Kiev is the capital city of the Ukraine. It sits on the banks of the Dnieper River, the home of 2.7 million inhabitants. The city has a varied and colorful history, the center of East Slavic civilization in the 10th and 12 centuries until it become relatively obscure after the invasion of the Mongols. Kiev is one of the most important industrial, commercial, and cultural centers in Eastern Europe.
Young and old thrive in Kiev, where the modern is enjoying a seamless blend with the past. Historical monuments dot the city, which is also a storehouse of world class art and architecture such as the Cathedral of St. Sophia, known for its 11th century frescoes, and the Ukrainian Baroque Church of St. Andrew. The city’s varied past is not only seen in the arts and architecture but also in the cultural events, where dramas, musicals, and plays are held on a regular basis in venues such as the Ivan Franco theater and the Kiev Opera House. The people of this charming city are hospitable to a fault, ever ready to acquaint any willing visitor with the best that the mother of all Russian cities has to offer.
Kiev’s inhabitants love their public transportation. The three metro lines serve 1.7 million of the population every day. Taxis are abundant and relatively cheap although flagging down private cars for a short jaunt across town will prove to be cheaper. The city is relatively safe, with thieves and pickpockets making up most of what tourists should be wary about. Money scams are also common. The best time to visit Kiev would be during the summer months from June to August.
A Visa Free Regime is now applicable to US citizens for a period of 90 days, with a valid passport from a country with an embassy in Ukraine. Other necessary papers include travel documents confirming that the purpose of the trip is tourism, as well as proof of accommodations and the itinerary of the trip.
Venice, the Italian city of ”Water, Bridges and Light” is considered by many to be one the most beautiful cities on this globe. Its situated on 120 islands formed by 177 canals in the lagoon in between the mouth of the Po and Piave rivers. The city has a population of 270 thousand people and is the capital of the Veneto region.
In Venice, any form of transportation floats, from gondolas taxis to the vaporetti (public bus/ferries) and fire department speedboats to garbage scows. Its improbable cityscape where stone buildings seem like floating on water and places where cats nap on marble windowsills which are set on colorful walls. During the day, take stop for relaxation at a bacaro (wine bar) to consume un ombra (Italian wine) with cicchetti (tapas like snacks) as a traditional Venice local.
As Venice is a popular travel destination it can be somewhat overcrowded in the peak season, as well prices can double or triple than elsewhere in Italy. Yet, most travelers ignore this knowledge as they want the extraordinary, magical and worth every cent experience from Venice, the globe’s most unique city on water.
Travelers to Venice are required a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. The summer time and its peak season are in the months June till September, travelers are advised to leave high heels at home and bring clothes they wont mind getting wet. Be sure to toss a city map in your backpack.
London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom. London’s population draws from a wide range of peoples, cultures and religions. As of latest count the city had a population of 7.5 million people which is counted as the most populous municipality within the European Union.
The city of London is perfect for all sort of travelers. Whether you’re a walker or wanderer, a strider or a stroller. London is the perfect size to see sightseeing’s on foot. Its easy to navigate through the city streets and markets or escape the busy city life by relaxing and enjoying in the parks and along the river.
London is quite an expensive city, therefore here a few tips for an uncompromising yet wallet-friendly trip. London counts many tourist attractions, most of them cost money for entrance yet the best of them are free. Don’t think you are selling yourself short by visiting parliament buildings, galleries, museums and spacious parks for free. A few places that you must have seen are the: Houses of Parliament, National Portrait Gallery, British Museum, Bushy Park and The Longford River.
Travelers to London need a valid passport and visa. American citizens will receive a 180 days visa upon arrival after filling in a form. Unlike other countries within the European Union London does not have the Euro as its currency but the Pound. The best period to visit London is the summer months between July and August.
Berlin is the capital city of Germany. With a population of 3.4 million people from over 190 nationalities Berlin is Germany’s biggest city, and the European Union’s second most populous city. The city is a major center of politics, media, culture, and science in Europe.
Many travelers to Berlin are fascinated with the resurrection of the city, especially with its infamous wall which was divided after World War 2, its dark period. There’s little left to be seen of the wall, and the city of Berlin is regaining its pre-war reputations as a center of culture and entertainment, the epitome of all that is great for the German culture.
