Finno Ugric branch of European languages. While the millennials tend to speak 2 languages fluently on average, the older generation of Estonians are often fluent in Finnish and Russian in addition to English and Estonian.

Estonia is about 50% forest
Where the wild things are
Estonians love their forests, bogs and all the creatures that live there such as lynxes, brown bears, wolves, foxes, rabbits and deers. It’s right to say that Estonians come with a tree hugging trait. In the spring and autumn time, birdwatching is an extremely popular pastime attracting both humans and vertebrates from all over the world.

Estonia has a population of just 1.3 million but is larger than Denmark and Holland
Stretch out and relax
Being among the least densely populated countries in Europe, Estonia makes for a great nature and city break destination for those looking to stretch out their limbs and enjoy some peace and solitude. In the recent five years, immigration has been driving a subtle population growth year by year.

Estonia has over 2000 islands
Roots deep within
Estonia is the only Baltic country with far-stretching and deep rooted island culture. Although mostly uninhabited, Estonian islands tend to be rural, with some holding traces of local Viking and medieval culture. Estonia’s islands used to be populated by Estonian Swedes, many of whom left the region in the II WW, leaving behind a wealth of culture visible to this day.

Estonian Song Celebration dates back to 1869, attracting thousands of singers in every 5 years
The singing nation
Estonian Song and Dance Celebration is the local signature event and a reason why Estonians are often referred to as the “singing nation”. The uniqueness of this mesmerising event has even earned the song and dance celebration a place at UNESCO’s prestigious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Estonia is one of the least religious countries in the world
Architectural heritage
While Estonia has a great range of historical churches, only over a quarter of the population are affiliated with a particular religion, with Lutheranism being most prevalent among Estonians in particular.

Estonia is a digital society
E-estonia
From voting to signing documents online, Estonia implements hassle free and modern approach to running one’s errands. This means less bureaucracy, while adding more transparency and efficiency in some vital sectors such as healthcare and education. Estonia is the first e-government in the world and offers e-residency to people from all over the world. Some of the recipients of Estonian e-residency include Angela Merkel and Barack Obama.

A cross-Europe study recently showed prices in French shops to be among the lowest in Europe; and perhaps, if you are buying a cross-section of everyday goods, they are. But tourists do not shop like locals, so the price advantage of France may not be so obvious to visitors. Besides, shops selling to tourists are notorious worldwide for high prices, and France is no exception.

With the exchange rate standing at around 1.19 USD to a Euro in Spring 2021, prices in France are attractive for many international visitors. Prices are also attractive for visitors from the UK, as Sterling has gained back about 5% since its lows before Brexit.

Shopping is a major part of the tourist experience in France, specially in Paris, and each year millions of tourists visit France and make a point of heading for the shops at some time during their stay. This page offers general and useful information for tourists intending to do some shopping while on holiday in France.

Normal shop opening times in France
The traditional French shopping week comprises six days, Monday to Saturday, with shops generally open from 9 a.m. to Midday, and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. In towns and villages, it is still the rule that shops close at lunchtime.

However things are changing, and in urban shopping areas, most large shops such as department stores now operate what is called “la journée continue”, and do not close at midday. Out-of-town supermarkets in France also tend to stay open at lunchtime, and depending on the town or district, other shops in large urban or suburban shopping centres also stay open. Many smaller shops have reduced their midday closing period, and now shut from, for example, 12.30 to 1.45 – in order to catch office workers who have free time during their midday break.

Out of town supermarkets and superstores – for instance Carrefour, Leclerc, Auchan, Casino, SuperU – (called “centre commerciaux”) do not usually close for lunch. They generally open from 8.30 a.m. (or earlier) until 8 p.m. (or later); other large stores in out-of-town shopping centres often close a bit earlier in the evening, often at 7 p.m.

French fashion
hotelsThe top French fashion houses such as Yves St. Laurent, Chanel or Dior have their own boutiques in Paris (see Champs Elysées) : they also retail through major department stores in Paris and through their boutiques in other main cities and up market resorts like Courchevel or Saint Tropez.

For those looking for affordable French fashion stores, for young or old, France has plenty of choice through a range of brands available in main department stores, or through fashion boutique chains present in most city centres and many out-or-town shopping malls; these include Alain Manoukian, Jules, Mexx, Naf-naf, Kookaï, Pimkie, Brice, Petit Bateau, and plenty more.

Factory outlet malls in France
France has a couple of dozen factory outlet malls, mostly in northern France. Of particular interest to holidaymakers from the UK or Benelux are the Usine Côte d’Opale factory outlet centre at Coquelles next to the Channel tunnel exit, two factory outlet centres at Troyes, near the A26 motorway from Calais to the south of France (fashion, household appliances), or the La Seguiniere Factory Outlet at Cholet, in the Loire Valley close to Vendée. 

Where to shop in Paris
Central Paris
Rue de Rivoli (running from the Place de la Concorde, past the Louvre, to central Paris) and the central end of Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, one block to the north. This the area with the most chic shops in Paris.

The Champs Elysées: These days most of the shops on the Champs Elysées are flagship outlets for large international chains, from Hugo Boss to Disney to Zara, and the inevitable McDonalds – plus a few very chic shops, but beware of the prices. With the a few exceptions such as Lacoste, Sephora, Cartier and Louis Vuitton, French stores have been pushed out; the major French fashion stores and perfume houses however are not far away, many of them on Avenue Montaigne (Dior, Chanel etc.). Avenue Montaigne meets the Champs Elysées at the level of Franklin
D Roosevelt metro station.

On or near the Boulevard Haussmann, near the Opéra. This is the main boulevard for the big department stores, including Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, la Samaritaine, C & A.

Left Bank (Boulevard St. Michel): book stores, including Gilbert, the biggest in Paris.
Les Halles / le Marais and the lower end of the Rue de Rivoli; fashionable French and international chainstores, and trendy outlets. The “Forum des Halles”, a large urban shopping mall, has outlets for virtually all the off-the-peg fashion retailers present in France, both French such as Kookaï, Camaïeu, Comtoir des Cotonniers, Naf-Naf, Esprit or Jules, and international including Benetton, Gap and Quiksilver.

Shopping in other French towns and cities.
Provincial towns and cities: town centres remain among the principal shopping areas, with the more select boutiques and shops, including up-market and mid-market national chains and franchises. Out-of-town shopping malls offer the big hypers, as well as a range of small shops, mostly mid-market popular chains, in all fields from clothing, footwear and music, to opticians and accessories. Many out of town hypermarkets are open until 9 p.m.
Calais, Cité Europe shopping centre: the Carrefour and Tesco outlets in this large shopping centre next to the Channel tunnel terminal have long opening hours, 8.30 a.m to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.

Grasse, Alpes Maritimes, Provence. Capital of the French perfume industry. Buy top quality perfumes direct from the producers.

Alsace
Situated on the lower eastern slopes of the Vosges mountains, in the Rhine valley between Strasbourg and Mulhouse, the Alsace vineyard is rather different from any other French wine growing area. Like the region of Alsace itself, the wine culture here is steeped in a Germanic tradition, producing mostly dry or fruity white wines, the most popular being Riesling, Sylvaner and the very fruity Gewurztraminer.
The rules of Appellation contrôlée – and more recently of Appellation Protégée (AOP) are not applied in the same way in Alsace as in the rest of France. In Alsace, wines are produced under a simple “Alsace” appellation, after which the next most important element to be indicated, and the most visible word on the label, is the grape variety or “cépage”, Sylvaner, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Edelzwicker, Pinot or a few others. Smaller areas do not have their own appellations, though with many Alsace wines, the name of the village or vineyard from which it comes will also be indicated.
Lorraine, also in north east France, produces mostly Vin de pays white wines, in the Meuse and the Moselle.

Bordeaux
Wine, and wine growing region. With Burgundy and Champagne, the Bordeaux region of Aquitaine is one of the three most famous French wine-producing regions. Historically, its fame is at least in part due to the fact that of these three big grape-growing areas, the Bordeaux vineyard is the only one with immediate access to the sea, an advantage that has enabled it to be France’s major wine exporting region for many centuries.

