Christmas Cards Exchange… Our precious travel Guide

Christmas Cards Exchange…

Our precious travel Guide Creative Classroom eTwinning Featured Group

This Travel Guide is the final product of the Digital Christmas Cards Exchange during December 2020. Creative eTwinners, members of the Creative Classroom eTwinning Featured Group, exchanged their digital cards suggesting in this precious guide places to visit during our holidays, summer or winter ones.

Feeling free to travel, just after the schools’ closure and distance teaching, please have in mind these cities around eTwinning countries and enjoy the most of them.

Angeliki Kougiourouki Creative Classroom Group Administrator

Alexandroupolis Alexandroupoli is a city in Greece and the capital of the Evros regional unit in East Macedonia and Thrace. It has 70.000 inhabitants and is the largest (in size and population) city in Thrace and the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. It is an important port and commercial center of northeastern Greece……….

(Source: Wikipedia)

BRUSSELS Brussels, Flemish Brussel, French Bruxelles, city, capital of Belgium. It is located in the valley of the Senne (Flemish: Zenne) River, a small tributary of the Schelde (French: Escaut). Greater Brussels is the country’s largest urban agglomeration. It consists of 19 communes, or municipalities, each with a large measure of administrative autonomy. The largest commune—which, like the greater metropolitan area, is named Brussels—contains the historic core of the city and the so-called “European Quarter,” where the institutions of the European Union (EU) are located.

BRUSSELS Greater Brussels officially became the Brussels-Capital Region in 1989, during the federalization of Belgium. Along with the much larger regions of Flanders and Wallonia, the Brussels-Capital Region constitutes one of the country’s three main political divisions. As the seat of the EU, Brussels is known as the “capital of Europe,” and its significance as a centre of international governance and business makes Brussels a true global city—a status shared with such metropolises as New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo.

BRUSSELS 1.

The Grand Place - beautiful 15th century town hall, flower markets and wonderful at night

2. Sablon - neighborhood with hotels, restaurants and shops

3. Flea market at Les Marolles has a tradition that goes back to Middle Ages

Smyadovo Smyadovo (Bulgarian: Смядово, pronounced [ˈsmʲadovo]; ISO transliterated Smjadovo) is a town in eastern Bulgaria, part of Shumen Province. It is the administrative centre of the homonymous Smyadovo Municipality, which lies in the southeastern part of the province.

As of December 2009, the town has a population of 4,036 inhabitants.[1] The operatic mezzo soprano Alexandrina Miltcheva was born in Smyadovo on 27 November 1934.

Smyadovo lies in the southeastern Danubian Plain, at the northern foot of the eastern Balkan Mountains. It was first mentioned in early Ottoman times (Evliya Çelebi mentions it as Smedovak) and was proclaimed a town in 1969.

Smyadovo Cove in Rugged Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named after Smyadovo.

From Wikipedia

Smyadovo The town of Smyadovo is located in North-East Bulgaria (Shoumen District), close to the historical town of Veliki Preslav (23 km western from Smyadovo) and about 100 km away from the Black Sea (103 km from city of Varna). The town is center of the Smyadovo Municipality.

The archeological finds in the surroundings of the town of Smyadovo bespeak for uninterrupted life during many millenniums. The researches, which were made in this area uncover the human culture from 3 500 – 3 100 years B.C. The ten mound necropolis located in the town of Smyadovo, are connected with the Thracians’ life from V-IV c. B.C.

SANDANSKI Sandanski is situated 190 metres above the sea level, in the southwestern ridges of the Pirin Mountain, along the two banks of Sandanska Bistritsa River. The town is located 166 km from Sofia and 74 km from Blagoevgrad. Sandanski's favourable position, suitable climate (with the highest average annual temperature in the country, +14.1°C) and the concentration of mineral water springs in the area are all reasons for the town's fame as a centre for relaxation and recreation SPA: The resort has healthy climate and has attracted settlers since Antiquity.

The mineral springs of Sandanski have temperatures ranging from 33 to 83 degrees Centigrade, which makes them appropriate for baths and even drinking.

The town has nice luxurious hotels, offering spa and mineral water procedures for full relax. SIGHTSEEING: Interesting to the visitors of the town is the Archeological Museum. It features valuable exhibits from a late Antiquity town of the 4th – 6th century. Other landmarks are Saint George Church, St.St. Kuzma and Damyan Monastery, Sandanski Art Gallery and the two plane trees. The trees are declared nature landmarks and are 500 years old, one of them being 25 metres high. https://www.bulgarianproperties.com/Bulgaria/sandanski.html

The Republic of Croatia, a country on the north western edge of the Balkan Peninsula in southern Europe, formerly a constituent republic of Yugoslavia. Five countries border Croatia: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia, and it shares a sea border with Italy.

Croatia covers an area of 56,594 km², compared Croatia is slightly larger than bordering Bosnia and Herzegovina, or slightly smaller than the U.S. state of West Virginia.

The country offers a long coastline with over a thousand islands along its coast at the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea), a variety of medieval towns and villages, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate, such features made it a popular holiday destination within Europe.

Croatia has a population of 4,2 million people (in 2015). Capital and largest city is Zagreb.

Spoken language is Croatian.

The town of Sveta Nedelja (Croatia), with the status of the youngest town in the county, is a town of culture, sports, tradition and tourism and thus represents a place of comfortable and safe living.

Get to know the Sava-Strmec ornithological reserve, found just off the main Strmec Lake.

Sοurce: https://grad-svetanedelja.hr/en/ https://sites.google.com/view/bekaci-svn/

Karlovac Located in central Croatia at the meeting point between the Croatian lowlands, Croatian highlands, Karlovac is framed by four rivers It is the administrative centre of Karlovac County.

Since it is located at the narrowest part of Croatia, on the Zagreb-Rijeka highway and railway line, it is only 50 kilometres away from Slovenia and from Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a city, Karlovac has an important traffic and economic significance and according to the 2011 census, its population was 55,705.

Karlovac is a city built and thought out taking full advantage of its surroundings: In green valleys of four rivers, beneath the Dubovac old town, filled with hundred year old parks and promenades, bicycling routes, deeply rooted in traditions of culture, sports, trades and commerce. Inevitably, with such parameters Karlovac is an European formula for pleasant living and business investments. Karlovac is unique in its business and development possibilities.

Situated at the crossroads of the most important Croatian and European highways and extreme vicinity to the two bordering countries - Slovenia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, Karlovac holds great potential. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karlovac

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zgrada_Gradskog_poglavarstva_Karlovac.jp g#/media/File:Zgrada_Gradskog_poglavarstva_Karlovac.jpg

KARLOVAC-A CITY ON FOUR RIVERS

Karlovac is a unique town through which two rivers Korana and Kupa flow, and in the immediate vicinity of the town the rivers Dobra and Mrežnica flow into them. That is why we call Karlovac a city on four rivers. The rivers are suitable for rowing, swimming, camping. There is a new freshwater aquarium in the city.

Visitors can see the richness of life in rivers and lakes, specimens of more than a hundred freshwater fish species, of which about 40 are endemic.

Karlovac- six pointed star

All roads towards Adriatic sea goes through Karlovac.

Karlovac was built in 1579. in the shape of six pointed star, by demand of duke Karlo Habsburski.Today, unfortunately, stone walls of former fortress are disassembled, but form of star still exist.. Inside former fortress there are many monuments. Some of them are Miljokaz, well, and plague monument.

Today, Karlovac is city of parks.

Come here, visit my town and you'll be happy…

Like many other cities located at the meeting point of Central Europe and the Mediterranean, Kastav has a rich tradition and a recognizable identity. Throughout its history, Kastav has been the administrative, commercial and cultural center of Istria and the Littoral. It was and still is the center of the Croatian national question, which enabled the city to retain its autonomy, language and customs even when other

larger cities began to appear in its vicinity.

In ancient times, the Kastav region stretched all the way to the slopes of the Učka mountain and many feudal lords fought for the city. The town of Kastav was fortified by a medieval wall with nine towers located on a 365 meter high hill, and still serves today as the center of the area and still testifies to the size and importance of Kastav from ancient times.

