Discover Hidden Gems: Prague, Budapest, and Croatia Adventure Awaits!
The first places that come to mind when we plan a trip to Europe are places like London, France, Rome, and so on, but today I want to talk about some beautiful cities in Eastern Europe. Although they do not yet receive many tourists, they are quickly becoming as Europe’s newest hotspots. They are Prague , Budapest and Croatia
My family and I have scheduled a trip to Eastern Europe, specifically to Prague, Budapest, Croatia and Dubrovnik, for June 2019. We chose June as our date because it would not be busy and we would see less people. We reserved accommodations through Airbnb, which reduced costs, and we rented a car to travel across the other locations we intended to see.
Prague: The City Of A Hundred Spires
Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic is divided by the River Vltava. Known as “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it is most famous for its Old Town Square, which is the center of its historic district and is home to Gothic churches, colorful baroque structures, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which has an animated display every hour. The pedestrian Charles Bridge, which spans the Vltava River and was finished in 1402, is adorned with statues of Catholic saints that provide breathtaking views and lively activity. I went on a Prague Pub Tour. Prague offers a diverse range of pubs, from quaint taverns to bustling beer halls, where guests can enjoy premium brews and authentic Czech cuisine. Because beer is less expensive than water, you should drink more of it! I sampled a variety of beers.
We took a one-day journey to Cesky Krumlov from Prague. Its Old Town, a labyrinth of winding lanes encircling the Cesky Krumlov castle, has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We strolled across uneven cobblestone lanes to fully experience the ambiance of this medieval treasure. It was a wonderful encounter.
We bought Bohemain crystal and glasses as a memento. Czech crystal is truly unique in the world.
Prague has a history as rich as Rome’s and a beauty comparable to Paris’.
Prague Castle in Prague
Budapest – The Pearl Of The Danube
Buda and Pest, two cities separated by river Danube eventually became Budapest in 1871. However, for the observers, it’s the chain bridge that unites the Buda castle and the vast city of architectural splendor. Our accommodation was overseeing Danube river and it was a fantastic sight a night with various monuments being lit up.
I started my visit with the Hungarian Parliament Building, a landmark synonymous with Budapest, serves as the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. Designed in the Neo-Gothic style by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl, the massive structure was completed in 1902 and remains the country’s largest building. Its imposing facade graces the eastern bank of the Danube River, adorned with statues of Hungarian historical figures, while the dome, a testament to Renaissance Revival architecture, soars 96 meters high.
The fisherman’s Bastion is a fairytale-like structure atop Castle Hill in Buda, featuring seven towers representing the seven Hungarian tribes that settled the area. The neo classical St. Stephens Baslica is a must see for every visitor. The architecture, the clock towers and stained glass windows are worth a watch.
The Buda Castle Atop Castle Hill, Buda Castle stands as a UNESCO site, preserving centuries of Hungarian culture and history within its regal walls. cruise We took a cruise along the Danube river for a mesmerizing journey through Budapest’s skyline, taking in iconic landmarks illuminated by the river’s gentle currents.. The Heroes Square serves as a grandiose tribute to Hungary’s history and national identity, with its imposing statues
No experience is complete without experiencing Budapest’s thermal baths. I decided to relax my travel-stiff muscles and spent the entire day in the popular thermal bath . There are a series of indoor thermal pools where temperatures range from warm to hot, steam rooms, saunas, ice-cold plunge pools and rooms for massage. Some of them have outdoor pools with sprays and whirlpools. Many of the spas claim about healing properties of their waters. The water contains various minerals like calcium, magnesium & metaboric acid. These can be beneficial to ailments such as slipped discus, arthritis, nerve pain, stiff joints & respiratory illnesses.
Chain Bridge In Budapest
Croatia-Land of a Thousand Islands
From Budapest, we drove into Central Croatia and our first stop was Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is a wonderland of cascading waterfalls, terraced lakes, and lush greenery located in central Croatia. Established in 1949, it’s the oldest and largest national park in the country, encompassing nearly 300 square kilometers
The park’s centrepiece is a series of 16 interconnected lakes, adorned with cascading waterfalls. The water, flowing over limestone and chalk for millennia, has deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams that have led to the formation of these stunning lakes. The process continues today, making the park a dynamic natural wonder.
The park separates its lakes into the Upper and Lower Lakes.. Visitors can explore the park on a network of wooden walkways and hiking trails that wind around and above the water. An electric boat ride connects the Upper and Lower Lakes, providing a unique perspective of the cascading waterfalls.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty. The park’s diverse flora and fauna include beech and pine forests, bears, wolves, and many rare bird species. If you’re looking for a breathtaking natural escape, Plitvice Lakes National Park should be at the top of your list.
Dubrovnik- The Pearl Of The Adriatic.
Dubrovnik boasts breathtaking architecture, charming surroundings, and a rich history and culture. The gorgeous Adriatic Sea creates a stunning backdrop for Dubrovnik’s historic fortifications, fusing the natural and historical elements into one amazing scene. UNESCO has designated Old Town Dubrovnik as a World Heritage Site. The Old Town is a labyrinth of alleyways with cobblestones and centuries-old buildings that beg for exploration and learning at every turn. Steering away from the main routes exposes hidden treasures in Dubrovnik’s side alleyways, where quaint cafes, artisan boutiques, and glimpses of everyday . Croatian life thrive alongside local life.
Perched on a hill, our Airbnb was overlooking the Adriatic Sea. We used to appreciate the Adriatic Sea’s azure waters while eating breakfast on the terrace veranda.
We traveled to Montenegro for the day. Its boundary with Croatia is not so thin as to be shared. Though much less crowded, the vistas of the Adriatic Sea are equally breathtaking.
We went to the Bay of Kotor and saw its baroque church by boating to Our Lady of the Rocks. After that, we went to Kotor Town and strolled around the cobblestone streets and antique churches.
Side Streets in Dubrovnik
So, whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply in search of beauty and tranquility. A journey through Prague, Budapest, and Croatia is sure to leave you with cherished memories that last a lifetime. I would like to make another East European trip in the future and would like visit some cities like Romania, Slovakia, Austria & Poland. Would encourage you also to visit East Europe and can assure you that you will have a fabulous trip .