In 1152, when queen Eleanor of Aquitaine married the English king Henry II, the Aquitaine region became economically integrated into the Anglo-Norman world, the Bordeaux region becoming the main supplier of wine for England. This historic wine exporting tradition helped Bordeaux to develop far stronger commercial links in the ensuing centuries, firmly establishing Bordeaux wines, often referred to generically in English as “clarets”, on the international market.

The Bordeaux vineyard is centered round the port city of Bordeaux , along the estuary of the Gironde, and the rivers Garonne and Dordogne. It is a large vineyard, and the geo-specific appellation “Bordeaux” covers an area stretching some 100 km both north-south and east-west.

While the appellation contrôlée covers wines of medium quality from all over this region, many if not most of the top quality clarets grown in the overall area benefit from more specific and distinctive area appellations, such as Médoc , Graves or Saint Emilion, and even more local appellations such as Pauillac, Graves and Saint-Estèphe.

Unlike other French wine-growing areas, the Bordeaux area operates classifications of many of its top wines, notably those from the Médoc and Saint Emilion vineyards. The best estates in these areas have the right to sell wines designated as grand cru. Below the grand crus come other high quality wines designated as cru bourgeois.

Médoc
Among the Bordeaux vineyards, Médoc deserves a special mention. The Médoc, an area south of the Gironde estuary to the north west of Bordeaux, is the home of many of the most prestigious French wines. Among the famous appellations produced in this area are Saint Estèphe, Margaux, Saint Julien and Pauillac. It was in 1855 that the wine producers of the Medoc region classified their 61 best wines according to a league table of “grands crus”, ranking from “Premier Cru” to “Cinquième Cru”. These grands crus are generally reputed to be the greatest of all French wines, and naturally their prices generally reflect this status. Obviously, if you buy an estate bottled wine from a chateau with grand cru status, (and of course they are all estate bottled), you can be pretty sure of getting a top quality wine. But take care! Even a grand cru wine can go off if it is not matured and cared for in the best conditions.

Other areas of south-west France
Inland and southwards from the Bordeaux / Saint Emilion regions, there are a number of less well-known wine growing areas, many of them producing quite good wines at very reasonable prices. These include Bergerac, Cahors, Gaillac and Marcillac (all Appellation Contrôlée wines) , or Côtes du Tarn or Vin de Pays du Lot. While Marcillac is a small area, the vineyards of Cahors, Gaillac and Bergerac are quite extensive, and best known for their reds. The Cahors area produces some of the richest and darkest red wines in France, principally using the Malbec grape variety, sometimes referred to as “purple wine”. However the Bergerac wine producing area is also known for its white wines, including some strong sweet aperitif wines such as Montbazillac.
Towards the Pyrenees, there are some surprisingly good white wines from the vineyards of Jurançon and Béarn, notably from the Gascony vineyards of Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh, reputed for its distinctive aperitif wines, and the vineyards of Madiran which produce a well-known red.

Bourgogne (Burgundy)
The vineyards of the Burgundy region cover a narrow strip of land on the eastern slopes of the hills running south-east from the Burgundian Capital, Dijon. The heart of the Burgundy wine growing region is the historic city of Beaune, where the autumn wine sale in the historic “Hospices” building is one of the high points of the wine year. Burgundy wines are classified on four levels, the lowest being the generic “Bourgogne” appellation. Selected areas of the Burgundy vineyard have their own classifications, such as Côtes de Beaune. Within these, there are smaller areas, villages and groups of villages, reputed to produce higher quality wine, such as Mersault, Pernand Vergelesse or Aloxe Corton . Finally, at the top of the pyramid, there are the “grands crus”, such as Clos Vougeot, with its mere 51 hectares of vineyard. Finding ones way around Burgundy wines is sometimes a daunting task. The best Burgundy wines are the reds, the best of which can keep for a good 20 to 30 years. However, Burgundy also produces some top quality, though not too distinctive, whites. It is often said that generic burgundies “Bourgogne Rouge” or Bourgogne Passetoutgrains” white are overpriced and not particularly good value for money.

Beaujolais:
South of the Burgundy region, bordering the Rhone valley vineyards, a large area round Beaujeu produces a light red wine known as Beaujolais, paradoxically one of the most famous French wines. This is a wine that does not usually keep for very many years, and over the last fifty years it has been successfully marketed as a “vin primeur”, or young wine, to be drunk after just a few weeks of maturing. But the success of Beaujolais Nouveau – launched on the market each year on the third Thursday of November – has more to do with clever marketing than with any enduring quality of the wine.

Champagne
The Champagne region, centered on the towns of Reims (Rheims) and Epernay, is the most northern of France’s major vineyards. Unlike most of the best French wines, champagnes are blended in order to produce either non vintage champagnes (blended from different years) or vintage champagne, blended from wines of the same harvest. Consequently, since the quality of the champagne ultimately depends on a balance between the quality of the grapes and the skill of the blenders, Champagnes are also ranked and promoted by producer, not by any more finely delimited appellation . Possibly the most highly rated of blends is Krug; other well appreciated brands include Mumm, Bollinger and Heidsieck, not to mention the very well known brands of Moët & Chandon and Taittinger.

The distinct taste and purity of real champagne is certainly due to the chalky soil and the continental growing conditions that abound in the Champagne region. Several of the main French Champagne producers have set up branches and vineyards in California, but in spite of bringing over their best master-blenders, have never been able to achieve quite the same result.

Although many people imagine that Champagnes are all white, this is not quite true. Rosé champagnes also exist.

Note: Champagne is not a generic term for sparkling wine from France. There are plenty more good sparkling wines from France that are not sold as champagne. While it is true to say that the top champagnes are inimitable, it is far from true to imagine that you have to buy a real champagne if you want a good French sparkling wine. Some other excellent sparkling wines are produced in Burgundy (Crémant de Bourgogne), the Jura (Crémant du Jura) and the Loire valley (Vouvray and others) and other areas, using the same techniques (formerly called “méthode champenoise” – an expression now banned from use in other regions) – and a similar but not identical mix of grape varieties, notably Chardonnay. Only the most experienced connaisseurs can distinguish a middling Champagne from a good crémant or Vouvray… yet non-Champagne sparkling wines sell at a fraction of the price of equivalent quality wines from Champagne.

Finally, please, the correct way to open a champagne cork is to ease it very gently out of the bottle. It is not to imitate a victorious Formula One racing driver and spray the contents of the bottle all over one’s guests.

Loire Valley wines
Although there are some excellent wines produced in the large Loire Valley area, there are few Loire wines, whites, rosés or pale reds, that rank among the greatest French wines. “Anjou Rosé” is a good everyday rosé, and “Muscadet” and “Gros Plant” from near Nantes, on the Loire estuary, are dry white wines that go excellently with seafood.. Another good appellation is “Pouilly Fumé” (not to be confused with “Pouilly Fuissé”, a white Burgundy). Touraine, the area round Tours, is know for its light red wines, notably from the Gamay grape variety. The region also produces vin gris , “grey wine”, which is actually a very pale rosé, being a white wine made from black grapes. While there are plenty of Loire wines that benefit from appellations protégées, others are sold under the vin de pays label.

Finally, the Loire valley is France’s second largest producer of sparkling wines, after Champagne. Two of the more prestigious varieties are Vouvray and Saumur.

Cognac: / Charentes:
The Cognac / Charentes region inland from La Rochelle is a major wine area, though normal wine itself is not the main product of the region; the wine produced is mostly used for distilling into Cognac or other spirits, or else for the production of a delicious apéritif wine known as Pineau des Charentes. Some white wine is produced under the Vin de Pays label, and there are some vineyards that produce rosé or even red wines.

Jura.
Possibly the most underrated of French white wines, Jura wines come from the south of the Franche-Comté region, the west-facing slopes of the Jura hills that look out across the wide Saône valley to the slopes of Burgundy on the other side. The best and most distinctive of Jura whites are made from the “Savagnin” grape variety, which is found only in this region, and gives the wine a delicious sherry-like taste. However, most Jura wines are blended from different varieties, and as in Alsace, the grape variety tends to be indicated on the label. the Jura vineyard also produces dark rosé wines, sometimes called reds, as well as the famous “yellow wine”, Vin Jaune, an expensive apéritif wine not unlike Amontillado sherry, made exclusively from the Savagnin grape variety. The most prestigious appellation for Vin Jaune is Château Chalon. This wine is made from late harvested grapes, and then left to mature in casks for at least six years.

