Albania

Albania is an unspoilt gem, still spared from the invasion of tourism, and it will not leave you unmoved. Hurry to discover it before the masses rush in!

Albania invites you to discover its beautiful unspoilt nature and the authenticity of its cities and landscapes, still wrapped in a distant mysticism. There are no restrictions to your visit, because the mild and comfortable climate in Albania makes it an enjoyable tourist destination for 12 months of the year. The Albanian coastline is bordered by the most beautiful and wildest sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea (300 km) and Ionian Sea (150 km).

Tirana

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is said to make an impact on everyone. From the Historical Museum of Skanderbeg to theatres via its castles and mosques, the city of a thousand faces always has something to amaze the casual visitor.

Tirana, as a metropolis has never-ending movement and energy. With its clubs, bars, cafes, and taverns, Tirana will keep you entertained day and night. It is known for incredible hospitality, like the country itself. The country’s finest museums, theatres, and galleries are here for you, to explore the rich Albanian history and arts. Tirana offers a rich traditional and a variety of foreign  cuisines, so take your pick.  If you are up for it, take a cable car up to Mount Dajti, where there are also several clubs and restaurants – with a view.

Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra is a city and municipality in southern Albania, located in a valley between the Gjerë mountains and the Drino. Its old town is a well-preserved Ottoman town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is overlooked by Gjirokastër Fortress.

“The Stone City” – Gjirokastra is known for the intensive use of stone in building the houses, which look like small fortresses, the cobblestone streets and its castle, which is the biggest castle in Albania. One of important attractions is also the Mosque of Bazaar, built in 1557.  Inside the castle, you can visit the Museum of Weapons. There are several interesting sites to visit, part of the cultural heritage as well as natural wonders, take your time and visit the museum, archeological sites and of course Gjirokastra’s unique cuisine.

Saranda

Saranda is a seaside resort that has existed since antiquity, situated opposite the Greek island of Corfu. It is a pleasant city, decorated with palm trees and eucalyptus with numerous cafes and many beautiful sandy beaches along the sunny coast.

A boulevard called “Shëtitorja Naim Frashëri” is a place to be during the evening, when everyone goes for a stroll. It stretches by the seaside for about 1 kilometer. The promenade is lined by bars, restaurants, and many souvenir shops. When visiting, don’t leave out the village of Ksamili just south of Saranda. It has an incredible beautiful beach with several small islands one can swim to. Just outside of Ksamili, lies Butrint, an ancient city throughout Greek, Roman, and Byzantine period, today an UNESCO World Heritage site and national park.

Berat

Berat is a city in central Albania and one of Unesco World Heritage sites.

With the collection of white photogenic Ottoman houses climbing up the hill to its castle, Berat is known also as the ‘town of a thousand windows’.  Berat Castle on top of the hill, is a huge compound now inhabited by townspeople. Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the Onufri National Museum, located within the town walls are a must see when visiting. The Ethnographic Museum, located in an 18th-century house is displaying traditional crafts and part of a reconstructed medieval bazaar. Berat should definitely be on your Albania’s top attractions list, with its unique and own very special charm.

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North Macedonia

In Macedonia, you will find all the ingredients for a perfect holiday: beautiful nature, ancient and modern architecture, ecotourism, adventure tourism, religious tourism, and much more.

Macedonia has to offer great diversity of fauna and flora with many rivers, valleys, waterfalls, lakes and national parks. They await those who love hiking and luxuriant nature.
You can visit several of the most beautiful religious monuments in the world in Macedonia. You will never forget the beauty, peace and serenity of the sacred architecture and the experience of a night spent in one of the Macedonian monasteries.

Skopje

Skopje, the surprising capital is dominated by the fortress “Kala”. Marvel at the monumental stone bridge in the Ottoman style and shop in the biggest market of the Balkans: “Starata Skopska Tcharchia”.

Skopje is home to about quarter of the entire population of the country, majority of them Macedonians, many Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Bosnians and others. It is the largest and most diverse city in the country with a long history. A mix of Christian and Islamic culture can be seen everywhere. After taking a stroll and admiring the amazing statues in the city centre, stop for dinner in one of the restaurants and cafés. Conclude your day by visiting a bar or live music club, to relax and get a taste of Skopje’s night life.

