Continent of Europe PDF

CONTINENT OF EUROPE BELGIUM Capital: Brussels Currency: Bel Franc (BF) Language: Dutch, French, German Religion: Christianity, Protestantism, Islam, Catholicism Major International Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU) Carrier: Brussels Airlines (SN) Main Attractions: La Grand Place (also known as De G...

CONTINENT OF EUROPE BELGIUM Capital: Brussels Currency: Bel Franc (BF) Language: Dutch, French, German Religion: Christianity, Protestantism, Islam, Catholicism Major International Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU) Carrier: Brussels Airlines (SN) Main Attractions: La Grand Place (also known as De Grote Markt), is rimmed by finely preserved guildhalls and other grand buildings that showcase Belgium's vernacular architecture at its best. Grand Place was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding representation of late 17th-century architecture. The Canals of Bruges, a waterway built between 1896 and 1907 to connect Brugge (Bruges) in Belgium with the North Sea, thus restoring Brugge’s ancient status as an ocean port. The Battlefields of Flanders, from 1914 to 1918, Flanders Fields was a major battle theatre on the Western Front during the First World War. A million soldiers from more than 50 different countries were wounded, missing, or killed in action here. FRANCE Capital: Paris Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: French Religion: Roman Catholic Major International Airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) Carrier: Air France (AF) Main Attractions: Eiffel Tower is a Parisian landmark built from 1887-1889 that is also a technological masterpiece in building-construction history. Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, the Côte d'Azur is a glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coastline named for its deep azure-blue waters. Mont Saint-Michel, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in France. The UNESCO-listed abbey is perched on the hilltop of an islet in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel and is considered a marvel of Gothic architecture. Ireland Capital: Dublin Currency: Irish Pound (IEP) Language: Irish, English Religion: Catholic, Church of Ireland, Muslim Major International Airport: Dublin Airport (DUB), Shannon Airport (SNN), Cork Airport (ORK) Carrier: Aer Lingus (EL) Main Attractions: The Cliffs of Moher, stretch 14 km from north to south, starting at Doolin in the north and ending at Hags Head in the south. Not only are the Cliffs famous for their beauty but they have also been featured in several popular movies, including The Princess Bride and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Grafton Street, the Main shopping street in Dublin, lined with boutiques containing the creations of Ireland's trendy designers. The Rock of Cashel, Ireland's most visited heritage site, the Rock of Cashel stars in countless images of the Emerald Isle. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain even visited by helicopter during her 2011 official tour of the country. Perched upon a limestone rock formation in the Golden Vale, this magnificent group of medieval buildings includes the High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, the 12th-century round tower, a 15th-century castle, and a 13th-century Gothic cathedral. LIECHTENSTEIN Capital: Vaduz Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF) Language: German Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic Major International Airport: N/A Carrier: N/A Main Attractions: Vaduz & the Liechtenstein Center, is one of the most picturesque capitals in Europe, and certainly the smallest with a population of just over 5000 souls. Popular things to do in Vaduz include shopping and dining, as well as exploring the city's historic Städtle, or "small town," with its many attractions. Gutenberg Castle, high above the village of Balzers in the south of Liechtenstein stands majestic Gutenberg Castle (Burg Gutenberg), a superbly preserved fortress dating from the Middle Ages. The 70- meter-high hill on which the castle stands has been inhabited since Neolithic times, with many of the most important archaeological finds, including the ancient Mars von Gutenberg statuette, now housed in the Liechtenstein Landesmuseum. Liechtenstein National Museum, this state-owned attraction is housed in a splendidly preserved 15th- century former inn built in 1438. It also served as the home of the city's administrator and was once visited by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1788. Luxembourg Capital: Luxembourg Currency: Luxembourg Franc (LUF) Language: Luxembourgish, German, English and Portuguese Religion: Christian Major International Airport: Luxembourg-Findel Airport (LUX) Carrier: Luxair (LG) Main Attractions: National Museum of History and Art (Nationalmusée fir Geschicht a Konscht, or (MNHA), located in the historic Fish Market area, once the original town center. The MNHA's collections include art objects, archeological finds, furniture, tools, coins, arms, and documents dealing with the history of the country, all of them housed in a stunning new building. The Grand Ducal Palace (Groussherzogleche Palais) is a must-see landmark in Luxembourg City. This gorgeous Renaissance building dates from 1572 and serves as the official residence of the country's reigning monarch, Grand Duke Henri. It was built as the city's original city hall in 1572, a role it served until 1795 before switching eventually to its present use as the Grand-Ducal Place in 1890. The Bock Casements, a 21-kilometer network of underground passages hewn from solid rock. Capable of sheltering thousands of defenders, as well as equipment and horses, it also housed workshops, kitchens, and slaughterhouses. MONACO Capital: Monaco Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: French, Italian, English Religion: Roman Catholic Major International Airport: N/A Carrier: N/A Main Attractions: Palais Princier de Monaco is home to the oldest monarchy in the world. The residence was originally built in the 13th century as a Genoese fortress and later was transformed into a luxurious Italian Renaissance palace. The monument also incorporates design influences from the Château de Fontainebleau during the era of Louis XIV. The Jardin Exotique covers a craggy cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This luxuriant botanical garden features an incredible variety of vegetation and mesmerizing coastal vistas. Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco. This is the only car race in the world that is held on city streets. The narrow streets are not ideal for race cars, but the race continues for the sake of tradition. The first Monaco Grand Prix race was in the early 20th century. Netherlands Capital: Amsterdam Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: Dutch Religion: Christian Major International Airport: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)Carrier: KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesNS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) GVB (Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf) Carrier: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Main Attractions: Anne Frank House, on the Prinsengracht, stands Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis). This is the actual home in which Anne's family hid for much of WWII. It was here that Anne wrote the diary that became an international bestseller after the war. It was published just a few years after her death at age 15, just two months before the war ended. Van Gogh Museum, the spectacular Van Gogh Museum has been one of Amsterdam's top attractions since it opened in 1972. This modern Gerrit Rietveld-designed structure is home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and artifacts, much of it donated by his brother, Theo, and other family members. Jordaan Neighborhood is the most popular of Amsterdam's neighborhoods and is well-known for its mix of residential areas with garden courtyards, lively markets, and upscale boutiques and eateries. United Kingdom Capital: London Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP) Language: English Religion: Christian, No Religion, Muslim Major International Airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Manchester Airport (MAN), London Gatwick Airport (LGW) National Carrier: British Airway (BA) Main Attractions: Stonehenge, is a prehistoric stone circle monument, cemetery, and archaeological site located in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. Though there is no definite evidence as to the intended purpose of Stonehenge, it was presumably a religious site and an expression of the power and wealth of the chieftains, aristocrats, and priests who had it built. Tower of London, prison, palace, treasure vault, observatory, and menagerie. Built-in 1078 by William the Conqueror, it's home to amazing exhibits, such as Line of Kings. The world's oldest visitor attraction, the collection was established in 1652 with a remarkable display of royal armor. The Roman Baths and Georgian City of Bath, famous for the magnificent 2,000-year-old Roman Baths built around the city's rejuvenating hot springs, it's equally well known for its honey-colored Georgian Townhouses, such as those located on Royal Crescent. DENMARK Capital: Copenhagen Currency: Danish Krone Language: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic, German. Religions: Evangelical Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Muslim. Major Airport: Copenhagen Airport Carrier: Scandinavian Airlines (SK) Main Attractions: Tivoli Gardens, dating from 1843, Tivoli is the inspiration behind the world-famous Disney theme parks, and here, you'll find a huge range of attractions including a roller coaster, roundabouts, puppet theaters, restaurants, cafés, gardens, food pavilions, and even a Moorish-styled concert hall. Christiansborg Palace, Danish seat of government. It's home to the Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court, and several wings are still used by the Royal household. The LEGO House in Billund is the birthplace of the iconic LEGO brick. The LEGO House is a museum and experience center in Billund. The LEGO House was opened to the public in September 2017 and is a 12,000-square-meter building designed to look like giant LEGO bricks stacked on each other. Finland Capital: Helsinki Currency: Euro Language: Finnish, Swedish Religions: Evangelical Lutheran, Christianity, Orthodox Major Airport: Helsinki Airport (HEL) Carrier: Finnair (AY) Main Attractions: Suomenlinna Fortress is one of the world's largest sea fortresses, the 18th-century fort on Suomenlinna is a 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki's Market Square (a mini-cruise that has lovely views of the city as a bonus attraction). Turku Castle is a large medieval castle in Finland that has served as a stronghold, a granary, and a prison and is said to be Finland’s largest intact medieval building. Porvoo, the country's second oldest town, is 48 kilometers east of Helsinki. It rises from a picturesque riverfront lined with little red wooden buildings, through a charming tangle of old streets and ochre- colored wooden houses to its hilltop medieval cathedral. Highlights here are the ornate 1764 pulpit and wall paintings from the 15th century. Iceland Capital: Reykjavík Currency: Króna Language: Icelandic Religions: Evangelical Lutheran, Asatrú Major Airport: Keflavík International Airport (KEF) Carrier: Icelandair (FI) Main Attractions: Blue Lagoon, this attraction since it first became a hit with locals in 1976. The water from the underground hot springs reaches 37-39 degrees Celsius and is said to be highly beneficial for both health and skin. Gullfoss (translated to ‘Golden Falls’) is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in Southwest Iceland. Gullfoss encompasses two cascades; the upper one drops 11 meters, while the lower one cascades about 21 meters. Strokkur Geysir (after which all geysers are named) is