The Tajiks belong to an old group of the inhabitants coming from the Pamir Mountains who are believed to be the only genuine descendants of the Aryan cult. Due to its strong inaccessibility, the country has been safeguarded from many attacks and intruders. An exception to this is the discovery of the city by the Alexander the Great on the location of current Khojand known as the Alexandria Eskate meaning Alexandria the Furthest.

Tajikistan Tourist Attractions

• Dushanbe:
  This is the capital of the country located in the Hissar valley that is only three hours away from the Afghanistan border. The city is named after its famous Monday market where Monday in Tajik means Dushanbe. Prior to 1929 and introduction of the Trans-Caspian Railway, it was actually a village. All the places of attractions are nearby the Prospekt Rudaki that is near the railway station. It offers the main mosque, a synagogue belonging to the late 19th century, a Russian church, and a columned opera house. In addition, other interesting places are the Tajikistan Unified Museum exhibiting the snow leopards and Marco Polo sheep located north of the station at Ploshchad Aym and the ethnographic museum situated on Ulitsa Somoni.

• Hissar Port:
  Located at 16 km from Dushanbe, the port was erected somewhere between the 16th and 19th centuries that offers a fort, two Islamic seminaries (madrassahs), a caravanserai, and a mausoleum.
• Sogdian Fort:
  This is the ruined citadel situated at Penjikent on the Uzbek border and the area is currently under excavation. The worth visiting here are the frescoes that are superbly exceptional.
• Muragazor Lakes:
  This is a worth visiting place of seven lakes whose colors tend to alter with the changing light. To see so, head to the south of Penjikent.
• Buddhist Temples Remains:
  This is located near Kurgan-Tyube in the south. It is precisely at this place from where the biggest Buddha was found in Central Asia. This statue now can be seen in the capital that is now         sculpted into 60 pieces.
• The Pamir Mountains:
  Regarded as the heart of Asia and the Roof of the World, these mountains are still left to be discovered completely. Located at a great height, climate being cold, and location being remote; these are the real eye catchers for the climbers since years. Situated in the semi-autonomous region of Gorno-Badakhshan, you must know that a few entities are conducting an armed movement for more sovereignty.

• Khorog:
  This is the most vital town of tourist importance on the Pamir Highway that lies from Dushanbe until Kyrgyzstan. It is also the capital of the eastern Tajik region of Gorno-Badakhshan. Khorog is a miniature one-street town offering a museum full of animals along with an exhibition of Lenin’s photographs. The journey from the Tajik capital to this town is one of the toughest one on Earth.
• Lake Sareskoye:
  Located at the core of the Pamirs, do visit this stunning lake formed in 1911 due to dislodging of the mountain side that fell in the river path by an earthquake.
• Lake Kara-Kul:
  Situated in the north of the Pamirs, the significance of this lake is that it was formed 10 million years ago due to a meteor at a height of 3,915 m that makes it unsuitable for any aquatic life.
• Pik Lenina and Mount Garmo (formerly Pik Kommunizma):
  Situated at the west of Lake Kara-Kul over 7,000 m, these are the two peaks rising high over the country and the adjacent republic of Kyrgyzstan to the north. A popular belief holds here that the yetis still exist in this world and that they dwell in this remote area. If you wish to be at the pinnacle of these peaks, luckily helicopter flights are available.
• The Silk Road:
  This vast road expands from northern China passing via the lonely desert and mountainous landscape and reaching to the ports of the Caspian or Mediterranean Sea. The road is an old trading route through which the silk merchants used to pass right since the 2nd century until the 14th century. Now, only parts of this road welcome tourists. In Tajikistan, the key of interest on this road for visitors is its beautiful natural views against the Pamir and Fan mountains, rich valleys, and blue lakes. For trekking, tours are ideally set from Samarkand in Uzbekistan.
• Hiking:
  Do not forget to explore the mountains on foot. The tour operators arrange for the hiking tours in the southwest of Tajikistan and its enclosing mountains mostly in the summers. Beginning mostly in Moscow, these tours are usually scheduled for 14 days around the ancient Sogdian lakes such as Iskander-kul north of Dushanbe and Muragazor lakes that ends in Samarkand in Uzbekistan. In addition, a itinerary is also arranged to the mountain passes of the Kara-Tak at north of Dushanbe that includes 8 to 10 km walk per day with the luggage on donkeys’ back and accommodation in mountain villages.

• Skiing and Hunting:
  This is possible in the hills lying at the rear of the capital, Dushanbe.

In the outskirts and in far away areas from the key cities, you will be able to trace the real traditional life of malchin (herdsmen) along with the presence of many nomads. Since majority of them are nomads, you will able to notice camel as their principal transportation medium and handy canvas tents (gers) as their houses. The 21st century nomadic standard of living in Mongolia would actually make you remind of Ghengis Khan who is the most popular Mongol.

The rural areas are still developing with current infrastructure being poor, while on the other hand, the capital Ulaanbaatar is undergoing a rapid conversion of providing a contemporary outlook with intercontinental hotels, opulent restaurants, shopping arcades, and glass tower blocks. In fact, this rich aroma of the modern world can be even seen among nomads who are familiar with the mobile phones and the Internet in spite of the being rural regions. In a nutshell, you will feel in your country even with the traditions of this nation here.