Ohrid

The town of Ohrid, nicknamed “The Balkan Jerusalem” with its 365 churches, will charm you with its narrow cobbled streets, numerous lively outdoor cafes and its lake, so magnificent that people have nicknamed Ohrid “the Kingdom of light and water”.

Lake Ohrid is famous for its astonishingly clear waters and stunning beaches perfect for swimming and sun-bathing. Gorgeous Lake Ohrid is the oldest and deepest lake in the Balkans, and definitely belongs on anyone’s bucket list. It’s almost five million years old and considered to be one of the most biodiverse lakes of its size in the world. Ohrid became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and has many attractions to explore.

Matka Canyon

Just a 30-minute drive from the capital Skopje, Matka canyon is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Macedonia and is home to several medieval monasteries. 

It is also home to a wide variety of plants and animals, some of which are unique to the area. Take a walk along the canyon walls to recharge your energy and take some amazing photos. Go for some kayaking or cave exploring if you feel adventurous or just relax, enjoy the nature and admire the incredible color of the water.

Mavrovo

 The mountain landscape of Mavrovo Park is ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

Mavrovo is the largest national park in North Macedonia, and home to the country’s highest peaks. Visit Mavrovo if you appreciate nature and wildlife and are an active traveler, the park boasts with deep canyons, lakes and dense forests. Don’t miss the highest waterfall in the Balkans (approximately 120 m fall), alpine bogs in the Šar mountains, rare karst relief in the Bistra mountains and numerous glacial lakes.

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Montenegro

Sea salt, the smell of mountain chalets, the eternal snows, mimosa, stone steps in old towns, oleanders, the smell of homemade bread… Montenegro is unforgettable, individual, exceptional.

Montenegro is a destination that is soaring, with plenty of assets! It’s one of the smallest countries of the Balkans, will nevertheless surprise visitors with its wide range of landscapes and breath-taking natural settings. Deep canyons, lakes and narrow passes, national parks, mountains with dizzying summits that look down directly into the Adriatic Sea and form a jagged coastline… everything is spectacular.
Stretching over 295 km of coastline including 72 km of beaches, it is home to some remarkably well-preserved medieval towns along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, which is considered one of the great “discoveries” of tourism in recent years.

Budva

Budva, the “party capital” of Montenegro, seen as the “Monte Carlo” of the Adriatic. At night, Budva is full of activities: it is a perfect place to sip cocktails, listen to live music or dance the night away.

Budva is 2,500 years old, which makes it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. Like many other medieval walled cities, this entire town is encircled with fortifications and defensive stone walls. It has some of the most attractive beaches of south Adriatic, and the most pleasant climate in Montenegro. Further to the south are numerous small beaches and towns, a more high end part of Budva Riviera. Most famous is Sveti Stefan,  a small islet and today a 5-star hotel resort. This area, including Miločer resort is considered the most exclusive area of the Montenegrin coast.

Kotor

Kotor is a fortified coastal town in Montenegro, located in a secluded part of the Gulf. 

Kotor Bay is the deepest natural fjord-like bay surrounded by scenery, that is spectacular and very photogenic. Get lost in the maze of winding old streets and squares, medieval old town with several Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. Don’t miss the Maritime Museum, which explores local seafaring history. Worth visiting is also Sveti Đorđe, one of 2 tiny islands off the ancient town of Perast.

Durmitor Nature Park

Durmitor Nature Park, with its eighteen glacial lakes is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It includes the massif of Durmitor, the canyons of Tara, Sušica and Draga rivers and the higher part of the canyon plateau Komarnica, covering an area of 390 square kilometers.

Skadar Lake National Park

Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and home to 270 bird species, including some of the last pelicans in Europe.

It lies on the border of Albania and Montenegro and is a well-known hotspot of freshwater biodiversity. The Montenegrin section of the lake and surrounding land has been designated as a national park.

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Serbia

Republic of Serbia, is a country situated in the southern Pannonian Plain and central Balkans. Being at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe and therefore also on the crossroads of European history, it is an interesting mix of cultures, ethnicity and religions. 

