Still weighing up where to go in Europe this year? Here are a few destinations that are popular with our guests for summer 2012.

1. Hvar, Croatia – relax with the jetset

Europe’s sunniest island is popular with the stars of Hollywood and the sporting world – Hvar‘s guest book reads like the guest list for the Oscars: Clooney, Paltrow, Malkovich, Nicholson, Beckham, Agassi.

It’s not hard to see what draws them here. Hvar is steeped in history with an impressive fortress and the Franciscan monastery and has some great beaches with crystal blue waters. Hvar is an ideally located departure point from which to visit the nearby Pakleni archipelago – rent a small-engined boat and circumnavigate the islands on your own or take a water taxi. Our guests usually visit Hvar as part of a tour of Croatia that includes other popular destinations like Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes and Trogir.

2. Berlin, Germany – the city with something for everyone

Berlin‘s relatively northerly location means summers there are quite mild (a few degrees cooler than Prague for example) making it an ideal time to check out one of Europe’s hippest capitals. Plenty for the history buff to see as well as a thriving local arts scene and a packed line-up of big name concerts and the summer events season kicks off at the end of May with the Carnival of Cultures, a 4 day multicultural celebration.

Just because Berlin’s not on the coast doesn’t mean you can’t soak up the sun – there are man made beaches on the banks of the Spree with open air bars and even beach volleyball courts. If beach bars aren’t your thing there’s always one of the city’s excellent beer gardens such as Prater, the city’s oldest beer garden on Kastanienalle in trendy Prenzlaurberg.

3. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic – fairy-tale setting

This fairy-tale town in south Bohemia, not far from Austria, will make you feel like you’re on a medieval-era movie set. The center of Cesky Krumlov with the Vltava river running through it is a labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways with cosy accommodations and delightful shops. No matter where you are all the town’s highlights are no more than five minute walk away. Get a bird’s eye view of the place from the ornate castle tower or for a different perspective you can take a raft or canoe on the river (watch out for the weirs!).

4. Budapest, Hungary – for a real ‘hot in the city’ experience

Budapest can be pretty hot in the summer but it’s also a great time to see the city with plenty of cafés along the Danube and outdoor thermal spring-fed pools, like the Széchenyi baths pictured here (photo courtesy of Flickr user Vlastula). There’s plenty of nightlife too with open-air clubs where you can dance till dawn.

Take a break from the city with a day trip or overnight stay at Lake Balaton, the top summertime retreat for Hungarians.

5. Salzburg, Austria – Alpine summer break

New to our destination line-up this year Salzburg is already proving to be a very popular addition with out guests. With its well preserved UNESCO World Heritage listed old town and an alpine backdrop Salzburg is a great place to immerse yourself in some culture and explore Mozart’s birthplace on a Mozart-themed city tour. If you tire of the city you can enjoy some breathtaking local scenery on one of our day trips from Salzburg.

6. Ljubljana, Slovenia

The Slovenian capital is a very popular destination on our multi-city tours and its location means it is a real cultural crossroads between Mediterranean, Balkan, Austrian and Slavic influences. The architecture is Central European but the attitude is more laid back than you would find in the neighbours to the north. There’s a deeply ingrained café culture in Ljubljana that means you’re never short of a venue for some people watching. After a couple of days seeing the city we suggest getting out into Ljubljana’s picturesque countryside with one of our day trips or maybe an overnight stay in the mountain resort of Bled, with its famous lake.

7. Krakow, Poland – one for the fans

If you’re into watching sporting events on big screens in UNESCO World Heritage listed town squares then you’ll love Krakow this summer. Poland and Ukraine are co-hosting the Euro 2012 Soccer Championship (8 June – 1 July) and whilst Krakow is not one of the host cities (two other JayWay destinations: Wroclaw and Warsaw are though) you can expect a big deal to be made of it. A great place to soak up the atmosphere of a big crowd watching the beautiful game. Aside from the football Krakow’s got a lot more going for it too – once the capital of Poland it is still the country’s cultural, artistic and scientific center.

Still not sure where you’re headed? Get in touch and tell us what kind of vacation you’re looking for and we’ll build you the perfect custom itinerary.

Related posts:

1. Cities of Central & Eastern Europe Grand Tour
2. Top 10 ideas for your 2012 Croatia Vacation

Jayway Travel

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To know about the vacation guide in Norwegian one must know the exact location of Norway. Knowing this can give us a proper idea regarding the climatic and topography of the place. This country is found to be northwestern part of the Scandinavian countries. It is found along the North Sea and Scotland.

Next one must know about the scenery in this extraordinary country. There are inlets available in the mountain region, which enables the water to enter it. This country is not much populated and is found to have total area similar Germany. Hence these land areas, which are scarcely populated, are converted in to national and theme parks. The lands available here are highly stable and pure. The government has tried to do their best in keeping them pure.

To visit this place one needs to know the various famous cities available here. A few of the main cities are named here.

Oslo is the main state, which is mentioned above all. This is the largest city in Norway. It is also regarded as the capital of the country. It also is provided with museums to keep all the belongings of the country in a safe and controlled environment. It also has an evergreen environment, which reminds us the country’s culture.

