During its brief 22 year history, Czechia has managed to become the darling of the European tourism industry. Visitors flock here year-round to explore the country's diverse landscape of magnificent mountains, glorious forested uplands, unique rock formations, and astonishing cave systems. However, many of this small landlocked republic’s greatest assets are man-made - its historic bounty includes an enviable assortment of cobbled-stoned medieval towns strewn with Baroque monasteries, Bohemian castles, and formidable fortresses. Throw in a phenomenal capital city brimming with quaint old breweries, bustling markets, scenic national parks, and lively jazz clubs and it is easy to see why Czechia is fast becoming Europe’s most popular tourist destination.
Set in central Europe, Austria conjures up images of the picturesque Central Eastern Alps dotted with glamourous Alpine ski resorts surrounded by pristine pistes and aquamarine lakes. However, the country’s breathtaking nature only tells a small part of the story. With residents like Mozart, Freud, and other legendary figures playing an important role in developing the world we know today, the country is also blessed with a rich heritage. From the quaint, cobbled streets of timeless Innsbruck with its famous Golden Roof, to the enthralling Vienna Staatsoper, one of the most famous opera and ballet venues in the world, the historical choices are as diverse as they are seductive. The longstanding 'Kaffeehaus kultur' and the country’s delectable strudels, schnitzels and beer are enough reason to visit, alone. Chic, world-class cities are packed with spectacular modern and contemporary art galleries and a multitude of entertainment opportunities.
Appropriately dubbed 'Europe in Miniature', the tiny central European country of Slovenia offers dramatic snow-capped alps, exquisite Mediterranean coastline, striking emerald-green lakes and rivers, historic churches, and medieval castles that look like they're straight from a fairy tale. Travellers seeking some exhilarating outdoor adventure in this natural wonderland will be spoiled for choice, with plenty of skiing, cycling, hiking, canyoning, rafting, ballooning, caving and boating on offer. Suppose all this sounds like a bit too much activity for your liking. In that case, you can escape to the coast to sunbathe on the beaches overlooking the Adriatic or head to the capital of Ljubljana, where you can cafe hop along the river bank and explore countless museums.
Gorgeous sunny beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, breathtaking scenery and some serious old-world charm are just some of the highlights that await you in this historically rich Eastern European nation. With kilometres of seafront and more than a thousand islands blanketed in lush vegetation, Croatia's coastline is often referred to as Eastern Europe's Riviera. Even during the busy season, there are still enough off-the-beaten-track islands, secluded coves, and stone fishing villages to make nature lovers feel uninhibited. Those seeking modern luxury will be equally well catered for by the wide range of upmarket venues, yacht-filled harbours, glitzy cocktail bars, and world-class restaurants serving mouth-watering cuisine. With its gorgeous historic walled cities full of fairytale castles and its rural areas blessed with impressive national parks, it is no surprise that Croatia is emerging as one of Europe’s premier seaside destinations.
More than 2000 years of turbulent history have resulted in a fascinating country that boasts a wealth of historical attractions within the Hungarian countryside and in its cosmopolitan capital, Budapest. No European tour would be complete with a trip to this sophisticated capital, a bohemian metropolis with an array of attractions in the form of museums, galleries, monuments, and historic buildings as well as a thriving nightlife and numerous gastronomic establishments that thrill food lovers with all manner of culinary delights. Beyond the cities, Hungary’s natural beauty unfolds in all its glorious splendour. The countryside is strewn with charming towns and villages adorned with medieval squares and picturesque castles. Visitors can take in the panoramic views of the vineyards around Eger, relax in the thermal mineral baths of Balatonfured, or stroll around the charming old-world towns of the gorgeous Danube Bend. Hungary's remarkable landscapes and its array of cultural delights make it a wonderful addition to any European holiday itinerary.
Situated on the Baltic Sea, Poland is a living history museum showcasing a captivating past. This charming Eastern European country is renowned for its spectacular medieval architecture, cultural heritage and turbulent yet triumphant history. First and Second World War enthusiasts can explore the various Holocaust memorials, monuments, museums, and restored synagogues commemorating Poland’s remarkable survival. The country’s remote and unspoilt landscape features lush woodlands, broad rivers, glistening lakes and rolling hills. A visit to Poland will no doubt include the trendy medieval city of Krakow as well as the bustling city of Warsaw. Visitors can look forward to many activities including: hiking through scenic mountain terrain in the south of the country, sampling regional culinary specialities, discovering rural villages and wooden churches tucked away in the Carpathian hills and exploring the many ancient castles dotting the hills of Poland.
