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Southern Europe Preview

Bosnia - Sarajevo

Overview of the Bosnia Country Profile & Sarajevo City Guide Information

The history of Sarajevo is unclear. In 1893 in the Sarejevo suburb of Llidza in 1893 archeolgists unearthed relics from a Stone Age settlement. Between then and the 1st century several tribes lived in the area - the most prominent of these were the Illyrians. There is a school of thought that the Romans built a town named Aquae Sulphurae on Llidza During the following centuries the area was part of the Roman Empire more.

Modern Sarajevo was founded by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century possibly 1461. 'Sara' was the name of the citys governor. In the 18th century it formed part of the Bosnian Rebellion against the Ottoman Empire before falling to the Austrian Hungarian Empire in 1878. From then until the outbreak of WW1 the city's industries expanded and the city was modernised. more.

Many examples of this history can be found in Sarajevos' sightseeing and attractions. The Gazi Husrev-Beg Hamam are the city's most impressive Turkish baths which were built in 1539. . The Morica Han built in 1551 was a travellers inn. It is thought that there were about 40 of these a century ago but this is the only one that remains. Also interesting is the Svrzo House which use to be the home of a Bosnian nobleman. Other places of interest in the Careva Mosque which was built in 1566 and the Clock Tower built 100 years later and furnished with a London clock.

Restaurants in Sarajevo are plentiful but some are dressed up cafes. Either way they are when compared cities like Dubrovnik not expensive. Inat Kuca serves a range of Central European dishes and a special Bosnian Hotpot of a lamb and vegatables. Restaurant Una in The Old Town, is expensive in local terms but has a good selection of traditional Bosnian dishes whilst - the Basenji Restoran has a good range of local dishes, accompanied by excellent salads and offers a few Italien dishes as well. Patrons might need to check prices on bill compared with menu. More

Sarajevo nightlife is slowly on the increase but it is nothing to write home about. However two places worth checking on are the Coloseum Club and the Club. Please see the guide for links.

Croatia - Dubrovnik

Overview of the Croatia Country Profile & Dubrovnik City Guide info.

The city was devasted by an earthquake in 1667 and sum of its land was sold to to the Ottoman empire. In 1806 Napoleon occupied the city, before it was annexed to Austria in 1815. At the end of World War it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes which later became Yugoslavia. (See the Country profile) After WW2 whilst it was one of Moscows weaker domains it was a haven for rich tourists from all over the world. In 1991 Croatia declared its independence from the former Yugoslavia During this time Serbia forces laid a nine month siege to Dubrovnik. A legacy of the Balkan wars.

Architecturally this city is very pretty but its immediate and surrounding coastlines are out of this world. The sightseeing and attractions in Dubrovnik . The 25 metre Ancient City Walls oversee the city and the coastline whilst the 15th century Minceta Tower gives you a 'complete' overview of the Old Town. There are several .museums and art galleries and The Francisan Monastery is another journey back in time. Further along the coast the tranquility of the village of Cavat is truly astounding.

English is widely spoken in Dubrovnik and in 'fluently' most of Dubrovniks Restaurants. There are numerous places to eat in Dubrovnik Club Nautika offers a variety of well prepared sea foods - another other establishment that sells equally good sea food is 'Antunni' . 'Wanda' has a good selection of chicken and meat dishes including octopus. More info. Generally food and service is of a very high standard. Prices are much higher than is normal in most parts and southern central and Eastern Europe.

Dubrovnik nightlife is difficult to quantify as many music sessions take place in restaurants or on their terraces. The Trubadur Hard Jazz Club which includes an open air bistros is a very good example of this.

Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Dubrovnik. is of a good to high standard with rental apartments suprisingly cheap. The Dubrovnik Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Croatia and Dubrovnik Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the Dubrovnik weather now & its average monthly temperatures is in the Dubrovnik City Guide.

Croatia - Zagreb

Overview of the Croatia Country Profile & Zagreb City Guide Information:

Zagreb history dates back to the 11th century when it was founded by a Hungarian King as a diocese for a bishop. In the 17th & 18th centuries Zagreb was badly damaged by fire and the bubonic plaque.