Côtes du Rhone
Côtes du Rhône is one of those French wines that has become famous on account more as a result of the extent of the vineyard than of the quality of the wine. The Côtes du Rhône vineyard runs for over 200 kilometres down the Rhone valley from the south of Lyon to the Camargue. Within the region, there are a number of prestigious smaller areas such as Côte Rotie (in the northern part of the region), Hermitage or Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas (near Avignon).

The southern end of the Côtes du Rhône appellation area is actually in Provence.
The vast majority of Côtes du Rhône wine is sold under the generic appellations, “Côtes du Rhône” or “Côtes du Rhone Villages”.

Côtes du Rhone wines are mediterranean wines, and generally speaking they are blended from the different classic grape varieties of the South of France, including most notably Viognier, Syrah, and Grenache. Price-wise, generic Côtes du Rhône wines are often at the cheaper end of the “appellation contrôlée” or AOP range.

Provence
Provence is a large wine-producing area, best-known for its rosé wines, the most famous of which are Côtes de Provence and Côteaux d’Aix. However, the Provence vineyard also produces red wines, including some very rich red wines from the Var, and “grey wine” from the Camargue area. The most famous of the area’s white wines is Bandol, celebrated since the middle ages. Note that the Provence vineyard also includes the southern end of the Côtes du Rhone AOP area.

Languedoc
The Languedoc region, covering the Mediterranean coastal plain west of the Rhone, produces a lot of fairly ordinary red wine, much of it marketed as Vin de Pays. Languedoc is the largest French wine producing area in terms of volume. There are an increasing number of Appellations controlées in the area, the best-known of which is Corbières, and possibly the best average quality of which is Fitou. AOP wines account for some 10% of the region’s production, but the proportion is increasing as Languedoc producers concentrate more on quality, rather than quantity, and strive to reposition their wines higher up the market. Thanks to the long hours of summer sun, grapes ripen well and quickly in this region, which means that Languedoc wines are rich and full bodied, and often have high alcohol content. The wines of Roussillon are very similar, this area being particularly noted for its fortified wines such as Banyuls.

Rather different from the rest are the sparkling wines produced in Limoux, near Carcassonne. “Blanquette de Limoux” is reputedly the oldest sparkling wine in France; and according to the story, it was a Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon, who introduced the Limoux method of producing good sparkling wine, to the monks in Champagne who were looking for ways to improve the quality of their rather nondescript dry white wines. Regarding Dom Pérignon, the myth is almost certainly untrue; but it is well documented that Limoux was already producing sparkling wines in the 1540s, half a century before the technique took hold in Champagne.

Travel to France and within France is easy, and relatively inexpensive….. France has an extensive network of regional airports, many of which are served by airlines from other parts of Europe, including many low-cost airlines; several French airports have direct flights to the USA or Canada, particularly to New York and Montreal. Within France, the main form of intercity public transport is the train , and the French TGV network of high-speed railway lines is one of the best in the world – and constantly expanding. By contrast, domestic air travel is relatively expensive except on some high-volume routes where the airlines compete with the trains.

France has a well developed network of motorways and main roads; most motorways are toll roads – but you can find ways of avoiding the tolls on the pages about driving in France.

In most of provincial France, driving can be a relatively relaxed experience, as traffic is light except around main towns and on the main regional roads. But there are tens of thousands of kilometres of minor roads that carry very little traffic: these routes are ideal for cyclists.

Slow travellers can enjoy France not only thanks to its bucolic backroads, but also by using a developing network of cycle ways such as the French section of the Danube-Atlantic cycleway, which links the Rhine to the Loire, or the cycleways along many of France’s canals, such as the Canal du Midi. Completely off-road, France has an extensive network of hiking trails, the longest of them running from the English Channel to the Mediterranean.

Safety
Good holiday, first and foremost, means a safe holiday. If you intend to travel to Georgia, relax about safety issues. According to Numbeo 2016 report, Georgia is the safest country in Europe and 6th in the world following South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

You will feel complete safety while traveling around the country. Here we say that the guest is the gift from God, so Georgians will do their best to treat you with great hospitality. Friendly Georgians are always willing to assist you. You won’t need to take extra care of your pocket and handbag. Relax, and enjoy your precious time in this beautiful country.

No one will disturb you here, though, just in case, Georgian policemen are at your service 24/7. According to the recent research, police is one of the most trusted institutions in the country and about 74% of the population trust it. Georgia is ahead of European countries by this indicator. So be calm, relax and enjoy all the best things that country has to offer. We are waiting for you!

Gastronomy
Nothing tells you more about the spirit and culture of a country than its cuisine. Georgian national dishes are amongst the best in the world for their diversity and taste. Each historical province of the country has its own distinct culinary tradition that was refining for centuries. Especially distinguished and unique are Imeretian, Megrelian and Kakhetian cuisines.

While meat plays an important part in Georgian cuisine, very close attention is also paid to the locally produced vegetables, fruit and greens. Traditional dishes made of their accurate combination first attract you, then astonish you and eventually it all ends with gastronomic shock.

The secret of this taste is Georgian soil: natural extension of a fertile, mineral-rich landscape fed by the pure waters of the Caucasus Mountains. It seems that the nature harmoniously lives in products, that are being used to create unique, delicious, and organic Georgian dishes.

Traditional Georgian feast is called “Supra”. The list of dishes that will charm you at the “Supra” is endless, yet some of them should be distingished:

Khachapuri – Georgian cheese bread, also known abroad as a Georgian pizza. You can try different sorts of khachapuri in various regions of Georgia to experience unique taste – it is just wow!

Pkhaleuli – vegetarian dishes from a variety of spiced plants and vegetables usually with a walnut paste base, similar to spinach, but each having a unique taste and seasoning.

Satsivi – chicken or turkey in a walnut sauce with garlic and spices. It is so much appetizing that no diet will resist!

Khinkali – Georgian national dish. Juicy meat dumplings are made to be eaten by hand using a special technique that can be learned only here. It is so delicious that you have to visit Georgia just to try khinkali!

Mtsvadi – Georgian barbeque, meat grilled to perfection over a grape vinewood fire with bay leaf and fresh pomegranate juice squeezed over it.

Churchkhela – walnuts on a thread repeatedly dipped into a hot grape mixture, then hung to dry and harden in natural conditions. Churchkhela is Georgian national dessert.

Wine
Hectares of vineyards, Rtveli (Georgian harvesting) accompanied with polyphonic singing and clay vessels (Kvevri) full of wine – this is Georgia. Wine is everything here – everyone loves it. Every family will treat you with their own wine with great pleasure and pride. Vineyard is a sacred place for Georgians and winemaking – our beloved tradition. Country with population around 3.5 million, yearly produces approximately 150 million liters of wine.

Georgia has 8000 years of unbroken tradition of winemaking, which is proved by multiple archeological excavations and historical facts. The modern world recognized Georgia as the homeland of wine. According to one version, English word – wine derived from Georgian “ghvino”.

It is worth mentioning that Qvevri wine making method was included in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list in 2013. In Georgia, there are more than 500 different endemic species of grape, from which the best quality wine is made. Special and unique Georgian wines are: Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Kindzmarauli, Tsitska-Tsolikauri, Khvanchkara, Tvishi, Usakhelauri, Ojaleshi, etc.

Religion
As one of the first countries in the world to convert to Christianity in just the 4th century AD today Georgia is distinguished for full religious freedom and tolerance. Here for centuries people of different faith and religion have coexisted peacefully.

Majority of the population is Christian orthodox. Georgia is one of the few countries where orthodox and catholic churches, synagogoues and mosques are built side by side.

In all regions of Georgia you will see ancient Christian churches stretched high in the sky that count thousands of years and some of that are in a list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Below are the most significant cultural monuments:

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is Georgian architechtoral monument of XI century, located in 20 km from Tbilisi in a historical town Mtskheta. This place is especially mystical and holy, as according to the legend the Shroud of Christ is buried under the cathedral.