Every summer, Kastav hosts various international events such as the Kastav Summer of Culture, the Guitar Festival and the Kastav Blues Festival. They perform by world-famous artists and attract many tourists from Croatia and abroad.

Greetings from Kastav!

Daliborka Rotar, 2.a OŠ Milan Brozović Kastav

Hrvatsko zagorje is called Fairy tale at hand and

it is on north west of Croatia. In this region you can see a lot of

monuments, museums, castles, spas…

You can learn to make gingerbread hearts and give them as a souvenir to someone you love. Visiting the page you can see traditional wooden UNESCO toys and other cultural treasure of that Croatian region.

“Wooden toys are recognizable traditional products of Hrvatsko Zagorje with a long history, whose production started in the 19th century and lasts until the present day. The production method was passed in certain families from generation to generation and kept alive until today. The production is specific because the toys are handcrafted by men and painted mostly by women. Each toy is handmade, and it is impossible to find identical toys.

The toys are made of willow, maple, beech and lime tree wood. The wood is cut, dried, timbered and formed by using the molds. The most common colors, traditional for wooden toys, are red, blue, white and yellow. The toys are sold during church festivals, fairs, at the markets, and mostly at Marian shrine of Marija Bistrica.”

https://www.licitar.hr/hr/o-licitarima https://visitzagorje.hr/en/wooden-toys- https://visitzagorje.hr/en/ licitari/

The city of Slavonski Brod, the seventh largest city in the Republic of Croatia with 59,141 inhabitants, is located on the banks of the Sava River and stretches on the gentle slopes of Dilj-gora. It covers an area of 54.45 square meters. It was built on the site of Roman Marsonia, at the crossroads of the most important international routes connecting the countries of Europe with the Middle East, along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the largest city in Slavonian Posavina.

FAMOUS PEOPLE

HISTORY OUR SCHOOL IN THE VILLAGE IN THE BERAVCI

FORTRESS BROD

LACE OF SIKIREVCI

Trakošćan Castle Trakošćan’s cultural heritage, is protected as a historical entity, which consists of the castle, the building next to the castle, park and forest park with a lake. Today the castle is one of the few facilities in Croatia with preserved its own constitution, historically closely related to the architectural framework and the life of its owners.

Source: https://trakoscan.hr/english/

Ogulin Ogulin is a town in north-western Croatia, in Karlovac County and it is known for its historic stone castle, known as Kula, and the nearby mountain of Klek. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogulin

In Ogulin we can visit Ivana's House of Fairy Tales which is a unique multimedia and interactive visitor's centre which celebrates fairy tales and their makers.

Based on the principles of knowledge, creativity and the use of new technologies, the centre presents the fairy tales of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić (born in Ogulin in 1874), Croatia's foremost writer of fairy tales, as well as the fairy tales of many other writers from both Croatia and the world.

Ogulin

Located within the mediaeval Frankopan Castle, Ivana's House of Fairy Tales consists of a permanent multimedia exhibition, a library, a multifunctional space for workshops, and a souvenir shop.

The activities of Ivana's House extend to its website, which includes a virtual FairyTale Database and an online library.

In addition, the centre carries out publishing activities and organises creative and educational programmes for both children and adults. Organized throughout the year, the programmes include storytelling, literary and visual expression, film, performance and fine arts, plus design. https://www.ivaninakucabajke.hr/en/ivanas-house-of-fairytales/what-is-ivanas-house-of-fairy-tales/

Slavonski Brod It is a city in eastern Croatia, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is shortly named “Brod”. It is the sixth largest city in Croatia. It is an old city. The first historical settlement in Brod dates back to Roman times. After this period Slavs settled in the area of the city in the 6th century.

The name of the town is mentioned for the first time in a book from 1224. The famous places in the city are: The Franciscan Monastery and The Brod Fortress

Daruvar-Biserka Hrešić Did you know that the name Daruvar in Hungarian means the town of crane, and the crane is on today's Daruvar coat of arms.

It is located not far from Zagreb - the most elegant small town in continental Croatia.

Surrounded by fragrant green vineyards, equipped with a combination of historical and contemporary architecture and imaginatively landscaped parks.

The town has a long and rich history, mainly owing to the healthy thermal spas around which many people gathered and built their settlements. However, the critical moment for the development of the town and the healing baths was the arrival of Count Antun Janković in 1745, who gave the town the Hungarian name of Daruvar (Ždralov town or more precisely Ždralov castle). In addition to the famous Daruvar spa, the town has managed to maintain its image as a green town. It is decorated by flower filled parks and centuries old trees, and has inherited and preserved its values and beauty. The growth of vines has a hundred year tradition here as the fertile and sunny hills of Papuk offer ideal conditions for grape growing. For this reason, Daruvar holds the Vinodar event, an exhibition of wines from continental Croația.

Hvar Town is the best well known city on the island of Hvar and therefore the most visited as well. It is very small and it is possible to get around and see most of its attractions on foot.

HVAR ISLAND The island of Hvar is the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands. It has been famous since the antique because of its important strategic and nautical position, the rich of the various historical periods, the culture and natural monuments and the literature.

Thanks to the mild climate, the warm winters and pleasant summers Hvar receives many guests, scientists and travellers, who are attracted by the dense mediterranean nature, rich tradition and architecture, and nightlife.

Šibenik

is the pearl of the Croatian Adriatic, located at the mouth of the Krka River, the most picturesque part of the Adriatic east coast. As the oldest Croatian city, Šibenik was first mentioned in 1066, during the time of King Krešimir IV.

Sights of Šibenik-Knin country The pictures of the Krka and Kornati National Parks speak for themselves.

The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik is one of the most significant and most beautiful architectural achievements in Croatia and was included on the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage List in 2000.

St Nicholas' Fortress at the entrance to the St Anthony's Channel in Šibenik represents a unique Renaissance building of Venetian fortification architecture and an exceptional monument of the world’s architectural heritage.

SINJ Sinj is a town in the south of Croatia, 35 km from the sea and near Split.Sinj is known for the Sinj alka - a knight's game of spear shooting in the alka. The history of the city begins before Christ.

Sinjska alka has been played since 1715. after the victory over the Turks.

Sinjska alka is under the protection of UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia. Everything about the alka can be found in the Museum of the Sinj Alka.

If you ever come to Croatia and Dalmatia in August, visit Sinj, the city of Alkar and the Knights near Split.Watch the passage of the Alkar procession and the winners through the streets of my city after the race.

Sinj is known for some donut but also good prosciutto.

A song dedicated to the City of Sinj.

Name:Vesna Šumanac, Sinj, Croatia

CAZMA Čazma is situated 60 kilometers east of Zagreb and only 30 kilometres from the center of the region - Bjelovar. Čazma is situated on the slopes of Moslavačka gora, surrounded by fertile lowlands. The river Česma runs to the east of Čazma and the smaller river Glogovnica flows into it near too.

Viškovo Viškovo is a municipality in the PrimorjeGorski Kotar County in western Croatia.

There are 14,445 inhabitants, with 85% Croats

Viškovo is located on the north-western side of the city of Rijeka at a distance of 8 kilometres, next to the road from Rijeka towards Škalnica and Klana. This road is one of the oldest in the Kastav region and it was first mentioned in the 16th century as the only path between Rijeka, Trieste, Ljubljana and all the way to Graz and Vienna.

With its neighboring municipalities (Kastav, Klana and Jelenje), the municipality of Viškovo marks a kind of ring around the city of Rijeka, which partly relies on Opatija as a strong tourist center.

There are few written records about the beginnings of history in the area of today’s Municipality of Viškovo. Its biggest part - Halubje - is an area of pastoral tradition, as evidenced by its name which originates from the word "halupa", meaning "shepherd's hut".

Viškovo Viškovo is the home of two intangible cultural heritages that are on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: Two-part singing and playing in the Istrian scale, and Zvončari, the annual carnival bell ringers' pageant from the Kastav area, i.e. Zvončari from Halubje, permanent guardians of lent customs in the Halubje area.

