Around the World in 100 Countries

Serbia is a country that once was a part of Yugoslavia, and it is situated in Southern Europe. It is bordered by Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, and Romania. Like any other European countries, Serbia has a lot to offer its tourist population. Palic is quickly becoming known as a summer place and is a favorite summer resort. Here, you can see the lake and enjoy walks in Palic's baroque parks. Also, for the culture buff, you have the monuments to see as well as the Film Festival and the World Etno Music Festival.  Staro Selo- in this area, you will get to see a 19th-century church that is made of wood and was built by Vujica Vulicevic. During that century, this church was an ingenious architecture as it can easily be dismantled once invaders like the Turks are in the area and rebuilt in another safer location. This is now considered as one of Serbia's national treasures. In Guca Village, each year there is a hosted brass music festival or what is commonly called the Trubaci Festival. You will also enjoy the native dishes of Serbia here as well as partake in the excitements and the lively atmosphere of the festival.

Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy and also an island. Because many different cultures settled, dominated or invaded the island, Sicily has a huge variety of archeological sites. Also, some of the most notable and best preserved temples and other structures of the Greek world are located in Sicily.

Some examples are Segesta, Eryx,  Syracuse, Agrigento,  Motya, Soluntum, Piazza Armerina, Centuripe, and Palermo. There are also over 15 castles with beautiful decor.  Archeological park Valle dei Templi of Agrigento is also a great heritage site to visit. 
Slovakia

Here, you can climb alpine peaks in East Slovakia like the High Tatras, explore a clifftop castle in Trenčín, ski in Malá Fatra National Park and sit in as many old-town cafés as your rear can stand in Bratislava. Having emerged from its frumpy, communist-era chrysalis in time to welcome a horde of low-cost carrier junkies, the increasing numbers of flights and EU membership have pushed costs up in the capital. Outside the city and you’ll find traditional villages, terrific trails and prices a fraction of those in Western Europe.

Barcelona is certainly one of the most amazing cities in Spain. The Sagrada Familia cathedral is considered to be the symbol of the city and one of the most beautiful cathedrals all over the world. The Cathedral is a creation of the genius architect Antoni Gaudi who has spent all his life to design and build this unique masterpiece. Gaudi had a fondness for natural patterns and as a result you can see different elements of nature such as dandelions, sunflowers, palm trees and lilies used in the decoration of the cathedral.  In the western part of the Sagrada Familia there is a museum, where sketches and models of the cathedral are kept. 

A fantastic and exciting trip to Barcelona certainly should include a visit of Park Guell.  It was designed and built by Antoni Gaudi together with his assistant Josep Maria Jujol in the years between 1900 and 1914. The park, which is not actually a park, but a failed construction project, is very large area full of forms inspired by nature, spiral shaped towers, ladders and giant lizards. Most of the park is covered with unique mosaics. There is a large terrace in the middle of the park with a bench of beautiful mosaic, where you can relax and enjoy the art, architecture, people and a great panoramic view of Barcelona. 

We all know about Stonehenge, but few are those, who are familiar with the monumental stone formation, called Ales Stones. It is a colossal megalithic monument which consists of 59 large boulders, placed in the shape of a ship. Also with a valuable blend of ancient spirit and captivating beauty, Visby is really remarkable and is maybe the best-preserved medieval city in Scandinavia. It is the only ground with historical city status in the home of the ancient Goths, the island of Gotland. Visiting the city of Visby, you will be fascinated by the cozy cobblestone streets, spectacular botanical gardens, charming quaint homes and noteworthy ancient churches. In Stockholms Old Town, you can make a carriage tour or just walk around the town along its cobbled streets and medieval alleyways. Undoubtedly the most dominant among the various ancient buildings in the old city is the notorious King's Castle. Exploring the merits of the Stockholms Old Town, one can rejoice in its museums, tourist shops, studios and wide range of restaurants.

