Reaching There

You can use airplane, train, bus, car, cruise ship and even ferries from selected points. Depending on what suits you better, you can book any of these means for reaching Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik, Croatia by Michaelphillipr

Knowing The Ways To Navigate In The City

Since the old town is more a maze of little streets, you can make use of signs that are placed at entrances for reaching restaurants, shops and accommodation etc on any particular street/direction. You can opt for bus if you are not in the Old Town. If not, then you can check out car rentals.

What To See

There may be many people who think that Dubrovnik was damaged a lot during 1991-95, its war for independence. However, a lot has been repaired, with some marks left on stone houses’ walls etc.

Dubrovnik at Night, Croatia by Mr Hicks46

If you are in the Old Town, then you can check out Bell Tower, Rector’s Palace, Roland’s Column, Sponza Palace, Aquarium, Big Onofrio’s Fountain, War Photo Limited, Old Port, Pile Gate, Fort Lovriienac, Placa Stradun and Visia Dubrovnik 5D. You can further enjoy the view of city walls. A visit to these is highly recommended. There are 3 entrances; Custom’s House gate, gate by Saint John’s Fort and by Pile gate on Stradun.

Within these walls, you can visit Fort Revelin, Fort Lawrence, Fort St. John’s, Fort Minceta, St. Luke’s Tower, Aquarium, Maritime Museum and Bokar Fort. You can also visit churches while at Dubrovnik. Some of them are Church of St. Blaise, Franciscan Monastery, Dominican Monastery, Serbian Orthodox Church and Church of St. Sebastian.

Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik, Croatia by Mr Hicks46

There are a lot of beaches and museums and you can also indulge in activities like sailing, boat trips, swimming, Cliff jumping as well as watching theatre, film, concerts and night clubs etc. at Lazareti.

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A nice photo of Giant’s Causeway / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sean Lucas

History of Giant’s Causeway

Scientific study proves that the impressive formation known as Giant’s Causeway is a result of volcanic activity during the Paleogene period. Due to the large amount of volcanic activity in the region, the area had a lava plateau which eventually cooled and contracted. In the instances of rapid contraction, columns shot up from the ground. These columns are what make up the Giant’s Causeway.

Legends and Myths

Although today we know the scientific explanation for the creation of Giant’s Causeway, citizens and explorers of the past made up legends to explain the formation. The most popular of these legends is one involving the Irish warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill. The myth claims that he was set to battle his Scottish rival Benandonner. When the time came for them to fight, Fionn mac Cumhaill had fallen asleep. His wife covered him with a giant blanket as he slept and told Benandonner that it was their infant son. Upon seeing the size of the baby, Benandonner fled and ripped up the rocks in his escape. This is said to be what created Giant’s Causeway.

A classic view of a typical rock formation at the Giant’s Causeway / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by code poet

Visitor’s Information

For years the area has been without a visitor’s center, but in 2012 a center will be completed and feature exhibits about the formation of the Giant’s Causeway as well as some of the most popular legend surrounding it. Most people enjoy simply walking around the formation and taking pictures of the incredible landscape. There are some buses to the area but most visitors arrive by car as there is ample parking available. While there is no admission fee to tour the Giant’s Causeway, there is a parking fee of £6 per vehicle. Keep in mind that the attraction opens at dawn and closes promptly at sunset throughout the year.

Other Regional Attractions

The town nearest to Giant’s Causeway is Antrim. This town is full of historical landmarks, exciting attractions and plenty of culture. Head to the town’s shoreline of Lough Neagh in order to experience traditional Irish coastline. Although it is often too cold for swimming, there is still plenty of exciting recreation to be had there. Other popular attractions in the region include the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. This is a fun and exciting attraction costing £4 per person. The bridge might feel unsteady, but it is very safe and is regularly checked as a precaution. Children in particular love the excitement of the swinging bridge.

Nearby Accommodation Options

There is an abundance of accommodation options available in the area surrounding Giant’s Causeway. As one of the more popular destinations for European holidays, local hotels and guesthouses are prepared for larger numbers of travellers, especially in the summer months. If you would rather stay in a city, look for apartments in Northern Ireland rather than inns and small hotels. Private apartments for rent are available in nearby cities like Belfast and Lisburn.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Debarshi Ray

In truth there are an equally large number of people all over the world who prefer colder destinations. From explorers to mountain climbers to athletes who ski and snowboard their way to that coveted adrenaline rush. They don’t get as much publicity though, probably just because those photos aren’t quite as stunning or appealing.

In much the same way, cities like Helsinki, Finland don’t receive as much attention (at least here in the United States) as many more popular southern destinations like Italy, Greece or Australia do. The biggest mistake you can make when planning a vacation though is to make a decision based on a photograph. Beauty is so much more.

