It is a system of 16 lakes covering an area of ​​19.5 hectares. The lakes are interconnected by the rivers, cascades and waterfalls – these are around 90. Plitvice lakes are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Croatia.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia by 29cm

The lakes are surrounded by forested hills of the mountain massifs of Mala Kapela, Medvjedak and Lička Plješevica. The lakes are divided into two parts.

The upper part consists of 12 lakes and are situated in the Dolomite valley and are fed by the rivers of Bijela and Crna Rijeka. It is here where you can find one of the largest lakes of the park, Prošćansko lake, with an area of ​​68 hectares. It is also the highest situated lake, as we can find it at an altitude of 639 meters. The largest lake is that of Lake Kozjak covering an area of ​​81.5 hectares which is, with its depth of 46 meters, also the deepest one. The lakes are connected by beautiful waterfalls, from which the best are the cascade of Sastavci, that are 49 metres high.

The second part of the Plitvice Lakes consists of four lakes that are formed by water dropping into underground caves. There are 20 karst caves that can be found in this part of the lake system. The water of these lakes is rich in various shades of blue and green colors.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia by Silviapef

Forest around the national park is one of the best preserved of its kind in Europe. Since there is rare flora, there are several places that are protected and inaccessible to visitors of the park at all. There is also a number of endemic species, very interesting is a meadow with 42 species of orchids and 16 species of lilies. Forest have become a home to big predators such as wolves, lynx and bears. You can also meet wild boars, hares, foxes, weasels, martens, kingfishers and storks.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is changing persistently. The current appearance of the park may be a history in the few years. For example, in the last 35 years the water level of the lakes rose by 0.5 meters, which changed the contours and shape of the cascades. The total area of ​​the park is almost 300 square kilometers and thus lakes and waterfalls are just a tiny fraction of this unique area.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia by René Krečmer

Currently, visitors can access just a part of the park. It is possible to see the lakes by following the trail which is 18 km long. You cannot leave the marked trails. Also swimming is prohibited in the lakes. The park is open all year round and the admission fee is about 10EUR in low season (November 1 – March 31) and about 15EUR in high season (April 1 – October 31). There is a mild climate in the park, temperature in July is around 23 °C, in January around 3°C when the park is usually covered with snow. The park is open daily from 7:00 to 20:00 in summer or from 08:00 to 16:00 in winter.

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Photo by yachtcharter-griechenland.de

The beauty and elegance of the yacht

Yachtcharter-griechenland is a renowned establishment in Greece. To experience all the ethereal beauty and the serenity, you must get to these guys. Their workmanship and their amazing sense of customer support and interaction will keep you mesmerized. The yachts that are employed for such tours are as huge as 65 ft. You will be ensured full views of all of the beautiful natural structures, caves, waterfalls, lakes and gardens in and around this amazing country. Greece is known for its beautiful lakes and waterways. Here at this amazing establishment you will be given the benefit of experiencing the blue sea in all its glory. If you think that the scenery will be enough to engulf you then wait till you move around and experience the interiors of the ship. The ship is tastefully decorated with serene interiors that will appeal to your mind. Many of the yachts even have the facility of an indoor pool. Therefore it is guaranteed that you will receive ultimate peace and rejuvenation both from the environment and from your yacht.

The unmatched standards of beauty

Yachtcharter-griechenland will surely give you the most majestic tour on planet earth because of the years of experience that they have. The staff here is extremely friendly and is known for their warm and hearty behavior to the guests. The yachts are both elegant and well-built. The yachts have plenty of room space for every passenger and are extremely delightful in every form possible. They can accommodate a large number of passengers too. However if you want to travel and tour around in a tinier group, they will make it possible for you. There are several attractive discount options that pertain to a smaller fleet of travelers as well. They have everything sorted out really well. The entire journey has lunches and dinners included. So your will enjoy the beauty and serenity of the seas, natural beauty the wonders and enjoy your gastronomically delightful dishes.

You may think that your Grecian fantasy tour will cost you a fortune but you can be rest assured that your trip will be planned at a much optimized rate. So you can experience the amazement of the Aegean and also get the best deals possible. Each day spent is like a day spent in fantasy land. Your Greek fantasy can be finalized by some mouse clicks, dreams can be fulfilled that simply.

Mike is a freelance writer who writes on different topics such as travel, holiday and nature. He holds bachelor’s degree in electronics. His famous articles includes article on Yachtcharter Griechenland. He loves to travel and make new friends.