Today, this area sees an interesting coexistence of the past and the present, an irresistible culinary blend of authentic dishes from the coast and the mountain region, but also modern gastronomic specialties.

Arranged promenades and walking and cycling trails are an invitation to pleasant walks through forest landscapes, on a holiday, recreation, biking and the pleasure of staying somewhere surrounded by nature.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vi%C5%A1kovo http://www.visitrijeka.eu/Ring/Viskovo https://opcina-viskovo.hr/opcinaviskovo/o-nama/smjestaj

POKUPSKO Pokupsko is a small village in Zagreb county. There are many small villages in Pokupsko area. Pokupsko itself has got 235 inhabitants.

Pokupsko has got its name from the river Kupa, the village lies around this river.

ZLATAR BISTRICA Zlatar-Bistrica is a village and municipality in northwestern Croatia, in the Krapina-Zagorje County. It lies on the crossroads of two important roads for the region, one connecting northern parts of the county with Zagreb (D29) and the other connecting Varaždin and western part of the county and is also connected by R201 railway.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zlatar-Bistrica

HLOHOVEC Hlohovec is a municipality and village in Břeclav District in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 1,300 inhabitants.

LAPLAND The most northern part of Finland, Lapland, is the magical arctic region full of contrasts. In fact, contrasts are a key factor in the allure of Lapland where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days filled with Northern Lights.

Bergerac Situated in the purple Périgord, Bergerac, a historic town, invites you to an exciting and picturesque visit. Take the time to stroll through the narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and the many mansions from another time.

In the centre of the town stands the church of Notre Dame which dates back to the 19th century and was built according to the original plans of Viollet le Duc. It is classified as a historical monument.

The city is home to the tobacco museum, the museum of the city of wine and inland navigation and the Costi Museum sculptor of the last century.

Crossed by the river Dordogne, you will be able to contemplate the coming and going of the "gabares", traditional flat-bottomed boat used in the past to transport goods.

City of art and history by the Ministry of Culture since 1985.

Dordogne The county of Périgord dates back to when the area was inhabited by the Gauls. It was originally home to four tribes. The name for "four tribes" in the Gaulish language was "Petrocore". The area eventually became known as the county of Le Périgord and its inhabitants became known as the Périgordins (or Périgourdins). There are four Périgords in the Dordogne.

The famous caves of Lascaux have been closed to the public, but a replica of Lascaux II is open to visitors and is a major tourist attraction.

Périgueux has important Roman ruins, including an arena which is still visible inside a public park located near the town centre.

Dordogne is particularly popular with Britons and other foreigners, as a location for second homes.

Source: Wikipedia

Lamballe Lamballe is a home to the arts and one of Brittany’s historic towns, with its little streets and alleyways laid out across the slopes of Saint-Sauveur hill. In the heart of cattle-breeding territory, slightly inland from the Penthièvre coast, its other claim to fame to its National Stud, set in the town centre.

https://www.brittanytourism.com/destinations/the-10-destinations/saint-brieuc-bay-paimpol-les-caps/lamballe/

PLEVENON Fort la Latte or Castle of the Rock Goyon is a castle in the northeast of Brittany, about 35 kilometres west of Saint-Malo, in the commune of Plévenon, Côtes-d'Armor.

It is a famous tourist attraction of the bay of St Malo and the Emerald coast.

This impressive castle was built on a small piece of land at the Bay of the Fresnay in the 13th century.

KUTAISI KUTAISI IS ONE OF THE OLDEST CITIES IN GEORGIA. It’s on the Rioni River.

Kutaisi has a very long history. Its roots can be traced back to the 6th century. Kutaisi made a name as the capital of the Kingdom of Colchis. This Caucasus kingdom was known to the Greeks as the ‘Land of the Golden Fleece’. This is a reference to a Greek story about Jason and the Argonauts and their quest for the golden fleece of a ram. Georgia has never forgotten this ancient empire. In the center of Kutaisi, you will find the Colchis Fountain, consisting of 30 statues of animals. They are copies of archaeological discoveries from the Colchis era.

Just outside the city is the 12thcentury Gelati cathedral and monastery, together designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994; also on the outskirts is the Sataplia Nature Reserve, with limestone caverns and dinosaur fossils.

kakheti-Lagodekhi - village Vardisubani Welcome from Georgia, Kakheti region, Lagodekhi town, Vardisubani village, ourregion is distinguished by its extraordinary nature and wonderful cultural heritage. In Lagodekhi, we also have the Lagodekhi Protected Areas Administration and Visitor Center and the Visitor Center, as well as the Kazan Church of the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Wine region that keeps traditional ways to produce wine. There are a lot of monasteries to visit as monks have been producing wine for centuries.

ATHENS Athens is the capital and the largest city of Greece. It is in many ways the birthplace of Classical Greece, and therefore of Western civilization. It is historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. It is the city og Gods, Goddesses and successful athletes. You can visit the Acropolis, The Pláka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods, Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus and the museums.

Thessaloniki Thessaloniki, is the second-largest city in Greece, with over 1 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, and the capital of the geographic region of Macedonia, the administrative region of Central Macedonia and the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace.

Thessaloniki is located on the Thermaic Gulf, at the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea. It is bounded on the west by the delta of the Axios.

Source: Wikipedia, Foto: Unsplash, pixabay

Thessaloniki Thessaloniki is Greece's second major economic, industrial, commercial and political centre; it is a major transportation hub for Greece and southeastern Europe, notably through the Port of Thessaloniki. The city is renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general, and is considered to be Greece's cultural capital. Events such as the Thessaloniki International Fair and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival are held annually, while the city also hosts the largest biannual meeting of the Greek diaspora. Thessaloniki was the 2014 European Youth Capital.

Source: Wikipedia, Foto: Unsplash, pixabay

PATRAS

St. Andrew’s church

Start your exploration around the city from Agiou Nikolaou, the most famous pedestrian street. There, 192 steps await to lead you to the Old City. A romantic stroll around its cobbled streets will reveal grand colourful neoclassical mansions, reminders of the city’s glorious past.

Visit the city’s Medieval Castle, built in the second half of the 6th century A.D. on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis.

Its walls enclose an area of about 22 sq.m.; it consists of a triangular external compound enhanced with towers and ramparts. Walk past the remaining buildings, and take in breathtaking views of the city.

In the centre of the city, two historical monuments will certainly draw your attention: Saint Andrew Church, one of the biggest churches in the Balkans, and “APOLLON" Municipal Theatre, one of the first opera houses in Europe.

The petrified forest of Sigi, Isle of Lesvos When you come to visit this place, you will see the reminds of trees that were buried in ashes because of volcanic eruption a long time ago. You can take a walk around those reminds and see how wonderfully preserved the trees and leaves are...

Ikaria

On the first day of the New Year people visit all houses, in the village they live, to wish a happy and prosperous year. This visit has the special meaning of letting bygones be bygones, leaving any arguments and sad feelings behind and starting fresh the relationships with neighbours and relatives. This is initiated from one side of the village. The habitants visit their immediate neighbours and they wish each other by saluting with a glass of local wine, accompanied by small bites of food (mezedes). They then close the house they just visited, take in their company their hosts and men and women together set of for the next house. This is continued throughout the night with dancing, singing, joking. Always in the same company men, women, children and elderly. Always respecting the older generation and fostering the new. .

As villages grew into bigger ones it became difficult to fit the inhabitants of the whole village in one house, so things changed.

People still visit the houses but in groups. This means that someone had to stay in the house to greet the groups.

Although this is usually the female in the house, their strong tradition of equality emerged again. On the next day (January the 2nd) men stay in as hosts and women pay the visits for the wishes.

Andros Located in the Cyclades archipelago, Andros is an island close to Athens.

There might be a lot of tourists in the summer, but it is a great place to visit picturesque villages, swim in stunning beaches and stroll around as well as to do water sports. Andros in Chora is one of the villages which is worth a visit.

There are also hiking paths to enjoy a day out of the city.