Discover the generosity and warmth of character of a somewhat nostalgic country whose inhabitants are said to be the most hospitable in the world with a unique sense humour. You will be greeted with a warm and simple smile in Serbia, as if you were one of their own.
Serbia offers amazing tourist and cultural attractions throughout the year. A destination of a thousand treasures, Serbia is proud of its fortresses, monasteries, historical monuments, archaeological sites, parks, mountains, river cruises, wine routes as well as its food, festivals, parties and much more!

Belgrade

“The gateway of the Balkans”, Belgrade is a festive city with an eclectic culture. 

From its imposing fortress in the Kalemegdan Park there is a magnificent view of the where the Sava and Danube rivers meet. In the evening, do not miss dinner in the Skadarlija quarter, the “Montmartre of Belgrade”. When you add the sunset it becomes one of the most wonderful places in the world.

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is a city with a vibrant and creative vibe.  It is known as the city of young people, music, fun and great nightlife.

It is also the home of EXIT festival, one of the best music events in Europe. Visit the old centre of the city and stop for coffee in one of the wonderful cafes. Don’t miss the probably oldest street in Novi Sad – Dunavska street and relax in the Dunavski park, the most beautiful park in Novi Sad.
If you visit Novi Sad in the summer, don’t miss its beautiful beaches on the Danube. Visit Petrovaradin fort on the right bank of the Danube, it was built in the time of the Austrian emperors and is the most distinctive attraction in this city.

Drvengrad

Drvengrad (“Timber Town”) is a traditional village that the Serbian film director Emir Kusturica built for his award-winning movie Life Is a Miracle.

It is located in the Zlatibor District, two hundred kilometers southwest of Serbia’s capital. Relocated from other parts of Serbia and Republika Srpska, authentic log cabins and timber houses around the main square make this village incredible photogenic.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. In Bosnia, time stops. Feel the quiet air of the country where people are sincere, the pace of life is slow and the little things are still valued.

From picturesque lakes that look photoshopped to grand architecture, turbulent and tragic history to some of the most welcoming people you will meet –  Bosnia and Herzegovina is a hidden gem you have been looking for. The charm of Bosnia and Herzegovina does not only come from its cultural contrasts and the heritage of its buildings, it also comes from the beautiful nature of wild beauty that offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including rafting and canoeing over the beautiful, emerald green rapids and skiing on the slopes of the 1984 Olympic Games in Jahorina and Bjelašnica.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is one of the most historically interesting and unique cities in Europe. Surrounded by mountains and nature, it is a place where the Western & Eastern Roman Empire split. The people of the Roman Catholic west, Eastern Orthodox east and the Ottoman south, met and lived together, making this city a melting pot of cultures and religions.

Known for its historical turbulence, Sarajevo is also considered as a beacon of hope for peace and tolerance. It is not a big city, but it is very livable, vibrant and busy. Called also “a religious melting-pot”, the city is historically famous for its traditional religious diversity, with adherents of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism coexisting there for centuries. Take your time strolling through Sarajevo’s museums, old charming streets with coffee and souvenir shops or get higher up to get a better view of this historical city.  It is ringed by mountains and surrounded by beautiful nature, offering an escape from the urban and busy city.

Mostar

Mostar, as the name suggests is most famous for this beautiful historic Ottoman-style bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site and also this city’s main attraction. It spanned the Neretva river in what is considered the historic center of the city.

It was named after the bridge keepers (mostari) who guarded the Old Bridge in the medieval times. If you’re lucky, you just might witness a jump from the bridge, as experienced jumpers continue this brave jumping tradition since 1664. Mostar was the most heavily bombed of any Bosnian city during the war following the breakup of Yugoslavia, which is still visible today and remains as a reminder of Bosnia’s sad and turbulent history. Stroll it’s cobbled streets to enjoy Ottoman architecture, traditional restaurants, souvenir stalls, mosques and other historic buildings. It is surrounded by beautiful picturesque landscape, just waiting to be explored.

Medjugorje

Međugorje (meaning “between mountains”) is a town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for Catholic pilgrimage and “Our Lady of Međugorje”, an alleged series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary that are still happening to this day.

It’s been an unofficial place of Catholic pilgrimage since the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared on Apparition Hill in 1981. “Queen of Peace” statue is marking the site of the 1st apparition and the other one in front of the St. James Church. Liquid has been said to drip from the “Risen Christ” statue near the church. Since 2019, pilgrimages to Medjugorje have been authorized by the Vatican.