Jvari Monastery is both the church and the monastery of VI century that is situated on the East of Mtskheta. View of Mtkvari and Aragvi confluence stretched from here is one of the most beautiful and astonishing views in Georgia.

Bagrati Cathedral was built in XI century and resisted many invasions since then thanks to its special solid construction. Being located on the Ukimerioni Hill in Kutaisi Bagrati Cathedral is still proudly standing on the guard of the whole city.

Gelati monastery is the jewel of Georgian architecture, built near Kutaisi in XII century by the legendary King of Georgia – David the Builder. In Middle Ages Gelati monastery was the main center of religion and education.

History
History of Georgia is the history of struggling for freedom. Nearly all the largest empires in the world attempted to possess this land. But after all, we amazingly managed to survive and preserve our independence. There were times when several huge invaders at the same time struggled for having influence over Georgia. The reason of all these wars was strategic location of Georgia between Europe and Asia on the major trade artery – Silk Road.

Dmanisi Hominid
Dmanisi archaeological excavations prove the fact of ancient humans (hominids) living on the territory of Georgia. Human skull recently discovered here is 1.8 million years old and the most ancient on the territory of Europe. It means that Georgia is the homeland of the first European.

Greek era
The first signs of the state of Georgia emerged in II BC at the Black Sea coast. Wealthy Kingdom of Kolkheti ruled by legendary king Aieti was situated here. Heroes of the famous Greek myth “Argonauts” visited Georgia in this very period to grab the Golden Fleece. This story is connected to the method of gold mining in Georgia. In Mountain Rivers Georgians used sheep fleece to clean water from sludge and obtain gold.

The Romans
After the Romans pushed into Persia, they set their eyes on Georgia sending their famed general Pompey in 66 BC to conquer the country. Remains of the stone bridge built by Pompey still exist in Georgia. Soon all of Caucasia fell under Roman rule, but it did not last long, and by the I century BC Georgia was considered as an ally not a subject state.

The Adoption of Christianity
Georgia was the second country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Saint Nino of Cappadocia introduced Christianity to the Georgian people in 337 AD. Georgia’s early adoption of Christianity had huge implications on how the future would have developed for Georgians, as it permanently oriented the country to the West, to Rome, and later to Europe as a whole.

Arab Domination
In 645 Arab armies swept northwards through Iran and captured Tbilisi forcing country to pay tribute. By the X century Arab rule in Western Georgia had weakened and the Byzantine Empire was rapidly expanding. Byzantine Emperor Basil II was able to retake most of Georgia and unite east and west as one nation.

David the Builder
Despite its turbulent history Georgia managed to become the strong kingdom by the XII century. This period is linked to the name of David the Builder (1089-1125), legendary king who initiated the country’s Golden Age. After implementation of political, economic and educational reforms, in 1096 he was able to stop paying tribute to the Turks and defeated them completely in August 12, 1121 with the 50 000 army against 300 000. Human treatment of Muslims during this period set a standard for tolerance that was unique in those times and was a hallmark of his enlightened rule.

King Tamar
Georgia reached its zenith during the rule of Queen Tamar (she was referred as King because of her incredible power). She was the grand-daughter of David the Builder, and during her reign Georgians enjoyed a cultural renaissance, evidenced by building churches and monasteries as well as developing art of frescos and ornamental design. In this period also arose literary tradition. Genius Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli dedicated his epic poem “The Knight in the Panther Skin” to the Queen Tamar.

Mongols
Georgia was the first European country to be conquered by Mongols. Under the leadership of great warlord Tamerlane, Mongol army invaded Georgia eight times during 1386-1403 years. Mongol invasion seriously damaged the Georgian state and the further development of the nation.

Persian and Ottoman Invasions
In XVI century Georgia found itself trapped between two expanding empires, the Ottoman Turks from the West and the Persians from the East. Both of them struggled to invade Georgia. The fall of Constantinople and the corresponding change in trade routes greatly weakened Georgia and endangered its future. The Shah of Persia invaded Georgia four times, conquered Tbilisi and captured numerous people. Eventually the kingdom was divided into two spheres of influence of both empires.

The Russian Empire
It took Georgia a lot of time to recover and only in the XVIII century country was able to become independent again. Though shortly afterwards due to the new threat coming from Iran and Ottoman empires in 1783 Georgia had to sign a treaty with Russia making Georgia a protectorate of the Russian Empire.

Existence as a part of Russia ended up in a declaration of independency of Georgia in 1918. Georgia existed for 3 years as an independent state before in 1921 it was annexed by the Red Army of the Soviet Union. Despite numerous historical obstacles and wars, exhausted country managed to survive and in May 26th, 1991 eventually gained its independence. This day is the major national holiday of the country.

This small country managed to stand through all the difficulties that befell on it for thousands of years. Unanimity, faith and struggle brought results and today Georgia is an independent sovereign state. We are proud of our history, of every day, spent on this blessed land since we are one of the most ancient nations – the nation who loved, loves and will always love freedom!

Culture
You are about to discover a country of diverse culture, rich history and unique artifacts. Georgia is home to the first human outside of Africa who settled down here about 2 million years ago. Georgia is an ancient country at the crossroads of the Eastern and Western civilizations, where the European and Asian way of life and traditions merge for thousands of years. Indeed this country has a lot of amazing things to show you and tell you!

It is impossible to visit Georgia and not get charmed by its traditional architecture, that counts more than 1300 years. On the streets of the city, river canyons and mountain peaks you will see ancient unique domed temples painted with frescoes created based on Bible.

If you are looking for something very special and mystical, you should definitely visit the monastery complexes carved into the rocks:

Vardzia is a monastery complex built in the 12th century, which consists of churches carved into the rock, cells, secret tunnels and halls. This is one of the most eye-catching tourist attractions of the country.

Davit Gareja is a complex of monastery caves of the feudal era carved into the rock. Its walls are painted with ancient frescoes.

Uplistsikhe is a cave town. Yes, exactly the cave town and one of the most ancient settlements of the Caucasus. Caves, carved into a massive rock are firmly standing for thousands of years and even today keep their old appearance.

Georgian polyphonic music is globally prominent for its special harmonious sonority. Since 2001, Georgian polyphonic music is among UNESCO’s world intangible cultural heritage list. The polyphonic structure of this music has not changed over the centuries and still can be heard across the country – in the city and in rural areas, in the churches and monasteries and during various cultural events. Georgian traditional “Sufra” (table, feast) is unimaginable without this music. This sonority is the part of Georgians’ genetic code and most accurately expresses the character of this nation.

Rhythm, dynamics, geometric order, discipline, destructive energy, simultaneous teamwork and individualism – This is Georgian folk dance. Georgian dance embodies the history of Georgia – fighting, development, peace, love, amazing synthesis of feast and sadness. Fast and precise solo roles are shifted by calm, but dynamic group choreography, sword dance – by light and earnest women dance roles. For a foreign eye, Georgian dances remind action scenes from Hollywood, saturated by special effects. In reality, all this is incredibly realistic. Georgian folk dances are highly appreciated all around the world, therefore, Georgian ensembles with their show programs and concerts, visit numerous countries throughout the year.

Qvevri
There is a distinctive winemaking technology: grape juice together with the seeds and skin is buried under the ground in clay vessels called “Qvevri”

Unique Alphabet
Unique alphabet – one of 14 independent alphabets in the world.

The First Human Civilization
The first human civilization outside of Africa has been discovered in Georgia (the remains of that settlement are 1, 75 million years old)

Tusheti
When it comes to the height of its mountains and variety of available treks, Georgia’s High Caucasus offers a lot of options to the mountaineers.

The Highest Permanent Settlements In Europe
Tushetian village Bochorna and Svanetian commune Ushguli are Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlements

Botanical Garden
It is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world, with climatic zones ranging from subtropical and high alpine to semi-desert.

Heritage Sights
Three cultural monuments which are included into UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Ski Resorts
Georgia is a paradise for freeriders and heli-skiers

Cradle Of Wine
Winemaking has been practiced in Georgia for over 8,000 years.

Georgia becomes more and more popular among tourists not because you can try delicious food there or visit ancient sightseeing but also for numerous entertainment options which are available there, such as Iconic clubs, archetypal pubs and bars, traditional wine cellars, delicious restaurants, You can try your luck at casinos as well.