A holiday in Berlin is for the travelers that enjoy fun and culture adventures. The city is known for the famous cabaret and opera concerts from its highest sort. It is recommended for travelers to keep there digital cameras ready for the many sightseeing’s including museums and memorials, spacious parks and fabulous shopping districts such as the Potsdamer Platz.
Travelers to Berlin need a valid passport and visa. American citizens will receive a 90 day visa upon arrival. To transport yourself within the city is easy, Berlin offers many different forms of transportation. There’s trains, trams, subway, bus and taxis. The best period to visit Berlin is the summer months from June till August when outdoor cafes, restaurants and events come alive.
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, it is also the capital of the Lisbon region. The Lisbon region is the wealthiest region in Portugal, its also the political center of the country, as seat of government and residence of the Head of State. Lisbon has a population of 550 thousand people.
The city of Lisbon is spread across its steep hillsides that overview the Rio Tejo. Lisbon offers the diversity you would expect of Portugal’s main tourist attraction. The many museums, Gothic cathedrals and majestic monasteries are all part of its colorful cityscape. Yet the real experiences lie in the discovery in the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets.
In the other parts of town, travelers and locals chase the ghosts of Pessoa in old classy 1930s-era cafes or walk along the long stretched seaside. While the history is pretty much alive in centuries-old Lisbon, its spirit is youthful alive and kicking. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto the bars and restaurants line up in the small streets. This area is a popular nightlife spot for locals and tourists, its many nightclubs and discotheques keeps people happily occupied till dawn.
Travelers to Lisbon need a valid passport and visa. American citizens are being issued a 90 days visa upon arrival. The city of Lisbon is safe and tourist friendly, the best period to travel to Lisbon is in the summer months as well peak season between July and August.
Dublin (or Baile Átha Cliath which means Town of the Hurdled Ford) is the capital and largest city of Ireland. The city is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast, at the mouth of the river Liffey and in the center of the Dublin Region. Dublin’s population counts nearly 2 million people.
Dublin was once founded as a viking settlement. Nowadays its the cultural, administrative and economic center of Ireland with the fastest growing population in the European Union. Dublin offers activities for all type of travelers from history lovers to nightlife freaks. Whether you prefer to shop in the day away in one of the many shopping districts or visit one of its many historic museums and monuments. Dublin delivers it all!
The city of Dublin has a vibrant nightlife, the main reason is that 50% of its inhabitants are younger than 25 years of age. The best known international nightlife scene is the Temple Bar area just south of the river Liffey, with many bars, superpubs and discotheques in one area. A more local area yet safe for tourists is located around the St. Stephen’s Green especially Harcourt Street, Camden Street, Wexford Street and Leeson Street is a center for some of the most popular nightclubs in Dublin.
Travelers to Dublin need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. To transport yourself through the city you can use DART trains or LUAS trams, both are part of the public transport network. Of course metered taxis are available throughout the city. The best months to visit are June till August, these are Dublin’s summer months.
Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain. The city is located in the heart of Spain on the river Manzanares. Because its location, the history, the political and financial headquarters Madrid is seen as the most important city of Spain. With a population of 3.2 million people Madrid is the third most populated city in the European Union after London and Berlin.
Madrid is a large, chaotic and variety city. Its impossible to give a good definition without seeing it yourself. By fact from year to date Madrid is known as one of the few European cities with a extensive nightlife. In fact its one of the only European cities where bars, nightclubs and discotheques are opened and full from Thursday night till Wednesday morning. While Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure and look, it still has a lot of historic buildings and national parks left to be seen.
One of the most famous historic sight seeings is the Palacio Real (the Royal Palace). Other landmarks include; the Teatro Real (Royal theater) which is a restored 1850 Opera House, the Buen Retiro park, National Library containing Spain’s historical archives, an archeaological museum of international reputation and three art museums; Museo del Prado, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza which hosts one of the finest art collections worldwide.
Travelers to Madrid need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. In Madrid you don’t have to worry about transportation, its large and fair priced (a day pass costs €4.00 according to the latest measurement) underground metro network has 12 lines running across the city. The best time of the year to visit is spring, especially in the months April and May.