Mongolia Tourist Attractions

• Monasteries:
  Offering many such active monuments, the nation has revitalized the religion of Buddhism after obtaining freedom for communist mistreatment. The attractive monasteries are Erdene Zuu located close to Kharkhorin, Amarbayasgalant lying between Darkhan and Erdenet, and Gandan at the capital city.
• Naadams:
  This is a special nomadic sport show that includes horseracing, wrestling, and archery. The attraction during this time is to watch these inhabitants soaked in their jovial outfit and actively participating in their customary sport actions. Although these naadams clearly take place throughout the different parts of the country, the largest naadam occurs at the capital – Ulaanbaatar.
• Ghengis Khan’s Birthplace:
  Situated in the northern part of Khentii Aimag, this land marks the childhood days of Ghengis Khan. Marking the last tent by the great warrior approximately 800 years ago, this is the land of stunning lakes, undulating mountains, and tidy streams; which has preserved its maximum originality even today.
• Museums:
  Offering some amazing museums, the capital offers the Zanabazar Museum exhibiting the Buddhist Fine Art, the National History Museum displaying the Mongolian traditions, and the Natural History Museum showing dinosaur carcass. Apart from the state capital, the regional capitals also offer worth visiting museums.

• Gobi Desert:
  Surprisingly, this desert is not completely harsh as other deserts. You will be amazed to view mountains, lakes, sand dunes along with one or two oasis. Attractions for the tourists here are looking for dinosaur remains, enjoying on a camel trek, and hiking along the icy gorge of Yolyn Am.
• Watching Wildlife:
  For those who like to spend time in watching the animals, hunt for the gazelle jumping on the grasslands, marmots bustling over the rocks, and the argali sheep hovering on the mountains. More tough is to find a wolf, snow leopards, and bears; but nevertheless try out your luck by holding your binoculars intact.
• Camping:
  The land of Mongolia without any barriers is ideal for tent camping and it could be in anywhere part of the country of your wish. To name a few ideal sites for camping are Khovsgol National Park, Terelj National Park, and Tavan Bogd National Park. There are two options – go for car camping or hike between camping sites.
• Horse Riding:
  Horse being the principal medium of transportation in rural regions, people are well versed with the art of horse riding. You have two options – either enroll with a tour company for a horse ride or arrange for an own horse journey. If you want to learn in detail before the ride, hunt for steppe riders who conduct preliminary lessons on horse riding.
• Hiking and Trekking:
  Hiking has a good scope in the country due to wild landscapes and rocky territory. However, do plan for this seriously and with guidance as there are less number of tracks marked for this activity. Some of the recommended hiking sites are Bogd Khan Uul, Tavan Bogd National Park, and Otgontenger Uul.

• Bird Watching:
  Offering you 429 different bird species, the nation invites visitors with a good pair of binoculars for looking out for falcons, eagles, vultures, swans, cranes, and many more to the list. Some of the ideal sites for nature lovers include besides the lakes in western Mongolia – Uvs Nuur or Khar Us Nuur.

• Traditional Stay:
  To really feel the life of the people here, spend some time to stay with a nomad family that will be full of stunning experiences or set up a night in a ger (yurt). Doing this will make you explore the taste of the local food, horse riding, and sheep herding. At the end, do not forget to thank the nomads with a gift.
• Cross-country Skiing:
  In the country, the extensive steppes are adorned with bountiful snow in winter that is very much conducive for cross-country skiing. The Terelj National Park that offers ger camps even in the winter months is an ideal place to start this adventurous activity. However, do carry your own equipment.

Yerevan, the capital, is the nation’s focal point of cultural pursuits and advanced activities offering imposing museums and a vivacious contemporary arts sight. You can spot many inexplicable stalactite caves, stone carvings, and miniature villages in the country that assure to make your journey worth and memorable.

Tourists’ Attractions

• Yerevan:
  Do explore the series of cultural spots such as the National Gallery since 1919 and the Yerevan library of old manuscripts (Materadaran) that is the home of more than 13,000 texts. Further, do visit the State Museum of Armenian History that exhibits the best gatherings of the historical artifacts in the country.

• Geghard Monastery:
  Take out some time for this site of pilgrimage. Since 4th century, this site has been the residence of a monastery. The prevailing splendidly carved churches belonging to the 13th century are worth visiting here.
• Echmiadzin:
  This is a holy town that was the capital of the country from 180 to 340 A.D. The most worth visiting site here is the Cathedral of St. Gregory, the Illuminator that houses a spearhead, which is said to have cut the side of the crucified Christ.
• Garni Temple:
  Start from the Geghard Monastery to reach this holy shrine. Most of its structure has been demolished by many earthquakes. However, the location of the temple that overlooks the valley from a plateau of 300 m above the Azat River allures visitors.