Electronic music became popular in Tbilisi decade ago and now the city is among world’s top destinations for clubbing. A new generation of Georgians successfully transformed old soviet buildings into the mind-blowing venues for partying. World media often compares Tbilisi to Berlin. Each weekend you will find top rated artists from mainly from Europe and also from other countries in local clubs. The most iconic clubs and venues for electronic music lovers of Tbilisi are Bassiani, Mtkvarze, Cafe Gallery, Khidi, Tivi, Elektrowerk and etc. Each of these places are unique with their individual spirit, own back-story and all of them are very impressive. You get the updates from them on their Facebook pages and you can easily buy tickets online.

Pop and rock music, karaoke and a lot of cover concerts are taking place in Shardeni and Perovskaya areas of Tbilisi. There are a lot of bars that tourists like to visit. The locals prefer to hang out in places like Fabrika.

Autumn and spring bring festive gastronomic experiences at New Wine Festival, Cheese Festival, Tbilisoba and many other events, where you can get closer to the culture and taste local cuisine. Visiting indoor water parks, playing board games or quests, going to cinema and doing shopping are good options for rainy days.

Theatre and movie festivals, as well as international Tbilisi Jazz Festival are traditionally held in November. Check out the website with tickets: tkt.ge, biletebi.ge, eventer.ge.

Winter in Georgia reduces the temperature, but not fun. You can visit local restaurants for authentic Georgian food that you will never forget. Bars and clubs of Tbilisi become crowded even more. Of course, after active nightlife you need to recover.

There are places where you get high class spa care based on natural Georgian wines and well known curative waters (spa resorts around Kvareli and Borjomi are famous for that). Beside this, you can try bathing in thermal water, balneotherapy, classic spa treatment, and last but not least don’t miss a chance to visit the famous sulfur baths of Tbilisi and balneologic center next to them.

 

Events & Festivals
Incentives to visit Georgia become more and more various and all of them are impressive. World rugby u20 championship has just been held in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. While, Georgia, which were selected by UEFA on 26 January 2015, will soon host the 2017 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. All European eyes on Tbilisi in November, cause its Eurovision Junior 2017 song contest here. Those who enjoy food, wine, folk dances and songs should consider coming to Art Gene in July, Cheese festival and “Tbilisoba” in October. New Wine festival should also be noted as one of the most attended event during the year.

Georgia has strengthened its position on the world map of entertainment. There’s always something cool happening here. Any weekend of the year you will definitely find some top international artists live on some stage of Tbilisi. People here hang out pretty well. Electronic music being super popular in Georgia has developed a festival culture, thus, within a short period of time, encouraged top-level music festivals such as: Gem fest in Anaklia, Sou festival in Tbilisi, 4GB festival in Tbilisi, Black Sea Jazz festival in Batumi, Tbilisi Open Air and etc. This year, Georgia will be hosting: Jamiroquai, Paul Kalkbrenner, Elton John, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, Boris Brejcha, Solomun, and Worakls along with other 500 popular artists from around the globe.

Looking for something special? Not a problem – enjoy different cultural events like: Theatre festival, Tbilisi international film festival, Color Fest, Photo festival “Kolga” , Ice cream festival, Street food festival, Tbilisi Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion week and etc.

The “Historic Highlights of Germany” are 17 cities combining historical heritage with modern urban lifestyles, each making its own specific contribution to culture, business and science.

Aachen: City of Europe with a landmark cathedral
Aachen lives and breathes Europe. You could say it’s Europe in miniature: situated squarely in the centre of a tri-border region, it has encapsulated the continent’s roots, values and ideals in a variety of ways since the days of Charlemagne.

Aachen Cathedral is both a local landmark and a monument to Europe’s illustrious past. Built in around 800 AD, it was the first cathedral in northern Europe. Across a period spanning centuries, it served as the church of coronation for nearly every German king. Its treasury houses one of the most significant collections of church treasures north of the Alps. So it’s no wonder both the cathedral and its treasury are among the highlights on the sightseeing route that winds through Aachen and takes in a series of spectacular buildings. Each stop along the way focuses on a different topic: history, science, Europe, religion, power, business and media. The lack of an equestrian-themed stop is somewhat of an oversight, though, as the annual Concours Hippique International Officiel (CHIO) in Aachen is one of the world’s leading equestrian tournaments.

Visitors to the city are blown away by its relaxed atmosphere, best experienced on a stroll through the historical streets. There’s a charming contrast between the grand old buildings and the open-minded attitude and exuberant buzz created by 45,000 students hailing from all corners of the globe. Also not to be missed are the modern works on display at the Ludwig Forum for International Art. See the European idea flourish whatever you do and wherever you go in Aachen.

Augsburg: a prosperous present and an illustrious past
Augsburg, with its Mozart heritage, is one of Germany’s most historically significant cities. As you stroll through its ancient streets, it doesn’t take much imagination to gain a sense of this beautiful city’s importance in the days when the Fugger mercantile and banking dynasty was at its peak.

Augsburg has always been a little more glamorous than other cities. Its magnificent fountains, grand old guild houses, exquisite churches and the Town Hall combine to form a cityscape of rare intensity. More recent periods have also left their mark here, most notably the Baroque and Rococo eras and the Art Nouveau movement, all of which transform a stroll through the city into a very special experience. As far back as the High Middle Ages, travellers were astounded by the cathedral with its stunning bronze doors (now nearly 1,000 years old) and the Basilica of St. Ulrich and St. Afra. Another marvel was the wealth of the Fugger family, who rose to become a global powerhouse of capitalism in the space of just three generations.

The Mozarts join the Fuggers as another family with close ties to the city. Leopold Mozart, father to Wolfgang Amadeus and an influential composer in his own right, was born here. The Mozart Festival, which is held every May, is just one way the father-and-son composers are commemorated in the city. Did you know that Augsburg was once surrounded by a continuous city wall? Numerous gold and silversmiths settled within it. Their works can be viewed in museums and purchased from independent businesses. After exploring and shopping, what better way to draw the day to a close than with a drink in one of the many lovely bars in the Old Town.

Bonn: a new lease of life for Germany’s former capital
Capital of the Federal Republic of Germany until 1990 and now an internationally renowned hub of commerce and culture, the idyllic city of Bonn on the Rhine River is as assured and cosmopolitan as ever.

To this day, Bonn and the ‘Bonn Republic’ are symbolic of diplomacy, democracy and Germany’s rise following World War II. Authentic sites of Germany’s political past now open to visitors include Palais Schaumburg, the Chancellor’s Bungalow and the former parliament chamber. The city also has many exhibits that rekindle memories and illustrate the historical and political background to events between the post-war period and reunification.

But Bonn is much more than just the former capital of Germany, as it enjoys a widespread reputation as a city of the arts. As the birthplace of Beethoven, Bonn spreads the joy of classical music and honours its world-famous son during the Beethoven Festival with a series of concerts held every September and October. The city lives up to its reputation as one of Germany’s finest centres for art with two of Germany’s most significant art museums – the Bonn Museum of Modern Art and the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany (better known as the Bundeskunsthalle). The Museum of Modern Art features one of the most extensive collections of German Expressionism, while visitors who stroll across the Marktplatz square, which dates back to the 11th century, can marvel at the Baroque Town Hall as they sample the delicious produce that local farmers sell here daily.

Erfurt: where beauty meets confidence
Erfurt wows visitors with its Medieval charm and rich history combined with a lust for life and a warm welcome. Situated at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the capital of Thuringia has always been a meeting place and home of important intellectuals and a magnet for visitors from around the world.

Erfurt was once lauded as the City of Towers in reference to the lofty spires of the city’s 25 parish churches, 15 abbeys and monasteries and ten chapels that stretch their way up to the heavens. Particularly striking are St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus, as together these two masterful examples of German Gothic design form an architectural ensemble like no other in Europe. Nowadays, the church towers cast their shadows over the lovingly restored timbered-framed houses and beautiful Renaissance buildings of the historical city centre, where one of Germany’s finest open-air theatre events, the Cathedral Steps Festival, takes place every year.