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Inverness, Scotland, UK by Phillip Capper

From a vibrant city feel through to miles upon miles of natural beauty and a number of fantastic examples of Scottish history, it’s the latter two where Inverness and the surrounding area really excels – and there are five reasons why.

1. It’s home to River Ness

The most famous ‘Ness’ in Scotland is without doubt Loch Ness, but there are many out there who believe River Ness – a river that flows from the loch – is much more worthy of a visit.

With banks lined by beautiful buildings, from hotels with wonderful views through to St Andrew’s Cathedral, it’s also home to a staggering amount of wildlife.  Known for its salmon, you can also regularly see seals, house martins and diving birds, with the latter alone making a visit worthwhile.

2. You can stand upon an actual battlefield

In 1745, the final pitched battle was fought at Culloden, when William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland proved victorious over the Jacobite forces of Charles Stuart, instantly stopping any continued attempts to overthrow the House of Hanover.

Combining an exhibition of the battlefield with a great audio tour, Culloden Battlefield is a short drive out of Inverness city centre but is well worth the journey.  Plus, if you’re a member of the National Trust, you get free entry.

3. Plodda Falls is stunningly beautiful

Said to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Scotland, although a popular attraction, Plodda Falls is  visited nowhere near as much as many of the other natural attractions in the country.  A perfect destination for a peaceful and tranquil trip when you’re staying in Inverness, you’re almost guaranteed to be blown away by the natural spectacle.

Inverness reflects in the Ness, Scotland, UK by Imaohw

Whilst the bridge that allowed you to walk across the top of the 150 foot high waterfall has been removed in recent years, it has been replaced with a fantastic viewing platform, allowing you to take in the breathtaking waterfall from a position that you simply can’t do with many others around the world.

4. You can go dolphin watching

It might sound more like daytrip more typical of a tropical destination, but you can actually regularly see dolphins – and other aquatic wildlife – if you take a short drive outside of Inverness to a place called Chanonry Point.

With a lovely beach and a much adored lighthouse, there are some who say they have visited Chanonry Point a few times and not seen dolphins, but there are many, many more who have witnessed the dolphins frolicking close to the shore on a regular basis.

Dophin at Chanonry Point, Scotland, UK by EmPemm

Definitely worth a trip, as aside from the fact it’s extremely likely you’ll see some of nature’s most wonderful animals simply having fun, the whole area is beautiful.

5. Inverness Castle is nothing short of awe-inspiring

Situated on a wonderful cliff top position (and obviously a strategic one when it was actually in use), the views looking from – and to – Inverness Castle make it one of the most charming and unspoilt castles in the country.

Whilst the actual castle itself isn’t open to the public, the grounds of the red sand stone building are and a visit is very much advised, if not purely to get a photo in front of this wonderful Inverness landmark.

As a city, Inverness might be popular and there’s no doubt it has something to offer most, but its attractions might seem like anything other than relaxed and laid back at first.

However, with just a little research you can come across a range of such sights and attractions, with the five here really just a small amount of those you can sample easily in and around Inverness.

Matthew Bettoli writes for holiday cottages Inverness provider Cottages and Castles.

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Although the weather will not be as hot in the wintertime, it will still be between 17-20 degrees during the day time in this region of southern Portugal. If you find temperatures of 30 degrees uncomfortable then this time of year might actually be a more enjoyable time for you to visit. It will not be hot enough to work on your tan every day but it will still likely be one of the warmest places in Europe. There might be a few rains during your holiday and the temperatures will drop in the evenings, but there are many advantages to visiting the Algarve in the winter.

First of all, you will be able to get the cheaper off season rates at many of the hotels and resorts which will save you a lot of money. There will also be fewer crowds so that you will not have to search for hours to find a vacant sun lounger or wait for a table at a restaurant. Although some of the local businesses will have shorter hours or might close during the winter months, there will still be plenty of selection. This is also a great time to visit the Algarve with kids, because the lack of crowds will make it less hectic and much easier to travel.

Another advantage is that while everyone else is enduring the freezing cold back home, you will be enjoying the pleasant temperatures and sunny days of the Algarve.