• Lake Sevan:
  Located 70 km (43 miles) east of Yerevan, this is the largest lake in the Caucasus that is famous Armenia place for its pure waters, astonishing environs, and photography sessions done by the tourists.
• Dilijan:
  This is a settlement surrounded by beautiful pine forests offering walking trails taking you to alpine lakes, numerous restored sanatoriums of the Soviet reign, and a society of retired artists.
• Steep-sided Debed Canyon:
  Here, do not miss the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. A popular belief holds that Sanahin is the birthplace of the famous Armenian troubadour-poet, Sayat-Nova who then turned out to be a monk at Haghpat.

• Goris:
  This is the town that has retained much of its original structure that was first designed by a 19th century German architect. Do not forget to visit the cave dwellings in its surrounding area in the hillsides and the close by fantastic Tatev Monastery.
• Hiking:
  Try this out on the country roads passing by ageless villages or steep mountain passes by enjoying the splendid scenery to view the captivating sunrise.
• Bird Watching:
  You will be lucky enough if you can find the rare species of birds – eagles, falcons, and swans. The country houses 346 species out of 550 in the continent.
• Vayots Dzor:
  This offers a few alluring limestone caverns.
• Horse Riding:
  Try this out on Mount Aragats during the spring season, which is the tallest mountain in Armenia and easy to reach during that time.

Zermatt, Verbier, and icon-throng St. Moritz are a few renowned ski resorts. Snow-crowned mountain peaks trying to touch the blue skies form marvelous surroundings for hiking during summers. The mountainous and lavish Switzerland is honored for its desirable quality of life and several products. Right from tasty cheese, mouth-watering chocolates, beautiful Swiss Army Knife, to opulent watches, these products have much demand in the other parts of the world.

Tourists’ Attractions

• Zurich:
  Known as the largest city of Switzerland, it offers the scenic old town of Altstadt, gothic Fraumunster famous for its stained-glass windows, the stunning twin-towered Grossmunster cathedral, the Swiss National Museum, and the Kunsthaus Zurich displaying the modern art collections. This is big place to visit in tours to Switzerland.

• Lausanne:
  Attractions here are the Cathedrale Notre-Dame and the Musee Olympic (Olympic Museum). You can also take a leisure walk on the walkway of the old Port d’Ouchy.
• Bern:
  Located on the Aare River, this city’s attractions are its unique 11th century arcaded lanes, 13th century clock tower, and ancient bear pits that recalls the city’s ursine symbol seen on the flags, effigies, stained-glass windows, and souvenirs.
• St. Gallen:
  This chic medieval city offers the baroque cathedral and Abbey Library situated in the historic Benedictine monastery, which is now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage
• Brig:
  This is the historic town that holds the most vital baroque castle in the country.
• Vaud:
  This is famous region holding some of the most primary historic buildings in the country.
• Romainmotier:
  This is a small town that offers the 11th century Benedictine monastery.
• Berner Oberland:
  This is one of the important tourist spot that gifts magnificent sceneries such as the popular peaks of Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger; mountain lakes; alpine streams; wild flowers; the highest railway of the continent; and notable resorts of Adelboden, Grindelwald, and Interlaken.

• Basel:
  This is the historic trading and university town spanning the Rhine amidst the Jura region, Alsace in France, and Black Forest in Germany. It is a popular region for its art and research. Attractions include the Art Museum and the old red sandstone Munster. This too is one of the most important places to visit for tours to Switzerland.
• Ticino:
  Located at the southern end of the country with Italian-speaking inhabitants, this city offers three historic castles and some lake resorts in its south. Take the road through Bellinzona from the Alpine valleys and reach Locarno and Lugano for its castles and some lake resorts.
• Valais (The Valley):
  This region is adorned with tall glacial peaks – the Dufourspitze at an altitude of 4,634 m, Dom at 4,545 m, Weisshorn at 4,509 m, and the Matterhorn at 4,478 m. Do also visit the famous resorts here that are Saas Fee, Verbier, and Zermatt.
• Gruyeres:
  This is among the most photographable villages of Switzerland that offers castles and cheese factories – the settlement is the homeland of the popular item – cheese.
• Appenzell:
  This is the pastoral and traditional area holding many scenic settlements of richly tinted residences located on green and undulating land. The most attractive scene is that of being on the Santis peak here that offers terrific sights of six nations – Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
• Hiking:
  This is the best time pass of the Swiss. The country offers 50,000 km long trails for this activity that are marked with the signposts indicating the hiking times and color-coding scheme for difficulty.
• Cycling:
  A good network of trails as long as 3,300 km are available for pedaling for easy and arduous cycling. You can get a bike on hire from several railway stations too.
• Mountain Sports:
  These include ice climbing, ski touring, snowboarding, deep-snow skiing, heli-skiing, and glacier walking. The ideal ski regions are Portes du Soleil, Davos, Klosters, Zermatt, Verbier, Saas Fee, and St. Moritz. You can also look out for snow-polo, the Olympic Bob run, and the Cresta run here.