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Croatia

Your Mediterranean dream

An untouched coastline of crystal clear water, over ten thousand islands and islets with countless beaches and hidden bays, among the most beautiful in Europe and the world, a rich cultural and historical UNESCO World Heritage Site, the breath-taking landscapes…

Croatia offers countless outdoor activities, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent countryside. The strings of islands along the jagged coastline provide a paradise for boating, swimming in the pure Adriatic Sea, kayaking and diving. And those who prefer to stay on land can relax by trekking in the beautiful parks of Risnjak and Paklenica, while climbing enthusiasts can enjoy the Paklenica National Park. You can also enjoy the pleasures of windsurfing in Brač, rafting on the Cetina, cycling or just lounging around in cafes and on terraces, quietly chatting and absorbing the delightful ambience. When you have had your fill of fresh air, you can try the delicious food and top quality ingredients: olive oil, truffles, seafood and smoked ham, not forgetting a glass of Prošek, a traditional sweet wine.

Zagreb

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, ranks among the oldest cities in Central Europe and is situated on the slopes of Medvednica Hill to the north and the floodplain of the Sava River to the south. 

The city with a tradition of almost one thousand years lives a rich cultural life, with numerous theatres, concert halls, museums and art galleries and will satisfy any cultural and art enthusiast. It is also a big centre of congress tourism, events, and trade fairs not only in Croatia but also in this part of Europe.
Zagreb is made for strolling, a city of a million inhabitants offers pleasant walks in a city full of romantic cobblestone streets, parks and pedestrian zones. City’s vibrant street life is best enjoyed by visiting one of  many charming cafes. You can make stops in numerous shops, boutiques and shops on the way. Events in Zagreb bring music, markets and food stalls to the squares and parks all year round.
The historical part of the city to the north of Ban Jelačić Square is definitely a tourist hot-spot, it is composed of the Gornji Grad and Kaptol, a medieval urban complex of churches, palaces, museums, galleries and government buildings.

Split

Split is Croatia’s second-largest city. It lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and is spread over a central peninsula and its surroundings.

In addition to Roman ruins and medieval churches, Byzantines, Croatian kings, Venetians, Austrians and Italians planted their flag on this city and left their mark. It’s a popular tourist destination, most famous for Diocletian’s Palace, a World Heritage Site. Just outside the Palace’s walls is Split’s seaside promenade, Riva, a prime people-watching spot. Medieval Split is definitely worth visiting and just a walk away from the palace. Climb up the narrow streets up to Marjan hill for an amazing view over the city. The sea water around Split is clear and sparkling, inviting you to visit it’s beautiful beaches, spread several kilometres east and west of town. Film, music, theatre, festivals, make Split interesting also for culture enthusiasts throughout the year. Whether it’s for culture, beaches, cuisine… there are so many things to do, including day trips, world-class nightlife and restaurants that it’s impossible to be bored.

Plitvice

With a chain of 16 terraced lakes (12 upper and 4 lower lakes), spectacular waterfalls and a limestone canyon, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world famous 300 km2 forest reserve in central Croatia.

The lakes have been internationally recognised and on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. Wooden walkways and hiking trails, around and across the water put visitors right in the middle of this picturesque landscape, making them one with nature. The park is primarily covered in forest vegetation, with smaller areas under grasslands and is beautiful in every season.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities, located in southern Croatia and overlooking the Adriatic sea. 

It’s mostly famous for its distinctive Old Town and massive stone walls from the 16th century. Its buildings range from baroque St. Blaise Church and Renaissance Sponza Palace to Gothic Rector’s Palace. The beautiful pedestrianized Stradun is paved with limestone and lined with shops and restaurants. Beyond its walls, wine bars, seafood restaurants and luxury hotels invite visitors from all over the world. For a better view, climb up and walk around the spectacular city walls. Even better, take the cable car up to Mt Srđ for a great panoramic photo opportunity and then visit the nearby beach to enjoy a good swim in the azure sea.

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Italy

Few places rank as high on a travellers’ bucket list as Italy.
Whatever your taste in travel, you’ll satisfy it in this country that is both exotic and familiar. 

History, art, food, music, architecture, culture, sacred sites, charming villages, and stunning scenery are all around, and in an amazing atmosphere.