In 1776 its importance increased when it was made the seat of Government as a prelude to the Croatian National Revival. From the middle of the 19th century it became a important industrial city aided by the introduction of rail services. In the 1860 it developed industrially as rail services were introduced. In 1880 Zagreb was practially destroyed by an earthquake and had to be rebuilt. Consequently there are only a few buildings built before this date. After both World Wars its population grew dramatically and the city expanded. Post WW2 war Croatia was part of the communist conrolled former Yugoslavia. In 1991 when Croatia declared its independence from the former Yugoslavia it fought for five years with Serbia for its survival.

Not surpisingly the Sightseeing and Attractions in Zagreb are a mixture of the old and the new. Zagreb Catherdral which goes back to the Middle Ages ages which was built in the middle ages whilst the 13th century St Marks Church is famous for it multi coloured roof tiles. Park ZrinJevac is a very old and very bueatiful park with an while The National Universities Library is a modern build which is aesthetically attractive even if is modern - such is prejudice! More

Restaurants in Zagreb are not in abundance and international cuisine is more difficult to find. When visiting Zagreb it also should be noted that many restauants do not open on Sundays. ZaloGajnica 'Pothodnik' though from the outside a modest looking establishment serves very good food for the main and deserts. ZaloGajnica 'Kod Duje' sells similar food and some decent stews. The most impressive 'Dida' has a broad selection of Dalmatian Cuisine, and an excellent local wine list. More.

Zagreb is not known for its nightlife and Nightlife and we are unable to suggest any venue at the moment.

Public Transport In Zagreb Zagreb has an extensive bus and tram service which operates from 04.30 until 23.30. There are night services which unlike the day services unreliable. Prices are cheap and travel cards are available - being caught without a ticket is bad news. More

Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Zagreb. is good and caters for all budgets including campers. The Zagreb Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Zagreb and Croatia Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the Zagreb weather now and its average monthly temperatures is available in the Zagreb City Guide.

Slovenia - Ljubljana

Overview of Slovenia Country Profile & Ljubljana City Guide Information:

The history of Ljubljana according to archaealogical discoveries dates back to the Bronze Age .A Roman settlement, Emona was built in the area in 15AD which and survived until 452. The first documentation referring to Ljubljana by name is dated 1144 . There is also a 1146 reference to it in the Latin name of Luwigana. In 1220 it was recognised as a town. In 1335 it became part of the Austrian Hapsburg Empire. In 1511 and 1895 it was by damaged earthquakes.

In 1918 at the end of WW1 the rule of the Austrian Hungarian Empire ended when it formed part of the Kingodm of Yugoslavia, until it was occupied by Italy in April 1941. In Febuary 1942 it survived a siege after the Italiens had encirled with 31 KLM of barbed wire. At the end of WW2 it was occupied by the Red Army and became part of Yugoslav Republic of Slovenia. More.

The sightseeing and attractions in Ljubljana include Baroque. Renaissance style and neo - Classicist architecture. Ljubljana Castle parts of which date back to the Stone Age is being renovated. The present castle itself dates back to the 12th century . The central point for visitors is the Preseren Square. One of its features is The France Preseren Monument in honour of the Slovenian poet whilst The Franiscan Church built in 1860 and painted externally in a combination of red and pink is easily spotted. The most unique feature of the square is The Tromostovje (Triple Bridge). The bridge connects the square with The Old Town parts of which date back to the 16th century. More

There are many restaurants in Ljubljana - especially in the area around 'Stari Trg' The Rotvz is a very stylish seafood restaurant with some fairly exclusive dishes and a good wine list. The Pivnica Kratchowill offers good meals even though it is essentially a bar. The Pri sv Florijanu is a Slovenian restaurant with a distinctly continental touch. The Zinta Ribica is a very popular restaurant with the locals which sells fairly orthodox Eastern European food. More

Nightlife and clubbing in Ljubljana is a serious business with every musical taste catered for. The Gajo Jazz Club is internationally renowned & The K4 Dance Club is the 'cult' club. Bratislava is a centre for Stag weekends. More

Public transport in Ljubljana - a reliable network of 20 bus routes though the route maps can be confusing. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Ljubljana Generally good standards- spoilt for choice and not expensive. The Ljubljana Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Slovenia & Ljubljana Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the weather in Ljubljana and average monthly temperatures is available in the Ljubljana City Guide.

