The Red Square in Moscow

Red Square is a place which for sure should not be omitted to visit when you come to Moscow. There are a lot of things that people can do in and around this square. Most of them do not want to miss the chance to see Lenin´s Mausoleum. This place was built to revere the founder of Socialism – a system which is already dead, but for sure it will not be forgotten.
The history of Red Square dates back to 15th century and originally it was called Trinity Square after the Trinity Cathedral which used to stand in the place where we can find the St. Basil Cathedral at present. Over the years the square has become the equivalent to ancient Rome´s Forum – a meeting place for people. But not only this, it has also been a place for celebrating religious festival, for public gathering, for listening to Government announcements and even watching executions.
St. Basil´s Cathedral is another must to see as for many people it is an architectural symbol of Russia. Its domes, cupolas, arches, towers and spires inspires in real life as well as in photos.
State History Museum has a huge collection of artefacts charting Russia´s past back to the Stone Age. You can also find the famous 1 Red Square restaurant inside.
Kremlin – your visit would not be complete without visiting the seat of the Russia´s government. You can spend the whole afternoon there. Constructed from the 15th century right up to the 20th, you will find a number of bold and grandiose architectural styles in these edifices which combine to reflect the glory of Russia through ages.
If you want to escape cold, go to the GUM Department Store which is the largest in Russia and a great place for you to do luxury shopping.
It is for sure worth to let yourself be impressed by the Red Square and feel the special energy of it.

Explore Moscow – the capital of Russia

Moscow is the biggest city in Russia and Europe. A city in which there is a fascinating atmosphere, where the history is connected with modern times. While walking through this city you should not miss some places that make this city so interesting and unique. One of them is the Red Square that is called the main square of Moscow and Russia. A building which can be found here is Lenin´s Mausoleum where the body of this great leader is placed.
For sure, every visitor should see the St.Basil´s Cathedral. The architecture is really fascinating. The same it is about the State historical museum that is situated in the north of the square and seems to be like from a fairy tale.
The Moscow Kremlin is a historic fortified complex in the heart of the city. It includes four palaces, four cathedrals and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. Nowadays the complex serves as the official residence of the President.
The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum of European art in Moscow. This museum offers an unforgettable experience. Thousand years old paintings as well as beautiful pieces of French impressionists – you will find everything here.
In case you travel to Russia in winter, be prepared for freezing cold weather. However, it is one of the best views to see the Red Square covered with snow. The best how to get there is by plane. Moscow belongs to the cities which offer a lot of opportunities regarding accommodation, mainly if you look for really luxurious hotels. The best is to book your hotel in advance, so you can be sure that it will be the right quality of service and position within the city.
Moscow is a city with rich cultural and political past. This place is lively and very popular by tourists, a city with wonderful magic that is able to impress any visitor.

Charles Bridge Prague

Charles Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in the world and the oldest bridge in Prague. It is almost 10m wide, 516m long and rests on 16 arches.
Towers guard both ends of the bridge – the Old Town Bridge Tower and two Malá Strana Bridge Tower.
The bridge is embellished with 30 Baroque statues and sculptural groups from the early 18th century depicting saints, and historical and biblical figures.
Charles Bridge is a popular place among street performers and artists – painters, musicians, dancers, mime artists.

The date and time the first stone was laid was not left to chance. They form the palindrome 1357-9-7531(year 1357, day 9.7., time 5.31).
In 1393 John of Nepomuk, a vicar who refused to betray the confessional secrets of Queen Sofia to Czech King Wenceslas IV was cast from Charles Bridge into the Vltava. In the mid-18th century he was made a saint. On the wall, from which he was thrown, a small brass cross with five stars was erected (between the statue of John the Baptist and statues of St Norbert, St Wenceslas and St Sigmund). According to legend, a person who places his hand on the cross so that each finger touches one of the stars will have a secret wish fulfilled.
There are many mysterious or funny stories connected to the Charles Bridge. The truth is that the construction workers ended up in the 1402. It is hard to estimate, when then went into retirement, but it is clear that the productive life of one man did not cover the entire event. The work, according to archaeological surveys, Judith went over the bridge, respectively on his remains. Although he fell during a flood, but retained part of its structure and thus could at least serve as a wooden footbridge. When the Charles Bridge was completed, it seems the people of Prague had been knocked down.