Rome

Both for its history as the capital of much of Europe and for its present-day role as one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, Rome heads the list for most tourists traveling to Italy. 

Relics of its ancient glories – the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, the Appian Way, and the Palatine Hill- vie with the vast riches of the Vatican as the top attractions.
But between the important sights like the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s Pieta, take time to enjoy the city itself. Relax in the Borghese gardens, eat gelato on the Spanish Steps, explore the narrow streets of Trastevere, window-shop on the Via Veneto, and toss a coin in Trevi Fountain, so you can return again and again. It will take several trips to see it all.

Venice

Who could fail to love a city whose streets are made of water, whose buses are boats, and where the songs of gondoliers linger in the air?

It is a magical city, and its major attraction to tourists is the city itself. The hub of the city is the broad Piazza San Marco, St Mark’s Square, surrounded by several of its top tourist attractions. The great Basilica of St. Mark stands beside the Doge’s Palace, and overlooking both is the tall Campanile. Gondolas congregate at the end of the plaza in the Grand Canal and in the other direction, a gate under the clock tower leads into a warren of narrow winding passageways, where you’re sure to get lost on the way to the Rialto Bridge. But getting lost is one of the greatest pleasures of Venice, where a postcard scene awaits around each corner.

Sicily

The island of Sicily has earned seven places on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, three for its ancient sites, two for natural wonders, and two for architectural treasures. 

Some of the finest remaining examples of ancient structures are in Sicily: at Selinunte is one of the largest Greek temples; in Agrigento, at the Valley of Temples, is one of the three most perfect Greek temples anywhere; and the 3,500 square meters of mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale in Enna decorate one of the best-preserved villas in the entire Roman Empire. Sicily’s landscapes match its world-class attractions.

Florence

The showcase of the Italian Renaissance, Florence can at times seem like one giant art museum. 

The Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a landmark of world architecture, topped by its gravity- defying massive dome. Together with its marble-inlaid bell tower by Giotto and its octagonal Baptistery with its incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti, this is one of the world’s finest ensembles of Renaissance art. Half a dozen art museums brim with paintings and sculpture, while more masterpieces decorate its churches. Before you overdose on art in the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace, stroll through the Boboli Gardens and explore the artisans’ studios and workshops of the Oltrarno, or shop for leather in Santa Croce.

The Cinque Terre

The five towns that cling to the steep, rocky Mediterranean coast north of La Spezia were almost impossible to reach by land until the railway connected them by tunneling through the headlands that separate them.

Today, the trail along the cliffs that locals once used to travel from town to town is one of Italy’s great hikes; the shortest and widest of its sections, between Manarola and Riomaggiore is known as the Via dell’Amore. Riomaggiore and Vernazza, with their narrow streets dropping down to tiny rock-bound harbors are the most filled with character, and despite its recent popularity with tourists, the Cinque Terre remains one of Italy’s most appealing attractions.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

In AD 79, Mt. Vesuvius erupted violently and suddenly, engulfing the thriving Roman city of Pompeii and encasing it for more than a millennium in six meters of ash and pumice-stone. 

The city remained frozen in time until excavations that began in the 18th century uncovered more than half of its buildings and public spaces. The same eruption also engulfed the city of Herculaneum, but this time in molten lava, not ash. So instead of raining down and crushing buildings with its weight, the lava flowed into and filled the city from the ground up, supporting walls and ceilings as it rose and preserving them in place. Also preserved in this airtight seal were organic materials, such as wood, textiles, and food, giving a more complete picture of life in the first century.

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Portugal

Porto

While it’s true that Portugal is no longer the Iberian Peninsula’s best-kept secret, it’s fairly easy to escape the crowds. 

Even at the busiest resorts in the Algarve, it only takes a short bus ride or a walk across countryside to reveal rarely visited places that still offer the feeling of discovery – a sentiment close to the Portuguese soul. Portugal has an old-fashioned charm, with medieval castles and picture-perfect villages scattered over meandering coastlines and flower-covered hillsides. From the ancient university town of Coimbra to Lord Byron’s favourite Portuguese haunt, Sintra, the country’s proud history can be felt everywhere. Sun-kissed beaches like Cascais and Sagres offer enticements of a more hedonistic sort. Indeed, the dramatic end-of-the-world cliffs, wild dune covered beaches, protected coves and long sandy islands of Portugal’s coastline have long enchanted visitors and locals alike. Meanwhile, the country’s capital, Lisbon, and its northern rival, Porto, are magical places for the wanderer with riverside views, cobblestone streets and rattling trams framed by looming cathedrals.