Switzerland has more than 48 300 km marked trails, and the nature is mind blowing. The air is fresh, and you often find yourself alone with nature. And even if you’re not the hiking type of person, there are so many different day hikes you can do. Just going for walks in Switzerland is a beautiful experience, at all times of the year. Even in winter time there are beautiful walks you can take up at the ski fields. Another great place is Interlaken , it is like a big outdoor adventure park. There is a lot to do for the adrenalin seeker: Sky diving over the Swiss glacier, water-ski etc. It’s a beautiful area, and is also really close to the highest train station in Europe which you can find at over 3,400 meters high. Visitors should also spend a day in the capital, Bern. It is a beautiful city with a lot of history and old buildings. It’s nice to walk around and let the old city take you back a few hundred years. All shops blend in so well in the old buildings, and some shops have been there for decades. 

The first thing you should do in Istanbul is sample the local cuisine. The best place to start is with a kebab house. Kebab is a typical South Eastern Turkish food and although you may be familiar with the western version, there is nothing like a true Turkish kebab. A traditional kebab may be cooked over a flame or grill, but if you prefer something in the form of a sandwich, look for a Doner Kebab which is roast lamb, sliced very thin, on flatbread with vegetables and a delicious yogurt and garlic sauce. Fresh fish and seafood can be found in abundance in Istanbul. For those who like a drink with dinner, Raki, a traditional (alcoholic) beverage made with anise and grapes, goes particularly well with fish. Unseasoned drinkers should beware of the strength of Raki. Shopping is also a must. The Grand Bazaar is known the world over. There are some 4,000 merchants selling their wares on this series of covered streets. Anything you may want to buy in Istanbul can be found here. You'll find gold and silver, carpets, slippers, boots, books, purses, foods and much more. For those of you from the west, where purchasing for the asking price is expected, shopping in the Grand Bazaar should be quite a treat. In Turkey, merchants are generally offended if you simply pay the asking price. They expect you to try to talk them down on the price. For those who enjoy fishing, relax and take in the local color of Anadolu Kavagi. This is a small fishing village at the end of the Asian side of the Bosporus. See the Byzantine fortress there on the cape and then enjoy some fresh, inexpensive seafood at one of the local restaurants.

There are many places to visit Ukraine. A highly recommended attraction are the Kamyanets-Podilskyy and Hotyn fortresses. These fortresses are no doubt on the first place of 7 wonders of Ukraine. Kamyanets-Podilskyy town has the frotification system that is unique all over the Europe and Hotyn fortrees was the center of numerous wars and fights. Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a unique monastic complex, included by the UNESCO into the list of the monuments of the world-wide significance. The complex consists of two parts: the above-ground (religious constructions complex) and underground (caves). The famous St. Sophia Cathedral is the principal temple of Kyiv Rus, founded by Yaroslav Mudry (Yaroslav The Wise), which survived the centuries and extant to our days. Lastly, the most popular and famous castle in Lviv region is Olesko. From a distance we can see the powerful defensive building on the picturesque hill in Olesko, which walls are formed of the cutted stone blocks, they "remember" a lot of invasions of polyglot invaders.

The Vatican Museums is the largest museum complex in the world with over 1400 rooms. The Vatican Museum includes the museum, galleries with 3,000 years of art, the Sistine Chapel, and parts of the papal palace. There is an astonishing amount of art, including a room of works by Raphael. The Pinacoteca Vaticana is probably Rome's best picture gallery with many Renaissance works. One of the most impressive halls is the Hall of Maps, with murals of old maps of the papal lands. If you plan to spend much time visiting the attractions in Vatican City, it might be convenient to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast near the Vatican. Visitors should definitely visit the Vatican Gardens as well, it has 23 hectares of beautiful gardens with a small villa and medieval fortifications separate the Vatican from Rome on the north and west sides.

