Although Eastern Europe is literally the eastern part of the continent of Europe, there is no clear demarcation of the countries that are a part of it as the term is more geopolitical than physical. The physical land boundaries of the region are the Ural Mountains and River, and the Caucasus Mountains but these are irrelevant in the larger scheme of boundaries. Countries that make up this part of Europe have sometimes been described as a cultural entity with its main characteristics comprising Greek, Russian, Byzantine, Eastern Orthodox and influences from the Ottoman culture. Another definition of Eastern Europe is the term Eastern Bloc which emerged during the Cold War to group the former communist European states which were not part of the Soviet Union.
However, no matter what demarcation is used to mark the region, there is no doubt that this part of Europe is a melting pot of natural wonders with rugged mountain scenery, sprawling plains, and beautiful water bodies. Eastern Europe is a land bathed in folklore and festivals that have been passed down through the ages, like Poland’s Drowning of Marzanna, Bulgaria’s Golden Grapes Festival or Hungary‘s Busójárás. It is also a breathing museum of history with some of its remarkable monuments like the Constantin Tanase Theater in Bucharest, the Main Market Square of Krakow or the Prague Castle in the Czech Republic, drawing interested visitors into its past.
Finding the perfect place to stay in Oludeniz can be surprisingly difficult. While the region is famous for the Blue Lagoon, one of the most photographed beaches in the world, the local hotel market is a mix of loud, all-inclusive resorts and hidden boutique gems. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to end up in…
Most travelers use Makarska as a quick ferry stop on their way to the islands, but they’re actually missing the best part. By staying here, you can find quiet pebble coves and late-night wine bars tucked away in stone alleys. But because the town is squeezed between the cliffs and the coast, where you stay…
When we first stood on the white stone of a Split pier, watching a ferry disappear toward the islands, we finally understood why many are so obsessed with the Dalmatian Coast. We loved spending our morning exploring a Roman emperor’s basement and our afternoon swimming in water so clear it felt like a swimming pool.…
Finding the perfect beach stay in Marmaris sounds easy until you’re scrolling through hundreds of identical blue-water photos. A few years ago, we booked a luxury suite in the city center, only to realize that “beachfront” meant we had to cross a four-lane highway just to touch the sand. Instead of a relaxing retreat, we…
While the beautiful shores of Dubrovnik and Split often steal the spotlight, those who venture inland discover that Croatia’s true crown jewel is Zagreb. As the city with the most museums per capita in the world, Zagreb offers a sophisticated cultural backdrop that is perfectly mirrored in its high-end accommodations. Here, luxury isn’t just another…
Finding the perfect place to stay in Varna can be tricky. The city is a sprawling mosaic of quiet historic streets, bustling maritime hubs, and high-energy beach resorts. Choosing the wrong neighborhood can make the difference between a peaceful getaway and a stressful experience. Trust us, you don’t want to realize too late that your…
Planning a trip to Zadar often presents a challenge: how to experience the city’s 3,000-year-old history without sacrificing the modern comforts of a high-end resort. Many find themselves choosing between charming but noisy boutique stays in the Old Town or secluded hotels that are too far from iconic sights like the Sea Organ and the…
Marmaris, known for its historic Ottoman charm and gorgeous coastline, is slowly becoming one of Turkey’s most exciting destinations. Planning a trip to Marmaris should be fun, but the logistics of building a daily itinerary can often feel like a second job. Finding reliable restaurants, booking activities, and managing transport can be more of a…
Fethiye is arguably one of Turkey’s most interesting cosmopolitan hubs. This small harbor town has recently become one of our favorite places to visit. However, you have to be careful. Planning a trip to Fethiye often starts with a dream of turquoise waters, but the reality of choosing between crowded all-inclusive traps and aging resorts…
We’ve always felt that Bodrum is where Turkey reveals its most glamorous side without ever losing its warm atmosphere. That’s why we often recommend this town to travelers looking for a truly luxurious escape. From lavish restaurants and fine boutiques to iconic all-white houses overlooking the sea, there’s no shortage of indulgent experiences! On top…