Lisbon

Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. 

Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colourful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. As bright yellow trams wind their way through curvy tree-lined streets, the citizens stroll through the old quarters. Village-life gossip in old Alfama is exchanged at the public baths or over fresh bread and wine at tiny patio restaurants while fadistas (proponents of fado, Portugal’s traditional melancholic singing) perform in the background. Meanwhile, in the other parts of town, visitors and locals chase the ghosts of Pessoa in warmly lit 1930s-era cafes or walk along the seaside that once saw the celebrated return of Vasco da Gama. Yet, while history is very much alive in centuries-old Lisbon, its spirit is undeniable youthful. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto the visitors will find many restaurant, bars and nightclubs. The Lisbon experience gathered together so many things from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) to window-shopping in elegant Chiado or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.

Porto

Porto, also known as Oporto, is the second-largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon, and one of the major urban areas in Southern Europe. Located along the Douro River, Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

Its settlement dates back many centuries, when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire. One of Portugal’s internationally famous exports, port wine, is named for Porto, since the metropolitan area, and in particular the adegas of Vila Nova de Gaia, were responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine. The history of Porto dates back to the 4th century, to the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Celtic and Proto-Celtic ruins have been discovered in several areas, and their occupation has been dated to about 275 BC. During the Roman occupation, the city developed as an important commercial port. In 1387, Porto was the site of the marriage of John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John og Gaunt. The Portuguese-English alliance is the world’s oldest recorded military alliance. In the 14th and the 15th centuries, Porto’s shipyards contributed to the development of Portuguese shipbuilding. The nickname given to the people of Porto began in those days; Portuenses are to this day, colloquially, referred to as tripeiros (English: tripe peoples), when higher-quality cuts of meat were shipped from Porto with their sailors, while off-cuts and by-products, such as tripe, were left behind for the citizens of Porto: tripe remains a culturally important dish in modern day Porto.

Coimbra

There are many archaeological structures which date to the Roman era, when Coimbra was the settlement of Aeminium, such as its well-preserved aqueduct and crypto-porticos. 

Similarly, buildings from the period when Coimbra served as the capital of Portugal (from 1131 to 1255) still remain. During the Late Middle Ages, with its decline as the political centre of the Kingdom of Portugal, Coimbra began to evolve into a major cultural centre, helped by the university finally established there in 1537. The university, one of the oldest in Europe, apart from attracting many European and international students, is visited by tourists for its monuments and history. The city, located over a hill by the river Mondego, was called Aeminium in Roman times.
As early as the Middle Ages, Coimbra was divided into an upper city (Cidade Alta or Almedina), where the aristocracy and the clergy lived, and the low city (Cidade Baixa) by the Mondego River, where most commercial activities took place. The city was encircled by a fortified wall, of which some remnants are still visible like the Almedina Gate (Porta da Almedina).  In the 15th and 16th centuries, during the Age of Discovery, Coimbra was again one of the main artistic centres of Portugal thanks to both local and royal patronage.
The University of Coimbra was founded as Studium Generale in Lisbon in 1290.  The collections of scientific instruments and material acquired since then are nowadays gathered in the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra, and constitute one of the most important historical science collections in Europe. Apart from the monuments already mentioned, it is also worth a visit to the New Cathedral of Coimbra and the Machado de Castro Museum. The city also houses the University of Coimbra General Library, Portuguese second biggest library and the Botanical Garden.

Fatima

The name of the town and parish actually evolved from the Arabic name Fatima, the name of Moorish princess. 