If you are planning a getaway to the Algarve this winter, here are some ideas of what you can do while you are there:

Go Golfing

The weather in the Algarve is warm enough to golf all year round and you might find it more pleasant to tee off in these cooler temperatures rather than the peak season heat. There are many excellent golf resorts in the area such as Monte da Quinta Club, Four Seasons Fairways and more which offer beautifully manicured professional courses.

Go Hiking

The weather will be just fine for hiking around the beautiful Portuguese countryside. Explore the winding country lanes and discover waterfalls in the forest, olive groves and picturesque seaside fishing villages. There are many coastal cliff walks all along the stunning Algarve coast, but these can sometimes be dangerous so always follow the marked path.

One of the best places to hike in the Algarve is the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This protected wetland is one of the most significant natural habitats for birds in Europe and many different species stop here on their migratory routes. There are several guided walking trails throughout the park that you can explore.

Listen to Some Live Music in Algarve, Quarteira, Portugal by run4unity

Take a look at the event listings in the area that you are staying and try to catch some live music while you are in the Algarve. Many pubs and restaurants might have performances of Fado, which is a traditional Portuguese style of hauntingly beautiful folk music about life near the sea.

Enjoy the Food

Of course, no trip to the Algarve would be complete without sampling the delicious food that this part of the world has to offer. Seafood is especially delicious in the Algarve as it is so fresh in this coastal region. Another tasty dish is Piri-Piri chicken which is tender barbecued chicken with a fiery North-African influenced spicy coating. No matter what the weather is like outside, you can always spend hours lingering over good food and wine with friends in a welcoming local restaurant.

A holiday in the Algarve in the off season can still be packed with fun, so why not check out some of these fun activities during your winter getaway?

If you are visiting Four Seasons Fairways or another Algarve resort this winter, here are some off-season activities you might enjoy.

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Canals of Ljubljana, Slovenia / xiquinhosilva

Slovenia

Travellers may start their Eastern Europe adventure by visiting this small country situated east of Italy. Caravan enthusiasts often venture to Ljubljana, which has an excellent caravan resort that many campers use as base camp. The fully equipped facility not only has all of the basic amenities, but additionally offers car hire services, a fitness centre, complete with sauna, and wireless internet. The river flows through the medieval town centre filled with Baroque styled architecture and fountains. Take a charter boat ride, canoe or kayak down the picturesque river while enjoying the scenery. During the first century, the Romans inhabited the area and visitors have the opportunity of stepping back in time at the City Museum and exploring life in the ancient city of Emona.

Take a day trip down the highway for 46.5 km (29 miles) and visit the scenic community of Bled, located near the spectacular Julian Alps. The community also has camp sites for those desiring a longer stay. Take a horse and carriage ride around the deep blue glacial lake or up to Bled castle. Visitors enjoy free swimming on the island side of the lake. Gaze in awe at the green forest covered hills and mountains of the area. At Vintgar Gorge, guests journey a wooden bridge path that leads to beautiful pools, rapids and waterfalls.
Visitors enjoy another interesting day trip by travelling 55km (35 miles) from Ljubljana to Predjama. Of all the castles in the country, Predjama may be the most interesting. In the late 1200s, the Luegar family resided here in the Postojna Cave system and built a magnificent fortress extending out from the cave and into the side of the mountain. Learn the legend of the knight known as Erazem who lived a Robin Hood like lifestyle until succumbing to his enemies. The castle offers tours of the fortress and cave system while providing commanding views over the countryside.

Budapest, Hungary / Marco Aurelio Martins Costa

Hungary

From Slovenia, travellers may follow the highway north to Hungary. The vast Lake Balaton offers the perfect location for a base camp. A four star camp resort offers numerous amenities in addition to the 50km lake that provides the perfect location for swimming or other water sports. Located in the city of Sunshine, the campsite is only 7km (4 miles) from Budapest and within two hour’s drive from other amazing sites.

The capital city of Budapest contains numerous beautiful buildings that include the St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in the city. Enjoy the amazing architecture and artefacts then climb the lookout tower for an amazing view of the city. Hero’s square contains many different places to visit including the Scechenyi baths, the Budapest Zoo and City Park.

Drive just 69km (43 miles) from Budapest and see Holloko Village, which is one of the country’s World Heritage Sites. This small medieval village, developed during the 1400s, features many of the original buildings. The location also has a number of cultural museums, dedicated to dolls, the post office and the history of Holloko. Residents also display century’s old crafts that include weaving.

