NRDC-ITA Countries with local information

The following countries have provided personal recommendations about their countries, places to visit, food and drink to try and sometimes a recipe! (March 2019)

Albania Canada France Germany Greece Hungary Italy Lithuania Poland Spain The Netherlands United Kingdom United States of America

ALBANIA

Places to visit 1. Theth and Valbona Valley National Parks (Northern Albanian Alps); 2. Kruja Castle; 3. Bunk Art Museum (Tirana); 4. Dajti National Park (Tirana); 5. Mosque of Et’hem Bey (Tirana); 6. Apollonia Archeologic Site (Fier); 7. Voskopoja, Dardha touristic sites (Korca); 8. The Southern Riviera (Vlora-Saranda); 9. Sazan Island; 10. The city of One Thousand Windows (Berat); 11. Sacro Monte Tomorr (Berat); 12. Osum Canions (Berat); 13. Butrinti Archeologic Site (Saranda); 14. The Blue Eye (Saranda); 15. Gjirokastra Castle.

Typical food 1. Ferges (Veal stew) 2. Tave Kosi (roast beef in fermented milk sauce); 3. Kukurech (sheep pluck stuffed with meat and vegetables); 4. Jufka (handmade pasta); 5. Tarator (Cold soup with vinegar, cucumber, garlic, walnut, fennel and spices); 6. Chumlek (meat with onions stew); 7. Pies (cheese cabbage, spinach, tomatoes and meat); 8. Desserts (Ballokume; Ashure; Sultash; Hallva.

Typical drink 1. Raki-made by all fruits, not just grape; 2. Cognac Skenderbeu; 3. Boza and Musht (not alcoholic) BULGARIA

Places to visit 1. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. 2. The National Palace of Culture 3. St. George Rotunda 4. Boulevard 5. Vitosha Mountain 6. National Institute og Archaeology 7. Natioanal Theatre 8. 9. Serdica Amphitheatre 10. Park Vrana

Plovdiv 1. Old town 2. Amphitheatre 3. Regata channel

Ski resorts 1. Pamporovo 2. Borovetz 3. Bansko

Sea resorts 1. Sunny beach 2. Sozopol 3. Burgas

Others: 1. Kurshunskite vodopadi (Krushuna Waterfalls) 2. Belogradchik Fortress 3. Belogradchik Rocks 4. Rilski manastir 5. Rilski ezera (lakes)

The small Balkan country of Bulgaria, is one of Eastern ’s diamonds in the rough. It is home to iconic mountain ranges: The Balkan, , Pirin, and Rhodope mountains which make a perfect backdrop for Bulgaria’s traditional towns. These towns are rich in cultural heritage, and the mountain ranges are a naturalist, and hiker’s paradise. While along the Black Sea Coast pristine sandy beaches flank the country, and cosmopolitan seaside resorts entertain foreign and domestic tourists.

However, history is woven into the fiber of Bulgaria. It has been occupied for millenniums, and the countless ruins, ancient churches, and imposing fortresses that remain throughout the country, are a constant reminder of Bulgaria’s unique narrative. From the ancient Romans, to the Ottoman Empire, to the democratic state it is today.

Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Bulgaria 10. Burgas Burgas is a beautiful seaside town flanked by the sea and several lakes. Unlike its neighboring seaside towns, Burgas did not start to really actively develop until the 20th century. It was then that it was discovered that the bay was a great protector for trade industries and the navy. As such, there is a large industrial center in the heart of the city. However, the main promenade along the coast is very well kept, and the beaches remain quiet. There are number of reasonably good restaurants, and accommodation in this same area, and days away from the sea can be spent exploring the lakes. 9. Koprivshtitsa This peaceful town of colorful houses, traditional Bulgarian architecture, and folk festivals is steeped in rich history and was once the heart of the fierce April uprisings against the Ottoman Empire. The origin of the town is ultimately unknown, however there are many legends surrounding it. It can be confirmed that it was destroyed by fire many times, before it became the romantic hideaway it is today. The town’s rich history has not been forgotten, as there are over 350 historic, architectural, ethnographic, and artistic monuments dotted throughout it. The most memorable attractions in Koprivshtitsa are Oslekov House, the former home of a wealthy merchant built in 1856, and Topalova House, built and lived in by a prominent tax collector in 1854. Both showcase items unique to the time period of the homes, and demonstrate what life would have looked like in the 1900’s. Otherwise, the picturesque town is tucked between mountains ranges of lush green. 8. Sozopol The charming seaside town of Sozopol is Bulgaria’s oldest town. It was established in 610 BC by the Greeks, where it became a center for the arts and a place of salvation. Today, there is still archeological evidence of their time spent in Sozopol. However, over the years other empires and rulers came to occupy the land. As such there are remains of a medieval Christian complex, and ancient walls, and fortresses lining the peninsula. These days most people visit the area for the gorgeous seaside resorts that dominate the coastline, fabulous beaches, and romantic cobblestoned streets. The town regularly hosts cultural events, and has great dining and nightlife options. For those that prefer something more exciting than sunbathing, a variety of sports are on-offer at the beaches during the day. These include surfing, jet-skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, and volleyball. 7. Veliko Tarnovo This small city in central Bulgaria is most well-known as the home of Tsarevets Fortress. Since, it was once the home to the Tsars, the city is sometimes dubbed the “City of Tsars”. The Fort is enclosed by 1000 meters (3000 feet) of stone walls. Many areas of the wall offer 360-degree views of the surrounding picturesque hills, and the charming city below. The old part of the city was built on hills so it offers rolling cobblestone streets, traditional homes, and ancient churches. Close-by is the famous Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God, which features beautiful architecture, and breathtaking works of art from antiquity. Centuries ago the city boasted over 30 monasteries but this one remains the best remaining example. Meanwhile, the new part of the city has become an integral economic, and administrative center for Northern Bulgaria. It has modern dining, and accommodation options. 6. Bansko The town of Bansko is renowned as Bulgaria’s number one skiing mecca. The town of Bankso, in Southern Bulgaria, is nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountains whose peak reaches 2914 meters. It is conveniently located only 160kms from the capital of Sofia. Bansko Ski Resort is also credited with having the longest ski season in Bulgaria. It regularly competes with resorts in France, and Switzerland for its high-quality skiing, at lower than Alps prices. The resort, and town itself has countless après-ski restaurants, and nightlife options, and there are world-class spas to indulge in when visitors are not hitting the slopes. Each year the town holds the annual Bansko Jazz Festival, which draws international attendees and famous Bulgarian performers. 5. Varna Varna is Bulgaria’s third largest city, and its most sophisticated seaside city. Like Bulgaria’s other coastal towns, Varna is also steeped in history. The Varna Archaeological Museum has impressive gold exhibits featuring the world’s oldest gold, which was sourced from the area. Otherwise, the Roman Baths are an impressive attraction, which are the largest in Bulgaria. Other striking landmarks, dotted around the city give life to Varnas long history. These include the Baroque Opera House and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. There are three main beaches which are frequented in the area. These offer all the joys of beach living, such as seaside restaurants and bars, adventure sports, and loungers. Shopping, accommodation, and spa treatments are world class in the area, and English is widely spoken outside of the local language. 4. Nesebar Nesebar is known for its beautiful ruins, and superb beaches. The ancient part of the town is situated on a island connected to the mainland by a narrow man-made causeway, and it bears evidence of occupation by a variety of different civilizations over the course of its existence. The many churches that remain are mostly in ruins, but still a joy to explore. The most famous churches within the city include St.Stefan Church which dates back to the 11th century and The Church of Christ Pantocrator, which was created in the 13th century. The last being a great example of medieval architecture, as it is very well preserved. History aside, visitors frequent the area for its beaches along the Black Sea Coast. It is often called, “The Pearl of the Black Sea”. As such, it is a popular seaside resort destination. It’s most impressive beach is Sunny Beach, but can get quite crowded in the high season. 3. Rila Monastery Tucked in the Rila Mountains, Rila Monastery is simply stunning. It was initially founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila, a hermit. Hundreds of pilgrims, and tourists come to the visit the site every year, and for centuries it has been a site of extreme spiritual significance. The monastery even holds a few secrets of its own. It is said that revolutionary leaders took refuge here at times including the infamous Vassil Levski, and Peyo Yavorov. It has played an important role in preserving Bulgarian literary culture since the onsite library holds approximately 250 manuscripts from the 11th century onwards to the 19th century. Aesthetically, the monastery is arresting. The architecture is dominated by black and white arches, wooden staircases, and huge iron gates. Multi-colored tiles color the floor, and irreplaceable paintings decorate the walls. 2. …. Here visitors can find the oldest continuously occupied city in Europe. Not surprisingly then, the city has countless historical landmarks to boast including a Roman Amphitheater which regularly runs programs, the Ruins of Eumolpias, and several churches. However, Plovdiv has recently put itself on the map for its emerging food and wine scene. Traditional wineries are popping up all over the city and the surrounding area. Bulgarians are very proud of their wine making capabilities. The city itself was built on seven hills, and the surrounding area is draped in the Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope mountain range, which have become a favorite place for visitors and locals alike to hike and explore. 1. Sofia Sofia is outstanding. It has a rich history, but remains young at heart. The capital pleasantly intermixes the new with the old. The city center is jam-packed with ruins, and historical landmarks that remind visitors and citizens of the countries long history. But also has emerged as a mecca for contemporary art, and innovative hospitality options. You should ensure a visit to one of the city’s many galleries or museums during your stay, otherwise, there are countless well-maintained parks within the city, and pristine hiking areas just outside of it. This includes Mt.Vitosh, which at 2000 meters above sea level offers incredible views of the surrounding lakes, and greenery. If your visiting Bulgaria, you must-see Sofia.

