Some of the most visited countries in the world lie within the continent of Europe, which is bordered by Africa, Asia and two oceans – the Atlantic and the Arctic. Europe may be the world’s second-smallest continent by land surface area, but there is no lack of diversity in the countries that are part of it. Visitors are generally amazed at just how quickly a separation of a few miles can transform one culture into another. Languages change and the taste buds are exposed to a whole new range of gastronomic delights.
Europe packs quite a punch on all fronts, be it the spectacular natural scenery of the Alps, the romance of Venice, the lure of Scotland’s glens and lochs or the beaches of the Mediterranean, there’s no dearth of stunning scenery to leave you ‘starry-eyed.’ For those interested in history and the arts, the attractions are mind-boggling. One can literally step back in time in the numerous medieval cities like York, Siena, Saint Paul de Vence or Prague or get lost in the Moorish palaces of Andalucia or the imperial palaces of St. Petersburg. If spirituality is what you seek, the grand monasteries and spectacular churches of Europe are sure to satiate the restless heart.
Kiev is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, dating back to the 5th century and the capital and largest city of Ukraine. Located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River, Kiev is a city rich in history and beautiful architecture, with countless cathedrals and monasteries, and with a thriving contemporary…
Situated on the Black Sea shore, Odesa is the summer capital of Ukraine and its third-largest city. This charming city was founded in 1794 and is a relatively young city compared to Kiev or Lviv. However, a great number of architectural and cultural monuments, as well as the warm Black Sea and delicious cuisine, attract…
There’s just something magical about Kiev. Once plagued with the Mongol Empire, World War II, Chernobyl, and Soviet rule, it has survived all of them and now stands proudly as the capital of Ukraine. It’s filled with theaters, museums, religious sites, and modern buildings, making it the center of Ukrainian culture. This city always has…