• Picturesque Trains:
  Explore one of greatest rail trips by catching the glacier Express to have a view of the breathtaking Alpine scenery from St Moritz to Zermatt or vice versa.
• Cruise Trips:
  Do not miss to take a trip on a cruise or ferry on the Lake Zürich, Lake Geneva, Lake Constance that can even take you to towns in Germany and Austria, and the scenic Vierwaltstattersee at Luzern. From this latter point, paddle steamers connect you to different mountain railways and cableways.
• Carnivals:
  Become a part of the Basler Fasnacht that is a pre-Lenten carnival at Basel wherein masked parties and colorful street parades are held for three days. Do visit the  Fasnacht Fountain situated in the facade of the City Theatre.
• Cable Car Trips:
  Take such a trip from the Little Matterhorn at Zermatt and ski back to Zermatt through among the longest ski runs in the continent. Alternatively, reach the tiny town and ski resort of Engelberg that is proud to hold the first revolving cable car on Earth that takes you to the Mount Titlis – the highest point of mid Switzerland.
• Montreux International Jazz Festival:
  Do not miss the jazz fun by heeding to the jazz, blues, and rhythm ‘n’ blues artists at this occasion in July.
• Geneva:
  Attractions in this famous city include the old city centre on foot and the Cathedrale de St Pierre – a superb masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Further, head towards the Lake Geneva where nearby the flower clock in the Jardin Anglais holding more than 6,500 blooms is a tribute to the watch industry of Geneva.

Contradicting its underestimation, Poland has something to offer for all its visitors. The reason being that the nation is simply blessed with different sites catering to different moods – view of its hilly south for memorable skiing and hiking; the astonishing ancient towns of Krakow, Zamosc, and Gdansk; the nature’s home in the Bialowieza National Park; and the Great Malsurian Lakes in the north for boating refreshment.

For beach lovers, the Baltic coast on the north provides a few admirable beaches ranging over 500 km (300 miles) with bays, sheer cliffs, and dunes. On the other hand, for nature admirers, the Slowinski National Park offers unearthly forests, bogs, and wandering dunes. The Great Malsurian Lakes has hundreds of unspoiled lakes made by the thick forest as a gift to boating fans. For the history hunters, the Krakow-Wielun Highland offer caves and medieval fortresses.

Polish is the formal language of Poland. However, you will find German, English, and Russian being also spoken.

Tourists’ Attractions

• Warsaw:
  This is the capital of Poland that was almost demolished in the World War II. However, today it attracts tourists from the far corners of the world. This ancient city was then rebuilt taking into consideration its original plans and paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries. Just half a century old, it is just incredible to accept so while walking along its old-fashioned paved lanes. A famous view of the city can be taken from the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science that is an architectural marvel gifted in 1953 from Stalin as a sign of ‘Polish-Soviet Friendship’.

• Warsaw Rising Museum:
  This museum hosts films, testimonials, slides, and artifacts.
• Chopin’s House:
  This is the mansion house marking the birthplace of Frederick Chopin in Zelazowa Wola located at a distance of 53 km (32 miles) west of Warsaw. You can expect a charming park, concerts during summer, and 19th century equipments and instruments.
• Zamosc:
  This ancient town holds the Renaissance-pattern market square along with the well-maintained 16th century town centre. This is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Auschwitz:
  Holding the memories of one the darkest events in human history, the city pay homage to the victims of the holocaust at Oswiecim-Birkenau (Auschwitz-Birkenau) concentration camp. This is at a distance of 70 km (43 miles) from Krakow offering you a soothing journey.
• Krakow Gate:
  Originally erected in the late 14th century, this monument was restyled in 1782 that is an architectural figure of Lublin. Holding a historical museum, this gate is the main door to enter the Old Town.
• Krakow:
  Considered as the country’s majestic capital, this city is a preserved architectural wonder that has survive against several wars. Listed as one of UNESCO’s 12 most noteworthy historical sites, its medieval environs will attract you. The attractions here include the central Market Square (the largest one in the continent) and the Cloth Hall in its center, which was reinstated in the 19th century using the 14th century merchants’ stands. Still more to add; visit the Jagiellonian University since 1364, former Jewish quarter, Kazimierz containing the Remuh Synagogue (1553), and Wawel Fortress holding the largest number of 16th century tapestries in the world and being the home of a gothic cathedral.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine:
  Possessing 350 km length of corridors, its 2 km (1.2 miles) corridors are only reachable by the visitors. The visitors’ journey here 64 to 135 m beneath the land that displays imposing chambers, bas-reliefs, chandeliers, and a salt chapel.
• The Black Madonna Icon:
  Famous as the magical painting of Our Lady, this icon is kept in the big Jasna Gora monastery complex at Czestochowa located at a distance of 100 km (60 miles) north of Krakow. It is alleged that St. Luke has painted it.
• Wroclaw (Breslau):
  This is the city holding 100 bridges most of which are across canals or link 12 islands of the city. Attractions for the visitors here are the 15th century Town Hall that is a historical museum today, the Ethnographic Museum enclosed in the Royal Palace, and the Cathedral on Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island).
• Gdansk:
  Attractions here are St. Mary’s Basilica that is the largest gothic church in the country, the beach resort of nearby Sopot with the continent’s longest jetty (500 m), the forested Hel Peninsula, the Kashubian Lakeland, and the Teutonic fortresses at Malbork and Gniew.
• Torun:
  This is the gothic walled town where visitors love to take a leisure walk. It is also the home of the astronomer Nicholas Copernicus.
• Hiking:
  Try this out in a few national parks and nature reserves – the Kampinos National Park, near Warsaw and the Bieszczady National Park – part of the Carpathian mountain range housing the brown bear, lynx, wolf, and wildcat.
• Bialowieza National Park:
  Holding 400 years old trees, this park is the last major shelter of the European bison and houses many more rare species. Nature trails, cycling, and exploring with a warden are the attractions here.

