Looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life in Pittsburgh this holiday season and take a trip to some of Europe’s renowned spots? If yes, then you may not be in much luck. All the top places you could have enjoyed during off-peak seasons are going to be super crowded. On the bright side, however, is that while you may not get the chance to see the Eiffel tower due to crowds, Europe is big enough for everyone. She, therefore, boasts an array of breath-taking hidden gems that will give you the serenity you’ve been craving all year long. Here are few suggestions to get you rolling.
Sibenik Croatia
Whenever there is mention of Croatia, people think of popular towns like Dubrovnik and Split but never Sibenik. That is precisely why you should let us book your flight, pack your bags, and fly to Sibenik as it is indeed a hidden gem. Besides serenity, Sibenik has so much to offer; you probably won’t exhaust it all if your vacation is short. For instance, the city is home to two UNESCO world heritage sites. Namely, the St. James Cathedral and the St. Nicholas fortress.
Built at sea with only a single narrow path linking it to dry land, the fortress is indeed a sight to behold. There are also three other fortresses, which like the St. Nicholas Fortress, are a great addition to your Instagram feed. Other great places to visit in Sibenik include the beautiful and serene Krka National Park, which boasts a handful of breath-taking waterfalls, and the Plitvice lakes national park. The town features gorgeous cobblestone streets and ancient architecture that reminds you of scenes in Game of Thrones (some of the series’ episodes were shot here.)
it’s also relatively easy to get here as there are flights from America to Split from where you can take a car.
Budapest Hungary
If you are a food lover, you’ll definitely fall in love with this city as it boasts an array of delicacies that’ll take your taste buds for a ride. It’s thus no surprise it has been nicknamed the food capital of Hungary. Other than a long string of luxurious fine dining options, it also has so much to offer. For instance, you will love the royal palace houses and the city’s beautiful, neoclassical architecture. If you’re more of a history junkie, then it’s the right place for you to unwind as it features a long string of historical sites such as the Castle Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery. The city may have no seashore, but it makes up for that with the beautiful 2.5 km Lupa beach on the shores of Lake Lupa, which is the cleanest lake in Hungary.
Ardennes Belgium
Located on the south end of Belgium, Ardennes is a picturesque region characterized by a magnificent lush green landscape, concealed villages, steep river valleys and, rolling hills. So if you love taking a break and enjoying the tranquility of nature, this European destination would be the perfect place for you to unwind from your busy life in Pittsburgh. Besides its breath-taking landscape, Ardennes is popular for great beer and great food. The best beer in all of Belgium is said to be from Ardenne’s Abbey Notre Dame in Orval, so ensure you make a stop here. There are plenty of beautiful places to visit, but the top three include the pristine Semois valley, the Grand Curtis Museum, and the Musee Des Beaux-Artss de Liege center.