Foto Unsplash

Imathia, Macedonia Prefecture Imathia is located in the west of the prefecture of Thessaloniki in the district of Macedonia. River Aliakmonas flows through Imathia and divides the area in two – in the west the Vermio Mountains, and in the east the Pieria Mountains.

Capital of Imathia is the town of Veria, a modern Greek town at the foot of the mountain Vermio. In the center of the town is the park of Elia (Olive Tree), which was completely renovated in March, 2014. This park is also called the balcony of Veria because from here you have a fantastic view over the plain of Imathia. The park contains many traditional mansions, now transformed into modern cafes.

In Veria stands a monument in honor of the apostle Paul who, in the year 50 AD, preached Christianity here. On June 29 each year, at a large outdoor place, many activities commemorate the Apostle.

Mountain hiking is also possible on the mountain of Vermio. Along the mountain runs the E4 path, one of a series of long distance international walking paths that traverse the continent. Imathia is a region with a very rich history, including many important archaeological places of interest. https://www.justgreece.com/greek-mainland/imathia.php

ROME Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most visited cities in the world. Rome played a significant role in World History.

Buildings you’ll find in the historical center: Colosseum, Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum and many other...

Ururi, Province Of Campobasso, Molise Ururi is a town in the province of Campobasso, Molise in southern Italy. In 2011 it had a population of 2,801 inhabitants. The village, which rises on a small hill along the border with Apulia, was founded in the 16th century by one of the earliest groups of Albanian people coming from southern Albania, and still preserves the arbëreshë language and traditions they brought with them.

In the area there are records of a Roman "Casale Aurora", and later of a Benedictine monastery, but the exact location of either the Casale and the monastery are unknown, though they were most probably the earliest settlements of Ururi. Shortly before 1500, when it was a fiefdom of the Loritello family, Albanians had already settled in Casale Aurora and the name began to change from Aurora to Urure.Being highly dependent on agriculture and on the transhumance economy based on the seasonal migrations of shepherds, the village underwent a deep crisis from the late 19th century, and large communities of emigrants were formed in Canada and Northern Italy.

Molise Come and visit Saepinum, an archaeological area from the Roman era.

You can see the remains of an ancient Roman city, the walls, the artisan shops, the fountains, the thermal baths and the extraordinary basilica.

Palermo Palermo is Sicily's cultural, economic and tourism capital.

It is a city rich in history, culture, art, music and food. It is he perfect place to experience authentic Sicilian cuisine and culture, and learn about the incredible history of an ancient city.In the Middle Ages, Palermo was one of Europe's leading cities, With some glorious historic buildings, vibrant, scruffy markets and a sunny climate.

Palermo also has bohemian boutiques, famously-excellent street food, fine architecture and a lively atmosphere.

The best place to start in the morning is with a walk through one of its lively street markets, followed by an overview of the city from the roof of the historic cathedral- the most impressive building in the city.

Palermo's Cattedrale is is part of a UNESCO World Heritage.The Arab-Norman-Spanish Palazzo dei Normanni and the churches San Cataldo and La Martorana are important places to visit. Palermo has some good museums to visit, including the Galleria Regionale, Museo Archeologico Regionale, the Galleria d'Arte Moderna. For a taste of the old, aristocratic Palermo, a good place to visit is Palazzo Mirto.

Catania Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, after Palermo, and among the ten largest cities in Italy. Located on Sicily’s east coast, it faces the Ionian Sea. The city has been devastated several times by volcanic eruptions from nearby Mount Etna, the most violent of which was in 1669 and it suffered through another severely damaging earthquake in 1693. As observed by Strabo, the location of Catania at the foot of Mount Etna has been both a curse and a blessing. On the one hand, violent outbursts of the volcano throughout history have destroyed large parts of the city, whilst on the other hand the volcanic ashes yield fertile soil, especially suited for the growth of vines.

Catania today is the industrial, logistical, and commercial center of Sicily. Its airport, the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, is the largest in Southern Italy.

However, it is also noted for its history, culture, architecture, and gastronomy. The section of the city known as the “old town” features some of the most striking examples of baroque architecture in Italy, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (source : Wikipedia)

Crema The interesting heart of Crema old town is based around the Piazza del Duomo, and it is here that you can find the most important buildings, both civic and religious, such as the Cathedral, the Praetorian Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Renaissance “Torrazzo”.

Also close to here you can see the Praetorian Palace attached to the 14th-century tower and bearing a bas-relief of the Lion of San Marco, and the Town Hall, which is an elegant renaissance building from 1525 with a portico, a double row of windows in the Venetian style and some coats of arms of the old podesta (high-ranking officials). https://youtu.be/xTEsBRwCmfg

Fano Fano (Pesaro-Urbino) is located in the beautiful Marche Region.

Fano [ˈfaːno] is a town and comune of the province of Pesaro and Urbino in the Marche region of Italy. It is a beach resort. 12 kilometres (7 miles) southeast of Pesaro, located where the Via Flaminia reaches the Adriatic Sea. It is the third city in the region by population after Ancona and Pesaro.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fano

Ercolano Herculano was an ancient Roman city in the province of Naples. It became well known for being conserved, along with the city of Pompeii, after being buried under the ashes of the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 AD Many of its inhabitants died due to the eruption, and the ash shaped their bodies in the position they had at the time of his death. Despite being smaller than his neighbor Pompeii, Herculano was much more prosperous. https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herculano

Visit Herculaneum and come to the Archaeological Museum

Ercolano - Italy

Piacenza Top sights : 1.Duomo -An ultra-dark church even by Italian standards, Piacenza’s cold, dungeon like cathedral is classic Romanesque. If you can strain your eyes hard enough, you'll make out the two-dozen pillars that hold up the roof and the heavenly frescoes by Morazzone and Guercino that adorn it. One of a trio of classic Romanesque cathedrals in Emilia, it rose (like Parma’s) from the ruins of the devastating 1117 earthquake.

2 Palazzo Farnese -On the northern edge of the centro storico (historic centre), this vast palace was started in 1558 but never fully completed. It now houses Piacenza's civic museums, including the Pinacoteca (art gallery), along with minor museums of archaeology, carriages, Italian unification and ceramics.

3.Piazza dei Cavali-Dominated by Palazzo Gotico, the impressive 13th-century town hall, Piacenza's main square is named after its two baroque equestrian statues, cast by the Tuscan sculptor Francesco Mochi between 1612 and 1625.

Depicted here are the Farnese dukes Alessandro and Ranuccio, gallantly seated astride martial bronze horses.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/emilia-romagna-and-sanmarino/piacenza/attractions?page=1

Palermo Palermo is Sicily's cultural, economic and tourism capital. It is a city rich in history, culture, art, music and food. Numerous tourists are attracted to the city for its appealing Mediterranean climate, its renowned gastronomy and restaurants, its Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau churches, palaces and buildings, and its nightlife and music.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palermo#cite_note-6, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palermo#cite_note-7, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palermo#cite_note-8

Rolo Our little city is an ancient town in the north of Italy, in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna region. From XVIIth century our artisans created nice instoried little tables, called “rolini”. Here some pictures about them. Visit our museum and taste our specialties like “cappelletti”!

San Paolo Solbrito

Valcamonica ValCamonica is one of the largest valleys of the central Alps, in eastern Lombardy.

It has one of the world's greatest collections of prehistoric petroglyphs – more than 140,000 symbols and figures carved in the rock over a period of 8,000 years and depicting themes connected with agriculture.

The collection was recognized by Unesco in 1979 and was Italy's first recognized World Heritage Site.

Zarqa Zarqa is the capital of Zarqa Governorate in Jordan. Its name means "the blue (city)" Zarqa is located in the Zarqa River basin in northeast Jordan.