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, located at the heart of Bulgaria’s capital city of Sofia, comprises a little bit of everywhere. The marble came from Munich, the metal was sourced Berlin and manufactured in , and the Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, the church can hold 10,000 people and is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Looking up at the cathedral, you’ll spot countless arches, wintergreen and gilded domes, ornate doors, stone carvings, murals, and mosaics. The majestic structure towers 148 feet at its highest point, and the temple’s bell tower holds 12 bells that weigh a total of 23 tons. The bells can be heard within a nearly 10-mile radius. Inside, you can marvel at the royal thrones and grandiose pulpit, as well as the mosaic mural of Tsar Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor, all within a dazzling and cavernous interior. The cathedral’s construction began in 1882, but was not completed until 1912, and sanctified until 1924. Named for Russian prince Saint Alexander Nevsky (1221– 1263), the church was built to honor those who sacrificed their lives during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, which liberated Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire. There is also a museum in the basement, within the cathedral crypt, that contains a major collection of Orthodox icons and masterpieces. Know Before You Go The nearest subway station is .

The National Palace of Culture in central Sofia is a spectacular example of the scope and ambition of architectural design under the Communist government in Bulgaria.

Lyudmila Zhivkova, daughter of former communist leader of Bulgaria Todor Zhivkov, had the idea for a national exhibition space. Lyudmila worked for her father’s communist government and had an influential role in the promotion of Bulgarian arts and culture. Works on the project were completed in 1981, which coincided with Bulgaria’s 1300th anniversary. Alexander Barov, a Bulgarian architect, was the lead designer on the Palace. The Palace has an official symbol: a bronze sun representative of the old ceilings in traditional houses. The venue spans a whopping 15,000 square meters of concert venues, conference halls, gallery space, theaters and cinemas. Dozens of sculptures, paintings and wood carvings decorate the inside of the building’s many rooms. Each year, the Palace puts on a huge New Year’s event, which started in 1984. Some of the most famed contemporary artists have performed their work at the Palace including Andrea Bocelli, the opera singer, violinist Nigel Kennedy and soprano Darina Takova. The building, known colloquially by its initials and pronounced as the acronym EnDuhKah, is only part of the complex. Everyday people of all ages visit the enormous park fronting the entrance. Dogs are walked, young people do tricks on skateboards and bikes, children play in the playground, street musicians play, and the cafes are full no matter the weather. A section of the Berlin Wall stands near one entry point and there is also a small Bulgarian Orthodox chapel and a monument (sadly derivative of the Vietnam Memorial in DC) to the victims of Communism. Know Before You Go There are buses (including the 204 and 604), trolleys (including the 5), and trams (including the 1) all with stops at NDK. The blue line of the also has an NDK stop.

St. George Rotunda The heart of ancient Serdica and the oldest building in modern Sofia, this red brick church was built all the way back in 300s. It’s a wonder that this building has survived unscathed for such an amount of time, and all around are interesting little details that hit home the great age of the site and civilisations that have passed though. Step inside to view the detailed medieval frescoes that had been painted over by the Ottomans when the church was converted to a mosque in the 1600s. These were only rediscovered and restored in the 1990s. Outside you can see the flagstones of a Roman street and other remnants of Ancient Serdica.

Vitosha Boulevard The fanciest street in the city, is where all the posh boutiques and fashion houses are clustered. If you’re not an upmarket shopper then you can just console yourself with those arresting views of Vitosha Mountain which is capped with a dusting of snow for much of the year and framed by the street’s tall buildings. It’s a thoroughly pleasant place to spend a couple of hours; the cafes along the pedestrian street have outdoor seating and in recent years the lampposts, benches and kiosks have been redesigned into an elegant art nouveau style, recalling the early years of the Bulgarian Revival.

Vitosha Mountain Climbing to more than 2,200 metres behind Sofia’s southwestern suburbs is Vitosha, a monumental peak in a nature park, promising more adventure than you could ever cram into one trip. The easiest way to access Vitosha is via Aleko, the mountain’s ski resort, which is where the Simeonovo gondola lift will drop you off. From there the walk to Vitosha’s Black Peak is surprisingly light when then weather’s good in spring or autumn, as the peak is part of a large plateau that seems to go on forever thanks to its shallow gradient. Of course, you don’t need to go that far for an incredible, vertiginous view of Sofia.

National Institute of Archaeology Ferdinand I was on hand when this museum was inaugurated back in 1905 as a way of bring all of the important archaeological finds scattered around Sofia and Bulgaria under one roof. And the roof they chose was that of the city’s former Grand Mosque, decommissioned following the Bulgarian Revival. The main sections here are Prehistory, Main Hall (containing items from classical civilisations), Medieval Section and Treasury. The last on that list has the Valchitran and Lukovit Treasures, two breathtaking hordes of Thracian Gold. Discovered in 1953, the Lukovit Treasure dates to the time of ’s invasion of Thrace in 400BC.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre The Viennese architects Helmer & Fellner, responsible for a catalogue of extravagant buildings across Central Europe, built this theatre in 1909. True to form the Ivan Vazov National Theatre is a grand neoclassical structure that remains the last word in Bulgarian culture to this day. The building with its towering portico is an iconic sight for Bulgaria, appearing on banknotes, and is most famous for its drama productions. Chief Director here is Alexander Morfov, responsible for acclaimed Bulgarian and Russian language adaptations of Don Quixote and Shakespeare plays in here and in Russia.

