Amsterdam

The compact size of Amsterdam – a city built around a system of canals – means that you are never far from the highlights of the destination, and there is never a dull moment, whatever may take your fancy. There is a charm that comes with the quaintness of Amsterdam, but recently a new wave of urban art has been sweeping the town, with an influx of cool reigniting its bohemian credentials. While Anne Frank’s House and the Van Gough Museum are understandably popular, you should also check out rising photographic talent at Huis Marseille or Foam. Away from the tacky stag-do-central of the Red Light District is Reguliersgracht, where criss-crossing alleys are lined with chilled-out cafés and dinky boutique shops.

Amsterdam, Netherlands by Christian Lendl

Istanbul

While the majority of the population of Istanbul are Muslim, it is a sprawling cosmopolitan city with a huge mix of cultures. Being located on the very edge of Europe and Asia, it is a melting pot of Western and Middle Eastern cultures which will fascinate any discerning traveller. One of the archetypal visions of the city can be found in the Covered Bazaar, where merchants and locals trade wares and offer must-have souvenirs to the tourists who pass through. This will give an idea of the whole city, which is a maze of nooks and crannies, all filled with remarkable cafes and boutique shops offering scents, gold and textiles. The Blue Mosque is a must, presenting fabulous mosaics of ceramics and glass, and offering an insight into the wealth and excess of the home of the Ottoman Empire.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey by Jerzy Kociatkiewicz

Rome

The home of an empire that once included territories in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Rome is a goldmine of cultural artefacts. One of the most popular ruins is the Colosseum, which once held brutal fights to the death for the entertainment of thousands. Standing in the stalls, one can imagine the roars and jeers from the baiting crowds. Opposite is Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, from which some of the best views in the city can be found, looking down over the ruins of the residences of many Roman emperors, including Augustus (27 BC-14 AD), Tiberius (14-37) and Domitian (81-96).

Fontana di Trevi, Rome, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

London

The British Empire is one with a long and treacherous history. London has a regal sense about it, with cultural monuments still standing proudly across the city – many of which, such as Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, are still being used today as the centres of the monarchy and Government, respectively. The Tower of London, along the north bank of the River Thames, was built primarily by William the Conqueror in 1078, with many phases of expansion across the centuries. Juxtaposed with the historical sites is modern urban London, with many waves of immigrants creating a cultural hotpot in areas such as Brixton and Camden, where restaurants serve cuisines from across the globe and boutique shops and market stalls trade in unique gifts.

London, England, United Kingdom by Tim Morris

Berlin

Berlin is a strange mix of cultures, which is sometimes a little difficult to feel at ease with. On one hand, you have the ever-present reminders of its recent history, in the form of Third Reich tours or visits to the Iron Curtain and the location of Hitler’s bunker, where he spent his last few hours. While fascinating, it can also be spine-chilling, thinking how recent those terrible events were. However, there are plenty of opportunities to chill out, with quirky urban spectacles such as pop-up nightclubs, and underground ping-pong events, held in derelict buildings. The best way to do this is get talking to the locals and ask if they know of any happenings close by. A sure-fire destination for weekend parties, though, would be Farbfernseher in Kreuzberg.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany by Bill Tyne

With so many routes and tour companies available to help you travel across the continent or dedicate your time to discovering one particular city, there is no excuse not to learn about these fascinating hubs, no matter what your budget.

Written by Kat Kraetzer, a travel blogger who loves to visit Europe.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by gaudiramone

Now I assume that you have noticed that Paris is a desired tourist destination for millions of tourists all over the world. The reason for this is the fact that the city has a lot to offer to everybody. It is great during any time of the year.

Now a few words about Halloween in Paris… well, first of all you need to start with finding the proper accommodation. Of course there are literally hundreds of hotels in Paris but the question you need to ask yourself is whether is worthy to spend a small fortune on accommodation rather than spend the same amount of money for fun. This is why I can offer you to rent a Paris apartment. I know it may sound silly but believe this is the best decision. Anyway you should know that they can be a little bit more expensive than Apartment in Berlin or even apartment in Rome but the investment is worthy. After finding the best you can afford you should go and take a walk on the city.

You will see many interesting things. Even some of the buildings are decorated. It is great because the city transforms into one amazing place and even if you are currently living in Paris you will have troubles recognizing the places you walk through daily.

Anyway like every major festival in a big city there are some troubles. For example crowds. So my advice to you is, if you don’t like crowds, to avoid places like downtown because they are pretty crammed up. Plus you might become a victim of pickpockets and believe me festivals like those are the perfect time for crime. Not that the police is not doing its job but you can imagine what it is to protect thousands of people dressed in different costumes.