Most of Botswana’s geography is a basin of sand and savannah laden with scrub. Its major attraction, the Kalahari, is a vast expanse of semi-arid valleys made of sand. It stretches to almost 85 percent of the entire Botswana, covering almost the whole of the central and southwestern regions. If you have the occasion to go up North, the Okavango River is worth visiting. It flows from Namibia and into the Okavango Delta. The country also has wildlife reserves that make Botswana an authentic African country. Worth checking out are the Moremi Wildlife Reserve and the Chobe National Park, as well as the Makgadikdadi and Nxai Pans National Park, where you will see African fauna at its richest.

There's no other place in the world that holds more mystery than the country of Egypt. This ancient atmosphere seems to fill its every nook and cranny with secrets yet untold. The Pyramids of Giza, popular and perhaps there is nothing more mysterious, and more worthy of seeing in Egypt. These are the pyramids of Khufu, Kafhre, and Menkaura. These perfectly shaped structures leaves everyone in awe and in wonder about how exactly they were made, considering that the ancient Egyptians had no advanced technology to work with. Next there is the Sphinx. This is one of the most mysterious structures in Egypt. Even now, archaeologists are still arguing about its origin and its purpose, making it the subject of the famous phrase, "the Riddle of the Sphinx." Lastly of the top places to visit, Abu Simbel is a must see sight. These two temples were built by Pharaoh Ramesses II to commemorate himself and his wife, Nefertari. It's a breathtaking place, and its temples are hailed as one of the most beautiful in Egypt. What's even more interesting about the Abu Simbel is the amount of effort put into relocating and preserving it.

Beneath the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in the city center of Marrakesh lies Djemma el Fna, a famous UNESCO recognized city square, where you will discover a world of mysterious bazaars and a set amidst the ancient city walls of Marrakesh’s medina. It is  a unique L- shaped square best described as a labyrinth of mazes. There are souls sprawling off the sides of crowed alleys that sell carpets, spices, metal and wood works and tourist trinkets. Marrakesh has been built around Djemma el Fna and is often referred to as the heart of Marrakesh. In the evening, snake charmers, fortune tellers, monkeys & musicians transform this city Center into a medieval circus. Another great site-the Sand dunes. Moroccan legend says that the Erg Chebbi sand dunes were sent by God as a punishment for turning away a weary traveler from the desert. Moroccans believe that the dunes piled up outside Merzouga to teach them a lesson so that they would never refuse to help tired travelers ever again. These giant hills of smooth sand line the Algerian border and are a must see for everyone.Today, arriving to the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga is a breeze in comparison to decades prior; there are many options to take you there. In the Middle Atlas, just hours away from the Imperial city of Marrakech, lies one of the most majestic waterfalls set among a Berber village within Morocco. Morocco’s famous waterfalls, Cascades d’Ouzoud are argued be the most photographic falls within this geographically lush green region. The falls are so beautiful that even a novice photographer can capture their essence.

Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique. It is the largest city of Mozambique also with the country’s most important harbour. It is situated at the mouth of the Santo River in the extreme south 90 km from the border to South Africa. Compared to some other sub-Saharan African cities the urban area feels small and concentrated with wide avenues and old trees. People are generally out and about in the streets, walking driving and getting on with life. The vibe is healthy and active, with little begging and lots of street vendors and markets. There is no heavy presence of police during the day, and no feeling that it is needed. Inhambane is a sleepy historic town some 485 km north of Maputo. It has some great colonial architecture (in a low-key sort of a way) and is considered by many to be one of the prettiest towns in Mozambique. It is situated on a peninsula overlooking a bay, and also serves as a springboard to the coastal resorts around Tofo beach (some 30 km due east, along a reasonably good road). Tofo Beach has been described as “the next Goa”, and while this may be pushing it a bit, Tofo has definitely become a traveller’s mecca on the Eastern coast of Africa.