Borisova gradina Sofia’s most famous park was landscaped in the 1880s right after the Bulgarian Revival, making it the oldest one in the city. It was developed over the next 50 years by three different designers: the Swiss Daniel Neff, the Alsatian Joseph Frei and then the Bulgarian Georgi Dutev (when the park’s Soviet monuments were installed). But what’s impressive is that all the landscapers worked within the original plan, and the upshot is a pleasing sense of coherence for such a big project. It all makes for a refreshing afternoon amble, and if you’re here on a summer evening there are free concerts to catch.

Serdica Amphitheatre Sofia’s own Roman amphitheatre wasn’t discovered until 2004. In its day it was one of the largest in the Roman empire, holding gladiator fights and grisly battles pitting men against wild beasts. What’s also interesting about this arena is the way it had three lives: First it was a theatre, then an amphitheatre that was sacked by the Goths. In the 400s the arena was rebuilt but was abandoned not long after. After it was unearthed it became integrated into the design of the Arena di Serdica hotel, but visitors off the street are free to look down at the ruins from the hotel’s specially-designed gallery.

Park Vrana These are the grounds of the stately home of the aristocrat Simeon II, who was Tsar of Bulgaria from 1943-46 before going into exile. After returning he was prime minister from 2001-05. The estate is only open on weekends and you can’t enter any of the buildings, but the landscaped gardens are one of the most tranquil settings in Sofia. Multilingual guided tours take place every hour and offer fun snippets about the palace and its grounds. For instance, the estate once had an exotic menagerie, including Bulgaria’s first elephants, which were used for yard work in the grounds!

CANADA

FRANCE

Places to visit (cities and main places) 1. Paris (Eiffel tower, River Seine cruise by night, Jardins des Tuileries, Le Louvre museum, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame de Paris, St Michel borough, Montmartre and night cabarets such as Le Moulin Rouge, Le Crazy Horse) ; 2. Bordeaux (city centre, wine caves); 3. Strasbourg (Christmas market in December); 4. Lyon (city centre, River Rhone and Saone cruises); 5. Nice (La Promenade des Anglais); 6. Reims (Champagne caves, Cathedral); 7. Les Chateaux de la Loire (along the river Loire: Saumur, Chenonceau, Blois, Chambord, Cheverny,…); 8. Le Mont-Saint-Michel (Normandy region W of France); 9. First and Second World Wars battlefields (mainly North and East of France); 10. Chamonix and the White Valley, Alpes Mountains ski resorts; 11. Cost line resorts along Atlantic Ocean (Bretagne, Normandy) and Mediterranean Sea (Cote d’Azur, Provence, Corse); 12. Oversee territories: New Caledonia, French Antillas, La Reunion, Tahiti.

Typical food 1. Appetizers: Foie gras, snails, Frogs legs, Melon au porto, Sea food, Quiche lorraine, charcuterie, Croque-monsieur, Pisssaladiere, Pate en croute, Terrines… 2. Main dishes: Choucroute, Pot au feu, Foie gras, Cassoulet, Tartiflette, Coq au vin, Blanquette de veau, Gratin dauphinoise, Boef bourguignon, Bouillabaisse,… 3. Desserts : Paris-Brest, Apple pie, , Eclairs (chocolat, café), Foret Noire, tarte tatin, Fard Breton, Couign aman, Pancakes, Clafoutis, Croques-en-bouche…

Typical drinks 1. Champagne (sparkling white wine from the so-called Champagne area in NE France); 2. Wines (sparkling, white, red, rosé from Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Pays de Loire, Alsace, Jura, Provence) ; 3. Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Ricard, Cidre, Genepy, Chartreuse, Cointreau, (strong liqueurs, aperitifs and digestives).

GERMANY

Places to visit 1. Berlin - Brandenburger Tor, Checkpoint Charly, Reichstag 2. - Hafen, Speicherstadt, Reeperbahn, Elbphilharmonie. 3. Köln - Dom, Schokoladenmuseum, Altstadt 4. München - Hofbräuhaus, Englischer Garten, Oktoberfest!! 5. Dresden - Semperoper, Frauenkirche Lüneburg - City, Lüneburger Heide 6. Islands in the Northern Sea - Sylt! Föhr, Helgoland 7. Islands in the Eastern Sea - Rügen 8. Schloß Neuschwanstein - Bavaria, Allgäu 9. For Wintersport – Allgäu, famous region in Bavaria and in summertime very nice for mountain bike and hiking and climbing! Typical food Labskaus, Matjes (North Germany) Currywurst (Berlin) Sauerbraten mit Rotkohl und Kartoffelkößen Weißwurst mit Brezel (München) Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (cake)

Typical drinks Weißbier (München) ´Kölsch ˋ (Bier in Köln) Weißwein (. Riesling) Glühwein (hot Drink, Special in Winter and on Christmas Market)

