Archive for January, 2010

Poland: 10 Compelling Reasons to Visit

Posted in Poland | by admin
January 12th, 2010

1.    Friendly people, Beautiful Surroundings

Poland is a democratic country located in the middle of Europe that boasts a friendly population of hospitable people that are welcoming and genuine, giving travelers a unique look into the culture of this natural beauty.

2.   Natural Beauty Meets City Life

Poland is a tourist hot spot with over a million travelers flocking to their lush forests, beautiful seascapes, and modern metropolis’.

3.   Rich Heritage & Arts

Palace on the Water in Lazienki Park, Warsaw, Poland. Palace on the Water, Warsaw. The summer residence of the Polish King - (credit)

The museums, palaces and art scenes of the historic country are among some of the most amazing in the world with world class exhibits and these are operating year round.

4.    Winter Sport Wonderland

If winter sports are your cup of joy then Poland provides you with the scenic Tatras range or the Carpathians which contain some of the most amazing skiing conditions available.

5.     Summer Activities Galore

During the summer hiking, biking, backpacking, and camping are king with many lakes, forests, and mountains to entertain the most experienced outdoorsman.

6.    Exuberant Night Life

A musician in Warsaw, Poland credit

For those with a more urban liking, the modern cities of Warsaw and Cracow offer world touring concerts, music gigs of all genres and a vibrant night life.

7.    Gothic Architecture & Cathedrals

The Polish people are devoutly religious and there are numerous cathedrals scattered across the nation such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń and the Eastern Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Warsaw with its beautiful gothic architecture and rich history.

8.    Cultural & Historical Significance

Poland has been a melting pot of sorts melding eastern and western culture and through history this fact has developed Poland into an advante garde of the arts, sciences, and mathematics producing masters of astronomy Nicolaus Copernicus, and the master composer Frederick Chopin. Poets and writers Jan Kochanowski, Adam Mickiewicz, Bolesław Prus, Juliusz Słowacki, Witold Gombrowicz, Stanisław Lem and, Ryszard Kapuściński all were from Poland.

9.   Unique Cuisine

Polish Cuisinecredit

Poland also boasts a cuisine that has been influenced by surrounding countries and occupations and is truly original of the region. Poles allow themselves a generous amount of time to prepare and enjoy their hearty meals, with some meals, like Christmas Eve or Easter Breakfast, taking days to prepare completely.

10.    Something For Everyone

Poland is the perfect European adventure for a wide variety of interests and likings and should be explored to be truly appreciated.

Whether looking for world class cuisine, an avante garde art scene, a vibrant nightlife, or a rich cultural history, it can be found in the magnificent beauty of Poland and the experience will be one in a lifetime.

Lithuania - Why it’s worth exploring

Posted in Holiday Tips, Lithuania | by admin
January 12th, 2010

Lithuanian holidays may not be on a lot of people’s ‘to-do’ lists, but maybe they should. Though not thought of as one of the most beautiful places in the world, the culture and history, going back to the people’s fight for independence from the Soviets, can provide the ingredients for an unusual and exciting holiday.

Vilnius

Vilniuscredit

Vilnius is Lithuania’s capital. Whenever I hear that name I can’t help but think of the Russian submarine Captain, played by Sean Connery, in the movie The Hunt for Red October. He spoke of his love for the city that was his home. Vilnius is considered to be a “hidden gem” in Eastern Europe and despite its history, the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque style buildings have held up beautifully. If you travel to Lithuania, you must go to Vilnius and see the Archcathedral Basilica, Gediminas Castle, and the Lithuanian National Museum.

In Siauilai in the northern part of the country you can visit Lithuania’s most famous attraction, the Hill of Crosses.

The Hill of Crossescredit

This is a popular destination for religious pilgrims. The origins of the tradition aren’t documented, but over the years since 1832, these religious travelers have brought giant crucifixes, small crosses, carvings of the country’s patriots, and statues of the Virgin Mary to this hill. It is quite a sight.

Lithuania is on the Baltic Sea, so naturally there are some beaches. Palanga is a seaside resort that tops the list of attractions in Lithuania.

Palanga, a beautiful beach on the Baltic Seacredit

The prices are very reasonable and the beach is thought to be one of the best on the Baltic. Palanga can be quite crowded in the summers since many Lithuanians come here to holiday.

Klaipeda, also on the Baltic, is the country’s third largest city. It was originally founded by Baltic tribes and the city and its ancient castle were built in 1252. There is a lot of history to be discovered in Klaipeda. Another popular beach can be found near Klaipeda, called Smiltyne.

Klaipedacredit

Holidays to Lithuania can be very easy to arrange, especially the travel. If you live or are traveling from London, you can get there by train that goes through Berlin and Warsaw. The drive is easy from Poland, Belarus, and Latvia and there are no border controls between these countries so entry is painless. If you plan to fly, you’ll probably land in Vilnius, but Palanga has a small airport. If you want all the arrangements made for you, you can sign for a tour of the country to be sure you see everything worth seeing in Lithuania.

Five Must-See Finnish Attractions

Posted in Finland, Holiday Tips | by admin
January 12th, 2010

Finland is a land of enchantment that is perfect for family adventure or romantic getaways and boasts a large number of diverse attractions to satisfy the most finicky of travelers. Finland has many outdoor activities and attractions along with a great urban feel in some of the larger cities. Here are five attractions that should be on anyone’s must-see list for their Finnish holiday.

1.) Karhunkierros (or Bear’s Ring)

The Bear Trailcredit

An ideal attraction for nature lovers and hikers alike, Karhunkierros has become the most loved hiking trail in all of Finland. Do not worry though, the trail is around fifty miles long so there are plenty of places along the way where you will be surrounded by the Finnish landscape and nothing else.

2.) Moomin World

Moomin World

credit

An absolute must visit for anyone on holiday in Finland with children along for the trip, Moomin World is an amusement park based on the Moomin books written by Tove Jansson. The five story Moomin House is the main attraction of this amusement park and visitors roam the whole of the house freely. Other attractions include Moominmamas Kitchen, the Moomin Fire Station, and other attractions based on the book series complete with characters posing for pictures and talking with fans.

3.) The Arctic Trail

The Artic Trailcredit

This is another fascinating attraction that will attract hikers, but not the faint of heart. Finland has 380 kilometers of the trail located along its border with the total distance of the trail totaling 800 kilometers and crossing 15 international borders and ends in Sulitjelma, Norway.

4.) Snow Castle of Kemi

Snow Castle of Kemicredit

The Snow Castle of Kemi has been operating annually since 1996 and each year the architecture is varied. The castle has boasted 20m high towers, 1,000m long walls and has been built up to three stories. This may sound normal until you know that it is completely built of snow and ice. Get there before it melts.

5.) Suomenlinna

Suomenlinnacredit

For those who would like a little more history in Finland the Island Fortress of Suomenlinna will satisfy your needs. This amazing island fortress is an excellent example of European military architecture and is also a popular recreation area for residents. So romp through the halls and feel like a knight of old in this castle.

But don’t let this list be your only source of ideas. Finland offers such a wide variety of attractions that no book could ever hold them all. So stay open minded and get informed and the beauty and splendor of your Finland tour will blossom into an amazing, memorable trip.