Think you’ve experienced the best beach holiday? Think again if you haven’t been to Sunny Beach. We were blown away by this resort town, with its 8 km (4.9 miles) of golden sand and all the right ingredients for an amazing beach vacay. But here’s the catch we quickly noticed: Sunny Beach is home to…
At the starting point of the stunning Dalmatian Coast in Croatia sits Rijeka, its vibrant port city. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, specifically the Kvarner Gulf, this lovely city uniquely blends culture, history, and stunning Adriatic views, making it a very popular destination. Hotels in Rijeka, Croatia, are much the same, unfolding like chapters in a…
The quintessential beach resort of Marmaris on Turkey’s gorgeous southern Turquoise Coast is busy and loud. However, it’s got everything anyone ever requires from a beach resort town! Think of a lovely harbor bobbing with wooden yachts and sitting pretty beneath a magnificent and imposing hulk of a castle; that’s Marmaris for you. Since it’s…
Catching a flight from Istanbul Airport can be both exciting and stressful, especially when you’re trying to beat the city’s notorious traffic or dealing with a long layover. Luckily, we’re here to show you the top-rated hotels near Istanbul Airport with free shuttle, which will take the hassle out of your travel plans. Considering the…
If you’re looking for an always-sunny destination surrounded by the sea and steeped in history (and free from cars), then Dubrovnik should be at the top of your list. This UNESCO World Heritage city is one of our top European coastal escapes. Beyond its cinematic beauty, made even more famous by Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik…
As one of the most visited cities in the world, it’s not shocking that Istanbul is on your must-visit list. However, if you haven’t checked it off your list because of budget, we have the perfect solution: 3 star hotels in Istanbul Turkey! In case you didn’t know, Istanbul boasts over 2,000 hotels catering to…
Dubrovnik is certainly having a moment: whether it’s because of increased flight routes, the arrival of cruise ships, or the continuing Game of Thrones mania. The town is home to a fantastic food culture, spectacular architecture, and even more amazing beaches. While some beaches lie right outside the historic walls of the Old Town, the ones…
Many places have tried to capture the concept of “old meets new,” but none do it quite like Istanbul. We were in awe when we first saw the city’s centuries-old mosques standing right beside trendy rooftop bars. At the heart of this vibrant blend lies none other than Istiklal Street, the city’s most famous pedestrian…
What makes Split in Croatia so special is that not only is it the country’s second-largest city, but it’s also a beautiful little tourist town. Built around the magnificent Diocletian palace, this town also connects the hip islands off the coast of the country to mainland Dalmatia. Thus, Split has the rare distinction of being…
As someone who has been there before, we can say that choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik can feel like navigating its famous city walls: beautiful, but overwhelming. With thousands of accommodation options available and a surge of more than 1.5 million visitors annually, preparing for your trip can quickly feel like a daunting task.…
Byzantium, Constantinople — this ancient city astride the glittering Bosphorus Strait has been known by many names and has a long and illustrious history. We’re talking about Istanbul, which is as magical as it sounds. This ancient modern city sits at the confluence of the east and the west, and is a place where empires,…
There’s nothing better than hearing the sound of waves from your balcony and knowing the beach is just steps away. If you agree with us, you’ll love Croatia. This Balkan country has some incredible seaside hotels that make it easy to enjoy the country’s stunning coast in style. From the lively shores of Split to…
Istanbul is all about iconic sights and landmarks, and few landmarks are as widely known and popular as Taksim Square. This lively square can be considered the symbolic heart of the city, sitting on the European side of Istanbul. Multiple Insta-worthy streets lie off the main square, which are all about photo-ops, shops, street performers,…
There’s no way you’ve missed the image of a long, thin, V-shaped golden sand beach when you’ve searched for Croatia on the internet. That beach is the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), and it sits on the island of Brač, which is famous for its radiant white stone, besides stunning beaches studded along its coastline. The…