Things to See on Your Holidays in Kosovo
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andy_Gibson]Andy Gibson
A partly recognised country in the South eastern part of Europe, Kosovo was declared Independent only in February 2008. With Albania, Montenegro, and Macedonia bordering the country on three sides, the fourth is the Serbia, which is in the north east. The Albanian name for Kosovo is Kosova, which is how some of the locals refer to this country. A country that has been caught in some conflict or the other has put off tourists for a long time, till recently when it was declared safe and tourist friendly.
While making a trip to visit Kosovo, carry a local guide and have these lists of five things one must see while in that part of the world, to help you have a good time and see all the sights in store.
A city of high spiritual significance lies in the town of Kosovska Mitrovica. A town that was deeply affected during the Kosovo war is a place that should be visited by everyone going to Kosovo. This is the place that was divided with the Mitrovica bridge, that is also another sight that visitors can check out while here.
The huge citadel in the middle of the city is where all the main activities and events take place. The Petrovaradin as it is called is the hub of activity, filled with locals displaying their ware and giving performances during the evenings. A majestic fortress known as the Gibraltar of Danube stands tall amidst all the activities, which is a place that tourists visit to learn about the history of Kosovo.
The Mitrovica Bridge is another popular tourist attraction in Kosovo. An interesting way of symbolising the division of population in Kosovo is through the bridge. This bridge acts like the dividing line between the Serbs and Albanians in Mitrovica, part of the country. For people who are curious, they can walk on to the bridge and catch a glimpse of what it is like on the other side. But be careful, there might be restrictions on when you can visit the place, and when you cannot.
The Rugova Gorge is located to the north western side of the town of Pec and is quite easy to find. If one were to drive down the road that leads to the Pec Patriarchy, they would see the Gorge right in front of their eyes. The huge Gorge is nearly 300 meters deep and has steep walls that go all the way down.
Gjakova Old Bazaar is another popular place with tourists to Kosovo. If you are someone who loves looking at local stores and doing a bit of shopping, there is a very beautiful old shopping centre which has been around since the 17th century. It was initially burned down by the Serbian Army forces but today has been reconstructed and is open to public. One would find plenty of local trinkets and knick knacks here that they can buy and take back home with them. The centre of the bazaar has an old mosque that was built in the 15th century.
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing online travel websites for booking holiday homes. To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at [http://www.DirectholidayBookings.co.uk/holiday_villas]Holiday Villas.
Direct Holiday Bookings also has a great selection of [http://www.Directholidaybookings.co.uk/holiday_cottages]Holiday Cottages and self catering holiday apartments that can be rented as holiday homes all over the world.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Gibson http://EzineArticles.com/?Things-to-See-on-Your-Holidays-in-Kosovo&id=1281865
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Kos Greece - One of the Most Popular Islands of Dodecanese
Kos Greece - One of the Most Popular Islands of Dodecanese
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_Moutop]Alex Moutop
Kos Island belongs to the Dodecanese group of islands. It lies on the Aegean Sea between Kalymnos and Nysiros. Just like Rhodes, its popularity among travelers makes it one of the well-known places among the Greek islands. Its extended coastline stretches from east to west. The landscape of the region is varied as the mountains cover major portion of the land surface. The slopes are dotted with beautiful hamlets. As these slopes merge with the plains, they are altered into golden sandy beaches with emerald blue waters.
There are plenty of coastal villages in Kos which have become major tourist resorts due to the increasing number of visitors that the island gets each year. The tourism infrastructure of Kos island has developed quite fast, keeping in mind the various necessities and facilities that might be in demand in tourism. The island has a rich and fertile land which results in varied local produce and bountiful vegetation. It enjoys the typical Mediterranean climate with long spells of hot sunny days. Even so, the water temperatures are quite warm and enjoyable for swimming at sea.