St. Augustine’s Monastery, where Martin Luther spent five years of his life, the Predigerkirche church and the fortifications of Petersberg Citadel are superb examples of Medieval and modern-era architecture. But far from being just a city of sacred buildings, Erfurt is also a city of bridges, the most famous of which is the Merchants’ Bridge, which has the longest row of inhabited buildings on any bridge in Europe. Buildings that are now home to art galleries, wine bars and antique dealers. And boy does Erfurt know how to party! The Middle Ages are revived every summer during the Merchants’ Bridge Festival in the Old Town, a celebration involving ancient crafts, courtly love songs, jesters and a colourful array of stalls. If that’s not enough for you, the superb markets held all-year round transform the Domplatz square into a feast for the senses.

Freiburg: a city with a sunny disposition
Are the people of Freiburg so cheerful because their city gets more sun than anywhere else in Germany? It’s hard to say. But what is certain is that life is good in Germany’s southernmost major city.

And yet Freiburg has more to offer than good spirit alone. It boasts one of Germany’s prettiest Old Towns, with its characteristic bächle – the narrow channels of water that run alongside the pavements. Not to mention a wealth of culture and history, many cafés and cosy bars, delicious local cuisine and scenic surroundings, with an atmosphere that is more laid-back than most – but that’s southern Germany for you.

Experience this vibe for yourself with a stroll through the Old Town, which is overlooked by the 116-metre-tall spire of the striking Freiburg Minster, one of Germany’s most beautiful religious buildings.

The Münsterplatz square is the largest in the city centre. It hosts weekly markets almost every day. Its main sights include the Historical Merchants’ Hall built in 1532 with its deep-red facade and colourful turrets as well as the ‘Haus Zum Schönen Eck’ built in 1761, which is now the Museum of Municipal History.

Freiburg’s multitude of glorious squares also provides an ideal backdrop for the dozens of celebrations and festivals held every year in the Old Town. And when you’re feeling all partied out, now is the perfect time to unwind in the many parks and green spaces, at one of the nearby lakes or on the 1,284 metre Schauinsland mountain just outside of Freiburg. It’s no wonder that Freiburg has been named a Green City, as it is seen as a global pioneer in eco-friendliness.

Koblenz: the German Corner and the nation’s best heirloom
At the famous Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, where the Rhine and Moselle converge, lies one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities: Koblenz. Vineyards, forests and four mountain ranges form the unique backdrop to this 2,000-year-old city.

French joie de vivre and German tradition have produced a truly unique cultural fusion in Koblenz, characterised by cosy wine taverns, narrow alleyways, romantic spots and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The Four Towers, as the oriels of four Baroque houses on each corner of the main street crossing are known, are the perfect place to begin a stroll through the Old Town. Other top attractions include the Guard House, which dates back to 1689, and the Schängel fountain, which stands in the courtyard of the Town Hall and is one of the city’s main landmarks. A ferry that passes the Electoral Palace will take you to Stolzenfels Castle, one of the most impressive examples of early Prussian art and cultural history.

The people of Koblenz also have a clear appreciation of contemporary art, as evidenced by the Ludwig Museum near the Deutsches Eck, the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle and a historical spot where a striking statue of Emperor William I was placed in 1891. Towering on the opposite side of the Rhine is Ehrenbreitstein, Europe’s second-largest preserved fortress. At nearly 120 metres above the river, this is the perhaps the best place to enjoy views of the city and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. UNESCO has also recognised the area’s outstanding beauty, awarding it World Heritage Site status without hesitation. Come and see it with your own eyes.

Heidelberg: Germany’s romantic side
Heidelberg is a city worth falling in love with: the dreamy, romantic setting around the Old Bridge and the castle, an unparalleled choice of culture and entertainment wherever you go and hearty yet heavenly cuisine. All of which is nestled between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald forest.

It’s easy to see why visitors flock straight for the castle, sat upon its throne on the hill some 70 metres above the Neckar River, when they come to Heidelberg. Together with the Old Bridge, it is among the most impressive sights to be found in Germany. It is worth joining a guided tour of the town, if only to appreciate the history of this mighty fortress, which has seen a thing or two over the past 700 years. Did you know that the largest barrel in the world is stored in the castle’s wine cellar? Made from 130 oak trees, it has a capacity of precisely 221,726 litres. Heidelberg Castle Festival is also one of the summer’s main events at the castle.

In the centre of the Old Town is the Marktplatz square, which boasts one of Heidelberg’s many beautiful fountains, grand period houses, cafés and even more pretty little shops. Not to mention the famous Church of the Holy Spirit. From here it’s just a stone’s throw to the Kornmarkt, which many see as the city’s most beautiful square. Alongside the Electors, it is the scholars who have shaped the intellectual and cultural ideas in Heidelberg over the course of the centuries. The university is the oldest on German soil and has attracted the best academic thinkers to the city in the past. You can still see what makes the city so unique in the many cosy old student bars: Heidelberg has genuine joie de vivre in spades.

Lübeck: a northern city of beauty and intellect
Lübeck, the Queen of all the Hanseatic cities, was founded in 1143 as ‘the first western city on the Baltic coast’. A Medieval ambiance and historical and cultural attractions still dominate the wonderful cityscape today and hark back to the city’s glorious past as a Free and Hanseatic city.

As one of the most illustrious early seats of global trade, Lübeck has always been pretty special. Surrounded by water, the Old Town with its seven towers and five main churches is testament to 1,000 years of eventful history. As such, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right, as the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicist buildings, narrow lanes and streets, churches and monasteries, merchants’ houses and fortifications come together to form a remarkable whole. An excellent example of Brick Gothic architecture, the St. Mary’s Church features the world’s tallest brick vault. Just a stone’s throw away is the modern MuK music and congress hall, Lübeck’s main venue for the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

Other significant buildings in the Old Town include the ensemble around the Town Hall, the castle monastery, the Koberg square, the district between St. Peter’s Church and the cathedral, the Holsten Gate – the city’s most famous landmark – and the Salzspeicher salt storehouses on the banks of the Trave River. Medieval Lübeck is the perfect place for an unforgettable stroll. And when the sun goes down, the city’s numerous pubs, restaurants, bars and clubs come to life. A visit to the Heinrich and Thomas Mann Centre will guide you through the life and legacy of the illustrious literary brothers. And don’t forget to sample the city’s speciality: the world-famous Lübeck marzipan, which has been the sweetest temptation for as long as there have been almonds.

Münster: the youthful charm of a city steeped in history
The cosmopolitan city of Münster is proud of its history spanning more than 1,200 years. Whether as a bishop’s seat, a member of the Hanseatic League or a university city – Münster has always had an important role to play. The city earned its place in the annals of world history when the Peace of Westphalia was signed here.

Having won an award for having the best quality of life in the world, Münster is home to buildings that can tell legendary tales of the past. This is particularly true in the historical city centre. Take the extraordinarily charming setting of the Prinzipalmarkt square, for example, which is lined with 48 gabled buildings, many of which are joined together by an arcade. It goes without saying that shoppers will be in heaven here. Salzstrasse, Münster’s oldest mercantile street, the Baroque treasures of Erbdrostenhof Palace, the Dominican Church and St. Clement’s Church are all within walking distance. And the Picasso Museum is just a stone’s throw away in its magnificent home in the Druffel’scher Hof.

From there, it’s not far to the Domplatz square, where the mighty Cathedral of St. Paul and pretty, winding alleyways around the Überwasserkirche church are the main attractions. A detour to the Kreativkai waterfront, Münster’s top nightlife spot by the city docks with its exciting mix of art and culture, restaurants and trendy clubs, will also leave a lasting impression. An important day in the city’s history was 24 October 1648, when the Peace of Westphalia officially ended the Thirty Years’ War. Although Münster will forever be associated with this event, the city is also firmly rooted in the here and now. This is evident from the proliferation of the locals’ favourite mode of transport: the bicycle, with as many as 100,000 people cycling around the city every day. So visitors wanting to experience the real Münster should get on their bike!

Potsdam: a land of gardens, palaces and lakes
Prussian pomp and splendour, a heritage of great architects and scholars and a focal point during the Cold War: Potsdam offers breathtaking dimensions of culture and history.

