Hungary

            There is no place like Hungary (Magyarország). Situated in the very heart of Europe, this kidney-shaped country can claim a unique place in the continent's soul. Doubters need only listen to the music of Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók, view the romantic Danube River as it dramatically splits Budapest in two or taste the nation's unique (and paprika-infused) cuisine to be convinced. Hungary's impact on Europe's history and development has been far greater than its present size and population would suggest. Hungarians, who call themselves Magyars, speak a language and form a culture unlike any other in the region - a distinction that has been both a source of pride and an obstacle for more than 1100 years.

Hungary is the best place to enter both Central and Eastern Europe. While some of its neighbours may have more dramatic scenery or older and more important monuments, Hungary abounds in things to see and do, and those with special interests - fishing, horse riding, botany, bird-watching, cycling, thermal spas, Jewish culture - will find a treasure-trove here. Under the old communist regime, most of the government's focus and money went to Budapest. As a result, foreign visitors rarely ventured beyond this splendid city on the Danube River, except on a day trip to the Danube Bend or to Lake Balaton. These places should be visited, of course, but don't ignore other towns and regions off the beaten track: the tanya világ (farm world) of the Southern Plain, ethnically rich Northeastern Hungary, the Villány Hills in Southern Transdanubia covered in vineyards and the traditional Őrség region in the far west.

The '90s were not a stellar time for the reborn republic. Its economic development was in limbo and serious economic problems affected all aspects of daily life. Thankfully, those days are past and many now view Hungary, with its intelligent, hard-working populace, and rich and vibrant culture, as the star performer and most interesting destination of the new Europe.

 

Sicily

With a rugged cliffs tower over long, sandy beaches and plains of citrus groves which dominate the terrain and ancient mediaeval villages standing majestically on hilltops together with incredible archaeological sites Sicily is continuing to withstand the passing of time.

Palermo, Sicily's capital is a bustling, exotic city with an abundance of sights. Wander through the historic quarter admiring the wonderful ancient architecture of the Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the Cappella Palatina. A trip to nearby Monreale to visit its Arab-Norman cathedral and cloister is also recommended. Norman architecture is evident all over the city, reflecting the island's varied history. The impressive Norman Cathedral, set in formal gardens is just a short stroll from the hotel, as is the Palazzo dei Normanni, the royal palace with beautiful Byzantine mosaics covering the Palatina chapel. 

Agrigento. Located in the south west of Sicily, Agrigento was an important centre of the ancient Greek world. Evidence of this is visible today through the wonderful remains of the Greek colony and the famous Valley of Temples. For literary enthusiasts, a visit of the nearby Birthplace of Pirandello, one of Italy's most renowned playwrights, is a must. 

Syracuse. The presence of Greek and Roman civilisations is no more noticeable than in Syracuse, home to the largest Greek Theatre in Europe. Visit the Archaeological Area and take time to meander along the streets of Ortigia, the island on which the historical town centre is built, visiting the duomo and other sites of interest. 

Mount Etna and Catania. Dominating the landscape of eastern Sicily is Etna, Europe's largest active volcano that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Situated between its slopes and the Ionian Sea is the island's second city, Catania. Damaged by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, Catania is today the result of 18th century rebuilding. 

Ibiza

Ibiza has to offering wonderful beaches with a nightlife scene that step by step became famous worldwide. This is a vibrant, exciting and beautiful island where you still can find peaceful rural retreats frozen in time.

Archaeological sites on the very islands are fast becoming realized because the tourists decided to change direction away from the crowded white-sandy beaches. Ibiza Town itself has many stunning attractions, whilst various other resorts and inland have buildings and relics dating from the Bronze Age, the Roman times, up to British occupation – plus many modern monuments and churches.

In addition to this, there is the amazingly diverse topography. The beaches are soft, golden and plentiful while in inland you'll find delightful unspoiled villages, mandarin groves and incredible mountain scenery.

If you want to party until dawn then dance some more, the south of the island is your desired destination where you can find plenty of night clubs and cafés.

Despite its reputation, much of Ibiza has been left alone by the developers, so you can still enjoy a calm beach holiday in a typical Ibiza village if you wish – with all the fun stuff just a few miles away.

Greece

Few places in the whole world have such a strong and individual identity as Greece. It has its own culture, its own language and even its own alphabet. It's also the birthplace of democracy and the starting point for Western world. Many of the greatest philosophers and writers ever came from Ancient Greece, as well as the world's most enduring mythology and legend.

Most of the major sights are located around the capital, Athens. The majestic Parthenon, the theatres of Dionyssos and Herod Atticus; the ancient Agora and a host of other monuments, ancient, Byzantine and modern await exploration. Discover narrow winding streets lined with pavement cafes or the quayside taverns of the harbors of Zea ad Mikrolimano, where you will find delicious fish dished and cool Greek wines. Although the Greeks are fierce guardians of tradition, that doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun - their partiality to partying dates all the way back to Dionysos. Nightlife is plentiful and lively with numerous bars, although you may find ancient dramas or shows at the Acropolis for a more cultured evening.