It had a population of 635,160 inhabitants in 2015, and is the most populous city in Jordan after Amman Zarqa sets itself apart from most cities in Jordan due to its modern architecture and lively charm. Though the city does not boast many rural ruins, Zarqa offers a more authentic experience with lively bazaars and quaint teahouses. It is also known as a gateway destination to the Eastern Desert with good bus connections.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zarqa_Governorate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zarqa_River

LATVIA Latvia, country of northeastern Europe and the middle of the three Baltic states Because it has been invaded and occupied by neighbouring powers for much of its history, Latvia has had to struggle to preserve its distinctive language, folklore, and customs. The country’s loss of political independence in the 13th century effectively halted the development of Latvian culture for centuries. Indeed, it is only since the end of the 19th century that Latvians have been able to openly and actively celebrate their cultural heritage

The Latvian folk song, or daina, is undoubtedly the heart of Latvian culture.

Dainas, which are generally no more than four lines long, tend to be stories of family or love or are related to myths.

Jurmala Jūrmala is a city in Latvia, about 25 kilometres (16 miles) west of Riga. Jūrmala is a resort town stretching 32 km (20 miles) In the Dzintari Forest Park in Jūrmala was opened The Largest Park of Light in Latvia. This year Park of Light has been updated with new glowing light elements.

Park visitors already favorite decorations, which are made of 85 thousand LED lights, supplemented by a special alley – Milky way in which everyone will be able to see falling stars and make a wish. Aleys tree tops reminds constellations in the night sky. The 14-hectare big park area this year is home for the Bear, Hedgehog and Squirrel families, as well as for other forest animals. The biggest and most impressive decoration also this year is a park bridge - arc in the form of a sea wave. The bridge is made up from 3.5 km long LED light strings. The 33.5 meter high Dzintari forest park observation tower is decorated with illuminated snowflakes and snow-covered dunes.

Lithuania Several famous Lithuania-related architects are notable for their achievements in the field of architecture. Johann Christoph Glaubitz, Marcin Knackfus, Laurynas Gucevičius and Karol Podczaszyński were instrumental in introducing Baroque and neoclassical architectural movements to the Lithuanian architecture during the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuania

Dingli Dingli is a village in the Northern Region of Malta, with a population of 3,608 as of March 2014.It is 13 kilometres (8 miles) from the capital Valletta and two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the nearest town, Rabat. The village lies on a plateau some 250 metres above sea level, which is one of the highest points of Malta. The area provides not only open sea views over the tiny, uninhabited isle of Filfla, but is also a good vantage point over Malta. From the cliffs there are also views of the nearby Buskett Gardens and Verdala Palace. The Cliffs were the also the site of the mysterious death of Mike Mansholt.

The parish of Dingli was established in 1678 and is dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven. The church is situated in the centre of the village on a prominent position, overlooking all the surrounding area. The church which exists today was built in the form of a Latin cross in the beginning of the 20th century. The church was heavily modified in the middle of the same century, with the building of a new façade and extensions to the width of the main aisle.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filfla, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parish_Church_of_the_Assumption,_Dingli

Katowice KATOWICE is a city in Poland. It is in the south of Poland (urban area) in the historical region called Silesia on Kłodnica and Rawa river. It received city rights in 1865. There are about 315,123 people living there. For a long period of time the city was ruled by Germans, as it was a part of Germany until 1918. There is a little airport called Airport Muchowiec. There are both modern and old buildings in Katowice. It is the center of the coal mining and metallurgy.

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katowice

Lublin Lublin is the largest Polish city east of the Vistula River and is about 170 km to the southeast of Warsaw by road.

The district is one of Poland's official national historic monuments (Pomnik historii), as designated May 16, 2007, and tracked by the National Heritage Board of Poland.

Source: Wikipedia

Porto Porto is the capital of the district of the same name in Portugal. With a population of about 237,000, the city is the third largest in the country after Lisbon and the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia. With approximately 1,290,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, it ranks second nationally. A wonderful metropolis set up along the northern hills, overlooking the estuary of the river Duoro, which gives the area other dimensions.

Granja The word Granja means Farm. The geographical location of Granja came from a Bishop Farm situated there in 1758. It belonged at that time to the "Crúzios" Monks and Priests. They used it on hot days as a place to rest and introspect. Portuguese poet Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, who was from Porto, spent the summertime there with her family in their beach house mansion by the sea.

During the summer months Praia da Granja is patrolled by lifeguards. There are several licensed bar, restaurant concessions along the beach. there are toilet and shower facilities and there are opportunities to hire parasols and sun loungers.

Vila Praia de Âncora Monte Santa Tecla Celta

Corno do Bico Protected Landscape

Ponte de Lima Bridge:Ponte de Lima is a beautiful Monte Aloia National Park

town located in the north of Portugal and It is characterized by its medieval architecture and for the surrounding area, bathed by the

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês Spread across four impressive granite massifs in Portugal’s northernmost reaches, this 703-sq-km park encompasses boulder-strewn peaks, precipitous valleys and lush forests of oak and fragrant pine. It also shelters more than 100 granite villages that, in many ways, have changed little since Portugal’s founding in the 12th century.

Established in 1971, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês – Portugal’s first and only national park – has helped preserve not just a unique set of ecosystems but also an endangered way of life for its human inhabitants.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/the-north/parque-nacional-da-peneda-geres

Braga Braga's history began in Ancient Rome, founded initially with the name of Bracara Augusta, a way to honor the Roman emperor Cesar Augusto.

The city of Braga, was a Roman administrative center in 27 B.C., destroyed over the centuries, the Portuguese people raised each stone until it became unique Baroque architecture! Here there are several monuments great to visit and good food to eat!!

City of Beja The city of Beja is located in the sub-region of Alentejo and has a central geographical position, between Spain and the Atlantic coast, which has always influenced its development. It is implanted on a hill with about 280 meters, dominating the Alentejo peneplain, characterized by extensive arable areas of dryland and cereal culture. The historic center, bounded by the wall, occupies the city center and is the structuring element for its urban growth.

The municipality of Beja, one of the largest in the country, consists of twelve parishes. It is limited by the municipalities of Cuba and Vidigueira to the north, Serpa to the east, Mértola and Castro Verde to the south, Aljustrel and Ferreira do Alentejo to the west.

City of Beja Dominating the landscape of this area of the Alentejo, with its Keep, the Beja Fortress has the characteristics of Portuguese fortifications, but its origins are supposed to date back to Roman times, having been modified and expanded over the centuries. After some attempts to conquer this city from the Arabs, by D. Afonso Henriques, only in 1162, Fernão Gonçalves, the conquest, to be recovered again by the Arabs and only in 1200, the city is definitely conquered for the Portuguese crown, granting King Afonso III, the Foral, in 1254.

Beja has a beautiful weather, a river beach, monuments and a really good gastronomy!

Badajoz is the capital of the Province of Badajoz in the autonomous community of Extremadura. It is located on the banks of the Guadiana River, only six kilometres away from Portugal. A stroll around the historic quarter will reveal Arab walls, interesting monuments, as well as picturesques streets and porches. Here you can try the delicious Extremaduran cuisine.

(Source:https://www.spain.info/en/destination/badajoz/)

Elvas, Borba Elvas (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈɛlvɐʃ] (listen)) is a Portuguese municipality, former episcopal city and frontier fortress of easternmost central Portugal, located in the district of Portalegre in Alentejo. It is situated about 200 kilometres (120 mi) east of Lisbon, and about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) west of the Spanish fortress of Badajoz, by the Madrid-Badajoz-Lisbon railway. The municipality population as of 2011 was 23,078, in an area of 631.29 square kilometres (243.74 sq mi).The city itself had a population of 16,640 as of 2011.

Elvas is among the finest examples of intensive usage of the trace italienne (star fort) in military architecture, and has been a World Heritage Site since 30 June 2012. The inscribed site name is Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications. (Source: Wikipedia)

Elvas

the castle

Amoreira aqueduct

Republic square

Saint Lucy’s fortress

Largo of Saint Claire

Portimão This is a small city in the south part of Portugal, best known for its riverfront and sandy beaches.

You can find out a lot about the city’s history in its museum.

