Citytrips-Highlights.com

Archiv für April 2012

Slovakia, the European geographical central point, is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Europe with wide variety of traditions and rich history. The traditions of several of cultures still remain in Slovakia making it an exciting holiday destination, mainly for those ones who enjoy seeing things which nowhere else in the world can be seen. There is something for everyone, from ancient ruins to luxury spas. Slovakia is pleasant at any time of the year, but most popular time to visit is winter or summer. Whatever time of year you decide to visit, get ready to enjoy one of the most memorable holidays of your life.
Do you know, what you won´t find anywhere else in the world except in Slovakia? Get attracted by places unique within the world which are offered to every visitor of this small country!
The world highest wooden gothic altar is to be admired in Levoca, in the St. James church. It is 18,6 m high and his author is Master Paul from Levoca. He carved it of lime wood at the beginning of the 16th century. It took him 10 years.
The Kremnica mint is the oldest enterprise in the world which operates without any break. The coins have been made here since 1328 and – for instance – the Slovak Euro-coins were punched here as well.
The so called „Bratislava tapestries“ exhibited in the Primate Palace are the world most completed collection of tapestries made in English royal manufactory in Mortlake (part of London). The collection consists of 6 pieces and is dated back to the 17th century. It shows a tragic love story between the priestess Hero and a young man Leandros.
The world highest sinter column is hidden in the Krásnohorská jaskyňa cave, in its „Giants´ Hall“. It is called „The dripstone of Rožňava speleologists“ and measures 32,6 m. You can find him in the Guinness book of world records as well.
The first technical university in the world was the Mining Academy founded by Maria Theresa in 1762. It was placed in Banská Štiavnica, which used to be the centre of mining science and technical development in Europe.
The building of the first horse railway in The Kingdom of Hungary (connecting Bratislava with Svätý Jur) is one of the oldest railway buildings in the world.
The Tatra Chamois is a completely unique chamois kind (a separate subspecies), because after the end of the ice ages it evolved thousands of years totally isolated. Therefore it differs from its related chamois in the Alps or Apennines and you won´t find this kind anywhere else on Earth. Because at present there are only slightly more than 200 pieces, they are protected very strictly.
You like winter and you have decided to visit Slovakia at that time? Then you have made a perfect decision:
.. white, active, funny, traditional, even hot – winter in Slovakia can be  just like that. Many options in a small territory, from big resorts up to small family guest houses. Activities come from adrenaline downhill skiing to easy cross-country skiing, from fun in snow to relaxation in hot thermal springs. Winter has its atmosphere also in towns. Nobody can guarantee that our towns will be dressed in white but there will be surely many opportunities to warm you.
Your body and soul will surely appreciate mixing active exercise with relaxation.
Many thermal springs with beneficial and healing effects confirm the exceptionality of Slovakia. Connection of winter and hot water is fascinating – there is a chilly winter outside and you can watch fairy-tale sceneries directly from a hot water pool. You need not imagine it you have to live it. You can enjoy warmth also during warming massage or in a sauna. Do something for yourself and accept our invitation to our resorts.
Come and spend winter in Slovakia – in a small country with great experiences!

Prague, a really beautiful city, which is full with unique objects, that cannot compete with any other city in Europe or even in the world. People living in Prague often pass without noticing them. Are you curious which are they?
Prague castle – did you know that it is the largest castle unit in the world? The length is 570 metres and the width is 130 metres. It offers one of the most wonderful views of the world.
The net of municipal pneumatic post is the best preserved in the world. Although it was slightly damaged during the floods nine years ago, it can still be used. This system was started in 1899 and twenty years ago it was able to transport 9 000 capsules a month.
Oppidum called “Závist (envy)” – this area was settled in the 6th century BC by Celts. The biggest area was achieved in the 2nd century BC. With its area of 118 hectare it belongs to the most monumental Celt fortresses in Europe where 1500-3500 people lived. If we consider there were 100 thousands inhabitants in Bohemia, it was really a lot.
While going along the streets in Prague, only a few people know that they walk above the most modern collectors in the world. The tunnels are approximately 30 metres under the road. These technical net is so large that a small train can go through them. They have been built since 1969 and now they achieve the length of 90 kilometres.
In addition, you can get to know Prague´s historical sites in a way like you never knew them before – you can spend a wonderful day with a cruise on the Vltava. History lovers will be excited by 90 minutes cruise by boat or steamer. You will get to see all of the major sights and you will discover the hidden charms of Charles Bridge, The National Theatre, Prague Castle and many other monuments from the decks of a boat.

