Winter holidays in Europe: countries, cities, prices

New Year's tour of castles in Romania: a trip to the Middle Ages

If we talk about winter Romania, it is a real paradise for lovers of medieval castle exoticism. Whatever the castle is is a long narrative of legends, tales and frightening details. In a few days in this country you can learn so much that enough for a series of books.

In Transylvania, you should definitely visit two of the most iconic Romanian attractions - Bran Castle (traditionally considered the castle of Vlad Tepes or Dracula) and Pelesh Castle (the family castle of the Romanian branch of the Hohenzollern dynasty), as well as a small castle Pelisor. Pelesh admires its rich royal decoration. Venetian stained glass windows, carved wooden furniture, knightly armor. The castle is full of wealth and luxury. You will have to walk up the mountain, as it is on a rock. Not far from Peleš is Pelisor Castle, much more modest compared to Peleš, but no less fascinating.

Dracula’s most attractive castle, Bran, was never actually the residence of Tsepes, but he often stayed there. Despite the numerous legends about the building, inside you can find a very cozy decoration, even more modest than in the castle of Pelisor. Nevertheless, on the tour you will be bored once, the horror of Dracula’s history will be cut to the bones, abundantly seasoned with mysterious rustles and sounds in the castle.

Next, go to the town of Huneadora, there is worth seeing the castle of the Corvines. The trip will be like traveling in a time machine. Much of the medieval castle remains untouched by time. The decoration still preserves the medieval spirit, and guides will tell you the bloody stories of the inhabitants of this castle.

Another interesting building is the Ryshnov Fortress. It is located at such an elevation that it can be reached only by tractor. The ancient decoration of the fortress causes delight, and from the stunning view from the height is breathtaking.

In addition to castles in Romania, you can visit many ancient churches and temples, each of which carries architectural value.

How to get there: to start from Moscow or St. Petersburg, you have to get to Bucharest. From Moscow fly planes, the cost of the ticket from 5500 rubles, and travel time 3 hours and 10 minutes. Bran and Pelesh are located near Brasov, Bucharest can be reached by train or electric car 2.5-3.5 hours and 300-750 rubles, you can also overcome the distance by rented car. From Brasov to the castles of Bran and Peles can be reached by bus. Huneadora can be reached by bus from Bucharest in 7.5 hours and 650-750 rubles with a transfer to Alba Iulia or Brasova in 6.5 hours and 650-700 rubles and a transfer to Orestia. Ryshnov can be reached by train from Bucharest with a bus transfer in Brasov in 3 hours 15 minutes and 500-800 rubles, and from Brasov to get by bus in 20 minutes and 100-300 rubles.

Where to stay: if you want to visit all the castles described, then it is most convenient to stay right in Brasov. A room in the hotel will cost from 13 000 rubles per day per person, and in guest houses you can stay for 1700-2000 rubles per day for a room.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: a tour for five to seven days in the castles of Romania per person will cost from 50,000 to 70,000 rubles.

Duration: 5-7 days.

What to take with you: from the documents you will need a passport and a visa. In advance, exchange cash rubles for Romanian leu (the rate for the winter of 2018 will be about 15 rubles per unit), you can pay without cash with Visa or MasterCard cards in any currency, when buying the currency will automatically be converted into Romanian leu.

Venice Carnivals: in Italy in winter

Bright, noisy, incendiary Carnevale di Venezia is a great alternative to the gray and cold winter in Russia. Since 1296, carnivals have become official city holidays in Venice, in 2018, the fun will occur from January 27 to February 13. On January 27, La Festa Veneziana, the traditional Venetian holiday, will begin. Any person can get on the Carnevale di Venezi: try on the outfit of the XVIII or XIX century and join the crowd. Bautu (a special carnival mask) can be rented. If you wish, attend a private party and ball in the palaces in Piazza San Marco. Be sure - a costume for the party and an entrance fee of about 400 euros. Let's go to Italy! Winter in Venice resembles our autumn or spring, the temperature is about 6-10 degrees Celsius. The main thing is that in winter there are much fewer tourists in Venice, so it is calmer in hotels, restaurants, museums, and the service is expected to be better. The carnival will end at midnight – with the last ringing at the bell tower of San Marco, it is time for Lent.

How to get there: air ticket Moscow - Venice for one person all winter months will cost 12,800 rubles, flight time without transfers 3 and a half hours.