GREECE Places to visit HALKIDIKI peninsula FIRST LEG, KASSANDRA Athitos (or Afitos) A really graphic village where tradition meets the sea and the view is amazing. It is a unique place. You can eat there delicious shrimp-pasta and sea food at REMENTZO Restaurant or at Θέα Θάλασσα (Thea Thalassa) both next to the sea. Find there also lots of beach bars. One of the best at Moudounou Beach, Lime Beach Bar Visit: The folklore Museum of Athitos. Peukoxori Surrounded by a pine forest has got a huge sandy beach that gives you the sense of velvet, perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can go hiking in the pine tree forest. You may take the ferry boat that goes to the second leg Sithonia and to the third leg (only for men) Mount Athos. Pefkohori has a lot of beach bars especially for the youths, where you ll have a great time and spend all night. Eat sea food and Mediterranean dish at Yala beach bar and restaurant Visit also KOURSAROS beach bar, a really nice beach for swimming and not deep waters (perfect if you have little children) Kallithea You don’t choose to go to Kallithea for its beaches but for its night life. You start from 12 in the midnight and you finish the next day, don’t miss visiting the “Angels” club, especially at 3 o clock in the morning Close to Kallithea also there is an archeological site, the ruins of Ammon Zeus Temple, for the lovers of history. Petralona Cave Guided tours and an anthropological museum. Don’t miss to visit this Prehistoric cave full of stalactites & stalagmites. It is really amazing and kids will love it.

SECOND LEG – SITHONIA Porto Koufo A small village that has a small harbor, so if you have a sailing boat you can leave it there. It is very quiet, with beautiful and deep waters. Really nice taverns there with really fresh fish. Try the delicious seafood at “Porto Marina” tavern. Tristinika beach Some km north of Porto Koufo, an incredible beach you should visit. If you love camping, there in a campsite (named Iza) on that beach really well organized, where it is possible to rent tents and caravans. At Camping Isa you can go snorkelling, windsurfing and waterskiing. You don't always have to cook, as the camp site has a restaurant (with full menu). Agios Prodromos A small village in the centre of Halkidiki. The best souvlaki in northern Greece. Go to tavern “Legendary Souvlaki” and try also the delicious “melitzanosalata”. If you find yourself in the village to taste souvlaki, don't forget to try traditional sweets, bread, and honey as well. You will have the opportunity to admire the river Resetnikioti (Olynthio) which runs through the village and is surrounded by lush vegetation. You should also visit the small post-Byzantine chapel of the Saint Prodromos which gave its name to the village. Kavourotripes A small beach close to Sarti that cannot been easily seen. It has fantastic waters but in order to reach it you must go down some rocks on foot. Generally, in the second leg there are a lot small and excellent such this beach but if you don’t know where they are, it is really difficult to discover them. Akti Aretes Aretes Beach is located 80 km south east of Poligiros, the capital of Halkidiki and it’s known for its rocky landscapes and unspoilt surroundings, totally untouched by tourism. There is a string of small but quiet beaches , the perfect environment for people who like privacy . Some nudism is also practiced in these secluded beaches, although they are not officially naturist beaches. Aretes is a narrow strip with pine growing up to the shore around a tiny bay providing nice shade to the visitors. There are a few accommodation options close by, mostly in the resorts of Neos Marmaras and Porto Koufo. Those who love the fresh mountain air can hike the mountainous trails in the wider region.

CYCLADES By Despina Thousands of tour info pages you can find about Greece, but for the purpose of this guide I will point out two unique experiences that have been engraved into my memory for ever, but also have devoted visitors from all over the world! Agrotourism in Crete If you make it to Crete and visit the Chania region, you will be able to visit world awarded beaches, hike through amazing gorges, dive into amazing caves and walk through the Chania old town and port with the unique cafes, restaurants and bars. You will have the chance to stay at "humble" AirBNB apartments and eat in traditional taverns with the locals, or relax in exclusive hotels and treat yourself with high end cuisine. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to visit and stay for at least a few days in Milia (http://www.milia.gr). Milia was an abandoned mountainous village that has been restored and transformed into an Eco-lodge mountain retreat. It is the perfect stop to recover from the sunburn from the beaches and the excitement of the night life. It will feel like time stopped. Milia fulfills our inner need “to escape”, even for a little while, from all the burdens. It offers a simple and humane living “curriculum”. It is an escapism that will redefine ourselves in a recreational place away from the crowds. The spring water, the clean air, the mountain’s silence, the summer breeze, the starlit night sky, the delicious food and wine, and even the eco-structured approach of Milia, will provide the necessary serenity and will help you recharge your biological batteries. (TripAdvisor 4.5/5) Sailing at Saronic Golf and Cyclades Poros is a small island in the Saronic Golf, 30NM South of Athens and very close to the coast of Peloponnese, almost in the center of Greece. It is not as "famous" as other islands like Santorini, Mykonos or Paros, but it offers some unique features. There you can find the perfect balance of tranquility vs action, of being close to everything yet far of all. You can do daily road trips to Peloponnese, you can visit Athens by car or by boat, you can have a fishing tour or you can practice various water sports as well as cocktails! If you like sailing though, I recommend you to charter a sailing boat and experience the best way to enjoy the Aegean Sea and the Greek islands. GreekSail yacht charters (www.greeksails.com), will help you enhance this experience with qualified personnel, friendly hosting and high quality / well maintained sailing yachts. If you have a skipper’s license, you can sail alone or with a flotilla. If you don't, you can hire one. You can even combine your vacations with the lessons to get, refresh or upgrade your license. They will guide you according to your needs for an unforgettable experience of strolling from the isolated coves and beaches to crazy bar nights in iconic ports, as well as everything in between. (TripAdvisor 5/5)

