The Eastern Europe Travel Guide Business and Tourist Information

City Guides & Country Profiles For Belarus Poland Slovakia & The Ukraine

With a special feature Auschwitz - Birkenau

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The Eastern Europe Business Tourist Travel Information Guide - For Belarus - Minsk

Overview of Belarus Country Profile & Minsk City Guide Information:

The history of Minsk is thought to go back to around the 8th or 9th centuries., when Slavs moved into the area. There have been recent archeological findings which have confirm this. In the 10th century it was part of the Principality of Polatsk which also included Kiev. Early documentary evidence in 1067 show the city as being called ' Mensk.

From the 13th century Minsk was for the most part ruled by the Polish Lithuanian Empire except when for periods when it was briefly ruled by Russia and Sweden. In 16th century it became the home to tradesmen dealing in animal skins glass metals and wood. Several spin offs of these trades dominate it and the Belarus economy. today. From 1793 it was governed by Russia except when it was once occupied in 1813 by France and twice in the 20th century occupied by Germany. More

After WW1 Belarus was part of the Byelorussian SSR until 1991. About 30% of the population of Belarus died in World War Two. Its post-war reconstruction resulted in it having one of the highest standards of living within the Soviet Union with an economy that specialised in industrial & scientific industries. More

Minsk is a modern city and the sightseeing and attractions in Minsk in terms architectural terms are not outstanding. There are many examples of the history of Belarus in Minsk: The Ancient Belarussian Cultural Museum has many examples of the country's archealogy and ethnology. The Raubichi Arts and Crafts Museum has many interesting items including historical costumes. More

Outside Minsk there is a town called Nesvizh which has 1 castle that dates back to the 16th family century castle and a very bueatifully decorated Catholic Church. The Khatyn Memorial and Glory Mound is also within each reach of Minsk Until March 1943 Khatyn was a small village with about 150 residents, half of whom were children. The residents were murdered when the Nazis burnt the village to the ground. This memorial is dedicated to those villagers and the people of another 150 villages in this part of the who suffered a similar fate.

Restaurants in Minsk - External Guide

Nightlife in Minsk feature not available

Public transport in Minsk initially it's seems chaotic so see guide. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Minsk is expensive as it mostly caters for business travellers rather than tourists. The Minsk Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Belarus & Minsk Tourist Board and sources of Consular & Visa information is in the main index. Information on the weather in Minsk and average monthly temperatures is in the Minsk City Guide.

The Eastern European Business Tourist Travel Information Guide - For Poland Auschwitz - Birkenau The Nazis Concentration and Death Camps

Going to Krakow, Poland and visiting the Nazis Death & Concentration Camps at Auschwitz and Birkenau sixty two years after it was liberated, however informed or prepared you are at the outset, is a distinctly sobering experience, even if you have no relatives or or friends who were murdered here. Euromost.info -strongly advise you to first visit 'The Auschwitz Museum' & then nearby 'Birkenau'. As visiting both places may take several hours this is a day trip. Some tour operators and local coach companies will suggest that that you it is possible to do visit both camps in two - four hours. This is not sufficient time. Please read the advice on the Auschwitz & Birkenau page carefully.

The Eastern European Business Tourist Travel Information Guide - For Poland - Gdansk

Overview of Poland Country Profile & Gdansk City Guide Information:

The history of Gdansk began in 980AD when it was chosen as the place for a fortress. It was given city status in 1224. By 1235 its population had doubled to 2000 and merchants from Bremen & Lubeck moved to the area and developed the port to trade with Scandinavia. In the 14th century it was renamed Danzig by the Gernanic hierachy who then ruled. 1734. Danzig was annexed to Prussia in 1793 and remained a part of Prussia - later within Germany - until 1919. At the end of WW1, it was declared a free city within Poland. More See also Warsaw.

In 1939 Gdansk Western and Central Poland was invaded by Nazis Germany. Hitler had demanded that the Polish authorities hand the sovereignty of Gdansk to The Third Reich. As this demand was ignored Hitler invaded Poland on Setpember 1st and WW2 began. A fortnight later eastern area of the country were occupied by Russian Forces. In 1945 it was liberated from the Nazis by the Russian Red Army who having occupied the country imposed Communism upon it. By the late 1970's opposition to the Communist authorities grew and the Solidarity Movement, born in the shipyards at Gdansk was formed. The election of the late Pope John Paul 11 in 1979 and his public endorsement of Solidarity on a visit to Poland a few months later made it impossible for Solidarity to be silenced. More

The sightseeing and attractions in Gdansk range from St Catherines Church which dates back to the 14th century. The present Town Hall built in 1587 and today is also host to The Irish Pub. Other places to visit include Uphagens House (Gdansks Museum), The Central Maritime Museum and The Torture Tower.

