Raise your hand if you haven’t already visited Rome…. If we believe the motto that says: “All the roads lead to Rome”, there will be a time that the road will lead you to the magnificent city of Rome.

I had my chance in Christmas and I’ve make a list of things to do, see and try in Rome.

1. Vatican City

Vatican City is a walled enclave within the city of Rome. With an area of approximately 44 hectares, and a population of 842 persons, it is the smallest sovereign state in the world by both area and population. It is an ecclesiastical or sacerdotal-monarchical state (a type of theocracy) ruled by the Bishop of Rome – the Pope.

Why to visit Vatican City?

The Vatican Museums, the St. Peter’s square, the Basilica di San Pietro are pure art! The sure thing is that you will never see again so many artifacts gathered in one place. The ticket for the Vatican Museums costs 16€ and if you book online you must pay 4€ more. The extra charge allows you to enter quicker and save time waiting rather than standing on the other queue.

2. Colosseum – Roman Forum – Palatine Hill

These two places require at least half of your day. Colosseum is a great arena but it is not so special from the inside. However, you are in Rome and it would be a great miss out if you don’t enter. That place hosted battles, duels and beast fights.

The Roman Forum is a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum.

The Palatine Hill is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands 40 meters above the Roman Forum, looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other. The city’s view is Spectacular!

These three sightseeing share the same tickets that costs 12€.

3. Pantheon

This temple was originally dedicated to all gods of the ancient Rome. Now, it is a Christian Church. The most characteristic feature of this temple is its dome that is open to the weather conditions. It’s fascinating that despite the eons and the damages that Pantheon suffered, it still stands!

4. Fontana Di Trevi

A visit to the most popular fountain of the world is necessary! Don’t forget to throw a coin into the fountain! This action, according to locals, guarantee your return to Rome.

5. Piazza Di Spagna

After the most popular fountain, we visit the most famous stairs! These steps connect Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti church. Climb the steps and the view will reward you!

6. Piazza Del Popolo – Piazza Venezia – Piazza Navona

Each square has its own unique story to tell. I choose 3 squares that I really enjoyed and admired. Photograph the city’s view from the top of Piazza Del Popolo, take a break in Bernini’s fountain in Piazza Navona and pay your respects to the unknown soldier in Piazza Venezia.

7. Tiber River

Tiber runs the old city. Don’t miss the chance to walk by the river and visit the only island in Tiber, Tiberina.

8. Castel and Ponte Sant’Angelo

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as Castel Sant’Angelo is a towering cylindrical building in Parco Adriano, Rome, Italy. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. This Castle was once the tallest building in Rome.

Ponte Sant’Angelo is a bridge located in front of Castel Sant’ Angelo. It completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, to span the Tiber, from the city center to his newly constructed mausoleum. The bridge is solely pedestrian, and provides a photogenic vista of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Spent some time observing the “angels” on the bridge.

9. Villa Borghese Gardens

These gardens are perfect for relaxation. Walk or take a bike and ride through the park. If you have time visit the Galleria Borghese, the zoo and the beautiful lake.

10. Shopping in Via Del Corso

Shopping time and there’s no other place like Via Del Corso! There you can find well-known brands and normal priced items. On the other hand, if you are into expensive brands such as Prada, Gucci, Armani etc, prefer the Via Condotti.

11. Eat traditional Italian food

Pizza, Spaghetti, Panini, Focaccia, Τiramisu, are some of the MUST EAT foods in Rome!

12. Drink the original Cappuccino and taste the authentic hot Italian chocolate.

There is always time for a traditional cappuccino made by the experts! Also, try the authentic hot chocolate! It is thicker than the ones you are used to and certainly tastier!

By Danai Aimatidou

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The majestic city of Poland is an open-air museum, with palaces, cathedrals and historic homes.

Krakow has been the capital of the country for more than 500 years and was a cradle of medieval commerce and a great center of arts and sciences in the 16th century.

The gem of Poland with its inexhaustible history is a dynamic European metropolis with youthful culture and passion for the arts.

According to the legend, the first inhabitants of the city lived in the cave of a dragon that killed the mythical King Krak.

The myths around the city do not stop there, as it is said that once, the Hindu god, Shiva, threw seven magic stones in seven different parts of the world. And since then, every place where a stone fell is considered to have a separate energy. Krakow was one of these places.

The Old Town is a true architectural masterpiece of great historical monuments and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Basilica of Virgin Mary is built in the 13th century and overlooks its twin bell towers on the central square of the Agora.