Source: https://www.thecrazytourist.com/ 15-best-things-portimao-portugal/

Almada Across the Tagus Estuary from Lisbon is Almada, a former industrial quarter that has been given a facelift since the 1990s.Today people make the crossing from the capital to dine with views of the river and Lisbon, or to unwind on the long chain of beaches on Almada’s Atlantic coast.Another reason to come is for the mighty Cristo Rei statue, which was modelled on Christ the Redeemer in Rio and completed in 1959. On the Ginjal riverside road there lots of fragments of Almada’s old shipbuilding and fishing industries; one of the warehouses has been turned in to a maritime museum and in a dock in Cacilhas is Dom Fernando II e Glória, the last wooden frigate launched by the Portuguese Navy. Lets explore the best things to do in Almada: Source:https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-thingsalmada-portugal/

Almada Almada is the meeting point between the Tagus and the Atlantic. It is a centre of culture and sport, of natural parks and qualified public spaces. Visit the museums, which tell the passage of several peoples through this territory thousands of years ago.

Watch a show in the fantastic example of architecture that is the Municipal Theatre. Come to our international festivals or spend a few days on the beach. Situated on the left bank of the river Tagus, you have the image of Christ the King embracing Lisbon, which is on the right bank, separated by the 25 de Abril bridge. https://youtu.be/GCQnBwxATR0

https://youtu.be/gifr_XrsNh4

Iași

Known as The Cultural Capital of Romania, Iași is a symbol in Romanian history. The historian Nicolae Iorga said "There should be no Romanian who does not know of it". Still referred to as The Moldavian Capital, Iași is the main economic and business centre of the Moldavian region of Romania. In December 2018, Iași was officially declared Historical capital of Romania.

Situated in the North-Eastern part of Romania, Iași is a cultural, historical, economic, and academic centre well-known for its universities, academies, higher education institutions, ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, being the first University in Romania set up in 1860. ”The city upon 7 hills” is a fascinating and picturesque urban attraction full of history and hospitable and kind people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWWzoySi cuo Source: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ia%C8%99i#cite_note-11

Alexandria It is the capital city of the Romanian province of Teleorman. This city is located in the south of Bucharest on the Bulgarian border. The population of the city is 45,434 as of 2011.

City of historical Places and It is worth to visit!

Suceava In northern Romania near the Ukrainian border and once the capital of Moldova, today Suceava is a city of just over 100,000. Though fairly industrial, the city does have some great historical attractions, like the 14th-century Princely Court fortress and several medieval churches. The Bucovina History Museum is also popular. Best of all, Suceava is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the famous painted monasteries of Bucovina, set amid the gorgeous countryside just outside of the city.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH6c0roIDJ8

Constanta Tomis Constantiana - it is the latin name of the city.

Constanța County and the largest city in the historical region of Dobruja.

Constanța, being founded as a city almost 2600 years ago, is the oldest attested city in Romania, the biggest port on the Black Sea (third largest in Europe) and also the fourth-largest city in Romania, with 400,000 inhabitants. Constanța was founded by Nathe Greeks as a port on the Black Sea Coast for trading with inland people and called Tomis (6th c. BC). The city was renamed later after Constantina, niece of Constantine the Great (274-337). It was still a flourishing port city in the 10th and 11th centuries, trading with the Byzantine Empire and the city of Genoa.

(Source:https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Constan%C8%9Ba) The Casino in Constanta was built in 1910.

The impressive building was designed by Swiss-Romanian architect Daniel Renard in the Art Nouveau style. For years it was the landmark of the Black Sea shore.

Lugoj Lugoj (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈluɡoʒ]) is a city in Timiș County, Banat, western Romania. The river Timiș divides the city into two halves, the so-called Romanian Lugoj that spreads on the right bank and the German Lugoj on the left bank. The city administers two villages, Măguri (Hungarian: Szendelak) and Tapia (Hungarian: Tápia).

The Communal Palace, a symbolic building for the city of Buzău,

Buzău

was built between 1899 and 1903. Designed by the architect Al. Săvulescu, in a mixture of styles combining elements of the old Romanian architecture and neo-Romanian Art Nouveau

elements, the building was considered, until 1918, the most About 150 km from Bucharest, in Buzau imposing communal construction in the whole country. county we find a less common tourist attraction, the Muddy Volcanoes. Muddy volcanoes are a unique phenomenon in Romania.

In theory, muddy volcanoes are formations created by natural gas from more than 3,000 meters deep, which pass through a clay soil, in combination with groundwater. The gases push water mixed with clay to the surface.

Muddy Volcanoes The mud formed by them comes to the surface and, in those places, dries in contact with the air, forming some conical structures similar to volcanoes. The mud that comes to the surface is cold, because it comes from the clay layers.

It would be advisable to visit the volcanoes when the weather is nice. If you find yourself in a period when it rained, access to the reservation is quite difficult due to the soil, quite muddy.

Surce: https://www.google.com/search?q=Vulcanii+Noroio%C8%99i&sxsrf=ALeKk03lEQmp2VHOC9k0_If49sbv1gSHZg:1607946338029&source=lnms

George Pop de Băseşti Memorial House, Maramureș, Băsești The memorial house is organized in the mansion that belonged to the great politician, descendant of a noble family. The house was built in the years 1885 - 1890, constituting for three decades a meeting place of many Transylvanian personalities: Dr. Vasile Lucaciu, Vasile Goldiş, Ion Raţiu, Teodor Mihali and others. Until 1940, the house was inhabited by her daughter, Elena Pop Longin (1860 - 1940), a well-known feminist activist, and her husband, Francisc Hossu Longin. Nationalized in 1948, it served as a CAP headquarters and grain warehouse. Between 1970 and 1976, rehabilitation works were carried out, the organization of the museum being done in stages. Original pieces of historical and memorial character belonging to George Pop de Băseşti (1835 - 1919), leader of the struggle for the union of Transylvania with Romania, president of the Romanian National Party and of the Grand National Assembly from Alba Iulia (December 1, 1918) are exhibited.

PITESTI Pitesti, the capital of Arges County, is situated on the south part of Romania and the tulip is one of the symbol of the city, so that it’s known as “Orașul Lalelelor” (Tulip City), because in April there is an annual flower exhibition called “Simfonia Lalelelor” (Tulips Symphony). Many of the city’s surrounding areas are wooded, which makes hunting and fishing to be two of the reasons for the amateur tourists to come here.

Marusca Destino

VÂLCEA Vâlcea County is a county (județ) of Romania. Located in the historical regions of Oltenia and Muntenia (which are separated by the Olt River), it is also part of the wider Wallachia region.

Its capital city is Râmnicu Vâlcea. AREA: 5,765 km2 (2,226 sq mi) POPULATION: 355,320

Source: Wikipedia

Smederevo

The city of Smederevo is located in central Serbia, on the right bank of the Danube river, only 45 kilometers (28 miles) downstream of the capital Belgrade and it s the administrative center of the Podunavski district.Discover a city of rich culture and history. The symbol of the city is Smederevo fortress, the largest medieval fortress in Europe. The city is steeped in history and Smederevo historical and heritage sites, like the Church of St. George and The mediaeval church of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, are not to be missed.

Belgrade

The river Sava meets the Danube in Belgrade forming two islands at its delta and making the capital of Serbia the only European capital that has two major rivers. This is a city of monumental architecture, tangible history, exquisite cuisine, hospitable people and nightlife that never stops.

Novi Sad

Novi Sad was proclaimed by the European Commission the European Capital of Culture for the year 2021!Novi Sad attracts visitors with its safe and cozy positioning across the Petrovaradin fortress – the Gibraltar on the Danube, with its various languages that are spoken by its inhabitants, and with leisurely rhythm that is in contrast to the usual fastpaced and chaotic urban life. In the vicinity of the city nucleus loaded with Baroque, Neo-Renaissance, Classical and Bauhaus buildings, one can find picnic sites, preserved ecosystems and a complex of Orthodox monasteries scattered across the Fruška Gora National Park. The farmhouses, vineyards and wine routes at the outskirts of Novi Sad provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the richness of gastronomy and rural customs.

Golubac fortress, the guardian of the Danube

On the walls of the magnificent Golubac fortress the “košava” wind breaks the waves of the Danube where the river is possibly most powerful, just before entering the largest gorge in Europe between the mighty Carpathian mountains. Its founder remains unknown and one can guess it originates from the 14th century..

