Once you break through the stereotypes of Lego and pastries, Denmark offers travelers rich experiences from its Viking heritage and Renaissance castles to modern design stores and a cutting-edge food scene where you can’t move for Michelin stars.
21.07.2023 - 07:53 / roughguides.com
However well-travelled you might be, chances are, Moldova isn’t one of the countries already ticked off your list for the simple reason that it’s Europe’s least-visited country. Yet this enigmatic land tucked between Romania and Ukraine has much to offer travellers seeking unspoilt nature and intriguing culture — far from the madding selfie-stick-brandishing crowd.
Moldova’s countryside is dappled with buttercup-yellow monasteries and record-breaking wineries, while capital city Chişinău serves a tasty blend of Paris-style boulevards with a side of Soviet chic. Then there’s the breakaway nation of Transnistria to explore. One thing’s for sure, visiting Moldova makes for a refreshingly unique European break — read on for 12 reasons to shunt it up your must-visit list.
Though enjoying rising global acclaim, Moldovan wine remains under the radar of all but a few in the know oenophiles — somewhat surprising (if not criminal in wine terms) given its quality, and the fact that grapes have been cultivated in the region since at least 2800 BC.
Underground wine barrels at Milestii Mici Winery near Chisinau, Moldova © FrimuFilms/Shutterstock
To right that wrong, visit Moldova’s most impressive winery, Milestii Mici, which is located a mere 30 minutes’ drive south of Chişinău. With 1.5 million bottles stored in a 55km subterranean labyrinth, it boasts the world’s largest wine collection, as recognised by the Guinness Book of Records. A tour of the winery takes in the tunnels via electric train or bicycles, with the option to eat, drink and make merry in the opulent tasting halls - a glamourous must-do experience for gourmands visiting Moldova.
Monastic life thrives across Moldova, meaning that church frescoes are lovingly maintained, tulip gardens immaculately manicured, and silvery domes polished to a shine, and you don’t have to be especially religious-minded to appreciate their beauty and history either.
Capriana Monastery, for example, is among the country’s finest architectural sights. Located 40km northeast of Chişinău, and often called the cradle of Moldovan culture, this complex of three churches surrounded by rolling hills and forests really is a top reason to visit Moldova. Established in 1429, the site’s Church of the Dormition is the country’s oldest church. To sample Moldova’s monastic culture (and wine) in convenient, comfortable style, you could look to book a multi-site tour that combines exploring Capriana Monastery with a visit to Cricova Winery and some of Chişinău’s highlights.
Another must-visit Moldovan marvel comes courtesy of Saharna Monastery. Given its stunning location — encircled by rocky hills and thick forests in a corner of north-eastern Moldova — it’s little wonder that this a
Once you break through the stereotypes of Lego and pastries, Denmark offers travelers rich experiences from its Viking heritage and Renaissance castles to modern design stores and a cutting-edge food scene where you can’t move for Michelin stars.
When Hester Van Buren, a deputy mayor of Amsterdam, recently proposed a 1 percent increase to the city’s tourist accommodation tax — which is already among the highest in Europe — her City Council colleagues responded with a single criticism: They wanted the increase to be even bigger.
When thinking of city breaks in Hungary, Romania and Greece, certain places will instantly spring to mind: Budapest, Bucharest and Athens, the much-admired capitals. But in 2023, it’s time to make space on your travel wish list for some up-and-coming urban hotspots in these countries: the European Capitals of Culture 2023. This year, why not get under the skin of a secret city that's rich with art, history, gastronomy and vibrant local communities? Step forward Veszprém, Timișoara, and Elefsina: it’s your time to shine.
If the European Parliament has its way, U.S. citizens will no longer be able to visit Europe with just a passport. The parliament has called for a requirement that U.S. citizens get visas to visit the European Union.
Leave the massive crowds of tourists behind in France or Italy, and make your next trip to one of the least-visited European countries.
As an American traveler, I too often let airlines dictate my life. When am I going on that cross-country trip I’ve been planning? Whatever dates the Big Three (Delta, United, American) or Southwest decides are cheapest. With few other modes of affordable transportation in this vast country, airfare reigns supreme.
Here’s a secret: If you want to visit Europe during peak season without the crowds, take to the ocean. A small-ship sailing tour lets you explore the hidden gems of Croatia, Italy, or Greece, without having to fight traffic or cram yourself on a crowded train.
Calling Europe a “hot” destination this year has little to do with trends; when Paris hit 109 degrees in July, it marked the city’s hottest day on record—shattering the previous record by five degrees. And the worst may not be over: August could be even hotter, and heat waves in Europe, where fewer than five percent of homes have air conditioning, seem to be getting more common overall.
Tired of your local nightclub? Bored of trekking to the same venue every Saturday night? Then try one of these awesome experiences from Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth , as witnessed by Rough Guides writers all over the world.
With its stunning natural scenery, ancient towns and compelling history, Georgia really does have it all – and the food is no exception. Georgians are passionate about wine and love their sweets; eating here is more of a ritual than a meal. Rough Guides writer Kiki Deere talks us through an indulgent Georgian feast.
Central and Eastern Europe are among the culturally diverse parts of the world, preserving a plethora of deep-rooted traditions. What’s more, large tracts of the area remain off the mass-tourism radar, ensuring that there is still a great deal to explore. The following ten suggestions will ensure you get the best out of this huge, compelling and endlessly surprising region.
Travel booking site Hoppa have just released a list of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe. Looking at the cost of hotels, food, drink, transport and entertainment, they've analysed the affordability of 48 European cities.