The rocky Wawel hill rises 20 meters above the center of the city and has been for centuries the seat of the Polish kings. The visitor will see the homonymous 16th-century castle and a national identity for the Poles. Next to the castle dominates the Royal Cathedral, with a history of 900 years.

Kazimierz Jewish Quarter experienced the devastating consequences of the Second World War and became known to the general public through the Sidler List.

The traveler will find today the most bohemian neighborhood of the city with stone paved alleys and numerous old synagogues, and hosts the Jewish Museum of Galicia dedicated to the Holocaust and the Jews of Central Europe.

It is worth visiting the historic Schidler’s Factory Museum, which is housed in the old enamel factory of the legendary Oscar Sindler and the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology, on the banks of the Vistula River.

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With an area of ​​3,640 sq. Km., it is the largest island of the complex – its name derives from the Latin island of Major.

Since the 1960s and flagged the triptych of “Sun, Sea, Fun” has begun to attract a significant number of visitors and has quickly become a synonym for mass tourism.

The marvelous, mainly architectural attractions, the endless miles of exotic beaches with palm trees, picturesque villages, windmill plains, impressive mountains, and the wild nights with the cosmopolitan parties promise the visitor everything he would like from the summer holidays.

Palma de Mallorca

The capital, Palma de Mallorca, is essentially the only town on the island. Stylish and vibrant, it combines exceptional cultural heritage with a cosmopolitan air, enchanting visitors.

The port of Palma is dominated by the La Seu Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe. It is an impressive 14th-century building, with towers, obelisks, columns, which seem to be lost in the sky, and window frames that shine in the sun.

The pulse of Palma hits the historic center, the “Old Town”, which starts from the port and extends to the north. It is an attractive blend of lavender and paved narrow gothic churches and baroque palaces that create the impression that in some corner a melancholy tower will comb her hair on the balcony waiting for her knight to appear.

The city has many bars and restaurants full of tourists. Palma de Mallorca is also very popular of its parties that attract so many visitors.

The eastern side of the island is an impressive area, consisting of hundreds of small bays extending from Cap de Ferruxt, near Cala Ratjada in the north, to Punta Negra, the westernmost tip of the island.

During your stay here, you should definitely visit Porto Cristo, a beautiful seaside town that hosts the famous Dragon Cave, with stalagmites and stalactites in unique shapes.

Find out more here

To the south, from Port d’Alcudia to Ca’n Picafort dominate the enchanting beaches that made it famous all over Europe …

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The ‘Pink city’ of France is the fourth largest city in the country, after Paris, Marseille and Lyon.

Toulouse was named by the locals because of the pink bricks of the houses stretched out on the banks of the River Garonne. Built like a medieval fairy tale, it is adorned with emblematic monuments that impress the visitor.

The idyllic state in the heart of the historic area of ​​Languedoc offers idyllic holiday moments and special tastes. Local specialties include local sausages, cassoulet and beef pork.

It is worth visiting the Capitol on the central square, which is also the trademark of the city. It is located in the central square of Toulouse and is built in a neoclassical style with its characteristic pink brick.

Château d’Eau is also close to the Pont Neuf Bridge, Saint-Etienne Cathedral and Cité de l’espace, an astronautic exploration park.

The city hosts the Airbus facilities where you can see how to make the most modern aircraft in the world.

Toulouse has also many students, nearly 100.000, the third student city in France with regards to population, after Paris and Lyon.

Last but not least, Toulouse has two Unesco Word Heritage Sites, the Canal du Midi (designated in 1996) and the Basilica of St. Serning (desginated in 1998).

More information here.

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It is built on the stunning bay of Boca Kotorska and stands out for its lacy shores and imposing medieval walls.

Traditional cobbled streets, Venetian palaces and fairy-tale atmosphere make up the old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Surrounded by labyrinthine walls and has three entrances, the Central Port of the Sea, the North Gate of the River and the South Gate Gurdic.

To admire the view from the castle you will have to climb 1,350 steps and be at a height of 280 meters. The Portal of the Sea has been protecting the San Marco lion for centuries.

Below it is the relief of Virgin Mary with the Infant being surrounded by Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of the city and St. Bernard. The tower of the clock has been standing since 1602 and will be in front of you as you pass the Gate.

At Arms Square, the largest in the city, you can start exploring the cliff-top of the cliffs.