Assume that you are planning a vacation to Helsinki though. What is there to do amidst all the snow and cold weather? Turns out there is much more than you think and guess what? It’s not as chilly as one might imagine either. In fact it is a very charming city and all you have to do is be willing to give it a chance to impress.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Leo-setä

The Fortress of Suomenlinna is one of the most popular places to visit and is only a couple minutes away from Helsinki harbor. It has received the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the military architecture and was used as a fortress to defend the city from Russian attacks in the 1800’s and during the century before from other attacks.

If you are at all religious, or just appreciate great architecture and design, you will be impressed with the infamous Rock Church located a few minutes outside the city center. There is no admission fee and on the weekends you’ll usually find special events and concerts that are open to the public. This goes hand in hand with the Cathedral of Helsinki where you’ll find a charming Christmas market during the early winter months.

If you love to explore the outdoors you’ll love the Sibelius Monument, 600 metal organ pipes that have been welded together to create one of the most amazing pieces of outdoor art in the world. There are also places like Esplanadi Park which is quite small but located right in the middle of the city for easy access.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Christine

If immersing yourself into the local culture is your thing then you’ll no doubt appreciate the extensive lineup of festivals that call Helsinki home. The Finland Lantern Festival is held here to make the Chinese New Year, Helsinki Pride Week is held in June and December marks Independence Day in Finland.

Perhaps most interesting is just exploring the city via its public transportation options. The Tram goes almost anywhere you would want to visit (and is especially useful in bad weather) and last time we checked Nr. 3 passes the most important sights (at least according to that guidebook in your luggage). The ferry is also an excellent option.

Traveling to Helsinki can really be one of the most rewarding vacations of your life if you are open to new experiences. Who would have ever imagined that forsaking the sunny beaches of Florida or the magnificent coastlines of Italy could be so amazing? Everyone in Helsinki already knew.. add yourself to the list.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by OwenXu

In London itself, you’ll probably want to see all the popular attractions, like The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Palace. But, make time to visit London’s other world heritage sites, Maritime Greenwich and the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew.

Maritime Greenwich is the centre of Britain’s great naval heritage. Greenwich defines the Prime Meridian, or longitude zero, making it the centre of global time and navigation. You’ll be able to visit the Royal Observatory, and see the world’s most famous tea clipper, the Cutty Sark.

At the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew, you’ll find the finest collection of exotic plants, in one of the most beautiful settings. By London’s standards, Kew is a relatively quiet day out. It’s a good opportunity to give yourself a break from the fast pace of the city.

If you’re willing to venture a little further, no more than an hour or two from London, there’s a way to experience four very different ages of Britain.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by mari

Stonehenge represents Britain’s ancient past, and it’s shrouded in mystery. Despite lengthy debate, nobody really knows what it is, a tomb, a temple, or huge calendar? It also seems incredible that it got there, the giant stones are from many miles away, in Wales. How did the ancient Britons transport them so far across land and sea?

The City of Bath was a major Roman settlement, and its many attractions include some well-preserved Roman buildings. The Roman Baths will be the highlight of your visit, especially the open-air courtyard bath. In addition, Bath is a very attractive city, one of England’s most overlooked beauties, and well worth a day spent exploring.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Steve Evans

Canterbury Cathedral is a medieval masterpiece. Possibly the greatest cathedral in England, Canterbury is a true architectural wonder. It’s also a chance to see the county of Kent, known as the Garden of England. Wherever you go in the UK, you’ll see beautiful countryside. But, most would agree that Kent exemplifies rural England.

Blenheim Palace is where Sir Winston Churchill was born. It’s probably the finest of all the great country houses of England. Inside, the collections of art and antiques are world renowned. Blenheim is also well-adapted for modern tourists, with its visitor centre, ‘Blenheim Palace: the Untold Story.’ And, the surrounding landscaped parkland, and formal gardens are just as impressive as the palace itself.

All the world heritage sites in the UK will provide an excellent day out. If you’re going to the far north, you’ll be able to visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. If you find yourself in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a real adventure. Or, in the south west of England, the tin mines of West Devon and Cornwall will be an eye-opening experience for you. But, remember not to rush yourself too much. There’s a lot to see, so try and enjoy it at your own pace.

Written by CompleteTravelGuide.co.uk

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jiuguang Wang

And how did the period get its name? Just after Hallstatt village, which was at that time an important trading center. There was the salt mined in its vicinity, which was also exported to far away places. The history of the local salt mining extends at least from 2nd millennium BC up to the present and gave the region not only wealth and prosperity, but also created a specific cultural landscape, where nature blends with human activity in unusual harmony. It also led the Commission of UNESCO to add this area “Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape” on the list of World Heritage in 1997.