the most popular fountain geyser in the country and is famed throughout the world. This highly active hot spring area lies in the southwest of Iceland beside the Hvítá River and is a favorite stop along what's known as the Golden Circle. Norway Capital: Oslo Currency: Norwegian Kron (NOK) Language: Norwegian and Sami Religions: Christianity, Protestant, Islam, Hinduism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Lutheranism, Major Airport: Oslo Airport (OSL) Carrier: Scandinavian Airlines (SK) Main Attractions: Sognefjord Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, stretches 204 kilometers inland from the coast north of Bergen. The Sognefjord is often called "The King of fjords" Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) towers 604 meters above the Lysefjord, and the trek there is one of Norway's most famous mountain hikes. The 4-kilometer-long trail to Pulpit Rock offers visitors a variation of landscapes, ‘cliff’s edge’ experiences, and magnificent views of the Lysefjord and its surrounding mountains. Tromsø is best known for its important role as the base for many major Arctic expeditions since the mid- 1800s. The Tromsø area was first settled in the 13th century as a fishing village, and the industry has been an integral part of life here ever since, contributing to the area's maritime charm. Sweden Capital: Stockholm Currency: Swedish Krona Language: Swedish Religions: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Orthodox or Baptist, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism Major Airport: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) Carrier: Scandinavian Airlines (SK) Main Attractions: Gamla Stan is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe and one of the foremost attractions in Stockholm. This is where Stockholm was founded in 1252. The Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) in Stockholm is Sweden's most popular museum, attracting around a million visitors annually. It houses 10 separate exhibitions and a further four museum ships, is a day out in itself. In 1628, the pride of the Swedish Imperial fleet, the 64-gun warship Vasa, sank on its maiden voyage. The ship lay below the icy waters for more than three centuries until, in 1961, an incredibly ambitious salvage operation took place. Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies about 11 kilometers west of Stockholm city center. Dating from the 17th century, the palace is now the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family. LATVIA Capital: Riga Currency: Latvian Lats (LVL) and Euro Language: Latvian or Lettish Religions: Catholic, Orthodox, Orthodox Old believer. Major Airport: Riga International Airport (RIX) Carrier: Airbaltic (BT) Main Attractions: Gauja National Park is the largest and oldest of the national parks in Latvia. The Gauja National Park was established in 1973. It stretches over more than 90,000 hectares, protecting the most beautiful section of the Gauja Valley along the Gauja River between Valmiera and Murjani. Riga, the capital of Latvia, is not only the crown jewel of Latvia, but also of the Baltics. Riga’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riga is also known as an architectural jewel – a city where you can see churches from the city’s origins, medieval buildings in the Old Town, unique examples of Art Nouveau, as well as wooden architecture that has survived centuries and modern architectural jewels. Kuldīga is commonly known as the Nordic Venice and, due to the water that flows through it and its abundant historical architecture, it is included in UNESCO’s Latvian National Register. ESTONIA Capital: Tallin Currency: Euro Language: Estonian Religions: Catholic, Orthodox, Orthodox Old believer. Major Airport: Tallin Airport (TLL) Carrier: Nordica (ND) Main Attractions: Tallinn's Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and medieval churches, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Tallinn Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval old towns in all of Europe. Kuressaare Episcopal Castle is one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Baltic region, the moat- ringed Kuressaare Episcopal Castle has been standing tall since the 1380s. While built during the 14th– 19th century, the castle became one of the most remarkable buildings in Northern Europe. There is a history museum in the castle that tells stories of the distant past and of the recent history of Saaremaa and its locals through permanent and traveling exhibitions. Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour. This attraction includes a 1930s-era submarine, a 100-year-old steam- powered icebreaker, and the remains of the oldest ship in Estonia in the museum's permanent collection. LITHUANIA Capital: Vilnius Currency: The Litas Language: Lithuanian Religions: Catholic, Orthodox, Orthodox Old believer. Major Airport: Vilnius International Airport (VNO) Carrier: FlyLAL-Lithuanian Airlines (TE) Main Attractions: Trakai Castle, was built in the 14th century and served as a residence for the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. However, the structure fell into disarray in the 17th century and was only rebuilt in 1951. In 1962, the castle became a part of the Trakai History Museum. Hill of Crosses. Thousands of metal and wooden crosses—placed here for nearly two centuries—have found a home on the growing mound of religious fervor. Dangling rosaries chime in the blowing wind and provide a rolling soundtrack for icons of saints and photographs of revered local patriots. The 52m-high Parnidis Dune is simultaneously mighty and fragile. Past settlements around Nida have been engulfed by the moving sand dune but this is a delicate landscape of mountain pines, meadows and fine blonde sand speckled with purple searocket flowers. GREECE Capital: Athens Currency: Euro Language: Greek Religions: Christianity Major Airport: Athens Airport (ATH) Carrier: Aegean Airlines (A3) Main Attractions: Acropolis is considered the symbol of Athens and