Consular & Visa, With Travel Advice For Albania Bosnia Croatia (Kosovo) Serbia Slovenia Macedonia & Moldova

Details of visa and consular information for these Southern Europe countries plus useful travel advice can found on the Consuate page

National & International Coach Information for Albania Bosnia Croatia (Kosovo) Serbia Slovenia Macedonia & Moldova

Details of national rail networks and international railway services to these Southern Europe countries can be accessed on the coach page

Albania - Tirana

Overview of the Albania Country Profile & Tirana City Guide Information:

The countryside around modern day Tirana's history is believed to have been settled on from about 3,000BC. The first documented evidence of Tirana is dated 1418 in the work of Catholic Priest who was writing a history of Albania. In his account he refers to the villages of Greater Tirana and Lesser Tirana.

In the following century Tirana's importance increased aided by it becoming a commercial centre with its own Mosques and Turkisk baths. During the 18th & 19th century its grew very slowly. In 1912 Albania gained its independence and after WW1 in Febuary 1920 Tirana. became its capital of Albania. During WW2 the city was occupied by the Germans and Italians before its own communist party liberated the country in 1944.

Post war Albanian History is chequered. It severed its relations with Yugoslavia and allied its self to Stalinist Russia until Russia in 1960. a. After this it leaned towards Chineese communism. In 1968 it severed relationships with all Warsaw Pact countries following their complicity in the Russian led invasion of Czechslovakia. In the late seventies it close affiliations with China waned and when communist President Hoxha died in 1985 and the country became less insular. In this new climate opposition parties were permiited and the communist party won the first democratic elections in 1991. Since then Albania has experienced difficult times with refugees fleeing from the Balkans and a weak economy.

Attractions and Sightseeing in Tirana are when compared with other European cities fairly limited as most buildings are less than a 100 years old. Fort Preza, from the 15th century is worth a visit as it sits majestically in the foreground of the Kruja mountain. Fort Pertrela in southern Tirana also dates back to the Middle Ages. Mosque Ethem Bey in the centre of Tirana. was built in 1789. Museums In Tirana- The Museum of National History, Archaeological Museum, Gallery of Fine Arts, Museum of Albanian Philately, The Museum of Natural Sciences More Detail

There is a growth in Restaurants in Tirana. These are being reviewed but the Apollonia serving Albanian Greek and Italian food is well worth a visit.

Nightlife in Tirana is a little on the quiet side but the The Colosseum Bar, The Boom Boom Room are good venues.

Public transport in Tirana is a little tired and not totally dependable with no service to and from the airport. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Tirana is expensive in relative tems.. The Tirana Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Albanian Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the weather in Tirana now and average monthly temperatures is also available in the Albania City Guide.

Macedonia - Skopje

Overview of Macedonia Country Profile and Skopje City Guide Information:

Archaeological finds indicate that settlements in the Skopje area date back to at least 3,500BC. In 148AD the city was taken over by the Romans. The Modern Skopje history dates back to the 3rd Century when it was founded by the Kingdom Of Macedonian. In 395 it became part of the Byzantine Empire In the following fifteen centuries it was ruled by Slavs, Byzantines, the Bulgarians, Serbs & the Ottomans. More.

After WW1 Macedonia became part of Yugoslavia until the end of WW2 when it became part of the Socialist Federal Republic Of Yugoslavia. When the Yugoslavia disintergrated in 1991 Skopje became the Republic of Macedonia's capital. More.

