Czech Republic (Czechia)

Czech Republic

Why visit Czechia (Czech Republic)?

Offers a bit of something for everyone whether seeking architecture, beer, biking, canoeing, castles, fishing, forests, hiking, landscape, limestone caves, medieval appearances, monasteries, mountains, museums, music festivals, puppet shows, skiing, small villages and spas.

Charles Bridge (Arch Bridge) Prague, Czechia. Photo Credit: Birgit Böllinger/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1348, Charles University (Prague) founded and first university in Central Europe.
• In 1488, the first translated Czech Bible was published.
  
• Since, 1961 Míša  (Prague) has been a popular frozen curd treat. 
• Has over 200 castles and châteaux.
  
• Divided into three land areas:  west (Bohemia ), east (Moravia) and southeast (Czech Silesia).
  
• Leases Moldauhafen lot (Hamburg Docks) for goods to be transported from the river to ships.
  
• Home to the third oldest company in the world producing cars, Tatra (Kopřivnice).
  
• Relies on natural gas from Norway and Russia.
• Densest rail network in the world.
  
• Ranks within the Top 10 for internet speed in the world.
• Aquapalace Praha (Čestlice) is the largest water park in central Europe.
  
• Pope ranked 12 cathedrals and 15 churches basilicas.
  
• Tuition free higher education is available to citizens.
  
• Well known for mouth blown and decorated Bohemian glassworks.
  
• Karlovy Vary City was featured in Casino Royale James Bond Series Film (2006).

Český Krumlov (South Bohemia Region), Czech Republic. Photo Credit: FelixMittermeier/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Carnival, Cinema Mundi International Film Festival, (March) Febiofest, Czech Beer Festival, (May) Ignis Brunensis, Mendel Lectures, Khamoro World Roma Festival, One World Film Festival, Prague Food Festival, Prague Fringe Festival, Prague Half Marathon, Prague Marathon, Prague Spring International Music Festival, Prague Writers' Festival, Valtice Wine Market, Zlín Film Festival, (June) Festival of Songs, Hluboká Music Festival, Microbrewery Festival, Rock for People Festival, Shakespeare Festival, (July) Czech Ukulele Festival, Jazzfest, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Ostrava Music Festival,(August) Fresh Film Festival, Golden Ball, International Folklore Festival, Music Festival Prázdniny v Telči, Praha Music Festival, (September) Dvořák's Prague Music Festival, Pálava Wine Harvest Festival, Slunce ve Skle Beer Festival, Znojmo Wine Festival, (October) Harvest Festival, Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival, Signal Festival, (November) Cannafest, eBF Conference, Feast of St. Martin Wine Festival and Freedom Lecture.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Liberation Day, Saints Cyril & Methodius Day, Jan Hus Day, St Wenceslas Day, Independent Czechoslovak State Day, Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day.

Castle Potštejn, Potštejn, Czechia. Photo Credit: ivabalk/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Offers hiking trails across the country and mountains.
  
• Few tourists explore beyond Prague.
  
• Are required to carry proof of a contracted valid medical insurance.
  
• Have their own currency, Czech Koruna. 
  
• Taxis are known to overcharge tourists (Prague).
• Pickpocketing is known to occur in tourist areas.
• Strikes and demonstrations occur. Avoid them!
  
• "Jaywalking" is subject to a fine, $2000CZK (around $100USD).
• At crosswalks, vehicles have the "right of way" vs pedestrians.
• Auto thefts and break-ins are common.
  
• You're required to carry a copy of your passport/VISA with you at all times.
• Zero tolerance for drinking and driving!
  
• Living Wills requesting no exceptional interventions to prolong life are not honored. 
  
• International Driving Permit (IDP) required for car rental/driving. Law requires headlights on at all times.
  
• Public transportation requires a ticket prior to boarding and validation upon boarding. Failure to do so will result in a fine.

Kadaň (Ústí nad Labem Region), Czech Republic. Photo Credit: kerut/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: €$10,000Euros.

Subject to hail, high winds, severe thunderstorms, snowstorms and tornadoes.

• Best Time to Visit: May - September
• Coldest Months: December - January
• Hottest Months: June - August
• Peak Season: June - August

The State Chateau of Hluboká, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czechia. Photo Credit: Leonhard Niederwimmer/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region, Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž, Historic Centre of Český Krumlov, Historic Centre of Prague, Historic Centre of Telč, Holašovice Historical Village Reservation, Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, Jewish Quarter and St Procopius' Basilica in Třebíč, Kutná Hora: Historical Town Centre with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec, Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonial Carriage Horses at Kladruby nad Labem, Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, Litomyšl Castle, Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora and Tugendhat Villa in Brno.