Greece, and indeed of Western civilization, the Acropolis is a rocky mound rising in the heart of modern Athens, crowned by three magnificent temples dating from the 5th century BC. The best-known and most distinctive is the Parthenon, originally made up of 58 columns supporting a roof and decorated by ornate pediments and a frieze. Santorini is the most dramatic of all the Greek isles. It is best known for the west coast cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia, which appear to hang over a deep, blue sea-filled caldera. Made up of typical Cycladic whitewashed cubic buildings, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels with infinity pools, both Fira and Oia are considered romantic destinations, popular for weddings and honeymoons. Delphi, built on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a dramatic ravine, the site was sacred to the ancients, who came here on pilgrimages to worship Apollo (god of light, prophecy, music, and healing) and to ask advice from the mythical Oracle. ITALY Capital: Rome Currency: Euro Language: Greek Religions: Roman Catholic Major Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) Carrier: ITA Airways (AZ) Main Attractions: Colosseum, a huge amphitheater, the largest of its kind ever built by the Roman Empire and the largest of their constructions to survive, remained a model for sports facilities right up to modern times. Built by Vespasian in 72 CE and enlarged by the addition of a fourth story by his son, Titus, the Colosseum was a venue for public spectacles and shows - even mock sea battles. The Grand Canal in Venice, the Grand Canal is the largest and most famous of these waterways, cutting a wide S-shaped route through the city. Along its sides are the grandest of the palaces once owned by the wealthiest and most powerful families of the Venetian Republic. The Leaning Tower of Pisa (La Torre Pendente) is just one of many attractions in the city of Pisa, one whose world fame comes not from the considerable elegance of its design, but from a flaw. Work began on the tower in the 1100s, and the sinking, which led to the lean, began by the time the tower reached the third story. MALTA Capital: Valleta Currency: Euro Language: Maltese Religions: Roman Catholic Major Airport: Malta International Airport (MLA) Carrier: Air Malta (KM) Main Attractions: Valletta: Malta's Elegant Capital, Valletta is the elegant capital of the Republic of Malta. The entire city is testimony to the grandeur of the Knights of Malta, the European noblemen who were granted the Maltese Islands by the King of Spain in 1530. The Idyllic Island of Gozo, the island has plenty of cultural attractions: a fortified medieval city, Victoria; a bustling seaside resort, Marsalforn; and the most important archaeological site of the Maltese Islands, Ġgantija Temples, dating back to around 3500 BCE. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, this Neolithic-era underground cemetery is designated on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its cultural value. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum has provided archaeologists and scholars with intriguing clues about the Neolithic mindset and culture. The complex stands as a rare testimony to a vanished civilization. SPAIN Capital: Madrid Currency: Euro Language: Spanish Religions: Catholic and Islam Major Airport: Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) Carrier: Iberia Airlines (IB) Main Attractions: The Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra complex includes several buildings, towers, walls, gardens, and a mosque, but it's the indescribably intricate stone carvings, the delicate filigrees, the magnificent tile-lined ceilings, the graceful arches, and serene courtyards of the Nasrid palace. La Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Antoni Gaudí. Begun in 1882 and still unfinished in the first quarter of the 21st century, the Sagrada Família, notable for its tactile organic form, is one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks. The Great Mosque of Córdoba is one of the largest in the world and the finest achievement of Moorish architecture in Spain. PORTUGAL Capital: Lisbon Currency: Euro Language: Portuguese Religions: Catholic, Jewish, Muslim Major Airport: Lisbon Airport (LIS) Carrier: TAP Air Portugal (TP) Main Attractions: Oceanário de Lisboa, Portugal's most popular and family-friendly visitor attraction, Lisbon's Oceanarium is brilliantly conceived to highlight the world's diverse ocean habitats. This is one of Europe's best and largest oceanariums, containing a vast array of fish and marine animals. Palácio Nacional de Sintra Beginning with the nation’s first dynasties, Sintra was one of the preferred places of Portuguese kings and queens. UNESCO acknowledges the destination as a World Heritage cultural landscape such is its beauty and the significance of the collection of historic visitor attractions clustered in and around the old town, Sintra Velha. Torre de Belém stands as a symbol of the Age of Discovery and the voyages of exploration undertaken in the 15th and 16th centuries. Completed in 1521 as a fortress to defend the approaches to the River Tagus, the tower is regarded as a masterpiece of military architecture. Designed in the Manueline style by Francisco de Arruda, the façade is a confection of beautifully carved stone, typified by maritime motifs, such as twisted rope and the armillary sphere. An impressive Renaissance loggia heightens the decoration. VATICAN Capital: Vatican City Currency: Euro Language: Latin, Italian Religions: Roman Catholic Major Airport: N/A Carrier: N/A Main Attractions: St. Peter's Basilica. The centerpiece of the Vatican and the place to begin your visit, the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica is the most important of all the churches in Rome. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the basilica replaced earlier structures that began in 326 on the site believed to be where St. Peter was buried. Sistine Chapel its walls and ceilings are covered in vibrant frescoes by Michelangelo and other artists. The frescoes, which are considered the pinnacle of Renaissance painting, were extensively restored from 1980 to 1994. The side walls are covered with large frescoes of Biblical scenes against the background of Umbrian and Tuscan scenery, painted for Sixtus IV by the most celebrated painters of the day - Perugino, Botticelli, Rosselli, Pinturicchio, Signorelli, and Ghirlandaio. Pinacoteca contains 16 rooms of priceless art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. Arranged in chronological order, the pictures give an excellent survey of the development of Western painting. Medieval art includes Byzantine, Sienese, Umbrian, and Tuscan paintings, as well as a Giotto triptych and a Madonna and St. Nicholas of Bari by Fra Angelico. ANDORRA Capital: Andorra La Vella Currency: Euro Language: Catalan Religions: Roman Catholic Major Airport: N/A Carrier: N/A Main Attractions: La Casa de la Vall is one of the top places to visit in Andorra la Vella. Originally built in 1580 as a manor house and fortification, it's now the seat of Andorra's government. Winter Wonderland: Vallnord. One of the most popular winter sports destinations in the Pyrenees, Vallnord draws skiers and snowboarders from across Europe to its many fine slopes. Located in the northern part of Andorra and boasting a peak altitude of 2,625 meters, Vallnord is really three unique ski resorts in one: Arcalis, Pal, and Arinsal. Caldea spa. Found in the heart of Andorra la Vella, the huge Caldea spa complex, one of Europe's largest such developments, dominates the capital's skyline with its magnificent glass pyramid tower. This sprawling facility features more than 6,000 square meters of watery fun and treatment areas. CROATIA Capital: Zagreb Currency: Croatian Kuna Language: Croatian Religions: Roman Catholic Major Airport: Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) Carrier: Croatia Airlines (OU) Main Attractions: Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia's most glamorous tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site, centers on the magnificent Old Town area, contained within sturdy medieval defensive walls. Plitvice Lakes National Park (Nacionalni park Plitvicka jezera) encompasses steep forested hillsides surrounding 16 emerald-blue lakes connected by a succession of thundering waterfalls. A network of footpaths and wooden bridges crisscrosses the park (the country's first national park), and the entrance ticket includes boat rides across the lakes. It is Croatia's most visited inland attraction. Rovinj. Located in northwest Croatia, on the Istrian peninsula, the Venetian-era seaside town of Rovinj is made up of pastel-colored houses ringing a pretty fishing harbor and presided over by a hilltop church with an elegant bell tower. SLOVENIA Capital: Ljubljana Currency: Euro Language: Slovenian Religions: Roman Catholic Major Airport: Ljubljana Airport (LJU) Carrier: Adria Airways (JP) Main Attractions: Lake Bled bluish-green lake, picture-postcard church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke as backdrops, Bled is Slovenia's most popular resort, drawing everyone from honeymooners lured by the over-the-top romantic setting to backpackers, who come for the hiking, biking, water-sports and canyoning possibilities. Postojna Cave, is the best-known cave in the world. It is also the greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia and one of the world's largest karst monuments. A fantastic web of tunnels, passages, galleries and halls, the astonishing diversity of Karst features as well as easy access are certainly the main reasons for such popularity of the cave. Predjama Castle is one of the most extraordinary castles in the world, built in the mouth of a cave complex at the end of a valley in southwest Slovenia. Set halfway up a 400-foot (123-meter) vertical cliff face, it appears in records from 1202 and is listed by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest cave castle. SAN MARINO Capital: City of San Marino Currency: Euro Language: Italian Religions: Roman Catholic Major Airport: N/A Carrier: N/A Main Attractions: Rocca Guaita Three fortresses crown the long ridge of Mount Titano, with the city of San Marino clustered at the foot of their walls. The first and earliest of the fortresses is Rocca Guaita, constructed in the 11th century. It served for a time as a prison and was rebuilt several times for different uses until it reached the form we see today, during the 15th-century war between San Marino and the House of Malatesta. Monte Titano, The highest point for miles, 739-meter-high Mount Titano commands spectacular views from any of its three towers. The views stretch northwest to the Apennines and east to the coast, Rimini, and on a clear day across the Adriatic to the Dalmatian coast in Croatia. Palazzo Pubblico and Piazza della Liberta. The neo-Gothic-style Government House (Palazzo Pubblico) with its square crenelated tower was designed by the architect Francesco Azzurri in the late 1800s and built of stone quarried on Mount Titano. NORTH MACEDONIA Capital: Skopje Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD) Language: Macedonian Religions: Eastern Orthodoxy Major Airport: Skopje International Airport (SKP) Carrier: Macedonian Airlines (MAT) Main Attractions: Lake Ohrid one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe, Lake Ohrid is a very important and biodiverse ecosystem. It is home to a vast array of species that are endemic to the area, such as predatory fish and freshwater snails. Skopje, Macedonia’s capital is an intriguing and interesting place to visit, in large part due to its eclectic architectural collection that includes beautiful Ottoman-era mosques, enormous Neoclassical buildings, and a huge array of gleaming, modern statues. Galicica National Park Dominated by the Galicica limestone massif that lies between the two lakes, the national park is home to a number of lofty peaks. From their summits are some breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Capital: Sarajevo Currency: Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark Language: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian Religions: Islam, Orthodox Christianity, Roman Catholic Major Airport: Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) Carrier: FlyBosnia (FBS) Main Attractions: Mostar is one of the undisputed jewels of the entire Balkan Peninsula, Mostar oozes Bosnian history from each of its Byzantine cracks, Slavic crevices, and Ottoman facades. Jajce is indelibly green and bolstered by the roaring waterfalls that cascade through the urban bluffs at its heart, welcoming Jajce is one of the favored gateways to the lakes and gorges of the pretty Bosanska Krajina region of the north. Trebinje is one of the real gems of the Republika Srpska side of Bosnia Herzegovina, Trebinje reflects beautifully against the waters of the winding Trebisnjica River as it cuts through the heart of the city’s historic center; a medley of elegant Ottoman rises and original eastern facades that was constructed largely in the 18th century. ALBANIA Capital: Tirana Currency: Lek Language: Albanian Religions: Islam Major Airport: Albania International Airport (TIA) Carrier: Albanian Airways (LV) Main Attractions: Home to a number of diverse ecosystems and stunning archaeological sites, Butrint National Park is a popular tourist destination, in large part due to its proximity to the Greek island of Corfu. Many people come to see its majestic blend of history and nature. Lying just to the north of Tirana, Kruje – or Kruja, as it is known in English – is famous for being the home city of Albania’s national hero Gjergj Skanderbeg. In the 15th century, Gjergj managed to hold out against the Ottomans for 25 years from his base in Kruje. Berat, widely regarded as one of the prettiest cities in the whole of the Balkans, Berat is known as ‘the Town of a Thousand Windows,’ as so many windows peer out at you from the front of its hillside buildings which are so tightly clustered together. SERBIA Capital: Belgrade Currency: Serbian Dinar Language: Serbian Religions: Catholic, Muslim Major Airport: Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) Carrier: Air Serbia (JU) Main Attractions: Stari Ras is a 12th-century fortress. Built to defend the capital city of the same name, it bore witness to the emergence, development, and consolidation of the first Serbian state. The monastic compound includes three archaeological sites; the fortress on Gradina, the cave with Holy Archangel’s Monastery, and the settlement of Pazarište (also known as Trgovište). Novi Sad took off in the 18th century as a trading hub opposite the mammoth Petrovaradin Fortress, an Austro-Hungarian outpost. In the 1700s and 1800s, the city blossomed into an unofficial capital for Serbian culture. Nis Serbia's third-largest metropolis is a lively city of curious contrasts, where Roma in horse-drawn carriages trot alongside new cars, and posh cocktails are sipped in antiquated alleyways. BELARUS Capital: Minsk Currency: Belarusian Ruble Language: Belarusian, Russian Religions: Orthodox Major Airport: Minsk National Airport (MSQ) Carrier: Belavia (B2) Main Attractions: Nyasvizh Castle was erected by the Radziwill family in 1583, it has been rebuilt and restored often over the centuries and encompasses many styles. In Soviet times it was turned into a sanatorium, but it has been fully restored in recent years and is looking superb. Mir Castle (Mirsky Zamok) is an outstanding example of 16th-century fortification art. It’s located in the town of Mir in the Grodno region of Belarus. The Braslav Lake is famous for its unusual landscapes and terrain left by the ancient glacier. BULGARIA Capital: Sofia Currency: Bulgarian Lev Language: Bulgarian Religions: Bulgarian Orthodoxy Major Airport: Sofia Airport (SOF) Carrier: Bulgaria Air (FB) Main Attractions: Rila Monastery is labeled as the Jerusalem of Bulgaria, it is the biggest monastery in the country and is home to compelling religious iconography, including wall paintings, carvings, and historical artifacts. The ancient monastery is still active and is home to around 60 monks who still live and work in the tranquil peace of the monastery inside its ornate buildings. Old Nessebar has been charming visitors for the past 9,000 years and it keeps on enchanting people to this day. Set on a craggy peninsula that is connected to the mainland by a causeway, the charming old Nessebar town is an open-air museum packed full of pretty squares, churches, and cobbled streets. Home to more than 70 glacial lakes, old forests, and soaring 2,915-metre peaks and ridges, the Pirin National Park is a Bulgarian national treasure. The National Park is a safe haven for many different types of rare species that use the Balkan Mountain range for shelter. Kosovo Capital: Pristina Currency: Euro Language: Albanian, Serbian Religions: Muslim Major Airport: Pristina International Airport (PRN) Carrier: Kosova Airlines Main Attractions: The Rugova Canyon with its length of 25 km (15.5 miles) and depth of up to 1,000m (3,300 feet) Rugova is one of the most impressive canyons in Europe. The waters of Peć Bistrica River have cut their way through the mountains in a breathtaking way. BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina is a sanctuary in Kosovo that provides special care to rescued and traumatized brown bears. BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina is a project by FOUR PAWS International, the global animal welfare organization for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need, and protects them. Moldova Capital: Chișinău Currency: Moldovan Leu Language: Romanian Religions: Orthodox Christianity Major Airport: Chisinau Airport (KIV) Carrier: Air Moldova (9U) Main Attractions: This is modern and friendly place is Moldova’s biggest city and serves as its capital. Chisinau has loads of green space, parks, and historical buildings. It feels like a city with space. Orheiul