300 years ago, Potsdam was transformed into one of Europe’s most splendid royal cities. The Prussian kings created a Baroque dream in Potsdam and the surrounding area and commissioned great monuments to Classicism. The Palaces and Parks of Potsdam, which cover about 500 hectares of parkland and encompass 150 buildings dating from 1730 to 1916, were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status back in 1990. A good starting point for a walk is the Alter Markt square, taking in St. Nicholas Church, the Lustgarten park, the Old Town Hall, the Barberini Museum and the reconstructed former City Palace. Opposite Alter Markt, somewhat tucked away, lies the Neuer Markt square, one of the best-preserved Baroque squares in Europe.

Nauen Gate gives access to the Dutch quarter with its lovingly decorated courtyards, cafés, offbeat bars and galleries, where the ambiance and lifestyle of the city are a bit more laid back. No visit to Potsdam would be complete without a trip along the city’s waterways on one of the Weisse Flotte steamboats. The vessels go as far as Glienicke Bridge, which connects Potsdam to Berlin and is where East and West exchanged secret agents and spies until into the 1980s. Over in Babelsberg, the cameras are always rolling at Europe’s biggest and oldest film studios, which is no real surprise, as Potsdam was named UNESCO Creative City of Film in 2019.

Osnabrück – the City of Peace in a nature and geopark
The name says it all: The negotiations for and signing of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 are the biggest events in the city’s history, which still shape beautiful Osnabrück – otherwise known as the City of Peace – to this day.

The marketplace is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the city. The square is lined with typical gabled buildings, St. Mary’s Church, the cathedral and the late-Gothic Town Hall. Osnabrück survived the Thirty Years’ War almost unscathed, so the weary warring parties chose the city, alongside its neighbour Münster, as the venue for the peace agreement. The negotiations are commemorated in the Hall of Peace in the Town Hall. Similarly, the Felix Nussbaum House aims to ensure the past is not forgotten. This spectacular museum, designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, presents the life and works of locally born Jewish artist Felix Nussbaum, who was murdered in Auschwitz in 1944.

Just outside the city, the Kalkriese Museum and Park mark the site where the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest is believed to have been fought in the year 9 AD, with excavations and numerous finds. It doesn’t take long to discover that, despite the major historic events that happened here, this is a modern city in every way, offering an abundance of shops, live music, comedy, markets, festivals and must-see exhibitions in the Kunsthalle art gallery. Or for an exciting day out, you can explore the stunning scenery of the TERRA.vita nature and geopark, part of the UNESCO network of geoparks.

Regensburg: a magical combination of stone and charm
Anyone thinking a Medieval city with a 2,000-year-old history and World Heritage status might be slightly on the quiet side is greatly mistaken in this instance. With the highest concentration of bars in Germany, the people of Regensburg know many ways to have fun.

Few other cities in central Europe can offer legacies of more than 2,000 years of history whichever way you look. Regensburg has 1,500 listed buildings, 984 of which comprise the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Old Town with Stadtamhof’ ensemble. The Stone Bridge, the cathedral and the Krauterermarkt square with the Collegiate Church of St. John, the Cathedral Treasury Museum, the patrician town house and the historical Adler Pharmacy count among Regensburg’s most significant architectural monuments, but represent just a few of the vast number of outstanding sights.

Regensburg’s cultural scene is just as diverse as the treasures of its Old Town. The Domspatzen, for example, is one of the world’s oldest boys’ choirs. And in the narrow alleyways of the Old Town, any number of restaurants, bars and pubs are a great place to spend the evening. Regensburg is also one of only a handful of cities that offer a modern shopping experience in amongst their architectural heritage. In the Händlmaier shop, for example, you can buy the brand’s famous sweet mustard. There is absolutely no doubt that this is the best mustard in the world – at least if you ask fans of this traditional family-owned brand. Another thing is for sure: Regensburg is one of the world’s best travel destinations. Maybe even the best one ever – but perhaps you should go and decide for yourself.

Rostock: Brick Gothic architecture with maritime flair
With the unique atmosphere of its harbour, maritime flair is at the heart of Rostock. It’s also home to major events, such as the Hanse Sail in August, which pulls in hundreds of sailing vessels and a million visitors each year.

You know the event is in town when up to 300 tall ships, traditional ships, cruise ships, ferries, vintage yachts and other sea-going vessels are paraded in front of delighted spectators in and around Rostock’s harbour. This maritime festival is a special occasion for the entire Baltic Sea region. All of this takes place against the magnificent backdrop of Rostock’s Old Town with its characteristic deep-red brick buildings that date back to Hanseatic times and house numerous major historical attractions. One of the city’s particularly endearing landmarks is Warnemünde Lighthouse, an ideal place for a day trip.

Distinctive pedestrian zones have been established from the Doberaner Platz square to the Neuer Markt square, and from the Universitätsplatz square to the city port. These areas are also great for eating out, offering everything from fresh fish to international cuisine, while those with a sweet tooth should pay a visit to the Schokoladerie de Prie, a chocolatier by the port. The trendy Kröpeliner Tor district also has cosy restaurants, bars and cafés serving refreshing beer. But wherever you go, it’s always worth taking a closer look either side of the main streets, where independent shops in old warehouses and lovingly restored town houses are just waiting to be discovered. And what you will find, no matter where you look, is the soul and charm of this extraordinary city.

The eternal student town: Tübingen
Professors and wine growers, rebellious students and locals – Tübingen has not always been the conflict-free safe space that it is today. The home of poet Hölderlin, however, has long found a way to strike a peaceful balance between the traditional chimes of the Town Hall’s carillon and the raucous guitars in the clubs.

More than 900 years of history lie at your feet in Tübingen’s Old Town. Steep steps, narrow lanes and pointed gabled houses dominate the townscape all the way up to the castle. There is always something going on in Tübingen, and not just in the lovingly restored town centre, which is hardly surprising given the 28,500 students who live here. The town’s charming shops, bars and restaurants make it the perfect place to hang out or go for a stroll. Built in 1435, the Town Hall on the Marktplatz square was adorned with an ornate astronomical clock in 1511 that is still operational today. The annual punt race around the Neckar River island guarantees plenty of riotous entertainment in Tübingen’s events calendar. The waterfront, which features Hölderlin Tower – one of the town’s most famous landmarks and most photographed spots – is close by.

Did you know that the museum in Hohentübingen Castle is home to numerous original finds from the caves of the Swabian Jura Mountains, some of which date back 40,000 years? And that the finds and the caves have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The collections held by the Tübingen Kunsthalle art gallery are also internationally renowned, while the local theatres and festivals all shape the town’s vibrant cultural scene. After all, if there’s one thing that the locals, students, wine growers and professors do agree on, it’s that culture is fun and puts people in a good mood. But it’s best to see for yourself.

Trier: a charming city with so much Roman heritage
Founded in 16 BC during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus, Trier is Germany’s oldest city and an important site for ancient art treasures and monuments, such as the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved city gate from the ancient world.

Roman emperors and later bishops, electors and ordinary people have made Trier what it is today. A whole host of world-class architectural monuments – many of which have UNESCO World Heritage status – and art treasures have been preserved and tell moving tales of times gone by. Porta Nigra, the Amphitheatre and the famous Imperial Baths, where the Romans went to relax, all bear witness to Trier’s extensive classical heritage. Medieval buildings, such as St. Peter’s Cathedral – the oldest church in Germany – and the early-Gothic Church of Our Lady are also deeply impressive.

Trier is second to none when it comes to dining. Excellent wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer wine-growing regions do of course play a key role here, while shops, cafés and bistros across the city entice visitors to stroll around or watch the world go by. A diverse mix of music, performing arts and entertainment is on offer in the city’s cultural institutions and trendy clubs. In June, the Old City Festival is a sight to be seen on the Hauptmarkt square, which would ordinarily be lined with stalls selling flowers, fruit and vegetables six days a week. In late November, the aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine wafts through the narrow alleyways, which are adorned with festive lights and lined with rustic wooden stalls. There’s no doubt that even Emperor Augustus would have loved it.

Wiesbaden: where special comes as standard
Wiesbaden is the deluxe edition of a city, the debutante of Germany’s major cities and among the most traditional and prestigious spa towns. Whether you come for the saunas or the restaurants, the atmosphere or the shopping, you will find everything to be at the height of luxury here.