Many of the buildings have a variety of architectural features such as the Roman baroque in the arches due to the different influences from the Venetians and the Byzantines.

At the Drago Palace, the Gothic Window of the 15th Century houses the Institute for Conservation of Cultural Monuments, while the Gurgurin Palace dating back to the 17th century today houses the Maritime Museum.

Renaissance and baroque elements make up the Bizanti Palace and Pima Palace. It is worth visiting the most important cathedral of the city which is dedicated to Saint Tryphon and dates back to 1166.

All in all, a place that you certainly have to visit!

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With cosmopolitan air, the small town is nestled on the slopes of Mont Blanc and offers stunning views of the Alps. In winter, it is a pole of attraction for climbers and climbers from all over the world with its thirteen ski resorts.

On the scenic side, guests enjoy the peaceful landscape with the background of the virgin nature, as well as boutiques with brand names and picturesque cafes and traditional restaurants with a genuine alpine character.

Its buildings are decorated with Baroque and Art Deco styles and the traveler will taste unique fondues and grilled dishes that make up local specialties.

Visiting Chamonix will not mean anything if you do not experience the ultimate rope-climbing experience on the vertical Aiguille du Midi, at 3,842 m. It is the most famous cable (Téléphérique) car in the world. From this unbelievable altitude, even those not inspired by the secrets of mountaineering, will enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view. The climbing takes place in two stages and the first funicular starts from the center of Chamonix, about 10 minutes walk to the train station.

As the cable car goes up you will feel that you are inside a plane. At the same time you can look at the houses of Chamonix which are so small from up there and enjoy the view of the Alps. Among the peaks of the mountains, is also the famous one, the Mont Blanc (4.807 meters).

You can find more information on the following websites:

https://www.chamonix.com/chamonix-mont-blanc,0,en.html

https://www.chamonix.net/

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The “red fortress”, as it was named because of the red color on the roofs of the buildings, still maintains its traditional character.

Most of the buildings were built in 1560, exuding the magic of another era. With elaborate roofs and vivid colors in the doors and windows, the houses take visitors’ eyes as they compose a fairytale scenery.

The visitor can take a romantic carriage ride on the cobblestone streets and see the impressive city hall building, historical monuments, squares with large fountains and the old market.

In the Medieval Crime Museum you will experience a macabre but exciting experience.

Each year a medieval festival takes place where the residents dress up in traditional, colorful costumes and dance Bavarian dances.

What to see:

– The Criminal Musem gives an insight into judicial punishment over the last 1000 years.

– Imperial City Museum 

This museum has a remarkable range of urban and art history.

– Shepherds’ Dance Museum

– The Town Hall

– Double Bridge over the Tauber

– Toppler Castle in the Tauber Valley

A little castle of the mayor Heinrich Toppler.

Hope you will enjoy your time in this fairytale town of Germany!

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Its historic center is called a “small France” or a water district and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The wooden houses with sloping roofs, picturesque canals, the traditional Alsatian taverns and its special kitchen impress the visitor. Built for fairy-tale walks, as Christmas approaches, the city is transformed.

The city – a crossroads as it has been characterized – has been a center through the Roman era.

It is the co-op of the European Parliament after Brussels, where the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe are based here.

-Orangerie: The huge park with beautiful orange groves and the small zoo for children was built in the 19th century to impress Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, to which she is dedicated. Visitors, with free entry, may not be captivated by the green lung that dominates the heart of the city (free admission).

-Museums: From Museums, it is worth visiting the Palais Rohan, an imposing palace that houses the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Fine Arts Institute and the Strasbourg Archaeological Museum. The history and artistic traditions of Alsace, under the same, great building, has an entrance of 5 euros. -The Museum of Contemporary Art hosts occasionally great exhibitions, and from its balcony you will have a wonderful view of Petite France and the bridges of the city.

-The Strasbourg Cathedral, the Notre Dame of the Alsatian capital, was the tallest building in the world by the 19th century. The imposing Gothic temple with its famous astronomical clock stands emphatically in the center of the city. Conservation works are necessary as it was made of an unusual type of rock, which is eroded over time.

You can fine useful information here: http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/en/

64 miles southwest of Strasbourg is the town of Colmar. If you want to get a great dose of medieval grandeur and good wine – the city claims to be the capital of Alsatian wine-making – you should not miss to visit it.

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Sitges Carnival, Spain 

Sitges is a small town located in Catalonia. During a week, the city transforms into a spectacular attraction for numerous tourists. The carnival started on February 8 and will continue to impress people until February 14, 2018.

