Venice
Venice is known as La Serenissima, or the Serene Republic. One look around the city will help you understand why. At first you may not recognize the absence of sound that fills your ears. But then it hits you - there are no cars here. As you walk down the middle of the street, you'll marvel at the beauty around every street corner. It seems like the entire city has been lifted straight out of a painting. There is nowhere else in the world where earth and water exist together so freely, with neither element trying to assert its dominance. Couples from all over flock to the world's most romantic city.
Of course, the secret is out, and the throngs of tourists do detract from the city's pristine visage. During the summer, Piazza San Marco is teeming with people, so many in fact that it seems like the city will sink into the water that runs through it. In actuality, the city is sinking, at an average of five inches every twenty years. Unless something is done to keep Venice afloat, the city may join Atlantis at the bottom of the sea.
Because Venice's fortunes are tied so closely to the sea, it must be noted that Venice loses some of its charm in the autumn months, when high tides flood some of the best parts of the city, including the city's center, Piazza San Marco. On the hottest summer days, the water begins to smell, despite the city's best efforts to keep its waterways clean. However, do not let these small inconveniences distract you from all of the good things Venice has to offer. This is the one location in the world where the city itself is the attraction. You can spend an entire day walking around and sitting outside, stopping for lunch or some gelato, and not step foot in a single attraction. You will still be enchanted, having experienced the most picturesque city in the world.
Istanbul
Istanbul is an amazing destination, full of extraordinary outdoor vendors, wonderful restaurants, interesting sites, and glorious museums. There are so many things to do in the city that you are certain to feel overwhelmed. Your best bet is to line up three or four activities that particularly interest you, and spend your time exploring these in depth. A visit to Istanbul without a definite plan is a chaotic visit. Your eyes and ears will be inundated with sights and sounds that are intoxicating. Watch out for an abundance of ruthless salesmen, but do not be too much on the defensive. The citizens of Istanbul are respectful and friendly, and if you stop someone to ask for directions, they will be more than happy to help you. But once you enter a store or bazaar, the game is on. If you are shopping, you are in the hunt, and if you are in the hunt, you are fair game for the merchants to attempt to force a sale on you. Simply stick to your guns, and you will find the bargains you are looking for
This historic city is 2,500 years old, and the heritage of the country can be observed in the region known as Sultanahmet. Also called Old Stamboul, the architecture and park areas in this section of the city are particularly beautiful. The heart of Istanbul can be found near the Golden Horn, and everywhere you travel you will see a cultural tug of war between East and West. Traditions are being met head on by American and European influences, creating a strong cultural youth movement. This is making for an even more complex and fascinating Turkish society. In any event, a visit to this sprawling and spectacular city will be one that you will never forget.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is extraordinarily beautiful, and has been the inspiration for many poetic words, such as the city made of stone and light. Part of its mystery is that it lies hidden between the Adriatic and Dinaric Alps. It has been fortunate in that it has escaped many of the wounds from the Bosnian War and Serbian gunfire in 1991 and 1992. Dubrovnik, located on the shores of the Mediterranean, found relative peace even when there was chaos going on all around it. The waters show off perfect shades of blue and the sunsets are wild from atop the 14th century city walls. Dubrovnik truly draws you into a dream that you simply never want to wake from.
Looking for the right mix of culture, history and a bit of the commercial to keep you grounded? The walled Stari Grad is the answer. The main street is referred to as both the Placa and the Stradun, running from the Pile Gate, which is the official entrance of the Stari Grad, to the Old Port at the tip of the peninsula. Dubrovnik wants you to enjoy its home and offers many accommodations to make sure your needs are met.
There are also places near Dubrovnik that will make for quality side trips during your visit. Lopud is a gorgeous island off the Elafiti Archipelago. It is a quaint little village made up of white buildings, chapels and parks all across the waterline. It's only a 50-minute trip by ferry to be transported to this paradise. Here you will find a great museum to stroll through, as well as the most enchanting park. While you are here, you may want to adventure to another nearby island, Lokrum. After a little fun in the sun, cool off in the botanical gardens and refresh your senses.
Dubrovnik is full of resources for nonstop action and fun. Whether you are looking for the lively atmosphere or the cool and fashionable, Dubrovnik will create your perfect vacation. Soak in the warmth of its people as well as the sun, and visit this divine land. Memories will be the true gift you'll take home with you from Dubrovnik.
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