Europe Travel – 5 Countries To Visit In East Europe

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These days, European countries, especially East European countries, are becoming very popular tourist destinations. About a decade or more back, some political matters kept these countries out of bound for most tourists. But the situation has changed and nowadays the visitors are getting treated to some of the most spectacular cities and natural landscapes that the world has ever seen. Those looking for cheap travel cal also go to these places.

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1. Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a first in many respects among all the European countries. This was the first country to be introduced to Cyrillic alphabets and it was among the first to adopt Christianity. So it is quite natural that the cultural heritage, history and tradition are the most attractive features of Bulgaria. The place with the oldest connection with human beings is Stara Zaroga which is an 8000 year old site of Neolithic dwellings.

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There are number of monasteries and medieval churches to visit like the Ivanovo Rock-cut Monasteries, Bachkovo Monastery, Rila Monastery, the Church of nativity at Arbanassi and the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Boyana Church at Sofia. You can also visit the Valley of Roses which is the source of almost 80 percent of the world’s supply of rose attar. The must visit cities are Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv. The country also has a long coastline along the Black Sea and the beaches are just right for sunbathing. Those who want to do some shopping can visit the many shops selling memorabilia reflecting the rich cultural and folk heritage of this place.

2. Czech Republic

People’s acquaintance with Czech Republic is mainly through its capital city, Prague. No doubt Prague has become one of the hottest destinations of Eastern Europe, but this Slav country has more to offer. The country is broadly divide into two parts, Bohemia and Moravia in the Bohemian region one can visit  the mini canyons or ‘rock cities’ of Cesky Svycarsko and Tisa; the Bohemian Paradise or Cesky raj and for some great scenery, hiking and skiing one can visit the Krkoonose Mountains National Park. Pizen is the seat of the Pilsen beer apart from being the second largest town in Bohemia.

Photo credit: Travel.nationalgeographic.com

Like Prague it is well known for its grand architecture. Southern Bohemia is again home to Budweiser beer and some of the most beautiful locations. One can also visit the medieval town of Krumlov, a UNESCO cultural heritage site, famous for its Giant Castle overlooking the river Vitava. The region has numerous castle scattered all over the area. There is also the great Bohemian Forest extending to Germany as the Bavarian forest. The Moravian region is also full of castles and culturally important towns. The area too has some great examples of renaissance and counter-renaissance architecture. Lazne Jesenik is a famous spa which was established in the 19th century. The area is also a great place for outdoor activities like hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

3.  Hungary

This is a unique country that has been attacked and taken over in all ages from the Turkish in the past to the Soviets in the not so distant past. But the country belongs to the Magyars. If the whole country is yet to make a mark on the European travel scene, its capital Budapest is already on the top ten lists. There are plenty of activities in this part of Europe. So one can go hiking, fishing or relaxing in the many thermal spas.

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There are many beautiful locations from the Tanya vilag in the south to the beautiful undulations in the northeastern Hungary. The northeast is especially noted for its sweet desert wines and the snow white Lipizzaner horses. Not faraway from Budapest is Lake Balaton, the ‘Hungarian Sea’. It is so big that there is plenty of opportunity for various water sports. For an experience of the opulence of the Hungarian past, visit the northwestern part. There is the famous palace of Sopron and the early Benedictine monastery at Pannonhalma.

4. Poland

Poland is a great place to visit in the spring or summer as these are the pleasantest seasons in this region. Normally the place where the tourists go in Poland is Krakow, the magnificent city which was the capital for over 500 years. Wawel castle is the center of attraction while old town is equally attractive. The Great Masurian lakes and the surroundings are a nature lover’s delight. The rolling hills and the forests make up some of the most beautiful sceneries in East Europe.

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Poland has a long coastline along the Baltic Sea and there are some fine beaches to laze on. One can visit Biskupin where the whole town has been recreated in the form of an Iron Age location with people dressed in attires of that age. If breathtaking settings is what one is looking for then one must sail down the Dunajec Gorge, an 8 km stretch through cliffs as high as 300m. Gdnask is one of the most famous port cities of Europe and these days it is a vibrant city with great places of entertainment.

5. Romania

Romania is probably the most romantic locations of Europe. The most beautiful parts of Romania lie not in the cities but the countryside. The paved roads and the farmer carrying hay in horse drawn carts in a background of rolling hills is the picture to admire. One will find this in Moldovia, the land of idyllic settings having forested hills and sylvan valleys. Southern Bucovina is a UNESCO recognized place which is famous for its painted churches.

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Transylvania, the location of famous Dracula castle has always been a great attraction. But the castle is just a little part of this picturesque and culturally rich region of Europe. Though not as sleek as it’s other EU counterparts, Bucharest, the capital city, is always a great place to be. It has a mix of 21st century and the bygone era architecture. One attraction is the Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. Romania is the location of Danube delta, an area rich in biodiversity. It is the habitat of many species of insects, fish and birds. Wallachia is the home to some of the most peaceful monasteries set in the folds of the Carpathians.

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