Visit Prague Castle

Prague Castle – this castle holds a number of records. It is the largest castle in the world, entered in the Guinness Book of Records and the most visited Czech monument among tourists. It is also undoubtedly the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic, so visiting it is a ‘duty’ for all tourists.
It is impossible to see all of Prague Castle in one day. There are a number of tours available which you can visit and there are also a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions to be found.

The Golden Lane
The most romantic place in Prague Castle, and possibly the whole of Prague, is the Golden Lane where Emperor Rudolph II’s alchemists used to live. Craftspeople and artists have today returned to the lane, so it is possible to look at and buy their products.

Prague Castle Picture Gallery
Works of art from famed collections of Emperor Rudolph II – works from Titian, von Aachen and Rubens – more than 100 paintings from a total number of 4,000 pictures can be found here.

The Powder Tower
The Powder Tower, which used to serve defensive purposes, was an alchemy laboratory under Rudolph II. You will be sure to notice the Palace Guards on entering the castle. The changing of the guards, a great tourist attraction, takes place every hour. Every day at noon a changing of the guards with full pomp and a military parade is held.
The Royal Summer Palace of Queen Anne
The Summer Palace is one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture in Central Europe. You are only able to look inside when one of its many exhibitions are taking place.
Going to the Summer Palace, you will notice the bronze Singing Fountain. It got its name because if you put your ear to the bottom of the bowl, you can hear the note ‘a’. The sound is also reminiscent of the distant ringing of bells.

Explore Talinn

In case you want to experience unique holiday where can combine comforts of modern world, good nightlife and wonderful adventures, then visit Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. It is not a world metropolis, but even if you are there for a few hours, you get a lot of experiences.
Tallinn Old Town is known for authentic Hanseatic architecture. The streets are cobbled and houses date back to 11th century. This all, together with cafés or nice restaurants create nice atmosphere about this medieval town. The advantage is that everything can be reached within a quick walk on food although you can try the tour train Vana Toomas or a bike taxi Veltakso, as well. One of the places which you should not miss is the Town Hall Square – Raekoja plats, the social heard of the city. During the summer there are a lot of outdoor cafes, concerts and fairs while in December it is changed into Christmas Market. The Town Hall, the only intact Gothic town hall in the Northern Europe is now used as a museum and concert hall. There is the oldest continuously working pharmacy in Europe within this square – tiny Raepteek. According to a legend, this is a birthplace for favourite treat marzipan.
Modern business city of Tallinn is just 5 minutes from the Old Town and it is full of modern glass and steel skyscrapers, high-tech hotels, a lot of restaurants, bars, shopping malls and conference centres. The contrast between the old and new is best visible in the skylines of Tallinn. You can take a walk in Kadriorg park, have a coffee in Pirita yacht harbour where you can admire the best view over the bay. The best example of modern architecture is the Rotermann quarter. In the past it was a factory and production area which has been renovated and now there are a lot of boutique shops, hotels, cafes or open air markets.
Comfort and luxury of Tallinn is what you can expect from this modern capital city, within easy reach and reasonable price.

Welcome to Estonia

Estonia – the north-eastern edge of European Union where the language is a nightmare to learn. Almost 50% of the country is forest with 1500 islands. The winters are freezing cold with a lot of beautiful snow.
If you are culturally passionate, you will for sure love all events which can be visited in Estonia because its cultural heritage is full of surprising contrasts coming from exotic to the heroic as well as from the romantic to the modern. Plenty of exciting events, exhibitions, theatre performances, festival and concerts can be visited all year round.
If you are more for historical sights, then visit the wonderful manors that were built across Estonia. Some of them have fallen already into ruins, but a lot of them have been reconstructed and now they are really popular by tourists. Increasing number of the manor houses have been converted into luxury hotels which are set in beautiful grounds and are known for their excellent restaurants, for instance Pädaste Manor on the Muhu Island, The Ammende Villa in Pärnu or Sagadi.
If you are more for relax and spa then Estonia is the right country for you. Seaside resorts and island spas offer a wide range of medical, relaxation and recreational procedures such as mud wraps, chocolate massages and salt treatments. The most popular spas are located in Pärnu, Haapsalu, Kuressaare or Värska.
In case you belong to bargain hunters, then you will for sure love shopping in this country because luxury items, alcohol or handcrafts are cheaper the in most countries of the EU. Do not forget to buy something from the food production – chocolate, preserves, milk products or smoked sausages. Food and sweets are great souvenirs for friends or family back home.
Do you like betting like Estonians? Then the casinos in Estonia will be the right for you. The best one is the Reval Part Hotel in Tallinn. Outside casinos the other legal options for you are betting on horses, scratch cards or stock market.