• Horse Riding:
  The Polish countryside offer many riding schools for this activity. For those who are just beginners, they might ride on a Hucul who is a rare mountain pony of Poland.
• Mushroom Picking:
  A polish tradition offering several varieties, this activity can be performed while walking in the woods in the early autumn.
• Tatras:
  This is famous for its alpine diversions.
• Zakopane:
  This is popular for its climbing and winter sports. In addition, do not miss to visit the charming valley of Koscieliska, the mountain of Kasprowy Wierch, and the glacial lake Morskie Oko.
• Beaches:
  You can find them on the Baltic Coast in north. The resorts of the Pomeranian coast, such as Kolobrzeg and Leba (white sandy beach) are popular. The beach at Leba is linked with the Slowinski National Park famous for its shifting sands.
• Hel Peninsula:
  This site is free from over population and that you can reach here by foot or on bike to relax at its beaches or spend time at a campsite.

• Malsurian Lake District:
  Offering more than 1,000 lakes, this is famous boating site that can make you visit its other several lakes and canals. Lake Hancsa is the deepest lake here. This site is just worth seeing when the local people of Mikolajki and Gizycko towns arrange festivals and vibrant events.
• Canoeing:
  This is best on the sites of Brodnica, Mysliborz lakelands, or the rivers of Brda, Czarna, Hancza, and Obra.

The maximum islands nearly 1,400 in number are densely grouped in the Aegean along the Greek and Turkish coasts, whereas the others are the Ionian Islands along the west coast in the Ionian Sea. Some islands such as Kefalonia and Amorgos are calm in nature, while Mykonos and Páros are known for their party time.

In the 5th century B.C., Greece achieved its pinnacle due to Athens that got its recognition as the Mediterranean’s cultural and artistic hub. Superb architectural buildings, sculptures, drama, art, philosophy, and literature earned a good fame for Greece that continues spreading its magic even in today’s modern era. Among these attractions, the frequently visited ones are Athens’ Parthenon, Delphi’s Temple of Apollo, and the ruins of the Minóan city of Knossós on Crete Islands.

The formal language here is Greek. However, English, French, German, and Italian are also spoken among the tourism people and young ones.

Greece Tourists Attractions

• Athens:
  Known as the capital of Greece, explore the Acropolis rock that is the abode of the 5th century B.C. Parthenon. Further, visit the ancient civic, political, and commercial centre – the Agora and the excellent National Archaeological Museum exhibiting old marble statues, jewelry, and ceramics.
• Delphi:
  Once believed to be the centre of the world, this charming religious area on a hillside location offers traditional temples, theatre, stadium, and the world-class Archaeological Museum.

• Corinth:
  Formerly the region of riches, style, and wickedness, now it offers temples, theatre, and a museum. Further, do visit the adjacent Acrocorinth that is an extensive citadel exhibiting Byzantine, Turkish, and Venetian aspects on a peak.
• Mycenae:
  This is also a treasure of Greece, a hilltop citadel adorned with the Cyclopean Walls. It was precisely at this place that the Golden treasure with the ‘Mask of Agamemnon’, was discovered.
• Race Track in Olympia:
  This is mother of Olympics hosted here between the 8th and 4th centuries B.C. Run on the track to feel as you are in the competition too. Then, do visit the Archaeological Museum and the adjacent Museum of the Olympic Games.
• Meteora:
  This is the memorable landscape famous for its six medieval monasteries built upon peculiar and rugged pinnacles. Originally, these were 24 in number that were created using pulley systems. Today, steps are carved for the visitors to make these monasteries accessible.
• Thessaloniki:
  This is considered as the second city of Greece that offers excellent Archaeological Museum of old marble statues and gold jewelry from Macedonia. It also is the home of splendid Byzantine churches that form a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Knossos:
  This is the famous historical site of vast relics. Do visit the 3000-year-old frescoed Minoan Palace that was once the abode of the earliest civilization of Europe. Next, explore the excavations of this area in the Archaeological Museum situated in the close Venetian-style port of Iralkio on Crete – the largest island.
• Ia and Thira:
  These are Santorini’s towns whose lands naturally emerged on a cliff. They overlook the caldera that is a spherical watery depression created due to a volcanic explosion around 1600 B.C. It offers memorable sunsets, beaches of black sands, and the whitewashed cubic structures, and boutique hotels.
• Rhodes:
  This is the famous ancient town of Greece situated within an impressive 14th century fortress built during the crusades by the Knights of St. John. Expect a visit to the Palace of the Grand Masters, mosques, and 16th century hammam (Turkish baths) created by the Ottomans. It has its name in the World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.
• Corfu:
  This is another medieval fortified town considered as the UNESCO World Heritage sites as Rhodes.
• Caves:
  Take yourself underground to view some 6,000 karst caves out of which the maximum are located in Crete. Among the 20 show caves that welcome guided visits, Perama is the largest and most stunning due to its stalagmites and stalactites.
• Springs:
  Greece is blessed with several spring and mineral waters. You will find several spas and hydrotherapy centres in Greece out of which a few offer chic health centres.
• Hellenic Festival:
  Held from June to September, this festival is full of music, dance, and theatre performances held in the Odeion of Herodes in Athens and traditional dramas in the amphitheatre in Epidaurus whose erection dates back to 4th century B.C.
• Beaches:
  You can find a beach according to your mood. Lalaria, an immaculate white rocky beach on Skiathos and Plaka, a beach of clean sand on Naxos are the famous ones.