Medvode Visit Medvode The Sava and Sora rivers join in Medvode, from which the town's name (which means 'between the waters') is derived.

Medvode are the green door of capital city Ljubljana.

Visit Medvode, you can be very active, you can cycle, visit the tops of the surrounding hills, play golf, canoe on the Sava River or on Zbilje lake or swim in Sora River.

Nova Gorica Nova Gorica is a town in western Slovenia, on the border with Italy. It is the seat of the Municipality of Nova Gorica. Nova Gorica is a planned town, built according to the principles of modernist architecture after 1947, when the Paris Peace Treaty established a new border between Yugoslavia and Italy, leaving nearby Gorizia outside the borders of Yugoslavia and thus cutting off the Soča Valley, the Vipava Valley, the Gorizia Hills and the northwestern Karst Plateau from their traditional regional urban centre.

Since 1948, Nova Gorica has replaced Gorizia as the principal urban centre of the Gorizia region, as the northern part of the Slovenian Littoral has been traditionally called. (Source: Wikipedia)

We are proud to reveal our final & winning #BidBook for European Capital of Culture 2025!

Nova Gorica with Gorica are European Capital of Culture 2025

Malaga

Malaga is situated in Spain, along the coastline of the Costa del Sol, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It lies on the Costa del Sol. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of nearly 3,000 years.

Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga!

Source: Wikipedia

Solsona This is a small village in the Pyrenees, Catalonia. Its old quarter, with narrow streets and rich architecture, is a must for all the visitors.

Every year they organise a carnival with giants, dwarfs and dragons, but also concerts, dances and children’s shows.

Source: https://www.catalunya.com/, solsona-2-1-252075?language=en

Pasaia Pasaia (Spanish: Pasajes) is a town and municipality located in the province of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Autonomous Community of northern Spain. It is a fishing community, commercial port and the birthplace of the famous admiral Blas de Lezo.

Located on the eastern coast of Gipuzkoa, a few kilometres from San Sebastián, Pasaia is formed by four centres of population: Donibane and San Pedro, areas with sea flavour, and Pasai Antxo and Trintxerpe, both with more urban atmosphere. These four neighbourhoods are situated on a rough and mountainous land, encompassed by Ulía and Jaizkibel Mountains, and on both sides of the Bay of Pasaia.

Source: Wikipedia & https://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/towns/pasaia/aa30-12375/en/

Kairouan Founded in 670, Kairouan flourished under the Aghlabid dynasty in the 9th century. Despite the transfer of the political capital to Tunis in the 12th century, Kairouan remained the Maghreb's principal holy city. Its rich architectural heritage includes the Great Mosque, with its marble and porphyry columns, and the 9th-century Mosque of the Three Gates.(https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/499/)

Kairouan Kairouan, also spelled Al Qayrawān or Kairwan, is the capital of the Kairouan Governorate in Tunisia and it is a Unesco World Heritage site. It’s the third most important Muslim center after Mecca and Medina, because the city is home to the the holy Mosque of Uqba, one of the most impressive and largest Islamic monuments in North Africa that served as a model for all later mosques in the Maghreb.

ANKARA Ankara is the capital of Turkey, situated in the northwestern part of the country. It lies about 200 km south of the Black Sea..

.

Several of Ankara’s museums, which present a panorama of Anatolian history, are housed in renovated Ottoman buildings. The most important of these are the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Ankara In 1923, Atatürk chose Ankara to be the newly born nation’s capital, mainly to emphasise a secular rather than a religious seat of government. Ankara has a lively social scene, great restaurants and awardwinning shopping malls, with a great deal of history dating back to the Romans to top it all off. The nation’s capital is the place to eat out in style, go to a club, visit art galleries, museums or explore antiques shops.

Aqua Vega Aquarium

Found within one of Turkey’s largest shopping malls, the Aqua Vega Aquarium is perfect for a day out for visitors of any age. The aquarium has a 340-foot-long tunnel that surrounds visitors with the natural habitat and life of underwater creatures. The aquarium tanks have various themes for visitors to explore and house both salt and freshwater life. It is fascinating to see the exotic creatures from various rivers and oceans from around the world. Other aspects of the aquarium include touch pools, a reptile house, various dedicated photography points, a souvenir shop, and a cafeteria to relax and dine in.

İstanbul Istanbul - is the largest city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center.

Istanbul is located in north-western Turkey and straddles the strait Bosphorus, which provides the only passage from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean via the Sea of Marmara.

This city is located on two continents; Europe and Asia. In other words, İstanbul is a city

which links the 2 continents of Asia and Europe together. Istanbul is primarily known for

its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, and despite its development as a Turkish city since 1453, contains both Christian and ancient monuments. There is the most known mosque Blue Mosque.

İstanbul Bosphorus gives you a wonderful nature view. This makes you full of peaceful emotion. Not only Bosphorus but also the streets of İstanbul are pretty good. The city is also a historical place. It has been a home for various religions, cultures and civilizations for centuries. Therefore, there are many historical and touristic places.

İstanbul Taksim is the most popular place. One of the most beautiful scenery in Istanbul is Istanbul Bosphorus. When you drive over the Bosphorus Bridge, you can see the Maiden's Tower. Eminönü is one of the historical place to visit in İstanbul. When you go there, you will see unique mosques.

Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are indispensable for tourists. Overall, before you go to your home, you should visit ''Grand Bazaar''.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bosphorus Boat Tour

Istanbul

This cruise stops at locations along the Bosphorus, offering the chance to discover the palaces, mosques and bridges of Istanbul. Explore different neighbourhoods at your leisure with a cruise ticket that’s valid for the day. If you stay on the vessel and do the full tour in one take, it lasts just over an hour and a half, or you can get off at each stop and catch the next boat one or two hours later.Starting and finishing at Kabataş Pier, the stops are Emirgan, Küçüksu, Beylerbeyi and Beşiktaş, each with its own focus of interest. Emirgan offers the chance to see an 18th-century mosque and enjoy a Turkish coffee or a shoreline stroll; Küçüksu is renowned for a 19th-century Neo-Baroque royal hunting pavilion; Beylerbeyi hosts a royal summer palace and mosque; while Beşiktaş on the European side has interesting markets. By returning to Kabatas, it is possible to take the funicular to popular destinations like Taksim or the tram to the old city of Sultanahmet. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/turkey/articles/your-guide-to-the-perfect-bosphorus-cruise-from-istanbul/

Bursa Bursa (ancient Greek: Προύσα, Latin: Prusa) is a city in northwestern Turkey and the administrative center of Bursa Province. The fourth-most populous city in Turkey and second-most populous in the Marmara Region, Bursa is one of the industrial centers of the country. Most of Turkey's automotive production takes place in Bursa.

Bursa (Ottoman Turkish: ‫ )ﺑُﺮوﺳﮫ‬was the first major and second overall capital of the Ottoman State between 1335 and 1363. The city was referred to as Hüdavendigar (‫ﺧﺪاوﻧﺪﮔﺎر‬, meaning "God's gift" in Ottoman Turkish, a name of Persian origin) during the Ottoman period, while a more recent nickname is Yeşil Bursa ("Green Bursa") in reference to the parks and gardens located across its urban fabric, as well as to the vast and richly varied forests of the surrounding region. Mount Uludağ, the ancient Mysian Olympus, towers over it, and has a well-known ski resort. Bursa has rather orderly urban growth and borders a fertile plain.

Bursa The mausoleums of the early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa, and the city's main landmarks include numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period;

Grand Mosque, Green Mausoleum, the tomb of Emir Sultan and Osmangazi Mausoleum. Bursa also has

thermal baths, old Ottoman mansions, palaces, and several museums.

Bursa`s candied chestnut, peaches, towels, sword and shield dance and the great mountain (Uludag) are very famous. Bursa`s Iskender kebap is very famous and unique. It has a professional football club. Bursaspor became the champion of Turkey in 2010. There are two state universities and a private university located in this city which gets very hot in summer. Turkish Karagöz and Hacivat shadow plays borned centuries ago in Bursa and has spread to all country.