The history of Fátima is associated with three children: Lúcia and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto who, on 13 May 1917, while guarding their sheep in Cova da Iria and witnessed an apparition of a lady dressed in white (today occupied by the Chapel of Apparitions). The lady, later referred to Our Lady of the Rosary indicated that she was sent by God with a message of prayer, repentance and consecrations, and visited the children in the next few months (all on the 13th of each month). The last apparition occurred in October, and was witnessed by 70.000 pilgrims, who saw the Miracle of the Sun. In addition, Our Lady of Fátima sent a message that consisted of three secrets: first, a vision of Hell where the souls of the sinful would travel without prayer; the second, prophesied the beginning of the Second World War; and ultimately, the mysterious third secret, which was written down by Lúcia dos Santos in 1944, and held by the Vatican, since 1957. Much later, sister Lúcia (she had become a nun), recounted visits between April and October 1916, by an angel to the children (three times) twice in Loca do Cabeço and the other by the well in Lúcia’s garden, who invited them to pray and penitence. Jacinta died in 1919 and Francisco in 1920 from the Spanish flu Epidemic of 1918-1920, and were later beatified on 13 May 2000 by Pope John Paul II. Lucia lived until 2005. In order to mark the location of the apparitions, a wooden arch with cross was constructed in Cova da Iria. The faithful began to travel in pilgrimage to the site, and on 6 August 1918, with donations from the public, a small chapel was begun, built from rock and limestone and covered in tile and it began to become a centre of Marian worship, receiving names such as a fé. Fátima, cidade da Paz (the faith of Fatima, City of Peace), or Terra de Milagres e Aparições (Land of Miracles and Apparitions).

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Spain

Spain attracts every year millions of foreign tourists making it one the most popular tourist destination in the world. 

It offers anything you may desire: Madrid, one of the world’s truly great cities, Barcelona, the avant-garde and modern one, other large cities of Sevilla and Santiago and even every town and village seems to have something to offer. Beyond urban Spain, there is another to discover: the nature here is amazing and you can find nearly everything: from Alpine peaks to the amazing sea cliffs on the Atlantic coast and the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.

Madrid

Madrid is a destination as well as a million other things. For many centuries a meeting point, it offers a great deal of cultural, leisure and entertainment activities to please millions of people who visit it every year. 

Madrid, with its cosmopolitan air and its growing amount of tourists is still the open city it has always been and its well known night life has not lost any of its vitality. This modern air harmoniously contrasts with its important old quarters and its cultural traditions. Its great transportation network makes getting around to any place you wish easy and quick, adding to this the best and most exclusive hotel accommodation network.

Valencia

Valencia is one of the liveliest Mediteranean cities, known for its numerous gardens. The town has a rich history. It was in Muslim hands for five centuries, its Christian European history has been shaped as much by Catalonia, its neighbor to the north, as by Castilla. 

The region’s flag bears the red and yellow stripes of Catalonia and the mother tongue of many is the “Valenciano”, a dialect of Catalan. Valencia is famed for its nightlife, the wild Las Fallas spring festival and the stunning architecture of its Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. It is also worth a visit the cathedral with a bell tower of 8 angles – the symbol of the town and a walk through the lively streets of Barrio de Carmen.

Barcelona

Set on a plain rising gently from the sea to a range of wooded hills, Barcelona is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city and one of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports. Restaurants, bars and clubs are always packed, as is the seaside in summer. It regards its long past with pride. 

From Roman town it passed to medieval trade juggernaut, and its old centre constitutes one of the greatest concentrations of Gothic architecture in Europe. Beyond this core are some of the world’s more bizarre buildings: surreal spectacles capped by Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia church. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region with its own language, character and history. The city itself could keep you occupied for weeks but just outside it are sandy beaches, Sitges and the Montserrat mountain range – so be sure to make time for a few day trips during your stay.

Andalucia

Spain’s most southerly region is the true home of typically Spanish experiences. Bullfighting, tapas, flamenco, the guitar itself, all began in Andalucía and remain deeply embedded here. 

Andalucía is the proud home of Spain’s most famous building, that bejeweled diadem of Islamic architecture, Granada’s Alhambra, as well as other marvelous relics of medieval Islamic Spain. The region also has a lesser-known but as fabulous heritage of cathedrals, palaces and castles from later eras. Contemporary Andalucía is ever more cosmopolitan and fashionable, with towns and cities like Cordoba, Cadiz and Malaga full of hip boutiques and hip bars, stylish restaurants and pumping nightlife. Andalucía is a land of surprises and contradictions. Away from the mass-tourism resorts you’ll find some of the most pristine beaches in the country, while inland are green hills, white villages, huge nature reserves and the snowcapped highest mountain range on the Spanish mainland, the Sierra Nevada.

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