Although Etosha is not in the top 5 best National Parks in Africa, it is an excellent choice for enjoying African wildlife. Known for its vast shallow pan, which was once a huge lake and now is usually dry, but fills with water briefly in the summer, when it attracts pelicans and flamingos in particular. In Etosha you can see almost everything: from black rhinos to lions, elephants, impalas and all sorts of birds and reptiles. Etosha has also dozens of waterholes. During the dry season they become an excellent spot to watch game. The best game-viewing time is during the coolest dry months of May to September, but bird watching is at its peak in the rainy season from November to March. Located in the northwest, Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia: Amazing, arid, unforgiving and dramatic. In fact, attractions near this area are named “Burnt Mountain”, the “Petrified Forest”, the “Skeleton Coast”. Really close to Damaraland you wild find Kaokoland. The most represented ethnic group are the Himbas: a tall and svelt people that rub their bodies with red ochre and butter fat to protect their skins against the climate. These friendly people are herdsmen, breeding mainly cattle and goats while leading a semi-nomadic life. For them, clothes, hair and jewelry hold a special meaning and form an important part of their tradition and culture. Due to the uncontrolled influx of tourists, the Himba’s lifestyle and culture have become increasingly endangered.

Table Mountain- This flat topped mountain overlooking Cape Town is a key tourist attraction for all visitors to South Africa and when here you’re probably going to want to get to the top. Robben Island- located 7km off the coast of South Africa, it’s 3.3km long and 1.9km wide. The notorious prison where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for 18 years (1964-1982) is located on Robben Island. The prison is a poignant and moving visitor attraction and a tour here will allow you to see how the prisoners lived. When you arrive at Nelson Mandela’s 7ft by 7ft cell you find a replica chair, mat, bowl and blanket. Outside the cell you will see a list of the food once served in the prison and also the separate menus for black South Africans, mixed race/Asians and white South Africans. The Garden Route is a very scenic stretch on the south-eastern coast of South Africa, starting at Mossel Bay and finishing at Storms River. There are various excellent stop offs along the way including two towns on this list – Knysna and Oudtshoorn. The Garden route has ten different nature reserves which is home to dolphins, seals and the endangered Southern Right Whale. In addition to the marine life there are almost 300 species of beautiful multi-coloured birds living here. 

Swazi Candles, situated in the Malkerns Valley in the Kingdom of Swaziland, has been producing fine handmade candles since 1981. At Ngwenya Glass, a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age old artistry - breath life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality. Join the vibrant Swazi song and dance performances while the pulsating rhythms of African drums fill your inner spirit with a sense of belonging. The Mantenga Cultural Village is a mini complex of sixteen huts, each with its own specific purpose, kraals and byres for cattle and goats, reed fences that serve as windbreaks, and various other structures.

In 1st place is the Tunis. Be sure to checkout this City while you're in Tunisia . In 2nd place is the Atlas Mountains, 3rd is the Toubkal National Park, 4th is the Mosque Of Uqba. Do not forget El Ghriba Synagogue and  Koutoubia Mosque as well. Lastly, there are other peaceful nature views for the nature lovers.  Ourika River is not the most photogenic, but is long and historical.

 The lower Zambezi River basin is a short drive south of Lusaka and a great place for a long weekend getaway.  There are several lodges in the Chirindu and Chiawa areas near the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue Rivers.  Great for bush camp excursions, safaris, hunting, fishing and boat cruises. South Luangwa National Park  is one of several national parks in Zambia and by far the most famous.  It features the most wildlife of any game park in the country.  It’s either a short flight or a 10-hour drive from Lusaka; flying is more convenient but expensive. One of the world’s largest animal migrations passes each November through remote Liuwa Plains National Park in Western Province.  Thousands of migrating wildebeest and head back toward Namibia.  A word of caution – the park is remote, and the roads are very sandy and difficult to navigate even with a 4×4.  It’s advisable to visit with an organized tour operator or in a caravan.

Zimbabwe’s capital is Harare and it is the largest city, followed by Bulawayo. Three languages are spoken here, English, Shona or Bantu, and Ndebele. Three airports service Zimbabwe: Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. There are safaris; you can bungee jump from the Victoria Falls bridge if you’re one for adrenaline sports; there is hiking and trekking; how about a splash into whitewater rafting, kayaking, or canoeing (depending on your thrill level). There are parks to visit, whether it’s the Nyanga National Park, ancient ruin sites like Great Zimbabwe Ruins in Masvingo Khami Ruins, Zimbabwe, Dhlo-Dhlo, and Naletale; the Bvumba Mountains, and so on, the list is goes on. Then there are the “balancing rocks” strewn throughout Zimbabwe, another wonder of nature.