HUNGARY

Places to visit Budapest: 1. Buda Castle 2. Parliament Buildings 3. St. Stephen's Basilica 4. Fisherman's Bastion 5. Matthias Church 6. Gellért Hill 7. The Museum of Fine Arts 8. Heroes' Square and the Millennium Monument 9. The Hungarian National Museum 10. City Woodland Park (Városliget) 11. Margaret Island Around the Balaton lake Eger Hortobágy (Eastern Hungary)

Typical food Stuffed Cabbage Chicken Soup Hortobàgyi Pancake, Goulash, Chicken Paprikash Làngos, Fisherman’s Soup, Hungarian Sausages Gerbeaud (Zserbó)

Typical drink Unicum Pàlinka Vines from Villàny Vine Region

ITALY (Please see separate booklet)

LATVIA

Latvia is located in North-eastern Europe on the east coast of the Baltic Sea it is the central country of the Baltic States bordering Estonia, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus.

With over 500 km of coast line, Latvia has plenty of beaches whether you want to have fun in the sun or miles of sand to yourself. The country is about 2 times bigger than Belgium in its size a and is populated by 1,9 million inhabitants who speak in local Latvian language. Being located almost in the North, Latvians at first might seem "cold" and uneasy to start a conversation with, however, once you get to know them, they are the most welcoming, friendly and fun-loving people.

In Latvia you can experience all four seasons of the year - cold and snowy winters where the temperature is always below 0 0C and even can drop to -25 0C; hot and sunny summers with temperature between +20 0C-+30 0C; colourful and sometimes rainy autumn; beautiful blooming spring. However, if you want to enjoy the best of the country, it is suggested to choose one of the three months of summer.

The top 3 must see places are the capital city Riga, Jurmala and Sigulda . In Riga you will be able to experience medieval charm in the old town and enjoy stunning Art Nouveau architecture, parks and local culture around the town. In fact, the Art Nouveau architecture in Riga makes up roughly one third of all the buildings in the center of Riga, making Latvia's capital the city with the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture anywhere in the world. Jurmala is the most famous beach city in Latvia with white sandy beaches. Sigulda, however, is beautiful with its nature and is locally called "the little Switzerland". Both Jurmala and Sigulda can be accessed by train from the Riga Central Train station. If you ask Latvians what the national dishes are you will hear: gray peas with speck, rye bread, sauerkraut, many pork dishes, for example, pig’s head stew, pork in aspic and pig’s ears and feet, as well as potatoes which are served as side dish with nearly all Latvian foods or cooked as a meal, for example, potato pancakes. Three hundred years of Russian rule have inevitably had an impact also on the cuisine, therefore, many typical Russian dishes are also considered as national dishes in Latvia, such as beet root soup.

A very basic Latvian dish is Zemnieku Brokastis (peasant breakfast). In order to cook it you must use pre-boiled potatoes, eggs and smoked meat. Bake chopped pieces of smoked meat on a frying pan. Add chopped potatoes and fry together with meat. At least add eggs and cook until eggs are baked. Add seasoning to your taste.

LITHUANIA Places to visit Capital: Vilnius (UNESCO world heritage site). Independence Day: 16th February National Sport: Basketball Split into 5 regions which differ by way of different dialects, dress, and their history of folklore.

• Aukˇtaitija (NE & E meaning Highlands) and famous for its lakes, hills and forests. Visit Hill of Crosses. • Samogitia (NW) Visit Zemaiciu Kalvarija famous pilgrimage site, Manor houses restored in Palanga and Plung·built in 19 th Century • Dz¯kiji (SE). Visit the National Park. Capital City Vilnius with many Gothic and Baroque Churches. In the area of Z˘èrynas there are 65 churches also famous for Gediminas Tower, Cathedral Square, Royal Palace and Presidential Palace and Trakai Island famous for its medieval castle. • S¯duva (S) Visit Kaunas • Lithuania Minor (on the Baltic Sea) On the Coast you should visit Palanga which has great beaches and beautiful sand dunes. Also the Curonian Spit (100kms long) a sand dune which separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea and the Nemunas Delta, Lithuania has many religious sites. 1. ˘emaiˇiu Kalvarija, Samogitia – a famous pilgrimage site, most visitors come at the beginning of July to gather for a large Church festival. 2. ˘iluva, Samogitia 3. Hill of Crosses, north of Siauliai a place where people have placed more than 100,000 crosses have been placed over more than a century (UNESCO) 4. Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, Vilnius

Typical food Plenty of smoked meats, fish and locally made cheeses Also use wild berries, mushrooms and cheese a lot in cooking. Bigos – a hunters stew with sausages and seasonal vegetables Borscht Soup

Typical drink Many different kinds of locally produced Beer Wine Honey Mead (midus) made from flora, leaves, berries and bark Vodka (degtine)

Acorn Coffee (naturally caffeine free)

