Apart from these, there are far more to explore when in Sicily. The Valle dei Templi or the Valley of Temples in the city of Agrigento is like the region’s Acropolis. The ridge is home to five Greek temples, including the Tempio di Ercole or the Temple of Hercules, which is the oldest of these. For a bit of the beach, there is Cefalù, an old town known to have some of the region’s best beaches. Cefalù is also the location of Tempio di Diana or Diana’s Temple and other Greek relics. Catania, on the other hand, is a university city, bustling with a vibrant nightlife and the gateway to Mount Etna. Hiking and partying are the main activities while in this part of Sicily.

Travelers to Sicily generally need a valid passport and visa when staying longer than 90 days. Common traveler hassles include pickpockets and muggers. It is advised to practice basic precautions. When traveling by train, it is best to stay with other people and not sit alone. Certain suburban neighborhoods in Messina, Palermo, and Catania may also be hazardous for non-locals. The best times to visit the region are during spring, autumn, and winter. Summers can get really hot in Sicily.

Architecture is one of the major offerings of Mykonos. Cycladic architecture is what it is called, and it is one of the things that distinguishes the town from other tourist destinations. A perfect example of Cycladic architecture is the Paraportiani church dedicated to the Holy Mary, which is perhaps the most photographed structure in all of Greece. A look back at the ruins of the architecture of the past is also possible with a visit to Delos, believed to be the birthplace of Greek gods Apollo and Artemis.

Despite its size, one can expect the best shopping and dining experience in the world in this little Greek town. Small shops rival the best and most expensive boutiques in Paris, Milan, and New York, and restaurants offer traditional as well as international cuisine. This little town also boasts of a thriving nightlife. Trendy bars and nightclubs dot the beachfronts, and glamorous faces flood these establishments each night for partying that lasts until the break of dawn.

Most tourist spots will require no visa from Canadians and Americans for visits to Mykonos that will last no longer than 3 months. Vaccinations may be required for those who plan to visit forested areas in Mykonos. Flu vaccinations are also recommended for those planning to visit in the colder months.

Lisbon is famous for its boulevards and thoroughfares dotted by various monuments such as the Avenida da Liberdade or Liberty Avenue and Avenida da Republica or Republic Avenue. The city is also home to quite a few museums. Famous museums include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which houses a rich collection of ancient and modern art, and the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the largest in Europe. A trip to Lisbon will surely be an architectural feast for the eyes—Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and traditional Portuguese architecture define the city’s landscape.

The Alfama quarter is the oldest district in Lisbon and has remained relatively unscathed by the numerous earthquakes that has ravaged the city over the years. The Alfalma Quarter is where historical structures such as the Castle of São Jorge (Castle of St. George) and Lisbon Cathedral can be found. Bairro Alto is also one of the oldest districts in Lisbon that is famous for its shopping and dining establishments.

Americans, Candians, and Europeans can enter the city without a Visa and stay up to 90 days. English is spoken in the city, but visitors are advised to bring their Portuguese phrase books with them at all times. Lisbon also has its fair share of thefts and pickpockets, so caution must be exercised when going out. Getting from one location to another is made easier by an efficient bus and train network as well as by the trundling trams that crisscross the city.

Prague, for the most part, has been left unscathed by the Second World War. The Vltava River still reflects the ancient bridges and towers, like it did centuries ago. Grand cathedrals toll proudly, ancient and majestic. Church domes are marked with age and grandeur. Stone bridges and lanes of cobblestones connect districts, creating the intricate maze that buoys Prague’s tourism industry.

Amidst this backdrop, a modern culture has sprung up. One feels this the most in the vibrant city life – fine dining restaurants, ritzy bars and cafés, and the myriad of nightlife options. Museums and galleries repeatedly showcase the old and new. New arts and crafts are best within the enclave of the Czech Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative. The Prague Jewish Museum and the Prague City Gallery, on the other hand, present creative glimpses of the city’s past.

The ninth century saw the founding of Prague, which soon became the seat of Bohemian rulers. It fell under the leadership of Charles IV in the 14th century. This was the time when a lot of the present infrastructure was created – the time when the city’s many architectural wonders were born.

Travelers to Prague generally require a valid passport and visa. American citizens can come into the country and stay for a maximum of 90 days without a visa. The weather in the city can change suddenly. Having a set of warm clothes is ideal. The best time to go is during fall and summer.

The Red Square sits at the heart of the city. This is usually the first stop for the curious visitor – the historic remnant of communist Russia. It is surrounded by St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State History Museum, and a slab of the Kremlin wall. The mausoleum is home to the embalmed body of the communist leader. A walk through this center is both somber and surreal.

Moscow’s eclectic side is apparent in surprising places. The Moscow Metro is covered in marble and mosaic, artistically designed, and seemingly endless. Likewise, the New Tretyakov Gallery and the All-Russian Exhibition Centre have fascinating exhibits, mostly from the country’s socialist era. The State Tretyakov Museum holds some of the finest Russian Art, some dating back to the 11th century. The traveler will find their collection of medieval art and icons most interesting.

Travelers to Russia require a valid passport and visa. There are no common hassles for visitors, although pickpockets are around in crowds and busy streets. Basic precaution is advised. There are also some incidents of mugging by taxicab drivers who pick up foreigners from favorite expat hangout places, such as particular bars and restaurants. When coming home late at night, practice discretion when it comes to choosing cabs. Moscow is a safe city, in general, despite its size. A traveler just has to remain observant of the surroundings.