Very interesting on Hallstatt is that it has long been accessible only by boat across the lake, or along narrow mountain trails. The first road was built along the shore in 1890, but only thanks to the power of explosives. Despite of this apparent inaccessibility the people settled here anyway seven thousand years ago. The rich history recalls not only architecture of Hallstatt, but also the local museum, which collects extensive archaeological excavations. Many of them come from the necropolis on the plateau above the town, where were discovered the remains of 4,000 people. And those remains were the main reason to name the period as “Hallstatt period”.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Party Lin

It is understandable that many places in Hallstatt are related to salt. The local salt mines are reportedly the oldest in the world and you can see them in an unusual museum. Why unusual? Well, how many museums have you visited which had 64 metres long wooden roller coaster…? But the underground salt mines offer much more than this unusual attraction. You can learn about the life of people who mined salt here for thousands of years. The body of one of them was found here in 1734, perfectly preserved by salt. Notable is also an underground salt lake with an area of ​​1400 m2.

If you already have enough salt, you can target the other wonders of the underground world – Dachstein ice caves. And because we are in the Alps, it is not necessary to say that you can see lots of interesting also on the surface. Whether it’s a remarkable historical buildings, or simply “just” beautiful countryside with fresh air and a nice panorama of mountain giants.

There are lots of Austria hotels in the town as well as camp sites at the shores of the lake. Hallstatt is also a great starting point for your hiking tours around the mountains.

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Transylvania is located in the heart of Romania. Originally it was an autonomous region, which was gradually included under the government of Hungary, the Ottoman Empire or Austro-Hungarian Empire. Fortunately much of its history and cultural heritage still preserved.

The city of Cluj-Napoca is considered as the capital city and cultural and industrial center. Here you can find the famous Orthodox cathedral. Several state and private universities have their headquarters here, including the largest university in Romania – Babes Bolyai University. There are lots of museums in Cluj-Napoca. You can visit the Museum of Art, Museum of Pharmacy and Transylvanian Ethnographic Museum with its impressive exterior exposures.

Another medieval city that attracts visitors to Transylvania is Sighisoara. Especially its part called Upper Town, which is even included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its castle tower with astronomical clock, which now serves as a historical museum has even become a symbol and hallmark of the city. From a wooden walkway at the top of the tower you can enjoy a beautiful view of all the houses and roofs in the neighborhood, including the alleged birthplace of Count Dracula. Even Dracula, or Vlad Tepes, whose tyranny served as an inspiration to the famous theme of the novel, were not born here in fact.

Just in a short distance from Sighisoara, in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, you can find a popular ski resort of Poiana Brasov. But thanks to the spectacular peaks the resort worth visiting also during the summer months. Not far from it you can visit the famous “vampire” Bran Castle. Although here you can virtually meet with Dracula at each step, inside the majestic castle he is not even mentioned. The ruins of the “real” castle, inhabited by the dreaded Vlad Tepes, is located elsewhere, not far from here, but they are hardly accessible and would certainly not impress much more as more attractive Bran.

Romantic wooden churches in the northern part of Transylvania are other of the places that were included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow, but tall buildings with turrets, complete the true face of the Romanian mountain landscape. It is surprising that this museum of rural life, which belongs to the greatest treasures of Romania is often omitted by many tourists on their trips around Transylvania.

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There were built routes and electric lighting. The total length of cave is 2811 meters, of which about 550 meters are available to the public. Jasovská cave has a rich sinter decoration. You can admire Virgin stalactites and waterfalls. At the top floor there is also interesting sign written in black letters in 1452 and which talks about the victory of the Hussites in Lučenec.

The cave is a home to 19 species of bats, which live in the cave especially during winter. Since 1995 Jasovská cave is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as a part of the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst site.

The air temperature ranges between 8.8°C to 9.4°C, relative humidity from 90% to 98%. The cave is open daily – except of Mondays – from April 1 to October 30. Basic admission fee is €5.

See pictures of Jasovská Cave on flickr.com

For further information you can visit official website of Slovak caves www.ssj.sk.

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Although the Apulian countryside is literally dotted with trulli buildings, most fairy houses can be found in the town of Alberobello, which was, due to its unique structures, included in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Hundreds of trulli houses are stuck next to each other in the winding streets. They survived in an almost authentic state, for which we can thank to the Italian conservationists. Already in 1909, Trulli was declared as a protected monument.

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Currently fairy houses serve mainly to tourists – as small shops and pubs, but sometimes as a romantic and rather expensive little hotels and guesthouses. Renting the renovated and modernly equipped Trulli for two to four people outside the main season cost €600 a week (during the holidays up to €800).

Lots of houses are also on sale, at the lower prices. However, in the state before the general reconstruction.

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Srebarna lake is one of the most significant natural heritage in Bulgaria. The entire lake is surrounded by mosses, which reach a length of more than 1.5 km. The water covers an area of 638 hectares.

You will find here also many rare plants. This place is a paradise for nature lovers and ornithologists.

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One national park and many other regional parks are located in the Dolomites. In August 2009, the Dolomites were declared a natural heritage site by UNESCO.

The Dolomites are located at the north of Italy and forms the border with Slovenia, Austria and Switzerland. To the east they are surrounded by Julian Alps and to the west by Swiss Alps.

The main centres of Dolomites are Cortina d’Ampezzo, Brunico, San Martino and Canazei.

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