POLAND

Places to visit 1. Tricity: Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia (North of Poland), by the sea, surrounded by greenery (forest), the best season to visit: summer or late spring, a lot of cultural events, monuments, cities where you can really relax at beaches and play a lot of water sports (sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc), biking. 2. lake district Kaszuby (North of Poland). plenty of lakes, surrounded by greenery (forest), place to swim, kayaking, sailing, etc.), biking. 3. lake district Mazury (North East of Poland), plenty of lakes, surrounded by greenery (forest), place to swim, kayaking, sailing, etc.), biking. 4. Warsaw – capital (central Poland), a lot of cultural events, monuments. 5. Cracow - (South of Poland), a lot of cultural events, monuments. 6. Zakopane - (South of Poland, Tatra's Mountains), a lot of cultural events, monuments, hiking, trekking, skiing, biking. 7. Wroclaw - a lot of cultural events, monuments, Tricity: Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia (North of Poland), by the sea, surrounded by greenery (forest), the best season to visit: summer or late spring, a lot of cultural events, monuments, cities where you can really relax at beaches and play a lot of water sports (sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc), biking.

Typical food dumplings - żurek – a kind of sour soup - bigos – a dish from cabbage and meat - pork chop and potatos - white sausage - blood sausage - pickled cucumbers - sauerkraut - cake - cheese cake

Typical drink Beer; cider; mead; vodka; bison vodka; apple juice

ROMANIA Places to visit 1. Maramure ș – country side, traditions, national costumes, The Happy Cemetery (Cimitirul vesel) 2. Moldova – old monasteries 3. Danube Delta – fantastic nature: birds and plants 4. Bran-Râ șnov-Bra șov – Bran castle, Rasnov city, Bra șov-town, Poiana Bra șov-winter resort 5. Oradea, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, – cities good to visit 6. Black Sea – Romanian sea

Top tips: 1. Romanian currency, money, exchange houses and card payments - The Romanian currency is Leu (RON) or Lei in plural and can be found in notes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500, all plastic and almost indestructible! Before travelling to Romania, the foreign currency, we recommend you bring is Euros, US dollars, UK pounds or Swiss francs which are the most easily interchangeable currencies. When you arrive don’t use exchange offices located in airports for more than €10 for taxi fare, as they usually have bad rate aimed at unsuspecting tourists. Exchange bureaus are very popular in Romanian cities so you will find plenty of them everywhere, usually recognisable by their yellow or white street boards indicating rates offered. Making card payments is very common and safe in Romania. Bank card issued by VISA, MasterCard and Maestro are widely accepted everywhere, but American Express cards don’t work. If you are using a credit card issued by a bank outside the European Union, it is best to check with your bank and see if it is authorized for international payments. I Romanian cities you can pay by bank card almost everywhere (coffee shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, etc) but when travelling to remote areas or in the countryside - cash is king so always have Lei with you and plan your budget ahead. 2. Tipping in Romania is very common and usually expected. Service fees or coperto is not included when going out in restaurants (unless otherwise expressly mentioned) and a 10% tip on top of the bill is the norm; if you’re really happy with the service you can go up to 15- 20%. Tips for other small, personal services (body care & cosmetics, hotel concierge, driver, etc. are also welcomed. Tipping tour guides in Romania is also common especially in shared group tours or free; tours. If the tour guide doesn’t say anything, just go with the flow and see what other people do. 3. Electricity, Internet & cellular coverage - Romania uses the European standard socket and dual-round pronged pin with electricity at 210-230 Volts UK, US or other types of plugs will need an adaptor. If you are wondering about internet connectivity you should know that Romania has one of the world’s fastest and most reliable internet connection in the world (6 th place globally, to be precise). That’s another reason why digital nomad love Romania, besides its affordability. Good Wi-Fi is usually available in most public places and there are lots of cafes where you can retreat or a quiet work session and a good cup of coffee. Mobile network coverage is on par: dominated by Vodafone and Orange and cellular coverage is excellent, with 3G/4G reception being standard in major cities. Both networks have prepaid SIM cards with data packages starting from 5€ (check their websites or store for more details). Cellular receptions and coverage are very good all over the country and even in the countryside. Wi-fi might be harde to find outside major cities (except when going to resorts, hotels or more modern guesthouses) but you can easily use your phone or create a mobile hotspot if you need internet. Lastly, the country code to call a Romania number is +40. 4. Personal safety and social norms – Is Romania safe as a travel destination? Yes - there have been no terror attacks, attempts, plots or otherwise in Romania. Also, there are no internal ethnic or religious conflicts and we have a very strict firearm regulation - so no lunatics with guns. The only civil disturbances in Romania are protests against the political class for lots of reasons, but even those are peaceful, funny and inspiring and won’t cause any trouble to you.