A Trip to Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is situated in the middle of taiga lowlands along the shores of the Neva Bay and islands of the river delta. This city is fast, cheap and unbelievably deep. It is considered this city is a cultural metropolis with a lot of cultural events all year round. Famous Kirov ballet and Opera society show their performances in the unique theatre Mariinsky. If this is not your cup of tea, you can try any of the night clubs which are usually open until early in the morning and during the White nights they are open all day long.
Admiralty building is one of the sights which should be seen. It was the main navy staff and now it is a navy university. However, the most important sight of Saint Petersburg is the Alexander Nevsky Monastery – the oldest and most important monastery of the city.
Peter and Paul Fortress is the oldest building in the city. In the past it defended the city and it was a jail as well where a lot of political prisoners served their sentences.
There are more than two hundred museums in this city, a lot of them in historical buildings. The largest one is the Hermitage Museum. The Kunstkamera collects curiosities from all over the world and it is sometimes considered as the first museum in Russia.
The last ten days in June are called White nights and people in Saint Petersburg celebrate till early in the morning. It is a famous festival of dance which includes performances from folk to ballet.
If you prefer shopping, than this city is the right one for you. You can buy whatever here, from valuable china to cheap boxes. Doll in dolls are everywhere. Original products can be found in Lomonosov factory. There is also increasing number of luxurious shopping malls with French, Italian or Russian haute couture.
The best accommodation in the newest and the most expensive hotels can be found in the centre. The biggest hotels from the past are father from the centre and also from the public transport. Official prices are always high. Discounts are possible if you book online or using travel agency.
Saint Petersburg is a mixture of styles and life extremes. It is wonderful and sad crumbling away at the same time. However, it is worth to see it.

Enjoy your trip to Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital and the biggest city in Poland. The city has a big character which you would expect of a capital and a skyline to prove it – one that´s dominated by modern skyscrapers and the Gotham City – like Palace of Culture. There is no escaping the fast pace of business, sophisticated nightlife and elegant dining.
Most of the major sightseeing attractions are located in the centre area. Investigate the Palace of Culture and Science, Bank Square and The Church of Artists or take a stroll around The Old Town which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. For a taste of history, go to the Warsaw Uprising Museum or the National Museum. For those ones who love nature, it is great to have the opportunity to visit one of the many parks inside and around the city, for instance Krasinski Park. The Old Town offers beautiful gardens where you can relax.
Warsaw is home to over 30 major theatres, including the National Theatre and the Grand theatre. However, it also hosts many events and festivals, like the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition or Warsaw Summer Jazz Days.
If you wish to purchase souvenirs and browse around shops, visit the Zlote Tarasy Shopping centre. Warsaw´s Arkadia is famous for being one of the largest malls in Europe.
The city has become tourist friendly over the years, so there can be found five-star hotels as well as student hostels. However, it is good to book accommodation in advance.
Eating out includes traditional Polish cuisine, food from around the world at many restaurants which can suit all tastes. The cheapest – Milk Bars – are an attraction offering a slice of years past. Sweet is one of the culinary symbols. For sure, you should try “Zygmuntówka”, jelly-filled doughnuts from Klikkle or Wedel chocolate.
It does not matter what is the reason of your visit, Warsaw will for sure make an impression upon you.