Where to stay: in a hotel with one star in early December, a double room for a week costs 35,000 rubles, on holidays from December 25 to January 3, prices start from 50,000 rubles.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: 66 200 rubles will cost 10 days in Venice from December 1 from Moscow - includes tickets and hotel accommodation, for a month in the city will have to pay 96,000 rubles. The minimum price of lunch is about 800 rubles, dinner with alcohol - 3000 rubles, the average taxi ride will cost 1200 rubles. Hourly excursions with a Russian guide "Meet Venice". Water walk will cost 50 euros per group, Venice Classic, Basilica of St. Mark - 60 euros per group.

Duration: 5 to 14 days

What to take with you: for winter evenings, take warm jackets, hats, gloves. For comfortable and long walks, take care of comfortable shoes. Take cash - on excursions you will be offered the products of local craftsmen: Venetian masks, Murano glass. A Schengen visa to Italy up to 21 days and up to 90 days will cost 9510 rubles.

Winter Croatia in colours

The Republic of Croatia is a country in southern Central Europe with its capital in Zagreb. Winter average temperatures: in the continental part, the average is -10, in the mountains from -5 to 5, the coast from 0 to +10. On Christmas and New Year in Croatia, you can feel a fabulous mood: shops, cafes, streets are shimmering with colorful lights, fairs noise, the alluring aroma of mulled wine, cinnamon and ginger is felt. You will definitely be treated to appetizing hot chevapchi sausages or samoborskie with garlic, will give you a taste of fritula and strucle for dessert. In King Tomislav Square in Zagreb, you can skate. People go to Croatia in winter to admire medieval and ancient architecture in the cities of Rovinj, Pulu, and the brilliant Dubrovnik. Breathe the sea air on the Adriatic coast: the resort of Makaraska is suitable for lovers of nightclubs, restaurants, spa hotels. In the amazing country of Croatia there are wonderful ski resorts Platak and Sleme with trails for professionals and beginner skiers. Welcome back!

How to get there: air ticket Moscow - Zagreb costs from 20 000 rubles.

From December 25, the couple will be able to spend 7 nights in luxury apartments for 120 000 rubles, a decent five-star will cost from 40 000 rubles on the same dates.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: a hotel in the city of Rovinj will cost from 22 000 rubles for 7 nights for two in January, Pulu from 23 000 rubles, Dubrovnik from 30 000 rubles. The fare in urban transport is 91 RUB. Excursion to the suburbs of Dubrovnik 2 645 p. For 4 hours, a trip on a water bus with a transparent bottom of 684 rubles. The main dish in the center of Zagreb can be eaten for 300-350 rubles.

Duration: unlimited number of days.

What to take with you: ski equipment you can take with you or use rental services at the resort. A visa to Croatia costs 35 euros when issued in the usual mode, urgent will cost 70 euros per person, children under 12 years old do not need a visa.

Peace in Denmark for the New Year

In winter, Denmark turns into a fabulous kingdom: small, seemingly toy houses; roofs covered with snow; colorful lights in windows. It seems that a little more and the magic will begin. If you come to Denmark in December, be sure to stay for Catholic Christmas and New Year. In Copenhagen, you will see rainbow houses on the Nyhavn embankment, you can skate in the central squares, you can not resist the aromas of traditional delicacies - candied fried almonds and Danish Christmas beer. In the Kingdom must view spectacular castles: Egeskov, Kronborg and picturesque palaces Amalienborg, Frederiksborg. You may also be interested in the beautiful city-park Odense, the birthplace of the world-famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. For a week's stay in the hotel, the couple will have to pay from 30,000 rubles. Legoland Park in Billund is a real Mecca of lovers of the famous designer. An adult ticket will cost 50 euros, a small snack in the park will cost an average of 15 euros. The oldest amusement park Tivoli (founded in 1874) in Copenhagen will be interesting for the whole family. Admission ticket for adults - 15 euros, children under 8 years are free.

How to get there: a direct flight from Moscow to Copenhagen costs from 16,000 rubles, a transfer flight will cost 13,000 rubles.

Where to stay: a room in the capital's three-star hotel for a week will cost from 50 000 rubles for two. Two weeks in the hotel three stars - from 80 000 rubles per room. If you go three with a child - a week will cost 78 000 rubles, two weeks - 154 000 rubles.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: a week-long tour from Moscow to Copenhagen will cost 32,600 rubles - for accommodation and flight per person. The price of a buffet in a cafe is 800 - 1000 rubles. The average price for a bottle of wine is 400-500 rubles. 5-day tour to Legoland - from 80 000 for two: the price includes a visit to the park, water park, medical insurance.

