Venere Travel Blog» Eastern Europe

Budget Hotels in Belgrade

raffaella notari — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 16:00:34 +0000

Looking for an affordable alternative in the historic city of Belgrade? Then read on.

Guide to Moscow’s Izmailov Market

Pazzi de Peuter — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:00:47 +0000

People who are looking for genuine Russian souvenirs and bargains at Moscow's world-famous Izmailov Market need look no further. This is a beginner's guide to one of Russia's most famous general markets. There are a number of points for visitors to take into account in order to get the most out of a visit. There are hundreds of locally-produced souvenirs, merchandise and general goods on offer across the three levels of the market. Visitors can browse a huge range of matryoshka dolls, fur hats and lacquer boxes; all of which offer genuine Russian style and design.

Prague: Kid-Friendly Activities

Will Joce — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:00:04 +0000

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic is like a fairytale land with cobblestone streets and magnificent buildings to enchant the whole family. The kids love towers to climb and there are a number that are good to look at, climb and to look down from.

Dubrovnik’s Best Beaches

Anita Choudhary — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 17:00:57 +0000

Located in the extreme southern regions of Croatia along the coast of the Adriatic Sea is one of the most prominent seaports in this area of the country as well as its oldest city, Dubrovnik. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been over 30 years now and is oftentimes referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." For many tourists, it is the beaches of the area that draws them to this popular Adriatic destination. The following is a list of the best beaches in Dubrovnik.

Shopping Malls in Riga

Anita Choudhary — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:00:03 +0000

Riga, the capital of Latvia, has been experiencing something of a Renaissance lately with many of the older buildings throughout the city being renovated and/or restored. Lately, Riga is viewed as one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Shopping in Riga offers the international traveler a number of excellent venues to enjoy such as the central markets and the little stands scattered around the central part of the city.

However, if you want to explore shopping malls in Riga, the following ones are highly recommended:

Shopping Malls in Krakow

Anita Choudhary — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:00:37 +0000

Situated in Poland’s southern region is the city of Krakow, the capital city of the Malopolskie province which means Lesser or Little Poland. If there is one thing that many international travelers enjoy when they vacation in Krakow it is the abundance of shopping venues that are available, especially where the shopping malls are concerned.

For many years, Old Town offered the only shopping venues as Krakow resisted the shopping mall invasion that eventually happened.

Transylvania, more than just vampire stories

Gabriela Ordenana — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:00:23 +0000

Located in the central part of Romania, Transylvania is most commonly known because of Count Dracula, Bram Stoker’s most famous character but it is actually one of the most beautiful regions in Eastern Europe.

Bran Castle, Transylvania, Romania. Photo by Horla Varlan

It is rich in myth and medieval sites like castles, fortresses, monasteries and fortified churches, some of the very well preserved.

Dubrovnik Walls and Cocktails in New York

Mireia — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:55:56 +0000

If you are in New York and are planning to have a party night, you might start with some drinks.

Here are some tips on where to find unsual cocktails in New York City:

Day trips from Prague, Czech Republic

Anita Choudhary — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:30:20 +0000

Prague is not only the Czech Republic’s capital and largest city, it is regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful travel destinations.

Located in central Bohemia and situated on the Vltava River,

Best Travel Destinations for Spring Summer 2010

Will Joce — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:30:51 +0000

outh Africa, as I'm sure everyone is aware by now, is hosting this summer's football FIFA World Cup.

Although the global financial conditions and the high price of flights to South Africa mean

Monet’s art in Paris, Facts about Turkey & Soccer in Rome

Mireia — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:30:41 +0000

If you are planning a cultural Spring trip, nothing better than Paris. Discover the most extensive collection of Monet's work.

This week’s Rome has gone through a soccer fever as last Sunday’s game positioned AS Roma

Top 5 things to do in Kraków

Grace A. — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:20:42 +0000

Kraków is one of the largest cities in Poland with a population of over 750,000 thousand Cracovians. The city is located on the banks of the beautiful Vistula River in the south of Poland. Although the city is no longer the official capital, it’s still known as Poland’s royal capital.

Fun Facts about Warsaw, Poland

Phil McDonald — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:44:49 +0000

The Polish capital can proudly boast a long history with the written word. In 1747 the doors of the world’s first public library opened to the people of Warsaw.

The Zaluski library was the brainchild of a pair of brothers, who were both bishops.

Fun Facts about Zagreb, Croatia

Phil McDonald — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:52:56 +0000

1. The invention of the ball-point pen

Don’t laugh because you wouldn’t know what to do without one. Thanks heavens for a Mr Slavoljub Penkala, who lived much of his life and died in the Croatian capital.

Airport Transfers in St Petersburg, Russia

Will Joce — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:00:49 +0000

Visitors to St Petersburg often find that they get a strong taste of visceral Russia before they have even arrived at their hotel because of the excitement and adventure inherent in airport transfers from Pulkovo, the city’s airport. The problem lies in the absence of an adequate shuttle service, either train or bus, that can [...]

Top 5 Things to do in Pecs, the 2010 European Capital of Culture

Anita Choudhary — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:34:35 +0000

Situated on the slopes of the Mecsek Mountains in southern Transdanubia is the town of Pecs (pronounced “paych”), Hungary. The tourism industry in Pécs has been enhanced by the charm of this town as well as its climate. The city boasts a wide array of art collections, historical buildings, and Turkish mosques just for starters. [...]

Exploring Soviet Tallinn, Estonia

Will Joce — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:24:46 +0000

Estonia has done a very good job of turning its back on its history as an occupied province of the Soviet empire. It is now a fully assimilated member of the EU and as such has been welcoming a steady stream of tourists eager to explore this former mystery. However, for those who have an [...]

Discovering Rural Bulgaria

Grace A. — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:00:27 +0000

Bulgaria proves that a country need not be large to be diverse and interesting. Its interesting geographic location has made it home to various ancient civilizations and varying natural and climatic conditions. Tracing its history back almost thirteen centuries Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe, and probably the world, whose tourism is [...]

The Legacy of the Iron Curtain for Travellers Today

Will Joce — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:00:55 +0000

For forty years during the Cold War the continent of Europe was divided. The Communist east and Capitalist west faced each other across the Iron Curtain, a divide that seemed as permanent as it did solid. This can all seem like a long time ago in the days of Schengen, EU expansion and budget airlines, [...]

3 Sustainable Buildings in Warsaw, Poland

Lucas Gray — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:02 +0000

Warsaw is more emblematic of a post-war reconstruction metropolis than a city boasting a plethora of sustainable design, yet hidden in the urban fabric are a few inspiring examples of environmentally responsible architecture. The Warsaw University Library, The Agora Building, and Metropolitan all demonstrate a bold commitment to sustainable design rarely seen even in the [...]