Karlovy Vary (West Bohemia Region), Czech Republic. Photo Credit: Ralf Gervink/Pixabay 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                              All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Cyprus

Cyprus Flag

Why visit Cyprus?

Known for archaeological sites, architecture, beaches, breathtaking scenery, charming villages, culture, hiking, museums, rocky coastlines, ruins, sea caves, skiing and spa resorts.

Kalavasos Reservoir, Cyrpus. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Copper, lace, local handmade art, pottery, silks, silverware and twisted threads of silver jewelry.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Anari (cheese). Fasolada (soup). 
• Local Drink to Try: Commandaria (dessert wine). Keo (beer). Zivania (brandy).

Cape Greco (Capo Greco), Cyprus. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 333BC, conquered by Alexander III "Alexander the Great", King.
  
• In 1915, Britain offered Cyprus to Greece, King Constantine declined.
  
• In 1925, was declared a British colony.
  
• In 1960, became independent.
  
• In 1974, Nicosia International Airport closed.
  
• Island formed by an enormous volcanic eruption.
  
• Birthplace of Adonis and Aphrodite in Greek mythology. 
  
• Third most populous Mediterranean Island.
  
• Home to the oldest water wells in the world dating between 9,000 - 10,500 years old.
• All men are required to serve 14 months in the National Guard following their 17th Birthday.
  
• Has a large quantity of offshore natural gas (Aphrodite).
  
• Considered the second most European Union religious country.
• High Schools are usually disregarded as higher education institutions administer exams for admittance. 
• Lefkara Lace has a distinct design and intricate pattern known to take hundreds of hours to create a masterpiece.
  

Agios Sozomenos, Nicosia District, Cyprus. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Cypriot Chess Championship, Lemesos Carnival, (May) Bellapais Music Festival, Street Life Festival (June) Güzelyurt Orange Festival,Kataklysmos Festival, (July) International Famagusta Art & Culture Festival, Larnaka Summer Festival, (August) Fengaros Music Festival, Lemesos International Documentary Film Festival, Mehmetçik Grape Festival, Wine Festival of Cyprus, (September) Agia Napa Festival, Cyprus International Film Festival,Kypria International Festival, Lemesos Wine Festival, Pafos Aphrodite Festival, (October) Kyrenia Olive Festival, Pharos Contemporary Music Festival and (November) Buffer Fringe Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Clean Monday, Greek Independence Day, Cyprus National Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Easter Tuesday, Labour Day, Pentecost Monday, Dormition of the Theotokos, Cyprus Independence Day, Greek National Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Kato Drys, Cyprus. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Enter and exit only at Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and Paphos International Airport (PFO) or Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos seaports.
  
• Follow "Restricted Area - Photography Forbidden" signs, strictly enforced.
  
• Larnaca Beachfront offers plenty of bars and restaurants.
  
• An additional 10% Service Charge is commonly applied with hotels and restaurants. 
  
• Suffers from chronic water shortages.
• Cruise line harbor ports are Larnaca and Limassol.
• English is widely spoken, even though official languages are Greek and Turkish.
  
• Some HIV/AIDS entry/exist restrictions apply.
  
• Night Clubs are known to inflate tourists bar tabs.

Tombs of the Kings (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Chloraka, Cyprus. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.

Lofou (Limassol District), Cyprus. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - September
• Coldest Months: January - March
• Hottest Months: July - August
• Peak Season: May - October 

Northern Cyprus. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Choirokoitia, Painted Churches in the Troödos Region and Paphos.

Ayia Napa (Famagusta District), Cyprus. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.

Cuba

Cuba Flag

Why visit Cuba?

For art, beaches, bicycling, birdwatching, boating, cabarets, caving, classic automobiles, colonial architecture, culture, fishing, golf, history, horseback riding, lakes, mountain ranges, museums, music, nightlife, rain forests, rivers, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports.

National Capitol Building, Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, cigars, embroidered clothing, lace tablecloths, perfume and rum.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Arroz con Pollo (Rice and chicken). Bistec de Palomilla (marinated beef). Boliche (pot roast). Cuban Sandwich. Medianoche (sandwich). Moros y Cristianos  (rice and beans). Ropa Vieja (shredded flank steak).
• Local Drink to Try: Cortadito (espresso). El Presidente (cocktail). Hatuey Beer. Ironbeer (soft drink). Jupina (pineapple soda).

Viñales Valley, Viñales, Cuba. Photo Credit: fab Wüst/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1492, Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), Italian Explorer claimed the island for Spain calling it "Isla Juana" after Prince of Asturias.
• In 1511, Baracoa was founded.
  