Wiesbaden has everything it needs to be the perfect spa town with 26 hot springs, the Kurhaus spa assembly rooms, parks, a casino and the spa colonnade – one of Europe’s longest columned halls at 129 metres. There is also plenty to see as you stroll through the Old Town, including the Old Town Hall built in 1610, and along the elegant Wilhelmstrasse, which is brimming with designer stores and vibrant cultural offerings. Alongside exclusive boutiques, galleries and cafés, the street is home to two internationally acclaimed museums. On the eastern side of Wilhelmstrasse lies Warmer Damm landscape park, which was laid out in 1860. Further to the east comes Söhnlein Villa, often referred to as the ‘White House’ because it resembles the Washington landmark.

The Wilhelm Street Festival is one of the biggest in Germany – an occasion that guarantees a steady flow of champagne and an exuberant atmosphere year after year. The locals’ savoir-vivre is also evident in the nearby vineyards, the chic restaurants, bistros and brasseries and the smart wine taverns, bars and cafés. It can also be seen in the wide array of theatre, literature and music events, such as the Rheingau Music Festival, which transforms the entire region around Wiesbaden into a sensational summer concert stage every year. Whatever you fancy doing, Wiesbaden has it all. You just have to get yourself here.

Würzburg: world heritage and Franconian wine
Würzburg is a pleasant harmony of history, culture and wine. This university city and former royal seat is idyllically situated on either side of the Main River and offers a vibrant atmosphere and an endearing charm.

Würzburg is a Baroque city offering southern German flair and Franconian hospitality. Architectural masterpieces from various eras shape the cityscape. Even from afar, the two imposing towers of St. Kilian Cathedral – the fourth largest Romanesque church in Germany – point the way to the city. Würzburg’s famous landmarks are the Würzburg Residence with its Court Gardens and Residence Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Marienberg Fortress and the 180-metre-long Old Main Bridge, which is lined with impressive statues of saints. Gracefully straddling the banks of the Main River amid idyllic vineyards, the location alone is reason enough to visit Würzburg.

One of the city’s fascinating museums, at Marienberg Fortress, houses the largest collection of works by the famous woodcarver and sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. Slightly more modern art from the 19th century to the present day is the focus of the 3,500-square-metre museum in the Kulturspeicher building at the old port. Did you know that a different discovery, that of the X-ray, was made in Würzburg? Röntgen’s original laboratory has been preserved and welcomes visitors, who can follow up the tour by giving the city a thorough examination.

Some 25,000 castles, palaces and mansion houses bear witness to Germany’s history: from splendid, perfectly preserved landmarks to ruined reminders of former glory.

Splendid palaces of great rulers
Germany is home to a great variety of castles and palaces, from simple mansion houses to the prestigious residences of great ruling dynasties, such as Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam. Known as the “Prussian Versailles”, this castle was constructed on the orders of the Hohenzollern King Friedrich II. Together with its park, this Rococo building has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Another favourite place of the Hohenzollern dynasty was Berlin’s Charlottenburg Palace.

Situated close to the Saxon state capital of Dresden, the moated castle of Moritzburg was the emblem of the noble Wettin dynasty. The Baroque estate also includes the Little Pheasant Castle, visible from Moritzburg Castle 2.5 kilometres away.

Cultural heritage and architectural jewels
As well as Sanssouci Palace, other German castles and palaces are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces located in Brühl (North Rhine-Westphalia) and boasting gardens and parks that transport visitors back to the 17th century. One UNESCO Site in Hesse is Wilhelmshöhe Park, a landscape park above Kassel with the Classicist Wilhelmshöhe Palace at its centre. Wartburg Castle occupies an elevated position above the Thuringian city of Eisenach. This World Heritage Site is renowned as the place where the reformer Martin Luther sought refuge and translated the New Testament into German.

Some castles and palaces are perfect examples of their respective architectural eras. Ahrensburg Palace near Hamburg, for example, is regarded as one of the major works of Renaissance architecture in Schleswig-Holstein. Occupying a central location in the city, Saarbrücken Castle is a fine example of Baroque style, while the far smaller Schönebeck Castle in Bremen-Vegesack combines Baroque with a typical north-German half-timber construction. Jenisch House in Hamburg is a Classicist gem. Set in extensive landscaped gardens, this country house enjoys far-reaching views over the River Elbe.

Fairytale palaces and knights’ castles
The Romantic era was the real heyday for castles, with the most emblematic example being Neuschwanstein Castle. This splendid white construction is perched on a hilltop near Füssen in the Bavarian Allgäu. Somewhat less well known is the “Neuschwanstein of the North”: Schwerin Castle was once a residence for grand dukes and is now the seat of the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Romantic Historicism was also the inspiration for the construction of Marienburg Castle. The Guelph family’s Neo-Gothic-style summer residence is a striking landmark, perched high on Marienberg hill around 20 kilometres south of Hanover in Lower Saxony. Further to numerous conversions over the years, Wernigerode Castle in Saxony-Anhalt is now another fairytale castle.

But what later constructions strived to replicate can be still be admired in their original form today: storybook-style Medieval castles. The most famous example being perhaps Eltz Castle. This 12th century hilltop castle in the Eifel mountains in Rhineland-Palatinate has been owned by the same noble family for over 850 years. And for many generations, the romantic appeal of ancient ruins has been attracting international tourists to Heidelberg Castle in the town by the Neckar in the north of Baden-Württemberg.

New ideas within ancient walls: More than simply relics of great eras, some German castles and palaces are also synonymous with ideas that have had a decisive influence on the world. History is brought to life here in many facets.

The birthplace of democracy: Hambach Castle
The black-red-gold flag was once a symbol of the battle for democracy, freedom, international peace and national unity. It was raised for the first time at the imposing Hambach Castle on the German Wine Route. In May 1832, around 30,000 people climbed the castle hill for the “Hambach Festival”, calling for freedom and popular sovereignty and flying the black-red-gold flag from the highest pinnacle of the tower. This event laid the foundations for the establishment of German democracy. A permanent exhibition in Hambach Castle provides answers to questions on this topic with fascinating media and activity stations for all ages. The original flag is also on display here.

The birth of a successful idea: the world’s first youth hostel
One of Germany’s most beautiful hilltop castles, Altena Castle occupies a picturesque location high above the town of Altena in North Rhine-Westphalia. The castle is renowned as the birthplace of an idea that travelled all over the world. This became the site of the world’s first permanent youth hostel in 1914. Around twenty years later, the hostel moved to the lower castle courtyard, where modern-day travellers can still find budget accommodation today. Visitors can view the original rooms of the first youth hostel, including the kitchen, during a ride on an “adventure lift” rising vertically through the rock for 60 metres and providing insights into 900 years of castle history at six stations.

Cecilienhof Country House: a symbol for the end of the Second World War
The ensemble of buildings in the style of an English country house has an idyllic and peaceful feel, yet this was the site of one of the most important historical events of the 20th century. In the summer of 1945, just a few weeks after the end of the Second World War, Cecilienhof Country House near Potsdam was the site of a meeting of the victorious powers – US President Harry S. Truman, British Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee and Soviet Head of State Joseph Stalin. The Potsdam Conference marked the end of the Second World War and at the same time the start of a new Cold War between East and West. The nearby former inner German border installations are therefore also indirectly part of the palace’s history. Numerous historical photographs give visitors to the original site lots of background information about the Potsdam Conference.

Inventors of the postal service: Thurn und Taxis family
The regal Thurn und Taxis Palace on the southern outskirts of Regensburg’s Old Town was not always a noble residence. It was only in the 19th century that the former Benedictine cloister of St. Emmeram became the family home. But the Thurn und Taxis family had been very influential even prior to this, as the inventors of the postal service. The origins were a courier service operated by the dei Tasso family for the Republic of Venice and later for the popes. In 1490, Francesco de Tasso (Franz von Taxis in German) then launched the European postal service on the orders of the Emperor and the von Taxis held the courier monopoly until the takeover of postal rights by Prussia in 1867. Today the family – including two Princesses – organises events at Emmeram Palace, including summer concerts and a Christmas market.