• Sailing:
  Explore the myriad islands as per your wish by either renting a boat or via being a part of the group guided by an expert. Many tour operators and companies in Greece offer sailing packages.
• Windsurfing:
  Try this out on the excellent spots of Vassiliki on Lefkada, Kefalos on Kos, Kokkari on Samos, Ialisos on Rhodes, Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach) on Paros, and Agios Georgios and Mikri Vigla on Naxos.
• Climbing:
  Try this on the Mount Olympos (2,917 m) that is considered as the abode of Zeus and Mount Pasnassos (2,457 m) near Delphi.
• Hiking:
  Do so at Samaria Gorge (18 km) on Crete or the Vikos Gorge (14 km) in Epirus.

• Skiing:
  Offering many good ski resorts, the nation’s best-equipped spot is the Parnassos Ski Centre on Mount Parnassos. In addition, you can also opt for Helmos on the Peleponnese or Vermion in Macedonia.
• Greece Water Sports:
  These include rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and sea kayaking due to the shallow and fast-flowing rivers. In addition, even though scuba diving is not allowed to protect stealing of artifacts, dive centers with instructions can be seen at the Attica coast, Corfu, Kalamata, Kalymnos, Mykonos, Paros, Preveza, Rhodes, Skiathos, and Zakynthos.
• Bird Watching:
  Holding 11 marshlands and over 190 important bird areas, the nation is the home of herons, storks, pelicans, and eagles. The best places are the Nestos Delta in Thrace and the Prespa Lakes in Macedonia.

Once under Czechoslovakia until 1993 prior to the Velvet Divorce, the nation holds the historic regions of Bohemia and Moravia and features a wealthy cultural legacy. The two-third of the western land of the nation is Bohemia, while Moravia occupies the eastern land of the Czech Republic. Moravia is on the Morava River’s basin.

Comprising of an extensive river basin edged by hills and mountains, the longest river named Labe of the nation originates from the Krkonose Mountains in the northeast. It then flows from south, west, and to north in Germany where it is called the River Elbe.

Besides the two main ancient cities, nature’s landscape, and rivers, the remaining part of the country also has enough eye catchers and tourist pullers. This is evident from its 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the scenic town of Cesky Krumlov, the chateaux, picturesque gardens of Lednice-Valtice, and the Renaissance constructions of Telc.

Czech is the formal language of the Czech Republic. In addition, people also speak English and German here. Population here mainly belongs to the Roman Catholic cult with a few Protestants. Further, a small community of Jews can also be seen in Prague.

