Slovenia The Skocjan Caves is one of the most extensive cave systems in Europe and home to the largest cave chamber on the continent. Consisting mostly of a subterranean canyon, this cave is still being carved out by running water (and is known to flood during periods of substantial rain). The caverns are part of the Skocjan Caves Regionial Park which is a UNESCO World … [Read more...]
PLITVICE LAKE
Croatia Plitvice Lake (technically lakes) is a a region of magnificent lakes, canyons, waterfalls and forests that is considered to be among the most beautiful places in Europe. The lakes are routinely numbered among the most breathtaking in the world, and draw huge numbers of visitors every year. The entire area is encompassed in Plitvice Lake National Park which is also a … [Read more...]
BAY OF KOTOR
Montenegro The Bay of Kotor is one of the most spectacular waterways in Europe. Winding for miles into the Dinaric Alps in Montenegro, it is among the most popular cruise destinations in the Adriatic Sea. The area of the bay has been inhabited since ancient times, and is rich in history as well as natural beauty. As part of the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of … [Read more...]
MAJA JEZERCE
Albania/Montenegro (2,694 m) – Tallest Peak in the Dinaric Alps Maja Jezerce is the tallest mountain in southeastern Europe and one of the highest between the Alps and Greece. It stands at the center of a great cluster of peaks that dominate the nations of Albania, Greece and western Serbia. Its name means “lake peak” for the sparkling blue lakes that dot the area around the … [Read more...]
MOSQUES OF SARAJEVO (EMPEROR’S MOSQUE, MASJID GAZI HUSREV-BEG)
Sarajevo, Bosnia Ever since the late 15th century, when the Ottoman Empire bulged deeply into the Balkans, Bosnia has more or less marked the northernmost frontier of Islamic expansion into Eastern Europe. During the two and a half centuries of Ottoman rule over the Balkans, Sarajevo became one of the most important Islamic centers in Europe, and was the largest Muslim … [Read more...]
CATHEDRAL OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY
Dubrovnik, Croatia Since ancient times, the Dalmatian Coast has long marked the border between the Roman Catholic West and the Greek Orthodox East and later the Ottoman Islamic East. This made Dubrovnik a critical waystation for Catholic pilgrims enroute to the Holy Land. Furthermore, Dubrovnik was one of the major Maritime Republics active during the Renaissance. Therefore … [Read more...]
WALLED CITY OF DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik, Croatia Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a rare surviving walled city by the sea. This former maritime republic once welcomed merchant ships from all over the Mediterranean. It now welcomes cruise ships from all over the world. For many visitors, their first site of this historic walled city is usually by sea, which makes it an exceptionally rare, special … [Read more...]
CASTLES OF THE SERBIAN DANUBE (BELGRADE, GOLUBAC, SMEDEREVO)
Central Serbia The Danube River is one of the most important in Europe. In Roman times it separated the civilized Roman world from the barbarian north. From early medieval times until the locomotive age it constituted the single most important trade and communications link between Central Europe and the Orient. Not surprisingly, the Danube has traditionally been one of the … [Read more...]