The carnival is characterized as a colorful event, which attracts over 250.000 visitors each year. You have the chance to take part of spectacular parades, shows and wild parties.

You shouldn’t miss the final parade, entitled “Entierro de la Sardina” or “Day of the Sardine”. This one will make you want to dance among all the young ladies and men that parade the streets.

More here

Basel Fasnacht, Switzerland 

The event takes place in the city Basel and is known as the biggest carnival in Switzerland. There are over 18.000 active Fasnachtler who dress in specific costumes and go out on the streets hiding behind masks.

This year, the carnival will take place between 19-21 February. The most awaited moment is Morgenstreich. This one is a parade which starts once all the lights are turned off in the city. Numerous masked men are performing Cliques on the streets.

The Carnival of Ivrea, Italy 

The carnival takes place in the city Ivrea and is one of the most unusual events in Europe. This year it was held between 8-13 January.

For six days, the city transforms into a battle game with oranges. Over 500.000 kg of zingy citrus are “wasted” these days.

Carnival of Venice, Italy 

The carnival of Venice is perhaps the most awaited event in Europe. The spectacular masks, the colors and the mystery of the involved characters transform the San Marco Square into a destination from a previous age.

The event started on 27 January 2018 and ends on 13 February 2018. Visitors are enchanted by the magic of the city’s mystery, which makes them become a special audience.

More here.

Busojaras, Hungary

The carnival is taking place in the small town called Mohacs, Hungary. It started on 8 February and will end on 13 February 2018.

This event is a tradition for the locals. The idea came taking into account the cold winter in the country. To expel the cold, the locals have put into practice a carnival that later became one of the most successful in the country.

It is characterized by numerous parades held on the city’s streets. The unusual moment is the final parade, called Farsangvasarnap or Sunday Carnival. The men are dressing up in cloaks and horned mask which later entertain the visitors.

Europe seems to bloom up especially in the winter season. The carnivals are attracting thousands of tourists to each destination. Due to their characteristics, they always delight the audience and show the other side of a city. Do not miss any carnivals held in Europe, particularly these ones! Try new things and new places every year.

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First of all, you can reach Bansko by road from Sofia in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The route is easy and the roads are in good condition, you enter the direction towards Blagoevgrad and when you get there it is about half an hour further.

When you arrive at the town of Bansko, there are two directions, one leading to the ski lifts and one leading to the center of the town. It is also worth visiting the town’s center because it is really beautiful. Graphic, paved alleys, traditional houses and the river that crosses Bansko make the scenery so pleasant.

There are traditional taverns and cafes throughout the center to make a pleasant stop. There are also many gift shops, clothes, jackets, leather products, sweaters in very economic prices. It is also worth trying the ‘Rose of Bulgaria’ beauty and care products, which are local and very good for the skin.

Walking the road starting from the city center called Pirin Street, you will end up in the ski resort at some point. That is really another world. Hundreds of skiers with their snowshoes and their boards are waiting for the lift to get them to the top. For those not so advanced, next to the lift there is a slope where they can make some skiing without having to climb up the mountain.

Outside the ski lifts, there are really dozens of cafes, bars, casinos and very good hotels, all luxurious.

Information about the ski lifts and ski slopes: https://www.banskoski.com/en

It is also worth seeing the following in the area:

1. The well-known “Pirin National Park” is an area of ​​unique beauty full of lakes, waterfalls and caves. Unesco has designated it as a “World Heritage Site”.
2. The city of Banya with its renowned spas. Choose the central Rimska Banya facility and with 7 euros (15 leva.) You can enjoy the hot springs and other alternative ways of relaxation all day long.
3. The town of Razlog, perhaps the most beautiful in the area, with the river crossing most of the city while the big pedestrian streets are offered for relaxing walks. Drink a cappuccino in the central square for only 1 euro and relax.

There are many hotels in the area. You can either stay in the center on Bansko or at the luxurious hotels outside the lift area. One nice option is the hotel ‘Hermes’ that is really near the city center but still in a quiet and peaceful area.

Another option is to find a hotel in a nearby area such as the area of Betolovoto, we would recommend The Balkan Jewel Hotel, a 4 star hotel with all the appropriate facilities for a really pleasant stay. More information here

All in all, it is sure that you will have a pleasant time in Bansko, so just book a flight to Sofia, rent a car and let the adventure begin.

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