Vechi Moldova’s most incredible sight. It’s an archaeological complex with rich cultural and historical significance. It’s also a place of stunning natural beauty. Overlooking the Raut River, this open- air complex features fortifications, baths, caves, ruins, and monasteries – all of which date back as late as the Dacian tribes of 2000 years ago. Tipova Monastery comprises three main complexes that have been dug out of the rocks along the banks of the Dniestr River. The oldest complex is the Church of the Feast of the Holy Cross (11th century). The remaining two are the Church of St Nicholas (14th century) and Horodiste (16th century). Poland Capital: Warsaw Currency: Polish Zloty Language: Polish Religions: Roman Catholic Major Airport: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) Carrier: LOT Polish Airline (LO) Main Attractions: Wieliczka Salt Mine One of the world's oldest and longest-working salt mines, stopped commercial operations in 1996 and has since become an artistic attraction. Auschwitz-Birkenau Camps initially served as a detention center for political prisoners. However, it evolved into a network of camps where Jewish people and other perceived enemies of the Nazi state were exterminated, often in gas chambers, or used as slave labor. Warsaw Old Market Place. The oldest part of Warsaw, the Old Town Market Place dates back to the 13th century. Although 85 percent of the area was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II, it has since been restored to look exactly like it did when it was first built. Romania Capital: Bucharest Currency: Romanian Leu Language: Romanian Religions: Roman Catholic Major Airport: Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) Carrier: TAROM (RO) Main Attractions: Bran Castle is often associated with Dracula as his home, though there’s no indication that author Bram Stoker even knew of this medieval castle. The castle, a Romanian landmark, has a fairy tale quality, peeking out from forested a hillside near Brasov in Transylvania. Founded by 12th-century Transylvanian Saxons, Sighisoara is a great example of a fortified medieval town. It has the traditional narrow streets flanked by colorful stone buildings. It is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Sighisoara celebrates its medievalness every July with a festival that includes rock bands. The Palace of Parliament is a thoroughly modern complex that is considered the largest administrative building in the world. It took 20,000 workers, working around the clock, 13 years to build it. It is an architectural wonder involving 700 architects and design specialists. The palace is a popular tourist attraction with foreigners, but not so much with the locals since it was built by Romania’s hated leader, Nicolae Ceaușescu. RUSSIA Capital: Moscow Currency: Russian Ruble Language: Russian Religions: Russian Orthodoxy Major Airport: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) Carrier: Aeroflot (SU) Main Attractions: Lake Baikal this massive high-altitude rift lake in Siberia is the oldest and deepest lake in the world– reaching a maximum depth of 1,642 meters and an estimated 25 million years of age. Baikal is also the largest freshwater lake in the world–over 20 percent of the world's freshwater is in this lake. Moscow, Russia's capital is a magnificent mix of greenery, stunning architecture, and lots of historical reminders of times gone by. Visitors to Moscow usually start exploring in the center, where the Kremlin, Red Square, and the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral are located. The Hermitage Museum, perhaps St. Petersburg's most famous tourist attraction and the second-largest art and culture museum in the world, has a collection of over three million items that cover everything from prehistoric art (including articles from the nomadic tribes in Altai) to Catherine the Great's art collection. CZECH REPUBLIC Capital: Prague Currency: Czech koruna Language: Czech Religions: Atheism and Agnosticism, Roman Catholic Major Airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) Carrier: Czech Airlines (OK) Main Attractions: Prague Castle located in the city's Hradcany neighborhood and dating from the late 10th century, Prague Castle has been central to Eastern European history for centuries and has been home to Holy Roman Emperors, the Habsburgs, Bohemian kings, and, more recently, the Czech Republic's President. Over the course of its 1,000-year history, the castle - the largest in the world in terms of area - has undergone many dramatic changes. Prague's Charles Bridge this famous structure spanning the River Vltava was built in 1357 and has many unique points of interest along its 520-meter span, including numerous fine statues. St. Vitus Cathedral is best known as the home of the Bohemian Coronation Jewels, as well as the tomb of the Czech people's most revered saint, St. Wenceslas. SLOVAKIA Capital: Bratislava Currency: Euro Language: Slovak Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Greek Catholic Major Airport: Bratislava Airport (BTS) Carrier: Slovak Airlines (6Q) Main Attractions: Bratislava, city, capital of Slovakia. It lies in the extreme southwestern part of the country. Archaeological evidence suggests prehistoric habitation of the site, which was later fortified and settled by the Celts and Romans and finally in the 8th century was inhabited by the Slavs. The community developed as a trade center and was granted the rights of a free royal town in 1291. Tatras is home to the tallest mountains in the country, the High Tatras make for some unforgettable hiking and rock climbing, while in winter, there are loads of great slopes and pistes to ski down. The vast ruins of Spis Castle cover a vast expanse of territory. It is one of the largest castle complexes in the whole of Central Europe. Once the major center of power in the surrounding region, Spis Castle is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovakia. UKRAINE Capital: Kyiv Currency: Euro Language: Ukrainian Religions: Orthodox Major Airport: Boryspil International Airport (KBP) Carrier: Ukraine International Airlines (PS) Main Attractions: Chernobyl exclusion zone is one of the most radioactive places in the world, where a nuclear disaster released radioactive material into the atmosphere. The explosion, which took place in 1986, is located in the town of Pripyat in Northern Ukraine. The site has recently been open to the public—but tourist must visit with an authorized tour company. Saint Sophia's Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980s, St. Sophia's Cathedral (also called Saint Sophia Cathedral) is a favorite of visitors. With an elaborate Baroque exterior consisting of 13 golden domes, this cathedral stands out among the other historic buildings. Tunnel of Love is an arch-shaped 4-kilometer-long corridor of majestic trees with the train truck in the middle, gorgeous at any time of the year. It fascinates tourists with all shades of green through spring and summer, with a palette of golden, orange, and red in the fall. GERMANY Capital: Berlin Currency: Euro Language: German Religions: Christianity and Islam Major Airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Carrier: Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LH) Main Attractions: Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, modeled on the Acropolis in Athens and built for King Frederick William II in 1791, the monumental sandstone Brandenburg Gate in Berlin's Mitte district was the city's first Neoclassical structure. It measures an impressive 26 meters in height, which includes the Quadriga, the spectacular four-horse chariot carrying the goddess of victory perched atop this spectacular building. The towering Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary, is located on the banks of the Rhine and is undoubtedly Cologne's most impressive landmark. This masterpiece of High Gothic architecture is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Construction on this most ambitious building project of the Middle Ages started in 1248 and reportedly took over 600 years to complete. Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this many-towered and battlement-covered fantasy fortress, famous as the inspiration for Walt Disney's iconic theme park castles, from 1869-86. This spectacular old fortress is widely recognized as one of Europe's most famous and picturesque royal castles. SWITZERLAND Capital: Bern Currency: Swiss franc Language: German, French, Italian and Romansh Religions: Christianity, Protestantism Major Airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH) Carrier: Swiss International Air Lines (LX) Main Attractions: The Matterhorn is one of the highest mountains in the Alps, the Matterhorn sits on the border with Italy. It has four steep faces rising to its craggy tip. Climbers have been intrigued by this mountain from the first successful summit in 1865 by British climber Edward Whymper and his team. The name Matterhorn means roughly “the peak in the meadows,” from the German words Matte (“meadow”) and Horn (“peak”). Jungfraujoch, since 1912, tourists have been making their way to the fairytale-like village of Grindelwald for an excursion to the Top of Europe (also known as Jungfraujoch). As its name suggests, it's the highest train station in Europe. Lucerne famed for its music concerts, this quintessential Swiss town lures renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras to its annual International Music Festival. Austria Capital: Vienna Currency: Euro Language: German, Austrian Religions: Roman Catholics, Atheist, Easatern Orthodox, Muslim Major Airport: Vienna International Airport (VIE) Carrier: Austrian Airlines (OS) MAJOR ATTRACTIONS: The Vienna Hofburg the spectacular Hofburg Palace in Vienna was for centuries the seat of Austria's monarchy, the powerful Habsburgs. Now the President conducts state business in the same rooms that once belonged to Emperor Joseph II. Nearly every Austrian ruler since 1275 ordered additions or alterations, resulting in many different architectural influences, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Classicism. Salzburg Altstadt was a spiritual center from the earliest days of Christianity in Europe. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town), was founded by St. Rupert in AD 690 and served as the residence of the archbishops until the early 1100s. Hallstatt is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque small towns in Austria if not Europe. It's also a good place from which to explore the spectacular Dachstein Salzkammergut region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hungary Capital: Budapest Currency: Hungarian forint Language: Hungarian Magyar Religions: Roman Catholics, Calvinist, Lutheran, Greek Catholic Major Airport: Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD) Carrier: Malev Hungarian Airlines (MA) MAJOR ATTRACTIONS: Buda Castle this spectacular historic landmark - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - ranks right up there with Versailles in France in terms of its majestic proportions and wonderful design. Built on the site of a palace destroyed during the Ottoman Empire's Siege of 1686, this newer structure was rebuilt in the 18th century for the Habsburg monarchy and includes more than 200 rooms. The Danube River is one of the major rivers of Europe. With its length of 2 850 km (1 770 mi), it is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga. The Danube River flows through 10 countries, 4 capitals, and its basin concerned 19 countries. Because of this and its central position in Europe, it is a very important strategic river. Hungarian Parliament Building home to the National Assembly, is deservedly considered one of the most stunning such buildings of the world. The city’s iconic building, which has been a World Heritage Site since 2011 together with the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue, is an invaluable part of the country’s national treasure and the pride of the Hungarian nation.