One of the first must-see attractions is the Western Wall and the temple mount in Jerusalem, it is the most sacred place for Jewish people. The second is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It is  by far the most important place for Christians and the location of Jesus’ tomb. The Third is the Dead Sea. Although name-wise it is unappealing, it is the saltiest and lowest place in the planet that supposedly has healing qualities from its mud and salt. Israel has numerous seas and gardens to admire and visit. 

Palestine is also home to the little town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.  Walking across the Manger Square and into the Church of Nativity, you can walk across time and touch the spot where the Baby Jesus was born.  Descending from Bethlehem, quiet roads will lead you into the Palestinian village of Beit Sahour, where you will find the famous Shepherd’s Fields, the very fertile fields where The Star of Nativity was seen by ancient shepherds. After an interfaith experience, when you head to Ramallah, you will be convinced that Palestine is a country of contrasts. You will be embraced into this city upon entering the Main Square of the Lion Heads, which leads you into numerous streets lined with shops. Lastly, you cannot leave Ramallah without making a visit to Arafat’s tomb. His burial place is a temporary one awaiting relocation in Jerusalem.

The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world. The longest wall in the world, it is an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. Next is the Yangtze River, it is the third longest river in the World, but the longest river within a single country. The Yangtze River has a good case for being the most interesting and popular river in the world. Another breath taking site is the Terracotta Army that has been laid underground for more than 2000 years. However, in 1974, farmers digging a well uncovered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. China is so large, that there are too many places to visit and too many things to see in one trip.

Hong Kong is a part of China, however a little more independent than its oppressive country. Hong Kong Museum of Art – Located at 10 Salisbury Rd Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is open to anyone who wants to take a glimpse of Hong Kong’s culture and history through its large collection of over 14,000 items ranging from calligraphy, paintings, Hong Kong treasure, art objects, antiques, and lithographs. Hong Kong Disneyland – The newly open and the first ever Disneyland in Asia offers total fun and excitement for the whole family. The park is divided into four major attractions: Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Main Street, USA. Victoria Peak – Soaring 1810 feet above sea level, the Victoria Peak is premier destination for tourists who want to take a birds eye view of downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. Go another step higher and take a 10-minute hike to the actual Victoria Peak. Lastly,  Lamma Island - If you want to see a different Hong Kong, try Lamma Island. It hosts several outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. And if you love to taste fresh Hong Kong seafood in great dining ambiance, Lamma Island is still the preferred place to go.

The number one tourist place is Shinjuku, a massive, crowded skyscraper district within Tokyo. Built beginning in the '70s, Shinjuku keeps adding new and bigger towers, and its commuter rail station is the transit system's busiest, with nearly 2 million passengers a day. Shinjuku has three main components: offices, shopping and nightlife. The shopping consists of a flotilla of chic department stores, mainly branches of the stores you'll find in Ginza or elsewhere. At night, many tourists head for Shinjuku's Park Hyatt, the hotel made famous in the film Lost in Translation, to have a drink at the penthouse New York Bar and take in the city-wide views. The Kabukicho district is also a popular hangout, thanks to its many bars and lounges. Next is the Ginza neighborhood, a shopping mecca that's home to the fanciest stores, Japanese and foreign alike. Beyond The Busy Capital, when tourists leave Tokyo, they tend to go for the traditional cities often found on the covers of the guidebooks, Osaka and Kyoto.  Former capital Kyoto, in particular, is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful places in Japan, and it's the place to absorb the maximum amount of architectural beauty, culture and history in the shortest amount of time. Some visitors pick Kyoto over Tokyo entirely, spending their visit among the ancient temples and serene Zen meditation gardens.