Duration: 4 to 12 days.

What to bring with you: a visa in Denmark is best done long before your trip. Consular fee for Russian citizens 2350 rubles and service fee 1225 rubles, children under six years are exempt from registration.

The Spanish Middle Ages on Christmas Day

Winter is a great time to visit the Kingdom of Spain: prices don’t bite as much as they do in summer and there are fewer tourists. Winter in Spain is often warm and sunny: in the north and in the center of the country the temperature will be about +10, in the south 20 degrees, in the mountains -10. Snowy and rainy weather is characteristic of the north of the country, the weather is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The Canary Islands will enjoy 20-degree warmth during the day and 10-15 at night. If you are traveling in Castile, Catalonia and Andalusia, you have the opportunity to admire Spanish medieval architecture. We advise you to see the impressive Avila - a city in the Gothic style. The Cistercian Monastery of Poblet, the largest monastery in Spain, was founded in 1151. Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia, a colorful city of the Kingdom, a place of pilgrimage for believers from all over the world, since the IX century. it stores the relics of the Apostle James. The Old Town is a beautiful medieval ensemble. Numerous architectural buildings in the Gothic style can be seen in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias; Romanesque churches in the Val de Boi in Catalonia, the buildings of La Longha de la Ceda in Valencia.

How to get there: a plane ticket from Moscow to Barcelona costs from 15,000 rubles, to Madrid you can fly for about the same price. The main thing is to buy a ticket long before the trip, with early booking, pleasant discounts are guaranteed.

Where to stay: 3000 rubles - a night for two in a hotel room near the monastery in the picturesque La Espluga de Francoli. In the Old Town of Santiago de Compostela room from 2500 rubles. In the Gothic Avila hotel four stars a week will cost 26,000 rubles for a couple.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: 24,700 rubles is a tour from Moscow to Barcelona for seven days, hotel accommodation and flight. Lunch and dinner in the cafe will cost 12 and 20 euros, in the restaurant 17 and 30 euros, respectively.

Duration: from 7 to 14 days.

What to take with you: Schengen visa - 2000 rubles, urgent - 5000 rubles. Even in winter, sunny Spain is warm, so grab light clothes, hats and skin care products after sunbathing.

A Winter Journey Through Ancient Greece

As you know, Greece has everything! I would like to add that I always do! In winter in this country to rest not only as pleasant as in summer, but also profitable. In cold times, prices for tours, hotels and food are reduced. It's time to go! A visa to Greece for 90 days will cost 2450 rubles, for 180 days - 6300 rubles. To these amounts you need to add 1400 rubles for the services of the visa center. Children under 6 years of age and disabled people have the right not to issue it. In Greece at your service first-class ski resorts Vasilica and Kaymakzalan. Balneological resorts, such as Loutraki, with useful thermal springs. The cost of a pool with mineral water is 8 euros, mud treatment is 25 euros. But the main thing in Greece is its culture and architecture, which became the basis and served as a reference point for architects around the world. The Parthenon Temple (432 BC), the international symbol of Greece. The main monuments of ancient Greek architecture: the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Nike Apteros, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the Temple of Poseidon, the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Demeter at Eleusis. In addition, the natural attractions of Greece are worth seeing: the island of Nea Kameni, Lake Vouliagmeni, the Scotino Cave, the Corinth Canal and much more. In Greece, it is convenient to travel by comfortable buses, the price depends on the distance of the trip.

How to get there: air tickets Moscow - Heraklion - from 15 000 rubles, Moscow - Athens costs from 8000 rubles.

Where to stay: overnight in hotels in Greece can be from 3000 rubles per room.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: 20 500 rubles will cost a week tour Moscow - Athens per person in December. Moscow - Heraklion is sold for 16,000 rubles (accommodation and flight), Moscow - Crete - about 17,000 rubles.

Duration: from 5 to 21 days.

What to bring with you: Bring your driver’s license. You can rent a car and see the whole country in a few days, the average cost per day is 50 euros (economy class car). You can put a swimsuit in your suitcase - it is possible that you will want to swim in the hotel pool, and maybe in the sea.