As a whole Halloween in Paris is one great experience and if you have a chance you should certainly go and spend a few days there. The atmosphere is really great and I’m pretty sure that you will have a great time there. Enjoy your stay!

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Magdeburg Water Bridge was opened in 2003 and connects Berlin’s inland harbour network with the ports along the Rhine river. The bridge also allows the traffic of larger ships. This unique bridge is able to support even the heaviest boats and also to withstand the winter ice.

Its length is 918m, depth 4.25m and width is up to 34 m. The construction took €500 milion and used 24,000 tonnes of steel and 68,000 cubic meters of concrete.

View Magdeburg Water Bridge in Germany – the longest navigable aqueduct in the world (918m) in a larger map

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Magnificent Tropical Islands water park can be found in Krausnick, Germany, about 60 km southeast of Berlin. It can accommodate over 6600 people at once and the fun can lasts without any interruptions as aquapark is never closed! Tropical Islands complex is open nonstop and offers also an overnight stay. You can sleep in cabins, tents or on a sun lounger on the beach.

It is suitable for the lovers of warm weather and water sports. The air temperature at the water park is about 30°C and the water in the lagoon has 32°C. It is ideal both for young people as well as families with children. You can meet here mothers with strollers, teenagers, but also pensioners who are coming here especially due to a wide selection of luxury saunas.

You can get warm in luxury and Europe’s largest sauna complex, which won the quality awards from Deutsche Saunabund (German Sauna Association).

Tropical Islands complex is built in a huge hall, which formerly belonged to the Soviet Air Force and was intended for production of airships. No airship, however, has been made here. The surrounding land and a hall have been bought for €17.5 million Euro by Malaysian company Tanjong, who turned a hall into the tropical park with rainforest, sandy beaches, a lagoon and the sea (large pool), waterfalls, whirlpools, saunas, water slides and other attractions.

The water in aquapark is perfectly clear and its quality is comparable to drinking water thanks to the latest technology of cleaning with ozone filtration. For hygiene reasons swimming pools are also made of stainless steel.

Rainforest

The rainforest is situated in the middle of the complex and the trail leading through it is nearly one kilometre long. While walking through the forest you can see many tropical and carnivorous plants, banana trees, coffee shrubs, and more. You can see a fish or water turtles in water. It is a pleasant walk. Rainforest in Tropical Islands has over 50 thousand trees, shrubs and plants.

Bali Lagoon

Romantic Bali lagoon, covering an area of ​​1200 square meters, offers ideal conditions for swimming and relaxation in the water with temperature of 32°C. Next to the lagoon are two minor children’s waterslides, two whirlpools, a waterfall or current canal. Bali Lagoon is beautifully illuminated at night and swimming is possible even at night.

If you decide to stay overnight at the Bali Lagoon be aware of the noisy waterfall that falls directly into the lagoon. For those who like a quiet night it is recommended to stay on the beach.

Sauna complex

Saunas are really amazing in the Tropical Islands. The entire sauna complex has 6 sections with different types of saunas. You can use a steam bath, dry sauna, spa baths or radiant heat rooms. Sauna complex also offers a wide range of massage treatments including traditional massage, Thai massage and healing mud baths.

Entry in all saunas and whirlpools is prohibited in swimsuit. It is recommended to move only with a towel or bathrobe throughout the sauna complex.

Tropical Sea

Tropical Sea (large pool) with its 28 °C, is four degrees colder than the water in the Bali lagoon. Around the sea is a beautiful sandy beach of fine sand. You can spread a blanket and sunbathe during sunny days, as the sunlight passes through the huge glass wall, so do not forget to take sunscreen with you. In the sea you can snorkel, swim with fins or play with a ball. The sea as well as the lagoon are not very deep.

From the beach you can watch the evening shows that take place on the pier in the middle of the sea. The shows are organized every day from 19:00.

How much does it cost?

Two days and one night in the Tropical Islands water park costs €45 for one person (children have discounts). If you would like to enter also Sauna Paradise, it is better to buy combined ticket in the price of €37.50 + overnight charge of €15.00, plus there’s what you spend on food, drinks and souvenirs. Lunch or dinner costs in average €11 and a beer €3.20.

The tickets are sold only once here and it does not matter if you stay one day or a week. Each additional night spent in the complex will then costs €10. The parking space is free here as well as the shuttle service to railway station.

Camping at Tropical Islands

You can stay in the five-star camping at Tropical Islands which offers a view of aquapark, free shuttle bus service (however camping is right next to aquapark so in fact you will not need it). The advantage of camping is that you just need to pay one admission to Tropical Islands, every additional day is free.

For further information visit the official site of Tropical Islands

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