It is believed that the fertile land of this island served as the main attraction for its prehistoric settlers. Legend has it that Asclepius, the ancient god of healing, resided on this island. Centuries later, it was also the home of the ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates. The island was once dominated by the Minoans, Achaeans, Dorians, Persians and the Athenians. Its military support to Athens in the Peloponnesian War of 431 - 404 B.C. led to the Spartan invasion in 411 B.C. In the later years, it saw the Macedonian, Byzantine, Roman, Venetian, Turkish and Italian invasions.
The earthquake of 1934 devastated the entire island and when it was struggling to survive this disaster, the Germans arrived at the scene in 1943, during the Second World War. The Germans stripped the island of its wealth and resources and inflicted inhuman suffering to its dwellers. This horrendous affair came to an end when the Germans lost the War and then the British quickly took over the scene. Finally, the island gained its independence on 7th March, 1948 when it got the opportunity to unite with Greece.
These civilizations that once inhabited this island are today nonexistent but the architectural concepts and splendid monuments and buildings found on the island bear testimony to their past existence. The ancient site of Agora, the Roman Odeon and the Ancient Gymnasium points to the prehistoric establishment of the ancient settlers. The Turkish architectural patterns are visible in the numerous mosques and fountains that adorn the island. The typical Venetian pattern of architecture used in military defense can be viewed when you visit the Venetian Castle of the Knights of Saint John, whereas the Town Hall and other buildings in the island signify the Italian style of architecture brought here by the Italian architects.
Apart from these foreign architectural concepts, you will be amazed to see the beautiful traditional local architecture so evident in the numerous mountainous and coastal villages of Kos. You are bound to come across the gigantic windmills too that are scattered throughout the island. Most of the houses are painted white and they have coloured doors and windows with cemented roofs.
The various museums, churches and monasteries also add to the architectural grandeur of Kos. The ancient era is well preserved in these museums. It entails the different by gone societies, their norms, customs, beliefs, religious practices, utilitarian objects and architectural achievements as well. The two most famous museums on the island that must be visited include the Archaeological Museum of Kos Town and the Folk Museum of Kefalos.
Apart from a rich culture, Kos also has a gorgeous coastline. Kos beaches serve as the primary hotspot for hanging out with friends and families. People from different countries and places can be seen relaxing and sunbathing underneath the umbrellas or on the sundecks or enjoying meals and drinks at the taverns, bars and restaurants along the beach area. You will also find many of the tourists engaged in adrenalin rushing water sports as these facilities are readily available at most of the beaches. You also have swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving as the most popular options among tourists.
Beach parties are common when there are young crowds. The beach tourist resorts handle most of these parties. The main town provides the young revelers with various party options at the numerous bars and music clubs, which play loud music till the early hours.
Kos Island with its intriguing history and modern cosmopolitan outlook can set a wonderful background for your holidays. Well connected with other Greek islands, you can also island hop to nearby islands.
More information about [http://www.greeka.com/dodecanese/kos/index.htm]Kos island and also book your [http://www.greeka.com/dodecanese/kos/hotels/index.htm]Kos hotel
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Moutop http://EzineArticles.com/?Kos-Greece---One-of-the-Most-Popular-Islands-of-Dodecanese&id=2591112
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_Moutop]Alex Moutop
Kos Island belongs to the Dodecanese group of islands. It lies on the Aegean Sea between Kalymnos and Nysiros. Just like Rhodes, its popularity among travelers makes it one of the well-known places among the Greek islands. Its extended coastline stretches from east to west. The landscape of the region is varied as the mountains cover major portion of the land surface. The slopes are dotted with beautiful hamlets. As these slopes merge with the plains, they are altered into golden sandy beaches with emerald blue waters.
There are plenty of coastal villages in Kos which have become major tourist resorts due to the increasing number of visitors that the island gets each year. The tourism infrastructure of Kos island has developed quite fast, keeping in mind the various necessities and facilities that might be in demand in tourism. The island has a rich and fertile land which results in varied local produce and bountiful vegetation. It enjoys the typical Mediterranean climate with long spells of hot sunny days. Even so, the water temperatures are quite warm and enjoyable for swimming at sea.
