Corfu
Corfu is arguably the most beautiful of the Ionian Islands. It is set in the northern Ionian Sea at the entrance to the Adriatic. Today, the 100,000 citizens of Corfu offer their land to tourists at a high price, but anyone who has been to the island would argue that it is well worth it. Corfu's tremendous turquoise beaches tantalize, and the lovely land's allure leaves you wanting more. But if the sun-drenched landscape is not sufficient, the island's rich history and reputation for hospitality are sure to please you. Because the land is somewhat divided, it is well equipped to please a wide range of tourists.
Within Corfu there are three entities, each of which attracts different types of people. Corfu, the island, is the place to be if the classic vacation elements are what you are looking for. The island is encircled by beaches and filled with delicious restaurants, resorts ranging in price from inexpensive (for students) to very expensive, and is home to a vigorous nightlife. Corfu town is a more sophisticated place where the emphasis falls on history as well as Greek, Italian and French culture. Corfu's mainland interior is a quieter, lesser-known haven of villages, vegetation, and agriculture. Most tourists, young people especially, opt for the excitement of Corfu Island, which boasts of having over one million visitors per year.
Corfu has inspired artists and historians alike. It is said to have been a favorite place of artists like Alfred Sisley and literary giants like Wilde and Goethe. Homer's Odysseus visited the island on his journey home, and marveled at its splendor. Shakespeare's The Tempest was inspired by Corfu. Even Napoleon was awed by the land's magnificence. And when you visit, you will quickly realize why so much brilliance has been born in and of Corfu. Its beaches are like no other, and its atmosphere of relaxation is instantly recognizable.
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.
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.
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