Tourists’ Attractions

• Zlata Praha – Golden Prague:
  This is a UNESCO World Heritage town that enjoys its pride as being among the charming cultural cities. Attractions here are splendid architecture, the biggest castle of the world, grand museums and galleries, old churches, luxurious halls of classical concerts, historical monuments, outdoor theatres, jazz clubs, and the world’s biggest castle. Again, this is the convenient start for traveling to other worth visiting sites such as the spa resort of Karlovy Vary, the ancient places of Melnik and Kutna Hora, and the Karlstejn and Konopiste citadels. In Prague, do take a cruise on the Vltava River to visit Prague zoo and Slapy Dam. This most popular town stands in the heart of Bohemia on the River Vltava.
• Kutna Hora:
  This is a medieval city that has registered its name in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Do make a visit to the St Barbara’s Cathedral holding spectacular murals and old silver mine.
• Sedlec Ossuary:
  This is the famous site hosting the bones of 40,000 people dating to many centuries back, which are hewed into festoons, chandeliers, carvings, and artillery layers.
• Cesky Krumlov:
  This is most appealing town of the nation, which is another UNESCO World Heritage site. You will love to take a walk in its legendary castle, along the banks of the Vltava River, and in its ancient back streets.
• Karlovy Vary:
  This is the magnificent spa resort where you can explore its hot mineral springs, detailed ornate and gothic architecture, forest strolls, and an energetic ethnic site. Further, at Loket in its close proximity, visit the scenic fortress on heights above the River Ohre.
• Olomouc:
  This is the eye-catching university town that offers parks, baroque churches, monuments, and fountains. The enclosing agricultural area, Hana is worth visiting for eye-catching festivals held around the numerous villages in late September.
• Moravsky Kras:
  A limestone area holding mysterious caves near the second largest town in Moravio, Brno, this is famous for its fainting deep hole of Macocha that is a 140 m abyss at the core. Do not miss the exciting cruise trip on an underground river situated at the adjacent Punkevni caves.
• Open-air Skansen (Folk Museum):
  Located at Roznov pod Radhostem, the worth visiting three sections of this museum are the Little Wooden Town, the Water Mill Valley, and the Wallachian Village. Here, you will come across the exhibition of cultural timber architecture and technology.
• Terezin:
  A site that has witnessed a darker period as a part of the nation’s history is famous for its Nazi camp. Located towards north of Prague, the city’s Ghetto Museum, garrison and seclusion cells, execution grounds, and bountiful graves will tell you about the intensity of the shocks in past.
• Picture-postcard Castles and Nation Houses:
  A marvelous series of these monuments is something that every tourist does visit. These are Disney-esque, 14th century Karlstejn, stunning Konopiste, past haven of Archduke Franz Ferdinand; lavish Hluboka, abode of the Schwarzenbergs, and impressive Vranov on a rock peak.
• Telc:
  Best representing a Renaissance town and a World Heritage site, its history has witnessed a fire in 1530. Strolling in its paved streets and visiting the historic arcades are the tourists’ activities.
• Hiking:
  Try this out in the largest national park of the country, the Sumava forest, an area holding of hills full of forests bordering Austria. This park offers picturesque lakes, streams, virgin forest, and historic structures. The Sumava forest hills is also the source of the Vltava River that flows through the southern border shared with Austria.
• Canoe Touring:
  This is perfect for beginners on the upper stream of the Vltava River and its branches the Sazava and Berounka. You can obtain a canoe on hire and camping gear.
• Snezka:
  This is the highest pinnacle in the nation at an altitude of 1,602 m or 5,256 feet. The track to this point is famous for climbing for three hours. If you cannot climb, you can take a chairlift too.
• Adrspach-Teplice Rocks:
  This spot is famous for its rock climbing between the mind-blowing scenes. Its strange landscape is full of sandstone peaks, twisted gorges, and forests housing the wild species.
• Ski Resorts:
  Reach to the slopes of Spindleruv Mlyn and Zacler in Krkonose for downhill skiing and snowboarding respectively and Zadov in Sumava for cross-country skiing.
• Krusne Hory:
  Lying adjacent to the northern plains of Prague, this is famous for its Ore Mountains as iron ore and other minerals are extracted from here.

The country’s unquestionable trinkets are found in its remarkably abundant mountainous lands that can be excellently viewed from a national park. A lot of more attractions are maintained and offered even in the urban life, mainly in the multi-ethnic capital of Sarajevo that is adorned with the Turkish legacy and energetic cafe site.

Plagued with mines in some areas, the remaining areas hold ancient citadels, beautiful old mosques, captivating monasteries, and splendid Catholic shrines. However, the structure that ranks first in the tourist circuit signifies the fusion of the country’s history and an optimistic fresh start and it is the renovated Ottoman bridge at Mostar.

Bosnia and Herzegovina being holding its ethnic and religious diversity, there are three prominent ethnic groups here. These are stated from maximum to minimum inhabitation – the Bosniaks – also known as the Bosnian Muslims, the Serbs, and the Croats. Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian are the formal languages spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Latin alphabets are used by the Croats and Bosniaks, while the Serbs are fond of Cyrillic. Majority of the population is Muslims followed by Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and other cults.

History

• 1996:
  Elections took place after the 1992-95 war beneath the rules of the Dayton Accord and under the supervision of the international community.
• 2006:
  Haris Silajdzic, Nebojsa Radmanovic, and Zeljko Komsic became the part of the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Out of them, two are members and the other is the chairperson that changes every eight months.
• 2007:
  Nikola Spiric became the Prime Minister.

However, the recent one under the leadership of the Prime Minister Nikola Spiric was marked as the first poll to be held without the international supervision after the war.

Etiquettes

Avoid providing any beliefs or views on the war or any other critical topic. Tourists are required to honor the traditions and culture of the different religious and racist sects. Some Muslims consider drinking alcohol in public places as an offence.

Tourists’ Attractions

• Mostar:
  This holds the most elegant Ottoman bridge that connects the two parts of the city via the Neretva River. Originally built in the 16th century, the bridge was demolished during the war after which it was rebuilt with the help of the Turkish folk. Other attractions include the 16th and 17th century mosques, historic buildings, and paved streets that remain unaffected at the time of war.

• Bihac:
  Situated in the northwestern region of Bosnia & Herzegovina, this is western Muslim settlement in Europe lying in close proximity with the Croatian frontier. Other key attraction here is the Fathija Mosque that previously was a church. This pocket city of Bihac is the just the place for adventurous tourists who would love to perform rafting on the excellent base on the Una River.
• Beach:
  Located at Neum, this is the Bosnia & Herzegovina’s only that covers a small distance of the shoreline splitting the Dalmatian shore of Croatia.
• Sutjeska National Park:
  Do not forget to head to the natural home of the wild and evergreen unblemished charm. As said above that some of the picturesque views can be explored from a point in a park, this is that place which hosts the Maglic Mountain at an altitude of 2,368 m (7,769 feet). This is the highest peak/point in the nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, the Perucica Forest is also worth visiting that is marked as among the last prehistoric forests of Europe.