From a tourists the sightseeing and attractions in Skopje and this country generally are endless. The National Gallery of Art built at the end of the 15th century has two domes and is the home an extensive collection of drawings, paintings and sculptures dating from the 14th to the 19th century. It also hast music festivals. including jazz concerts. The Mustapha Pasha Mosque is an imposing building built in 1592. which overlooks the baazar area of Skopje was built in 1592. The Clock Tower near the Baazar area was built in the mid 16th century and its chimes can be heard for several kilometres. Skopje is the birthplace of Mother Teresa - there is small museum in her memory along with a statue of here in the main street. More

There are many restaurants in Skopje especially around the shopping centre. The better one are found elsewhere and include 'The Pivinca' which serves local cuisine - 'The Taverna Toscana' not quite Italien (there is no pizza) and the especially good ' National Restaurant' serving interesting though a little expensive. local dishes with some interesting chicken dishes. Somewhat expensive. A gem is 'The Um Zina' - fare is Middle Eastern. Popular with Europeans and a little expensive. More.

Nightlife in Skopje is vibrant but new late licence laws mean that there are fewer clubs open after midnight than previously. Check closing time before going in! Fairly good clubs with late licences include 'Trend' (also a restaurant), ' Papaya', 'Process' & The MCM Club. More.

Public transport in Skopje - before you arrive read the information in this section and visit the links provided as drivers speak little or no English. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Skopje is good value. Hotels are though much more expensive than apartments. The Skopje Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Macedonia Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the weather in Skopje and average monthly temperatures is in the Skopje City Guide.

Moldova - Chisinau

Public transport in Chisinau has over 50 bus tram and trolley routes and a 4 tier fare system. Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Chisinau is very fairly priced with Youth Hostel accommodation & apartments very cheap. The Chisinau Airport Guide has links to airport flight arrivals and departures boards & info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Moldova & Skopje Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on Chisinau weather and average monthly temperatures is in the Chisinau City Guide.

Serbia - Belgrade

Overview of Serbia Country Profile & Belgrade City Guide Information:

The history of Belgrade is thought to have its origins around 5,000BC when the Vinca culture lived in the area. In the 3rd century AD the Celts settled in the area before the settlement became part of the Roman Empire. The first documentation of the name Beograd (Slavic for Belgrade) is dated 878 AD. In the following ten centuries the city was ruled by the Bulgarian Empire, the Hungarian Byzantium, the Serbian Emp[ire and the Ottoman Empire. In 1867 Belgrade became Serbia's capital. More.

During WW2 Belgrade was attacked in 1941 by German, Italian, Hungarian and Bulgarian forces. In April 1944 it was bombed by the British. On November 29th it was taken by the Red Army. It was now the capital of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. More

There is no shortage of sightseeing and attractions in Belgrade especially for those who appreciate architecture. The Old Kalemegdan Fortress, built in the 12th century contains several museums and galleries and offers a unique overview of Belgrade. St Michaels Archangel Church dates back to the latter part of the 16th century. The Terazije Square in 1830 is a maginificently spacious square with many pleasant architectual ingredients - . The Terazije Fountain built in 1860 being one and the some what loud flamboyant 'pink' coloured Hotel Moskva built 100 years ago being another The Student Cultural Centre a officers home in the style of a mini-castle built in 1895. More

There is a good choice of restaurants In Belgrade with some offering exceptional value. The Kafana Daca offers a good selection of very well prepared Serbian dishes in an atmosphere which seems to replicate Serbian village life. The Dva Jelena provides an extensive range of traditional tasteful Serbian dishes and traditional folk music. More.

The nightlife and clubbing scene in Belgrade is diverse with Techno music now a leading factor. The area around the Kalemegdan Citadel, is where the best clubs are found including Underground, Libido, and Clubcoyu. Belgrade is also has several well established Jazz venues including Big Dil, Ellingtons, & Hemingvej. More Public transport in Belgrade has nearly 140 bus tram and trolley routes which are themselves complex. Not always reliable in winter and a somewhat strange website! Hotel & Apartment Accommodation in Belgrade Not so many apartments but numerous hotels which for the most part are competively priced. The Belgrade Airport Guide has links to the airport flight arrivals and departures boards and info on travelling to and from the airport. Information on the Serbian & Belgrade Tourist Board and sources of Consular and Visa information is in the main index. Information on the weather in Belgrade and average monthly temperatures is available in the Belgrade City Guide.