• In 1529, measles outbreak killed many.
  
• In 1539, Hernando de Soto (1500-1542), Spanish Explorer left (Havanna), arriving in Florida seeking gold and power.
  
• In 1548, Dr Gonzalo Perez de Angulo, appointed Governor.
  
• In 1555, the French conquered Havana, later seized by Britain.
  
• During 16th Century (1501-1600) and 19th Century (1801-1900), practiced African religion, Santería (Regla de Ocha).
• In 1892, José Julián Martí Pérez (1853-1895), Cuban Philosopher founded Cuban Revolutionary Party (New York) became a hero following his death during the Battle of Dos Rios.
  
• Until 1898, a colony of Spain became a protectorate of the United States.
• In 1959, Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926-2016) served as Prime Minister until 1976 under a communist rule.
  
• In 1902, became independent.
• In 1906, first elected President, Tomás Estrada Palma (1835-1908).
• In 1960, under presidential request the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) began to train Cuban refugees in efforts to overthrow Castro regime.
  
• From 1975-1991, sent citizens to fight in Angola (South Africa).
• In 1976, Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926-2016) served as President until 2008.
• Until 1993, refused American donations of cash, food and medicine.
  
• In 1998, in honor of Pope John Paul II visit, Christmas Day was restored.
• In 2009, former imposed government restrictions were lifted on citizens.
• In 2010, citizens were permitted to build their own houses. 
  
• In 2015, first country to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
  
• In 2016, following Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926-2016) death the government declared a nine-day mourning period prohibiting alcohol,  loud music or partying.   
• Largest of the Caribbean Islands.
  
• United States is their largest importer of food.
• World's only planned economy.
• Exports citrus fruits, coffee, fish, medical products, nickel, sugar and tobacco.
• Only country to meet the conditions of sustainable development set by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
  
• Citizens (over 16) never convicted of a criminal offense may vote.
  
• No political parties are permitted to nominate or campaign.
  
• Households ahere to a Ration Book set by the government on individuals monthly subsidiary costs of food and other goods. 
  
• Canada operates a large nickel mining facility on the island (Moa). 
  
• Prior to each Pope's visit the government pardoned prisoners.
  
• Only has five (government controlled) channels.
• Birthplace of celebrity, Gloria Estefan (Havana), Cuban-American Actress, Singer and Songwriter. A Miami Beach, FL resident.
• Boxers are not permitted to turn professional by law.
  
• Students wear school uniforms and their grade level varies in color.
• Provides citizens with universal health care.

Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: Michiel Ton/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Habanos Festival, International Book Fair, (March) Celebration of Classic Cars, International Festival of La Trova Pepe Sánchez, (May) International Blue Marlin Tournament, (June) International Festival Boleros de Oro, International Old Man and the Sea Billfish Tournament, (July) Carnival, Fiesta del Caribe, (August) Carnival, Symposia de Hip Hop Cubano, (September) Fiesta de la Virgen del Cobre, (October) Havana International Ballet Festival, International Festival Matamoros Son International Fishing Tournament, (December) International Festival of New Latin American Film, International Jazz Festival and Las Parrandas. 
  
• Holidays: Triumph of the Revolution, Victory Day, Good Friday. Labour Day,  Independence Day, Commemoration of the Assault of the Moncada Garrison and Christmas Day.

(Classic Automobiles) Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: Greg Montani/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Not an inexpensive country to visit.
• Medical and healthcare facilities do not meet our standards.
• Many resort facilities are isolated.
  
• Beach riptides can be dangerous.
  
• Their Baseball Season is October-March.
  
• City air pollution is an issue.
• Traveler's Checks, U.S. Bank Credit or Debit cards are not accepted.
  
• Internet access is controlled and limited, emails are closely monitored.
  
• Drink bottled water.
• Foreign Students are required to test for AIDS/HIV prior to entry.
• SIM cards are not purchasable at the airport.
• Export Permit is required on paintings and sculptures.
• Requires visitors to have medical insurance.
• Avoid demonstrations/protests.
• Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Typhoid and Zika Virus are present.
• Visitors are restricted to select hotels and operators.
• Daily activities must be documented and accounted for.

Cuba. Photo Credit: merkure/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages. 
• Tourist VISA required.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry: $5,000USD, Export of Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) is strictly prohibited.

On 8/6/20 a Level 4 Do Not Travel Advisory.

Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: November - April
• Coldest Months: January - February
• Hottest Months: July - August
• Peak Season: December - March

     Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually between September - October. 

Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba. Desembarco del Granma National Park, Historic Centre of Camagüey, Historic Centre of Cienfuegos, Old Havana and its Fortifications, San Pedro de la Roca Castle Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios, and Viñales Valley.

(Taxi), Cuba. Photo Credit: Pixabay

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

Vedado, Cuba. Photo Credit: Alejandra Calvillo/Pixabay 

                                      All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Croatia

Croatia Flag

 

"The Land of a Thousand Islands"

Why visit Croatia?

Offers travelers a picturesque scenery with with opportunity to enjoy architecture, beaches, birdwatching, boating, castles, caves, charming villages, culture, cycling, fishing, horseback riding, islands, lakes, medieval history, mountains, museums, national parks, ruins, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, spas, theatre, vineyards, waterfalls, water sports, wildlife and    windsurfing.

Dubrovnik, Croatia. Photo Credit: Ivan Ivankovic/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, ceramics, embroidery, handmade carpets, lace, leather boxes, tapestry, wine and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Brudet (fish stew). Goulash (soup). Janjetina Na Zaru (roasted lamb). Peka. Pogača (bread). Ražnjići (skewers). Savijača (apple strudel). škripavac (cheese). Šporki Makaruli (pasta). Štrukli (filled pastry).
• Local Drink to Try: Babić (red wine). Karlovačko (beer). Ožujsko (lager beer). Plavac Mali (red wine). Prošek (dessert wine).

Krka National Park, Lozovac, Croatia. Photo Credit: Ivan Ivankovic/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1102, union with Hungary.
  
• In 1918, became independent from Austria-Hungary merging with  Kingdom of Yugoslavia.  
  
• In 1991, declared independence. 
  
• Until 2008, men at age 18 were required to  serve a six-month tour of duty.
• Early 2020, had a 5.5 earthquake.
  
• Shares a maritime border with Italy. 
  
• Provides citizens with social security, tuition free education and universal health care.
  
• Features over a thousand islands and islets, only 48 are permanently inhabited.
• Elected Presidents serve a five year term. 
• Over 11 million tourists visit annually.
  
• Has 116 certified Blue Flag Beaches (FEE).
  
• Offers education (primary and secondary) in Czech, German, Hungarian, Italian and Serbian.
• Creators to modernize the cravat (neckband) to the neck ties.
• Usually win medals during the Olympics in multiple competitions.  

Dalmatia Region, Croatia. Photo Credit: marijana1/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Festivity of Saint Blaise, Rijeka Carnival, (April) Croatia Boat Show, Music Biennale Zagreb, (May) Contemporary Dance Week, Spring Procession of Ljelje/Kraljice,  Sudamje, (June) Adriatic Boat Show, Animafest Zagreb, International Children’s Festival, Pula Film Festival, Zagreb Folk Festival, Football Oscar, INmusic Festival, Valamar Jazz Festival, (July) Croatian Footballer of the Year, Dubrovnik Summer Festival, International Folklore Festival, Jazz Is Back, Motovun Film Festival, Pula Film Festival‎, (August) Avvantura Festival Film Forum Zadar, Faros Marathon, Sinjska Alka, Split Beach Festival, Vukovar Film Festival, (September) Korkyra Baroque Festival, Varaždin Festival of Baroque Music, (October) Chestnut Festival, Chestnut Festival, Zagreb Jewish Film Festival and November) Martinje. 
• Holidays: New Year's Day, New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, National Day, Corpus Christi, Anti-Fascist Struggle Day, Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Day of the Croatian Parliament, Assumption of Mary, All Saints' Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Saint Stephen's Day.

Trogir (Central Adriatic Coast), Croatia. Photo Credit: neufal54/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Rural former mine locations are marked by signage.
  
• Most beaches consist of pebbles and stones.
• Ranks amongst the Top 20 most popular tourist destinations in the world. 
  
• Be aware, U.S. citizens previously reporting a lost or stolen passport will NOT be allowed entry.
• Travelers checks or personal checks are not accepted.
  
• Water quality is often tested daily throughout the country.
  
• Headlights must be on during winter season (November-March).

Pula Arena (Amphitheatre), Pula, Croatia. Photo Credit: Katarzyna Tyl/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Pag Island, Croatia. Photo Credit: reini74/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - October
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Month: August 
• Peak Season: July - August

Croatian National Theatre, Zagreb, Croatia. Photo Credit: Arvid Olson/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cathedral of Saint James, Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč, Historic City of Trogir, Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian, Old City of Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians & Other Regions of Europe, Stari Grad Plain, Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards and Venetian Works of Defence Between 15th and 17th Centuries.

Zlatni Rat Beach, Bol, Croatia. Photo Credit: Dieter_G/Pixabay 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.