Enjoy the Slovak Republic

Slovakia, the European geographical central point, is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Europe with wide variety of traditions and rich history. The traditions of several of cultures still remain in Slovakia making it an exciting holiday destination, mainly for those ones who enjoy seeing things which nowhere else in the world can be seen. There is something for everyone, from ancient ruins to luxury spas. Slovakia is pleasant at any time of the year, but most popular time to visit is winter or summer. Whatever time of year you decide to visit, get ready to enjoy one of the most memorable holidays of your life.
Do you know, what you won´t find anywhere else in the world except in Slovakia? Get attracted by places unique within the world which are offered to every visitor of this small country!
The world highest wooden gothic altar is to be admired in Levoca, in the St. James church. It is 18,6 m high and his author is Master Paul from Levoca. He carved it of lime wood at the beginning of the 16th century. It took him 10 years.
The Kremnica mint is the oldest enterprise in the world which operates without any break. The coins have been made here since 1328 and – for instance – the Slovak Euro-coins were punched here as well.
The so called „Bratislava tapestries“ exhibited in the Primate Palace are the world most completed collection of tapestries made in English royal manufactory in Mortlake (part of London). The collection consists of 6 pieces and is dated back to the 17th century. It shows a tragic love story between the priestess Hero and a young man Leandros.
The world highest sinter column is hidden in the Krásnohorská jaskyňa cave, in its „Giants´ Hall“. It is called „The dripstone of Rožňava speleologists“ and measures 32,6 m. You can find him in the Guinness book of world records as well.
The first technical university in the world was the Mining Academy founded by Maria Theresa in 1762. It was placed in Banská Štiavnica, which used to be the centre of mining science and technical development in Europe.
The building of the first horse railway in The Kingdom of Hungary (connecting Bratislava with Svätý Jur) is one of the oldest railway buildings in the world.
The Tatra Chamois is a completely unique chamois kind (a separate subspecies), because after the end of the ice ages it evolved thousands of years totally isolated. Therefore it differs from its related chamois in the Alps or Apennines and you won´t find this kind anywhere else on Earth. Because at present there are only slightly more than 200 pieces, they are protected very strictly.
You like winter and you have decided to visit Slovakia at that time? Then you have made a perfect decision:
.. white, active, funny, traditional, even hot – winter in Slovakia can be  just like that. Many options in a small territory, from big resorts up to small family guest houses. Activities come from adrenaline downhill skiing to easy cross-country skiing, from fun in snow to relaxation in hot thermal springs. Winter has its atmosphere also in towns. Nobody can guarantee that our towns will be dressed in white but there will be surely many opportunities to warm you.
Your body and soul will surely appreciate mixing active exercise with relaxation.
Many thermal springs with beneficial and healing effects confirm the exceptionality of Slovakia. Connection of winter and hot water is fascinating – there is a chilly winter outside and you can watch fairy-tale sceneries directly from a hot water pool. You need not imagine it you have to live it. You can enjoy warmth also during warming massage or in a sauna. Do something for yourself and accept our invitation to our resorts.
Come and spend winter in Slovakia – in a small country with great experiences!

Visit and enjoy Prague

Prague, a really beautiful city, which is full with unique objects, that cannot compete with any other city in Europe or even in the world. People living in Prague often pass without noticing them. Are you curious which are they?
Prague castle – did you know that it is the largest castle unit in the world? The length is 570 metres and the width is 130 metres. It offers one of the most wonderful views of the world.
The net of municipal pneumatic post is the best preserved in the world. Although it was slightly damaged during the floods nine years ago, it can still be used. This system was started in 1899 and twenty years ago it was able to transport 9 000 capsules a month.
Oppidum called “Závist (envy)” – this area was settled in the 6th century BC by Celts. The biggest area was achieved in the 2nd century BC. With its area of 118 hectare it belongs to the most monumental Celt fortresses in Europe where 1500-3500 people lived. If we consider there were 100 thousands inhabitants in Bohemia, it was really a lot.
While going along the streets in Prague, only a few people know that they walk above the most modern collectors in the world. The tunnels are approximately 30 metres under the road. These technical net is so large that a small train can go through them. They have been built since 1969 and now they achieve the length of 90 kilometres.
In addition, you can get to know Prague´s historical sites in a way like you never knew them before – you can spend a wonderful day with a cruise on the Vltava. History lovers will be excited by 90 minutes cruise by boat or steamer. You will get to see all of the major sights and you will discover the hidden charms of Charles Bridge, The National Theatre, Prague Castle and many other monuments from the decks of a boat.