For Travelers

Croatia

Croatia, situated in the Central Europe, has a forme and a surface resulted from the Civil War in the 90`s. In this way, Croatia is composed by 2 distinct parts:

• The hilly Slavonia with its capital at Zagreb in the East
• Dalmatia - region situated in the West, with Dinaric Alps (or Dinarides)

The calcareous peaks of this mountain chain from the coast of the Adriatic Sea descent abruptly to the water, where it`s transforming in countless little inslands, which prolongs the coasts line of this country with more than 4000 km.

This region has been, until the end of the 80`s, one of the most popular touristic destinations of Europe. Each year there arrived thousands of tourist, specially from Germany and Italy. They were visiting famous locations like Zadar (photo 1), Split (photo 2), Rijeka (photo 3), Dubrovnik (photo 4). Unfortunately, the war has turned off this important sorce of income of Croatia.

After the peace was settled, the tourists started, slowly, to come back. Mostly the italians are very attached of this country and many of them possess holiday houses in Instria Peninsula.

Croatia has temperate clime, but in Dalmatia is a mediteranean one. On the coast, the temperature is about 9 degrees celcius in January and 25 in July. In Zagreb 0 degrees celcius in January and 24 in July.

What you must see:

• the Roman Amphitheatre and the Arc of Triumph from Pula
• the Cathedral and the historic city from Rijeka
• The National Park Plitvice
• the byzantine ruins from Zadar
• the historical cities Trogir and Sibenik
• the chain of defence fortresses between Trogir and Split
• Diocletian`s Palace from Split
• old city Dubrovnik
• Dalmatia`s islands
• Zagreb

Tags: Adriatic Sea, Croatia, Dalmatia, Dinaric Alps, Diocletian Palace, Dubrovnik, Germany, Italy, Plitvice, Pula, Rijeka, Sibenik, Slavonia, Split, Trogir, Zadar, Zagreb

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Milan (italian - Milano)

There`s a motto which Italians respect and which helps organising the life in Milan (photo 1): “fare una bella figura”, that means “to make a good impression”. Even the travelers who visit the capital of Lombardy are submitting to this creed. Lombardy, if you didn`t know, is one of the richest provinces of Italy.

The inhabitans of Milan appreciate the noble elegance, everything that is expensive, but without being stridently.

The biggest commercial center from the city of fashion is Victor Emanuel II Gallery (photo 2), which is stretching lengthways the gradiose buidings and the medieval and renaissance cathedrals.

Shoulder to shoulder, the business men and the tourists are steping the mozaic floor of the famous promenade, enjoying the booths of the pavements.

The elevating atmosphere of the halidom is frecvently disturbed by the rings of the mobile phones, an esential element of the busy life in Milan, a city of business, affairs, money and art.

Those sounds are accompaning the visitors everywhere: including through the glass of Camparino bar, which works since 1867. In this bar has began the famous mondial career of Campari drink.

A walk through the Gallery brings you until the building of the most famous opera in Italy and also one of the most appreciate: La Scala (photo 4). Its name makes you think about famous compositors, like Verdi, Puccini and opera interpreters like Maria Callas.

Other details:

• Language: Italian
• Religion: Catholicism
• Currency: Euro
• Airports: Malpensa, Linate

What you should see:

• Milan Cathedral - Duomo di Milano (photo 3)
• Victor Emanuel II Gallery
• St. Ambrose basilic
• Santa Maria delle Grazie Church
• Art Museum - Pinacoteca di Brera
• Sforza Castle (photo 5)
• La Scala

Tags: Camparino bar, Italy, La Scala, Linate, Lombardy, Malpensa, Maria Callas, Milan, Pinacoteca di Brera, Puccini, Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, Sforza Castle, St. Ambrose basilic, Verdi, Victor Emanuel II Gallery

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Vatican

Vatican, the biggest place full of palaces, is situated on the Vatican Hill, in the west side of Rome. It`s sorrounded by 3 walls that separates Rome from Vatican, on the right bank of Tiber river.

On the complex church, the borders of the state are marked by columns from Saint Peter`s Square.

Over Vatican we can see the masive dome of St. Peter`s Basilic. Near to that you`ll find Sistine Chapel and the Apostolic Palace.

The Palace is the residence of the Pope, the head of the state and also the head of Chatolic Church. That means more then 900 millions of believers in the whole world.

From a spiritual point of view, Vatican it`s a big power in the world.

Few are those who know that this little state has all the necessary institutions: army (Swiss Guard), a post-office which emite postmarks and a radio station which broadcasts programs in 35 languages.

Concomitantly, Vatican has its own flag and prison. It`s also a truly cultural power. Large places, rich libraries, spacious archives which are hiding invaluable treasures.

In Vatican`s museums you will have the possibility to see collections of anthic and early christian art.

St. Peter`s Basilic is the place where was the tomb of the apostle Peter. It was build in XVI century, replacing an old church, raised long time ago by the roman emperor Constantine I.

It`s dome was designed by Michelangelo. It`s something you shouldn`t miss in your travel.

Vatican`s climate is a mediteranean one, with medium temperatures in Juanury - 8 degrees celsius and in July +24 degrees celsius.

Other details:

• languages> Latin, Italian
• Religion> Catholic
• Currency> Euro
• Airport> Rome (Fiumicino)

You must see:

• Saint Peter`s Basilic
• Saint Peter Suare
• Apostolic Palace
• Museums in Vatican
• Sistine Chapel
• Michelangelo`s wall paintings
• Vatican`s Gardens (foto in right)

A map for your help:

Tags: Apostolic Palace, Italy, Michelangelo, Saint Peter Suare, Saint Peter`s Basilic, Sistine Chapel, Vatican, Vatican`s gardens

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