Bursa

Bursa's top markets for traditional clothes are located near Ulu Cami and are the perfect place to try bargaining and pick up souvenirs to take home.

Adana One of the biggest cities in southern Turkey. It is a center for regional trade, healthcare and public and private services. Agriculture and logistics are significant sectors of the city. It’s very famous for Kebab. Turkish Kebab’s origin belongs to Adana. People who grow up in Adana are mostly known as outgoing and generous. You should come and visit us especially in springs since it might be very hot in summer!

Tekirdağ Tekirdağ, 145 km (90 miles) west of Istanbul along the Sea of Marmara shore, is a very old seaside city—about 4,000 years old.It is historically known as East Thrace or European Turkey.Founded around the 7th century BCE, Tekirdağ is popularly known for its vineyards and wines. It gained its name from the huge mountain that overshadows the city, and it has its own share of wonderful history dating back to around 4000BC.

KONIA Konya, a city located in Central Anatolia, one of the most important historical and cultural centers of Turkey. The city, whose name is identified with Mevlana, one of the most famous thinkers in the Turkish and Islamic world, has a rich historical past. It is estimated that the first settlements in the region appeared in the years 9000 BC. Konya, the capital of the state of Seljuk, was also an accommodation center and an important shopping center located on the Silk Road trade route. It was a city where hundreds of monuments of Islamic civilization were created, where famous Islamic scholars were educated and settled.

It houses the tombs and mausoleums of the sultans who ruled the Anatolian Seljuk State, of viziers and important historical figures, mosques and medres.

Konya is the city of mosques, inns and madrasas ... The mosque built in the name of the Islamic scholar Shems-i Tebrizi, the Iplikci Mosque, the Sherafettin Mosque, the Sheikh Sadreddin Konevi Mosque, the Alaaddin Mosque, the Aziziye Mosque are the most important.

Today, Konya hosts works of art created by several civilizations, using various production and manufacturing techniques.

There are ruins of the temple dating back to 3500 BC. The oldest Christian settlement and the oldest churches in Anatolia are also in this region.

Konya has the largest tropical butterfly garden in Europe with an area of about 8000 square meters. There are dozens of species of plants and tropical butterflies here.

IZMİR The port city of Izmir is a hub for commerce and travel, and the mix of cultures and the Mediterranean climate makes the waterfront the main spot for activities. Check out the various cafes and restaurants that line the port, along with the many inland bazaars and local street markets 1.Izmir International Fair: Every year, the Izmir International Fair attracts tourists, merchants, and import-export businessmen and women. Enjoy the host of musical and cultural events that run alongside this commercial fair. 2. Vibrant Nightlife Izmir's nightlife teems with global citizens at spots like Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi in Alsancak or Öküz Lounge and Bar in Karsiyaka. 3. Water Tours and Cruises: See the city by boat! Tours like Gaziemir Dalis Merkezi have snorkeling and shallow-sea diving activities included. 4. Feast on Turkish Delights Sample Kumru, a traditional sandwich made with Turkish sausage, grilled cheese, and tomatoes from street vendors. 5. Beautiful Bazaars and Local Markets Head to Konak Square, where you can catch the Kemeraltı Bazaar, great for negotiating the price of souvenirs. Visit Tire on Tuesdays for Turkey's biggest open town market (Source: https://www.visitizmir.org/)

Çivril

Çivril is a town and district of Denizli Province in the inner Aegean region of Turkey. Çivril district area neighbors those of two districts of Uşak Province to its north, namely Sivaslı and Karahallı, and four districts of Afyonkarahisar Province from the north-east to the south which are, clockwise, Sandıklı, Dinar, Dazkırı and Dazkırı, and to its south-west, three districts of the same province as itself depending Denizli. These last three are Bekilli, Çal and Baklan.

It is the most populated district of the province after Denizli center and is situated on a plain to the northeast of the city of Denizli, being actually closer to the neighboring provincial seat of Uşak.

The population of the district center is 17,989 and the whole district (including the rural area) is 61,815.

Trabzon Sumela Monastery In the Black Sea coast with green forests and with many natural and historical attractions, Trabzon is a city of about 3 thousand year history and the development has continued with the RomanByzantine-Ottoman period and the Republic of Turkey. Trabzon's special flavor is "Anchovy pan". In addition, our "Kuymak" dish made of cornflour, butter and cheese is also great.

Hagia Sophia, Trabzon

Hagia Sophia, Trabzon

Antalya Antalya is the largest city on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, and is one of the hubs of the so-called Turkish Riviera.

The city that is now Antalya was first settled around 200 BC by the Attalid dynasty of Pergamon, which was soon subdued by the Romans. Roman rule saw Antalya thrive, including the construction of several new monuments, such as Hadrian's Gate, and the proliferation of neighbouring cities. The city has changed hands several times, including to the Byzantine Empire in 1207 and an expanding Ottoman Empire in 1391. Ottoman rule brought

Large-scale development and governmental

relative peace and stability for the next five-hundred years. The city was

funding has promoted tourism. A record

transferred to Italian suzerainty in the aftermath of World War I, but was

12.5 million tourists passed through the

recaptured by a newly independent Turkey in the War of Independence.

city in 2014. Antalya was the host city for the 2015 G-20 summit.

Tarsus

Most of the material used for this guide was taken from Wikipedia, where a portion of the sources were quoted by the contributors while the rest were added as simple text hyperlinks.

Photos of the places were taken from Unsplash or pixabay.

All the eTwinners who contributed to this Travel Guide are mentioned below.

I would like to thank each and every one separately for taking part in the Christmas Digital Cards Exchange and dedicating their time to search and find information for the place that it was written in the card that they received.

Angeliki Kougiourouki Creative Classroom Group Administrator

Contributors Belgium: ● Dominique Leemans Bulgaria: ● Krustenka Ivanova ● Jovka Zhetcheva Croatia: ● Vesna Šumanac ● Renata Kos ● Anita Matjeta Hure ● Željka Ćaleta Car ● Ivana Žagar ● Boris Lešić ● Snježana Kovačević ● Sandra Vuk

Contributors Czech Republic: ● Lenka Damcova France ● Helene Zavattin Georgia ●

Asanidze Khatuni

Contributors Greece ● Andreas Galanos ● Angeliki Kougiourouki ● Apostolia Mamma ● Athanasia Kavvadia ● Katerina Dimou ● Maria Perttula-Panagiotou ● Maria Tsapara Jordan ● Huda Alsalem

Contributors Italy ● Rita Giovanna Ogliari ● Daniela Camurri ● Marusca Destino ● Stefania Binucci ● Maria Nicola Petti ● Maria Filippa La Porta ● Gaia Giorgetti ● Grazia Pietropaolo ● Cira Serio Latvia ● Ilze Veidmane Lithuania ● Giedrė Raudonienė

Contributors Poland ● Teresa Pilecka ● Aleksandra Domin Portugal ● Teresa Cameira ● Elisabete Fiel ● Patrícia Baltazar ● Maria Luísa Jacinto ● Alda Martins ● Lígia Oliveira ● Teresa Ramos

Contributors Romania ● Gabriela Mihalca ● Daniela Coman ● Cristina Iulia Gila ● Ispir Iuliana ● Adriana Mariș ● Liliana Cătrună ● Georgeta Barbu ● Gabriela Gasner ● Liliana Catruna ● Camelia Sanda Popa ● Emilia Alexe ● Mirela Emilia Pop

Contributors Serbia ● Milka Lalić ● Dragana Videnov Slovenia ● Tatjana Gulič ● Mirjam Vuga Spain ● Idoia Zapirain ● África Olmo ● Manuela Picazo

Contributors Turkey ● Çağtay PEREM ● Ebru İLBAY ● Işık Tarkaner ● Ali CEYLAN ● Işıl Gülmez ● Derya Özzeybek ● Sedat Ölmez ● Gülser Önal ● Murat Dogan ● Fatma ÖZDEMİR ● Şebnem Özgen ● Sibel GÜZEL ● İrem TOPAL