• Medjugorje:
  Located towards south of Mostar, this is the second most frequently visited Catholic shrine in the world. A popular belief holds here that many people have seen the spirit of the Virgin Mother Mary. This shrine attracts thousands of visitors in a year. However, Vatican has yet to proclaim it as an official pilgrimage spot.
• Banja Luka:
  Famous for its well-maintained Tvrdjava citadel, this is the second biggest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also the administrative capital of the Republika Srpska. Close to the countryside, you can have a round of its numerous Orthodox monasteries.

• Sarajevo:
  Recognized as the capital of the nation, this is the site that takes you for a memorable trip in the past of Turkish rule for 500 years, as its marks are still present. Despite being frightened by the war, the Turkish quarter (Bascarsija) and the town centre have been renovated and life is becoming normal as seen in the multicolored bazaars that tribute the Ottoman legacy.
• Bascarsija District:
  Do visit this district in order to shop for souvenirs and halt for a traditional Turkish coffee in any of the cafes.
• Blagaj:
  Reachable in just half-day time from Mostar, this is famous for its tranquil hamlet named the dervish tekkija located at the foot of a cliff that is 200 m (656 feet) high.

• Watersports:
  You can opt for whitewater rafting on any of the several mountain rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stating some of the most thrilling sites of Neretva, Una, and Tara rivers, these are the busiest locations in Europe for this fun. Other water sport for which the country offers many opportunities is Kayaking.
• Hiking:
  Being a mountainous landscape, Bosnia and Herzegovina is full of strolling and trekking options, except for those areas where landmines can affect both the activity and life. The Bjelasnica Mountain is the only area of the nation that provides hiking, rafting, and village tourism.
• Winter Festival:
  Generally celebrated in February and March at the nation’s capital, this is the festival of art. Been held consistently even before the war of the 1990s, this festival was determinedly even during the war. A tribute to the worldwide creativity and freedom despite the presence of varied cultures and sects, the winter festival is celebrated for two months
• Sarajevo Film Festival:
  Coming in August, this is the most famous festival as compared to the other festivals in Sarajevo. The festival aims at showing films that are produced mostly by the neighboring nations whose quality of films is excellent with a flavor of an artistic standard.
• Shopping:
  Do purchase the traditional items – woodcarvings, brass coffee jars, ceramics, artificial carpets, woolen products, wines, folk-art, wall hanging, and embroidery. Souvenirs and imprinted weaponry coverings that mark the Yugoslav war at the Bascarsija bazaar in Sarajevo are worth buying. The timings of shopping are daily from 0800 to 2000.

Passports and Visa

A valid passport is a must for all the nationals. However, it is not mandatory if you hold a valid national identity card issued either by one of the nations – Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. In addition, if you are from Germany and possess a valid identity card issued for minors known as Kinderausweis with a photo, you do not need a passport. Kindly make a note that a passport sanctioned by the Former Yugoslav Federation Republic (Serbia & Montenegro) having a red cover is not valid.

Visa is not required for the nationals of British, Australian, Canadian, USA, and other EU for a three months stay. For other nationals, please contact the embassy to find out the visa requirements.

Reaching Bosnia and Herzegovina

By Air

B&H Airlines (JA) is the national airline that can take you to Banja Luka, Mostar, and Sarajevo. Listed below are the major airports.

Sarajevo (SJJ) is the key international airport from where Sarajevo is at the distance of 12 km. You can take a taxi for your trip into the city from the airport. Banja Luka (BNX) and Mostar (OMO) are other airports that also manage international flights on a small scale.

Departure tax is applicable to both international and domestic flights. For international flights, it is €18 and for domestic flights and transit passengers, it is €9.

By Rail

A good, but slow railway network connects Sarajevo, Mostar, Doboj, and Banja Luka to Zagreb, Belgrade, Ljubljana, and Ploce. It takes 9 hours to reach Zagreb or Belgrade from  Sarajevo.

Rail Passes

InterRail allows first- or second-class journey in 30 European countries unlimited with two types of passes. The Global Pass is for 22 days, one month, five days in 10 days, or 10 days in 22 days of travel. Whereas, the One-Country Pass is for three, four, six, or eight days in one month excluding Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Please bear in mind that you are not permitted to travel in the passenger’s country of residence. For visitors under 26 years, there is a special concession; whereas for children, 50% off is offered on the pass. The passes can be collected from the Rail Europe. You are also given a privilege to take discounts on Eurostar and some ferry routes.

By Road

Yet in the course of reconstruction due to damage in the civil war, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s roadways are still linked with major cities and towns. You can run a car from Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro with a necessary Green card. Other option is to travel through a bus from several Eastern and Central European cities such as London to reach the capital.