Just 91km (57 miles) from Budapest, visitors find the town of Villany, one of Hungary’s important winemaking regions. The community lies nestled in a valley surrounded by the Baranya Hills on one side and the Villany Mountains on another. Here guests have the opportunity of touring the facilities and vineyards of winemaking locations.

Eastern Europe is sometimes a forgotten destination, but is well worth the trip, to explore and enjoy.

This mini-travel guide is brought to you by Caravan Club – who offer travel advice and caravanning news for caravan enthusiasts. If you are planning a trip, check out their caravan sites on www.caravanclub.co.uk.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Adam Jones

I think April will be a good time, before it gets too hot. The closest major city is Granada. I’ll be flying there, maybe with a break in Barcelona. Granada looks to be stunningly beautiful. I am staying two nights in the city and it will probably be in the Parador de Granada, although the Hotel Casa 1800 Granada is supposed to be very picturesque.

From Granada I could head by bus to Capileira, which is a small town that sits at the foot of Mulhacén, the tallest mountain in Spain. There is a Microbus service there. It takes travelers up the mountain on days with good weather. It’s actually becoming a rather popular tourist destination, so I’m not concerned about it being too isolated. I’d rather walk up the mountain, though. Apparently it’s not that difficult and doesn’t require any climbing equipment, just normal hiking gear.

I could take the bus to Beas de Granada (east of Granada). There is a fantastic one-way walk that leads back into the center of Granada. It’s supposed to be one of the best hiking experiences to be had in the Sierra Nevada. The route is about 30 kilometers atop a broad ridge, which might be a little long for me. I’ve also been warned to hike this path in May at the latest due to the heat.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Hurley

Another option is to travel in June or July. I could go from Granada to Trevélez (which is on the eastern side of Mulhacén) to climb the path to the Seven Lakes, but any earlier in the year and there’s too much snow. Most of the climb isn’t too difficult and I’ve heard that the waterfalls are amazing. It leads up to a place called the Seven Lakes (Siete Lagunas). I’m probably going to choose this one.

There’s actually quite a few other hikes, like a hard one called Vereda de la Estrella. I could also hike from Capileira to Trevélez, but not in winter. There’s so many choices!

One of the other great activities that you can do around the mountainous countryside of Spain is mountain biking. The hilly terrain and dry conditions lend themselves perfectly to this pursuit and there are no rules against doing this.

This article was written by John Davies who enjoys blogging for Thomson Al Fresco holidays. He has travelled around most of Europe, camping with his family most of the way and he enjoys nothing more than sharing his experiences with other bloggers and travellers alike through guest posts.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jaroslav Kuba

Near the waterfalls is located Mumlava shed – a restaurant. Falls are easily accessible on foot or by bike along the asphalt road, an access for motor vehicles is not allowed, so you will not be disturbed. From Mumlava waterfalls you can continue to Vosecká shed.

In the surroundings of Harrachov you can find more rivers offering the similar phenomena, such as waterfalls, but they certainly can not be compared with Mumlava waterfall. Its height reaches up to 8 meters and is 10 meters wide. The waterfalls are different in every season, so whether you come in summer, or spring, or any other time you will see them always in a different form.

On the way to Mumlava waterfalls you can visit the mining museum, which is accessible throughout the year. Or you can hike to any of the countless wonderful places in Krkonoše National Park.

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We can find it in the Land Salzburg, in the Hohe Tauern National Park, at the beginning of the mountain trail Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, near the village Ferleiten. Walcher Waterfall is accessible on foot from parking spot in Ferleiten, from where you can get to the first part of the waterfall. Then you can go ahead to the other parts of the waterfall following the trails.

The whole trip takes about 3-4 hours. However if you still have some free time, you could also visit a local park Wildpark Ferleiten where you can see many interesting natural attractions as well.

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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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Gouffre de Padirac cave has a depth about 100 meters and is more than 100 m wide. Visitors can see impressive underground lakes here, as well as beautiful formations of stalactites and limestone waterfalls. The tour through the cave takes about 1.5 hour and it is divided in both walking and partially on boat. The huge number of visitors during the summer season is quite a big disadvantage.

Gouffre de Padirac cave is best accessible by car or by train. The nearest train station is located about 10 km west from the cave. Till now, more than 20 million visitors saw the cave.

Gouffre de Padirac is open daily from April to November. Basic admission fee is €9.40.

For more information about the cave, please visit official website here.

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