After Oslo the city named Bergen is popular. It is considered next to the capital of the country. There are various buildings available here. They are made of wood and the natural environment attracts most of the tourists. This city can lead you to the Fjords, which are available here. This country is noted for its rainfall. It has around 250 days of rainfall in a year.

In case you are traveling to Norway, you need to know some information regarding it:

Norway is a Christian country. Hence if you plan to go to Norway for a business it would be better if you can choose a Sunday, since every Sunday is considered as a public holiday. So you may get a chance to refresh yourself before getting involved in the business. You must also know that other services like the Gas stations are open all the days so as to provide the tourists with help and support 24×7. There are chances for certain restaurants to be open always, but it depends on the location of the mall or restaurant. All special days in the Christian society is considered as a public holiday. Hence more than a week is spent on holidays. There are other facilities regarding marriage here, which includes homosexuality accepted by most of the people here and same sex marriage is also made legal. Prostitution is a punishable offence too.

Norway is one of the richest countries in the world. So one who visits this place need to be ready with the cost of living. Even a work, which is characterized with low employment the payment, is huge. That is why here most of the company has less number of labors. On the other hand the viewing of most of the natural beauties are free of charge.

Trondheim Travel guide

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Trondheim Travel Guide Blog- Articles in Norwegian and English About Travel, Hotels, Destination

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Croatia is a timeless country with something for everyone and is one of our most popular summer vacation destinations. Its mix of rich history, breathtaking nature, endless coastline, classic architecture, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and warm climate make it a holiday paradise.

Its geography means there is abundant coastline and more than 1000 islands in the Adriatic, so there’s plenty of beaches to go around. If the sea isn’t your thing, then head inland to Plitvice Lakes or soak up some culture or history in one of the ancient cities.

For beaches/water activities

1. Hvar

Hvar’s one of our most popular destinations in the whole of Croatia. Our regional manager, Ana wrote this report on the best beaches in Hvar a few months ago.

2. Brač

From Hvar you can take a day trip by boat to the island of Brač where you will visit the town of Bol, the oldest settlement on the island. Take a walk along the shore to one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, Zlatni Rat, covered with tiny round white pebbles. Relax, swim and soak up the sun or visit the wine cellars, the Dominican monastery or have a delicious lunch in one of the many restaurants.

3. Vis and the Blue Cave

A short sail from Hvar you’ll find Vis, the most remote all the islands in the Adriatic, and on the other side of the island is the islet of Bisevo, where you will visit the Blue Cave, a truly unforgettable experience. After the cave, it’s on to Komiza, hometown of the reputed best fishermen in the Adriatic.

For history/culture

4. Dubrovnik

Hands down our top destination this year and set to be next year too. Polished marble streets, a labyrinth of alleyways and breathtaking architecture characterize the Old Town of Dubrovnik. In summer the city is buzzing with cultural options – concerts performed daily and throughout most of July and August the Dubrovnik Summer Festival keeps you entertained with music, theater and dance.

5. Split

Whilst much of Split is now an industrial port (and it’s for this reason that we suggest accommodation for our guests in picturesque Trogir nearby) there’s plenty of history to go round in this city that grew up around a 4th century palace built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

6. Trogir

Just a few minutes drive from Split Airport, this is often the first stop on a tour of Croatia. Trogir is a “city-museum” in every sense of the word. More than 2300 years in existence, the city provides lovers of cultural and historical monuments, art, original architecture and cozy alleyway streets an unforgettable setting. The old core of Trogir is an island surrounded by city walls which has been influenced by the Romans, Greeks and Venetians.

For active travelers

7. Plitvice

We offer Plitvice as a destination for overnight stays, or a day trip from from Trogir or from Zagreb, Plitvice is the first and most popular national park in all of Croatia and was described by famous guidebook writer Rick Steve’s as “Niagara Falls diced and sprinkled over a heavily forested Grand Canyon”. Enjoy a boat tour of the lakes, a tourist train or a walk. It was tough for us to pick a category for this one – it could go in the ‘outstanding natural beauty’ section too!

8. Krka

A whole day trip to Krka from Trogir takes you first to Šibenik and a visit to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Croatia. Then it’s on to Krka National Park and the opportunity to enjoy the untouched nature, crystal clear water, waterfalls, creeks and small lake.

For breathtaking scenery/outstanding natural beauty

9. Rovinj & Istrian Peninsula

Istria is often called ‘Croatia’s Tuscany’ and Rovinj is its star attraction. Its also an idea base from which to explore the whole region. For nature lovers staying in Rovinj we offer whole day tours of Brijuni Island National Park or the Istrian countryside.

10. Korcula & Mljet

Marco Polo’s hometown is one of the best preserved medevial towns in all of the Mediterranean with red roofed houses, beautiful architecture and city walls surrounding its narrow streets. Known also for its marvelous nature, Korcula is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic. The nearby island of Mljet is a paradise for those who enjoy untouched nature and absolute tranquility. We offer Korcula as an overnight destination or as a day trip for guests staying in Hvar or Dubrovnik.

Whatever you’re looking for from your 2012 vacation in Croatia, one of tailor-made tours of Croatia can piece it together for you.

Related posts:

1. Visit Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites with JayWay
2. The Best Beaches in Croatia, Part 2: Korcula
3. The Best Beaches in Croatia, Part 3: Hvar

Jayway Travel