Typical food 1. Cabbage rolls with polenta (Sarmale cu mămăligă) 2. Soups (meatball soup, chicken soup etc) 3. Desserts (, sweet bread, apple pie etc)

Typical drink Palinca

Typical Recipe Meatball soup receipe: https://www.thebossykitchen.com/romanian-meatballs-sour-soup-ciorba-de-perisoare-2/

SLOVENIA

Places to Visit Ljubljana Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj Piran Postojna Cave Skocjan Caves

Typical Food Carniolan sausage with sauerkraut and buckwheat mush

Typical drink Honey liqueur

Typical Recipe Prekmurska

SPAIN

Places to visit: https://www.spain.info/en/

Typical food https://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/gastronomia/

Typical drink https://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/gastronomia/rutas-vino/ https://www.spain.info/en/reportajes/receta_para_un_verano_en_espana_bebidas_refresc antes.htm

Typical Recipe https://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/gastronomia/recetas/paella.html

TURKEY

Places to visit 1. Anıtkabir/Ankara 2. Gobeklitepe/Sanlıurfa 3. Hagia Sofia/ 4. Nemrut Mount/Adıyaman 5. The ancient city Ephesus/Izmir 6. Cappadocia/Nevsehir 7. Topkapı Palace/Istanbul 8. Pamukkale (cotton castle)/ Denizli 9. Sumela Monastery/Trabzon 10. Bodrum (popular vacation hotspots)/Mugla 11. Akdamar Island/Van 12. Pigeon Valley/Nevsehir 13. Oludeniz Valley/Antalya 14. Mardin (The Shining City of Mesopotamia) 15. Mosaic Museum/ 16. Basilica Cistern/ İstanbul 17. Temple of Artemis, Kusadasi/Aydin 18. Aspendos/Antalya 19. Ani ruins/Kars 20. Grand Bazaar/Istanbul

Typical food of your country 1. Kebab 2. Simit (humble snack) 3. Turkish breakfast 4. Lokum (Turkish delight) 5. (Sweet ) 6. Pide (Turkish pizza) and Lahmacun 7. yogurt 8. Mantı 9. Turkish dolma and sarma (Wrapped vine leaves with a filling of rice) 10. Karnıyarık 11. Meatballs 12. Gozleme layered pastry filled with a variety of fillings including spinach, cheese, potatoes and parsley

Typical drink of your country Turkish coffee Ayran

Typical Recipe Turkish dolma/sarma is a dish where rice and meat get stuffed into hollowed out peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, or dried eggplants, then slowly braised. Sarma sees the same ingredients rolled in vine or cabbage leaves. Both are a staple at the table for nearly every occasion

THE NETHERLANDS

Places to visit: 1. Amsterdam (e.g. Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House etc) 2. Kinderdijk (Windmills) 3. Keukenhof (Flowers) 4. Zaanse Schans (Windmills) 5. National Park De Hoge Veluwe

Typical food 1. Stampot 2. Nasi Goreng met pindasaus 3. Patat met frikandel, bitterbal, kroket 4. Appeltaart 5. Balkenbrij 6. Brabants worstenbroodje 7. Haring 8. Krentewegge 9. Erwtensoep

Typical drink 1. Oranjebitter 2. Juttertje 3. Advocaat 4. Bier

Typical Recipe Appelplaatkoek: Mix 400 g butter melt in a bowl 250 grams oatmeal, 500 grams self-rising flour and 400 grams light brown caster sugar and add the butter. Divide half on a baking sheet and place 1.5 kg of grated apple on top. Add a little cinnamon and then add the rest of the . About minutes in an oven at 175 degrees Celsius.

UK

Places to visit: Kirsten suggests The following if you visit the South West of England.

Places to visit and top tips: Join the National Trust for around £90 and then have free access to some of the most beautiful places in the UK. Wonderful facilities for families.

Typical food Sunday Carvery in English Pub.

Typical drink If you visit the West Country (Somerset, Devon and Cornwall) you need to try Cider!

Typical Recipe Victoria Sponge Cake Scones with Cream and Jam (Cream Tea)

Places to visit Jo suggests: 1. Stonehenge 2. Stratford upon Avon 3. Bath

Typical food Roast beef (and Yorkshire pudding) Fish and chips

Typical drink Tea

Typical Recipe Shepherds Pie

Places to visit Ali lives in Scotland 1. If you enjoy cities, then Edinburgh is well worth a visit. Many historical places to see including the Castle. 2. St Andrews is a beautiful old town on the East coast. Famous for its University and its golf courses. The West Sands was the beach where the Film ‘Chariots of Fire’ was shot. In fact, if you enjoy golf then Scotland is a wonderful country to visit as even top golf courses are accessible and relatively cheap to use. 3. If you enjoy the countryside, then I highly recommend the west coast of Scotland and the Hebredian Islands. Gareloch and Torridon are my particular favourite places on the mainland. The mountains and coastline are spectacular, and even if you do not enjoy sailing or hillwalking then there are other attractions such as wildlife, Gardens, whisky distilleries and Castles. 4. There is a very scenic train journey through the Highlands – part of it was used in the Harry Potter films!

Typical food Haggis (tatties and neeps) Shortbread Also good seafood Too much fast food!

Typical drink Whisky The very sugary soft drink called Iron Bru (which has the strap line ‘Made in Scotland from Girders’!)

Typical Recipe Skirlie. This is typically served with a staple ‘Mince and Tatties’. Mince is beef mince cooked in a gravy. Tatties are mashed potatoes. Skirlie is simple oatmeal fried in fat, such as butter or lard! The Scottish diet is traditionally quite high in fat – perhaps to do with the cool climate?!

UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

Places to visit: New York City; Grand Canyon

Top tip: Pick an activity and use that as a means to travel; there are so many things to see.

Typical food Everything is available. BBQ?

Typical drink Soda, Beer

Typical Recipe Hamburgers