It is believed that the fertile land of this island served as the main attraction for its prehistoric settlers. Legend has it that Asclepius, the ancient god of healing, resided on this island. Centuries later, it was also the home of the ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates. The island was once dominated by the Minoans, Achaeans, Dorians, Persians and the Athenians. Its military support to Athens in the Peloponnesian War of 431 - 404 B.C. led to the Spartan invasion in 411 B.C. In the later years, it saw the Macedonian, Byzantine, Roman, Venetian, Turkish and Italian invasions.
The earthquake of 1934 devastated the entire island and when it was struggling to survive this disaster, the Germans arrived at the scene in 1943, during the Second World War. The Germans stripped the island of its wealth and resources and inflicted inhuman suffering to its dwellers. This horrendous affair came to an end when the Germans lost the War and then the British quickly took over the scene. Finally, the island gained its independence on 7th March, 1948 when it got the opportunity to unite with Greece.
These civilizations that once inhabited this island are today nonexistent but the architectural concepts and splendid monuments and buildings found on the island bear testimony to their past existence. The ancient site of Agora, the Roman Odeon and the Ancient Gymnasium points to the prehistoric establishment of the ancient settlers. The Turkish architectural patterns are visible in the numerous mosques and fountains that adorn the island. The typical Venetian pattern of architecture used in military defense can be viewed when you visit the Venetian Castle of the Knights of Saint John, whereas the Town Hall and other buildings in the island signify the Italian style of architecture brought here by the Italian architects.
Apart from these foreign architectural concepts, you will be amazed to see the beautiful traditional local architecture so evident in the numerous mountainous and coastal villages of Kos. You are bound to come across the gigantic windmills too that are scattered throughout the island. Most of the houses are painted white and they have coloured doors and windows with cemented roofs.
The various museums, churches and monasteries also add to the architectural grandeur of Kos. The ancient era is well preserved in these museums. It entails the different by gone societies, their norms, customs, beliefs, religious practices, utilitarian objects and architectural achievements as well. The two most famous museums on the island that must be visited include the Archaeological Museum of Kos Town and the Folk Museum of Kefalos.
Apart from a rich culture, Kos also has a gorgeous coastline. Kos beaches serve as the primary hotspot for hanging out with friends and families. People from different countries and places can be seen relaxing and sunbathing underneath the umbrellas or on the sundecks or enjoying meals and drinks at the taverns, bars and restaurants along the beach area. You will also find many of the tourists engaged in adrenalin rushing water sports as these facilities are readily available at most of the beaches. You also have swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving as the most popular options among tourists.
Beach parties are common when there are young crowds. The beach tourist resorts handle most of these parties. The main town provides the young revelers with various party options at the numerous bars and music clubs, which play loud music till the early hours.
Kos Island with its intriguing history and modern cosmopolitan outlook can set a wonderful background for your holidays. Well connected with other Greek islands, you can also island hop to nearby islands.
More information about [http://www.greeka.com/dodecanese/kos/index.htm]Kos island and also book your [http://www.greeka.com/dodecanese/kos/hotels/index.htm]Kos hotel
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Moutop http://EzineArticles.com/?Kos-Greece---One-of-the-Most-Popular-Islands-of-Dodecanese&id=2591112
Serbia's Ten Wonderful Places to Visit
Serbia's Ten Wonderful Places to Visit
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Williams]Jonathan Williams
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, and here are ten wonderful places that a visitor should visit once in Serbia.
1.) Palic
This is fast 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.
2.) 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.
3.) Guca Village
Once every year, this little village is host to the 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. You will also get to hear beautiful orchestra music that showcases the trumpets.
4.) Zlatibor
This is a place that is famous for its mountain resorts. You can visit the towns and villages here like the Kraljeve Vode where you can have a good time as well as visit some historical museums. There are also ski resorts here located in Tornik and Ribnica, etc.