Greek countryside is diverse and varies throughout the country. From lush greenery, to mountains, to sun baked rocks. However, it is consistently beautiful and which ever island you may choose you can guarantee it will provide a stunning backdrop to your holiday. But Greece's crowning glory are the breath taking beaches. With more coastline that any other country in Europe it is a true beach lovers paradise.

The islands in Greece have everything from party resorts to places where you can just relax and forget all your troubles - check out our range of Greece hotels to explore where you want to visit. For thrilling shopping holidays to Greece, the capital of Athens will bring you up-market boutiques and branded clothes at great prices, whereas the resorts and little craft stalls dotted around the country sell traditional Greek pottery and trinkets.

                                                                                                                     

Barcelona

Where to start might be the only problem to consider when visiting Barcelona. City breaks to this bustling city offer so many attractions that it can be difficult to decide where to start. From Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous street, which bustles all day and night, to the awe-inspiring majesty of Gaudi's world famous Sagrada Familia, the, as yet unfinished, cathedral which reaches high into the skyline, there is no end to the delights that the city has to offer.

If you can tear yourself away from the city during your short break, Barceloneta Beach, a 4km stretch of golden sands, offers a beach holiday feel with the city on the doorstep. In addition, the Port Aventura theme park is easy to reach by rail and is one of the most applauded amusement parks in Europe. However, you would be forgiven for wishing to stay in Barcelona itself during your weekend break - there is literally so much going on in this cultural hotspot that you might never want to leave.

Barcelona is more like a collection of cities rather than one big one. There are cultural districts, party districts, shopping districts and more – each influenced by different historical periods and some incredible architecture.

It's a city rich in culture, Catalan of course, and one which loves to party. You'll easily unearth tiny bars tucked away down side streets, impromptu street cafes setting up in summer, beach-side festivals and wide, elegant boulevards punctuated with splashing fountains and handsomely proportioned squares.

Odakle početi je možda jedini problem koji treba uzeti u obzir kada se posećuje Barselona. Posete ovom užurbanom gradu nude toliko mnogo atrakcija da je teško odlučiti odakle početi.. Od Las Ramblas, najpoznatije ulice u Barseloni, koja je uskomešana celi dan i noć, do Gaudijeve insipirativne svetski poznate katedrale Sagrada Familia koja uliva strahopoštovanje, koja iako nezavršena ide visoko u oblake, nema kraja specijalitetima koje grad može da pruži.

Ako možete da se otrgnete od grada tokom vašeg boravka, plaža Barseloneta, 4km zatnog peska nudi osećaj odmora na plaži sa gradom na pragu. Kao dodatak, Port Aventura tematski park lako je dosegnuti železnicom i jedan je od najpopularnijih zabavnih parkova u Evropi. Medjutim, bilo bi vam oprošteno ako biste poželeli da ostanete u Barseloni tokom vašeg odmora – doslovno se toliko toga dogadja u ovom kulturnom središtu da ćete možda želeti da nikada ne odete.

Barselona je više skup gradova nego jedan ogroman grad. Tu su kulturne oblasti, zabavne oblasti, oblasti za kupovinu i više – svaka pod uticajem različitih istorijskih perioda i neverovatne arhitekture.

To je grad bogat kulturom, Katalonskom naravno i grad koji voli da se provodi. Lako ćete otkriti malene barove zabačene u uličicama, impovizova ulice-kafiće postavljene u leto, festivale na plažama i šire, elegantne bulevare isprekidane fontanama i lepim proporcionalnim trgovima.

Devil's Town (Djavolja Varoš)

This natural monument is composed of two in the world of rare, natural phenomena: soil figures as specific forms of relief that the area very attractive, and two very acidic water with high mineral content.

The site of a strange name “Devil’s Town” is located near an also strangely named village Djake (comes from a Turkish word “gjak” – blood), at an altitude of 660-700 m, situated in the municipality of Kursumlija. Earthen figures or “towers” as the locals call them are located in the watershed between two gullies, whose sources joined together create a unique erosive formation, tremendously demolished by the erosive processes. The gullies also have strange names: “Devil’s Gully” (“Djavolja jaruga”) and “Hell’s Gully” (“Paklena jaruga”).

There are 202 earthen figures of different shape and dimension, from 2 m to 15 m in height, and from 0.5 m to 3 m in width, with stone caps on the top. They are an outcome of a specific erosive process that lasts for centuries. When figures are formed, they grow, change, shorten, gradually (very slowly) disappear and reappear. The loose soil is dissolved and washed away by the rain. However, the material under the stone caps is protected from the “bombardment” of the rain drops and washout, and remains in place in the form of the rising earthen pillars – figures.