Piazza del Duomo is at the city’s center, the location of many iconic buildings and artworks. From here, one can view the rest of Florence from the bell tower. The cathedral (or Duomo), one of the most recognizable buildings in the city, overwhelms, as with the Baptistery and its bronze doors and marble clad foundation; while many renowned Gothic and Renaissance sculptures make a home at the Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo.

The Galleria degli Uffizi, on the other hand, happens to be one of the best galleries of fine art in the world. The works of masters like Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Rubens, and other leading European artists are kept and maintained here.

Yet, there are more to Florence than these obvious tourist destinations. Gardens abound throughout the city, favored for leisurely strolls and quiet time. There is no lack in gastronomic adventures – from ice scream parlors to historic cafés and the best restaurants. Shoppers also have a wide array of choices.

Travelers to Florence typically need a valid passport and visa. American citizens only require a passport to travel to the country. The common traveler hassles are the same as in any tourist city. There are pickpockets and purse-snatchers, especially in crowded places. Frequently visited sites also have regular panhandlers. Basic watchfulness should be practiced. Wallets and purses should be held securely at all times. Beyond these, the city is generally safe. The best time to visit Florence is during spring and fall. Summers in the city can get hot and dry, while winters are often mild.

Budapest has many of the requisites in travel destinations. Parks are abundant and inviting. The Hungarian National Museum stands out among the many artistic spots in the city as the home of impressive exhibits on Hungarian history. Thermal baths are popular pastimes, and of the venues, the Széchenyi Baths astounds in its 1913 neo-baroque setting.

The city has many historically significant places of congregation. The Dohány utca Synagogue, for one, is the biggest and most elaborate synagogue in Europe. Its massive and elaborate exteriors are only matched by what is inside: chandeliers, etched pulpits, and grand interiors. Behind it lies a memorial for victims of the Shoah. The Gerbeaud Café, on the other hand, is one of Budapest’s oldest cafés. Known for great pastries and cakes, it is also one of the best places to hangout and watch both locals and tourists pass by.

The Fisherman’s Bastion is another place of interest. Its seven towers provide an unparalleled view of the city.

Travelers to Budapest generally need a valid passport and visa. American and Canadian citizens may go into the country without a visa. Typical traveler hassle includes pickpockets. It is advised to be watchful while in tourist sites, public transportation, and crowded sites. The best time to go to Budapest is during spring and autumn. This is when the weather is at its best. Summers and winters can be particularly harsh in the city.

Venice, today, is more of a tourist city. There is a declining resident population. At several periods within a year, tourists outnumber residents. Regardless, its charms are intact. Romance is in the air. Arts and culture are the prevalent pastimes.

St. Mark’s Square is at the city’s heart and its most recognizable location. The site is resplendent with tourists, pigeons, and the magnificent architectures of The Basilica San Marco, Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum, the bell tower, and the clock tower. Venice’s churches are also prime examples of classic structures. A Chorus Pass is available to visitors and this gets them into 16 churches within the city. For art, the Accademia Gallery is home to a lot of Venetian masters’ creations. Works come from the 14th to the 18th century.

Venice dates back to 827, when it was the seat of a Byzantine Duke. The Rialto was its ancient center. It was briefly conquered by Napoleon, and was passed between the jurisdictions of the Austrian and Italian governments. Today, it is a tourism-driven city, made up mostly of service-oriented industries.

Most travelers to Venice are required a valid passport and visa. American travelers only need a passport to get into Italy if they are staying for less than 90 days. Venice is generally safe. Pickpockets are the only common traveler hassle – incidents increase during peak tourist season. Travelers are advised to be aware of their surroundings and account for their belongings at all times.

The Parthenon remains one of the city’s most recognizable monuments. It is located within the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A visitor can imbibe the glory that was Athens in this fortified ancient town. A ticket to the Acropolis also provides access to the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, and more.

Being a city rife with history, museums and art galleries are abundant in Athens. These are some of the city’s attractions to scholars as these museums and galleries hold ancient and modern treasures. Major ones include the National Archaeological Museum and the New Acropolis Museum.

A valid passport and visa are required from travelers to Athens, Greece. Typically, a visitors are advised to keep aware of their surroundings. Pickpockets and purse snatching are the common crimes. Some travelers have been victims to “friendly stranger” scams, especially at tourist hotspots. Discretion should be practiced, particularly when talking to strangers.

The French capital is a place where high fashion meets masterful art and architecture. The streets are alive with bohemian bistros and cafes, ethnic centers, and spacious parks and monuments. Paris is the city of dreams; the city of lights, romance and all the rest.

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most recognizable monument in the city. It is along the same road as the Assemblée Nationale, or the Seats of the French Parliament; the Les Invalides, which is a museum of arms, dating back to the Middle Ages, and houses the tombs of Napoleon Bonaparte and other French military leaders; and the Musée d’Orsay, which has an impressive collection of masterpieces by the likes of Edgar Degas, Claude Monet and more. There are more of these historic monuments, bespeaking of Paris’ colorful past.

Art is a way of life in Paris. It is one of the best destinations in the world to go to and view the works of masters, and would-be masters. Modern and classic arts share equal footing in the art world’s venerable museums such as The Louvre, the Musée de l’Orangerie, and the Centre Georges Pompidou.

Travelers to Paris need a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Paris is a good destination all year round, because of the notable events throughout the year. There are always theater shows, concerts, and ballets to go to from January to December. May to June is often the peak season. However, there are crowds who flock to the capital from September to October for the trade fairs.