5.) Kapoanik National Park
There are so many accommodations that you can rent in this area if you want to stay here longer and explore the park more. It is also home to beautiful ski resorts. Its majestic scenery full of river gorges as well as a myriad variety of trees will be enough to take your breath away.
6.) Petrovaradin Fortress
History says that this fortress has never been overcome by any invader. Now, it houses a museum that showcases artifacts from the pre-historical era as well as modern artifacts. There is also an observatory and planetarium here that you can visit and enjoy.
7.) Sokobanja
So far, this is where most tourists go to as it is a popular spa town. You can also find plentiful accommodations here that have modern amenities. One of them is the Apartment Borici where you can find relaxation and some peace and quiet as you enjoy your stay.
8.) Belgrade Zoo
This zoo is located at the heart of the city of Belgrade, and it is also called Good Hope Garden. This is made more popular by serving as a nursery for baby animals that were left defenseless in the wild. Belgrade Zoo is home to about 2000 animals aside from the domestic animals that it also houses.
9.) Mediana
If you are a history buff, then you should not miss going to Mediana as this is a very historical place because this is the birthplace of Constantine the Great. Now, you will see here the ruins of the imperial palace of the Naissus era as well as other luxury villas. Marvel at their beautiful mosaic floors and the ingenuity of Roman bathrooms.
10.) Skull Tower
This is truly a sight to behold as this tower contains 952 skulls of Serbian rebel armies. They were killed during the early 1800 revolution against the Ottoman Empire. As a warning, the rebels' skulls were mounted on top of the tower to dissuade other would-be rebels.
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share [http://www.destinationguide.tv]travel videos Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/serbia to view or share Serbia travel videos
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Williams http://EzineArticles.com/?Serbias-Ten-Wonderful-Places-to-Visit&id=955944
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Williams]Jonathan Williams
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, and here are ten wonderful places that a visitor should visit once in Serbia.
1.) Palic
This is fast 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.
2.) 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.
3.) Guca Village
Once every year, this little village is host to the 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. You will also get to hear beautiful orchestra music that showcases the trumpets.
4.) Zlatibor
This is a place that is famous for its mountain resorts. You can visit the towns and villages here like the Kraljeve Vode where you can have a good time as well as visit some historical museums. There are also ski resorts here located in Tornik and Ribnica, etc.
5.) Kapoanik National Park
There are so many accommodations that you can rent in this area if you want to stay here longer and explore the park more. It is also home to beautiful ski resorts. Its majestic scenery full of river gorges as well as a myriad variety of trees will be enough to take your breath away.
6.) Petrovaradin Fortress
History says that this fortress has never been overcome by any invader. Now, it houses a museum that showcases artifacts from the pre-historical era as well as modern artifacts. There is also an observatory and planetarium here that you can visit and enjoy.
7.) Sokobanja
So far, this is where most tourists go to as it is a popular spa town. You can also find plentiful accommodations here that have modern amenities. One of them is the Apartment Borici where you can find relaxation and some peace and quiet as you enjoy your stay.
8.) Belgrade Zoo
This zoo is located at the heart of the city of Belgrade, and it is also called Good Hope Garden. This is made more popular by serving as a nursery for baby animals that were left defenseless in the wild. Belgrade Zoo is home to about 2000 animals aside from the domestic animals that it also houses.
9.) Mediana
If you are a history buff, then you should not miss going to Mediana as this is a very historical place because this is the birthplace of Constantine the Great. Now, you will see here the ruins of the imperial palace of the Naissus era as well as other luxury villas. Marvel at their beautiful mosaic floors and the ingenuity of Roman bathrooms.
10.) Skull Tower
This is truly a sight to behold as this tower contains 952 skulls of Serbian rebel armies. They were killed during the early 1800 revolution against the Ottoman Empire. As a warning, the rebels' skulls were mounted on top of the tower to dissuade other would-be rebels.
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share [http://www.destinationguide.tv]travel videos Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/serbia to view or share Serbia travel videos
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Williams http://EzineArticles.com/?Serbias-Ten-Wonderful-Places-to-Visit&id=955944
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