Restaurants in Gdansk - Traditional Gdansk dishes can be found at Pod Lososiem and The Taverna is Gdansk's finest fish restaurant. Other good places to eat but less expensive are Smok and Tao-Tao. For more information on Gdansk please see the national tourist board and Official Gdansk City Tourist Office links.

The nightlife in Gdansk is mostly aimed at a younger cowd who have the choice of several clubs to go to. There is an external nightlife in this section.

Public transport in Gdansk Is dominated by local trams buses serve oter areas. Services are very good and a cheap. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Gdansk is generally of a high standard and very competively priced. The Gdansk Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Poland & Gdansk Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main Poland Index. Information on the weather in Gdansk and average monthly temperatures is available in the Gdansk City Guide.

The Eastern European Business Tourist Travel Information Guide - For Poland - Krakow

Overview of Poland Country Profile and Krakow City Guide Information:

The history of Krakow can be traced back to the 10th century just before the Slavs and Polan tribes formed the first Polish State. In the next two hundred years many Romanesque buildings were built in Krakow and some examples of this architecture survive today. In the 13th and 14th centuries the city adopted western european influences including streets laid in grid form and Gothic architecture. In 1364 the original University of Krakow was founded. By 1596 Poland and Lithuania had become one country and Warsaw became the Polish capital. Krakow remained the centre for religion and education in Poland.

In the 17th century Polands sovereignity wittled and in1795 Poland had been dissolved between Austria, Prussia and Russia and Krakow became part of the Austrian Hungarian Empire. Between 1815 and 1846 Krakow was declared a 'free city'.

In 1918 -1919 the Treaty of Versailles gave Poland back its sovereignity and a regenerated Krakow grew fast and once againt gained international fame for art and education .More

To visit all the sightseeing and attractions in Krakow would be a challenge as it is reported to have around. For several hundreds of years it was the Capital of Poland and ofter referred to as the seat of Kings. It's very differing architecture reflects this history from the Gothic Church - St Mary Basilica and from the Renaissance The Royal Castle (Wawel) to mention just two. It is a very religious city and its festivals are aligned to religious calendar. More

There are dozens of Restaurants in Krakow to choose from especially in the Market Square area (the city cente) Eating out in Krakow is not expensive - it even cheaper than Prague - but guiness is expensive. Especially notable and more expensive places to eat include: The Cherubino which offers a rare mixture of Tuscan & modern Polish Cuisine. and Pod Aniolami - Home of The Angel is a good example of the more celebrated type of Polish food. More.

The nightlife in Krakow is lively - it is a popular place for stag weekends and there are several serious clubs.

Public transport in Krakow Bus and mini-buses are cheap &, reliable but finish early Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Krakow Good standards and very good deals available especially on apartments The Krakow Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Polish & Krakow Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main Poland Index. Information on the weather in Krakow and average monthly temperatures is available in the Krakow City Guide.

The Eastern European Business Tourist Travel Information Guide - For Poland - Warsaw

Overview of Poland Country Profile& Warsaw City Guide Information:

The history of Warsaw is dates back to the settlements of Brodno & Jazdow in the 9th and 12th centuries In 1281 after the latter was destroyed in a battle a new settlement was established nearby in a fishing area called Warszowa. In 1413 it became the capital of Masovia and part of the Polish Crown in 1526. In 1596 after the unification of Poland and Lithuania it became Polands capital. In 1795 it was annexed to Prussia before being captured by Napoleon in 1807. In 1815, a Vienna treaty declared Warsaw as the capital of a new Constituitional Polish state ruled by Russia. In 1918 Poland regained its independence with Warsaw as its capital. When WW2 broke out on September 1st 1939 Poland was invaded by the Nazis in the west and sixteen days later by the Soviets in the east. For six a siege ensued before the city fell to the Nazis who herded most of the city's Jews into the Warsaw Ghetto. see also the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

In July and August 1944 as the Red Army once again attacked the German Army in Poland and the indigenious population of Warsaw tried to sieze control of the city from the Nazis whilst the Red Army captured the right bank of Warsaw. The Soviets stayed put and the latest uprising failed. The Nazis then razed the city to the ground. In January 1945 the Red Army crossed the River Vistula and entered the left-bank of Warsaw. The Soviet forces arrested most of the leaders of the 1944 uprising before shooting them or taking them to Siberia. More

The main sightseeing and attractions in Warsaw reflect the trauma faced by the citizens of Warsaw in WW2. Other places to visit are the Royal Castle which has many treasures and the National Museum which has a collection of Polish Paintings which were hidden in 1939 and date back to the 19th century. More

Restaurants in Warsaw - offer a wide choice of cuisine with Italian food very popular. Good quality Polish food is to be enjoyed at 'Figaro' More.