Russia – for centuries people have wondered what to believe about this country. It has been reported variously as a land of unbelievably rich people, indescribable poverty, cruel tyrants and great minds. Furthermore generous hospitality, beautiful ballets, industrial monstrosities, pious faith and unabridged hedonism can also be seen here.
Nature of Russia varies from icy tundra, fir forests, deep mysterious lakes, snow-capped mountains to sun-kissed beaches. Ancient fortresses, luxurious palaces, swirly spired churches and lost-in-time villages – this all can show you how amazing Russia can be.
However, never travel to Russia without visa. For your trip start with the capital city, Moscow, historic St.Petersburg and beautiful Lake Baikal. Dive further into the country and visit golden sands of the Prussian resort of Zelenogradsk in the far western Kaliningrad Region, the charming Volga river village of Goroders, home to folk artists and honey-cake bakers or location of the wacky Chess City, the 400 years old mausoleums of Dargavs, a North Ossetian “city of dead”, or the hot springs of kamchatka´s Nalychevo Valley in the Russian far East.
If you like history, you should not miss the Kremlin where you can see the Diamond collection. Tretyakov Gallery is recognized as one of the world´s best museums due to having all Russian artworks. You can also go shopping to Old and New Arbat Street which are full of restaurants and cafes if you get hungry strolling along these streets. Garkov Park is one of the famous parks of Moscow. There are many rides in the theme park; people take leisurely walk along the park´s charming pond. During winter, there is a competition in ice sculpting as well as people skiing across the frozen pond. Peter and Paul Fortress – this is the resting place of the Romanov Czars. If you know the history of the Romanovs, then you will surely enjoy the place more than any other. You should not miss the church there.

A historic jewel at the heart of Europe – this is the Czech Republic. This country has everything – fairy-tale castles and medieval towns as well as spa resorts and scenic national parks. The Czech Republic is also considered as the birthplace of some of the world´s finest beer. These are just a few reasons why you should visit this wonderful place.
Castles and Chateaux

If there is a place in the world that truly deserves to be called the „country of castles and chateaux“, it is undoubtedly the Czech Republic. There are literally hundreds of magnificent castles, glorious chateaux, ruins and fortresses. The Czechs are very proud of this legacy and visiting them is one of the country’s most popular pastimes.
The most popular are: Prague Castle,Ceský Krumlov, Lednice, Karlštejn, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Konopište, Křivoklát, Kromeříž, Sychrov, etc…
UNESCO Sites

There is a great number of magnificent monuments in the Czech Republic, all part of its rich history, showing the great cultural tradition of the country. The map of the Czech Republic is full of preserved historical towns, old castles, glamorous chateaux, magnificent cathedrals and beautifully decorated churches. However, 12 of the places have more than that. They are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List: Ceský Krumlov, Historical centre of Prague, Holašovice, Kromeříž, Kutná Horá, Litomyšl Chateau, Telc, The Holy trinity Column in Olomouc, The Lednice-Valtice Area, The Pilgrimage church of St.John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora, The Villa Tugendhat, Třebíc.

Accommodation
Accommodation in the Czech Republic corresponds to the standards of European countries. It is possible here to find cheap accommodation for students on their travels and also top-quality luxury accommodation in hotel suites.
Hotels
Hotels are designated one to five stars and classification is no different from that in the surrounding countries. Hotels are common in every city and also in areas frequently visited by tourists, for example near lakes or in the mountains.
Special types of accommodation
The Czech Republic is famous for its medieval castles and chateaux. Many of them offer luxury accommodation programmes in chateau apartments.

Poland belongs to very interesting attractions for tourists. Beside historical towns and places there are 22 national parks, approximately 1200 natural reservation and 400 protected areas. In addition, for those ones who like to relax, there are beautiful spas. One of them, Cieplice, is known since 1281.
The rich polish history has left wonderful medieval towns here which are visited by foreign tourists very often. The most famous are:
Warsaw – this city is quite young because it was not founded until the 13th century. One of the most valuable sights is the Royal Castle. The original building of this castle was destroyed during the Second World War, so nowadays you can see only a copy of it. Many of the Polish legends are connected with the Royal Castle. According to one of them in 1569 the king Sigismund Augustus, who was in mourning after death of his beloved wife Barbara Radziwiłł, asked the renowned sorcerer Master Twardowski to evoke her ghost. The experiment was successful with support of a magic mirror, which today is kept in the Węgrów Cathedral. Despite that some people suspected that it was not the Queen’s ghost but closely resembling her king’s mistress Barbara Giżanka and the whole event was set up by Giżanka’s accomplice Mikołaj Mniszech, king’s chamberlain.
Krakow –it is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. It has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural and artistic life. It is royal city where the first Polish university was found and where the first Polish book was printed.
The times when the only accommodation which could be expected in Poland was in a hostel or the traditional hospitality of a farmer´s barn have passed. Nowadays Poland has a wide network of places of stay with more opening up all the time.