The nightlife in Warsaw is varied and vibrant with several clubs worth a visit. There is also an informative and broad external Warsaw nightlife guide.

Public transport in Warsaw consists of buses trams and one metro line and a good suburban rail service. Services are regular but tend to wind down well before midnight. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Warsaw Lots to choose from and many owners will negotiate on advertised prices so shopping around is helpful. The Warsaw Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Czech & Prague Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main Poland Index. Information on the weather in Prague and average monthly temperatures is available in the Warsaw City Guide.

The Eastern Europe Business Tourist Travel Information Guide - For Slovakia - Bratislava

Overview of Slovakia Country Profile & Bratislava City Guide Information:

The history of Bratislava can be traced back to about 200 BC when it became recognised as a trading post . Since then it always been noted for its vinyards. In the 16th century it was occupied by the Ottoman Empire - at one point it was officially the capital of Hungary and the the 'throne' of several Hungarian Kings.

Two hundreds years later it became part of Austria - Hungarian Empire. At the end of World War if became part of the Czech - Slovak Federation. More In 1993 the federation ceased and Bratislava became Slovakia's Capital. Slovakia joined the EU in 2004.

There is no shortage of sightseeing and attractions in Bratislava. The most famous is the Bratislavsky Castle located on a hill by The Danube. Early settlements here date back to the Stone Age whilst the castle itself first built in Medieval times. It contains two exhibitions - The Treasury Of Slovakia which is an archeological history of Slovakia that includes findings from the grounds of the castle. There is also The Slovak National Museum which is an extensive exhibition of Slovakian history with including old furniture and contemporary art. St Martin's Catherdral was built in 1452 and includes a replica of the crown used for the coronation of Hungarian Epmererors It also has a Baroque Statue Of St Martin And The Beggar by sculptor Raphael Donner. The Archbishops Palace at Primalacialne Namestie was built during the 18th century as a luxury palace for the local archbishop. For some, the most attractive attraction in Bratislava is The Old Town Hall - parts of which date back to the 14th century. More

Restaurants in Bratislava are not expensive and the food on offer is very diverse. Particularly good is the classy Ludwig Restaurant offering well prepared European food with the trout , salmon & venison dishes being particularly good. The UFO Restaurant 85m above The New Bridge. The menu is an adventurous combination of Asian and Mediterranean dishes More

The nightlife in Bratislava is well established and the city is a popular destination for stag weekends.Several good clubs including one The Metro Music Club in an old metro tunnel. More.

Public transport in Bratislava is reliable and cheap with a good night service. Tourist cards are available. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Bratislava is very competive and a good deal is easily negotiated - especially on apartments. The Bratislava Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Slovakia & Bratislava Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the weather in Bratislava and average monthly temperatures is available in the Bratislava City Guide.

The Eastern European Business Tourist Travel Information Guide - For The Ukraine - Kiev

Overview of Ukraine Country Profile & Kiev City Guide Information:

The history of Kiev is thought to date back to around 400AD. It is generally agreed that it was an outlying part of the Khazar Empire from the 8th century. In the 9th century it was governed by nobles - Kievan Russians. In 1240 the city was destroyed by invading Mongols. In 1362 the area was occupied by the Gediminas In 1569 it became part of the Polish - Lithuanian Commonwealth. It later become a state of the Polish Crown. before in the 17th century becoming part of the Russia. After the Russian Revolution in 1917 Kiev was the capital of several short lived Ukrainian States before becoming part of Russia again in 1921. The Chernobyl Nuclear Accident in 1986 This Chernobyl Accident severely (see newsview).damaged the Ukraines previously close relationship with Moscow and when communisn collapsed Kiev became the capital of an independent Ukraine. More and The Orange Revolution.

The nightlife in Kiev is developing rapidly especially in respect of music and dance clubs -though few stay open to breakfast. River Palace a river boat with a casino music club, restaurant and casino does - aimed at rich male tourists. The Cocktail Bar is a ' fun' disco hosting wild parties popular with locals. More.

Public transport in Kiev is not totally reliable includes buses trolley buses & trams. Surban rail can be dangerous tourist card is available. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Kiev is of a good standard but the former can be very expensive - barter ? The Kiev Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Ukraine & Kiev Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the weather in Kiev and average monthly temperatures is available in the Kiev City Guide.