Sorrento
Sorrento has long held a special place in the heart of Italians. Its rugged beauty has attracted poets, philosophers, playwrights, and authors for centuries. Roman mythology places Sorrento as the spot where sailors were lured to their death by the songs of the sirens, mermaids who used their beautiful voices to lead men to their watery graves. It's said that the mythical hero Ulysses stuffed his crew's ears with wax to deafen them and strapped himself to the ships hull in order to resist their allure.
Today, the city is still every bit as alluring. Sorrento is on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, a strip of land in Western Italy that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The small island of Capri is just three miles off shore, and one of Italy's most beautiful (but dangerous) roads winds along from Sorrento, through Amalfi and into Salerno. Sorrento is equidistant from both Naples and Salerno, exactly 43 miles away from each. Vic Damone's tear-jerking hit, Come Back to Sorrento may become your theme song once you visit this little slice of paradise.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the most warm and inviting cities in existence. A picture of this quaint city includes cobblestone streets, a few towering skyscrapers and friendly people that will greet you at every turn. This is very unlike the typical hot pavement and traffic-covered streets that are usually associated with a major city. Copenhagen is truly a fairy-tale town where pollution does not exist but the sweet scent of bakeries envelopes the area instead.
Copenhagen is part cosmopolitan city and part small town that has plenty to offer its visitors. This is the political, financial and cultural capital of Denmark that 1.5 million people call home. Museums, historical sights, cafés, and the most delicious restaurants abound here. The day will captivate you and the night will intrigue you, so do not plan to go to sleep early. Go crazy and live it up at the many clubs and bars, or have a cappuccino while watching a magnificent sunset.
Copenhagen has quite a tumultuous history, starting in 1157, when Valdemar the Great gave it to Bishop Absalon. Before this transition year, Copenhagen was just a simple fishing town. Bishop Absalon built a castle here, which is now Christianborg Palace. Copenhagen grew to be a great center as a Baltic trade route, and in the 15th century, the town became the royal residence and the capital of Norway and Sweden. Walking around Copenhagen today, one will be able to see beautiful castles and towers that date back to the 16th century and the rule of Christian IV. This king was enamored of fine architecture, which resulted in a wealth of construction that still marvels visitors today. We are quite lucky Christian IV built up the city as much as he did, because some of the buildings from his time are the only historical landmarks that survived two major fires in the 18th century, as well as the bombings by Lord Nelson during the Napoleonic Wars.
A sweet lull of peace sweeps over Denmark now, which disguises Copenhagen's difficult history. It is a colorful town brought to life by street musicians and performers on every corner. Delight your eyes with the lights that illuminate these same streets at night, and take a stroll along a drawbridge over one of the many canals. It is impossible not to fall in love with this seafaring city.
Gdansk
The third largest city in Poland, Gdansk is also the capital of Poland's northern region. It heads up the province of Pomorze Gdanskie, which is also known as East Pomerania. It is in close relationship with the small towns that keep it company, Gdynia and Sopot. Together, these three cities make up the Trojmiasto.
This vivacious port city has a history that dates back to 1308, when it was a Baltic port and an independent city-state called Danzig. Many Germans called this area their home. It was not renamed Gdansk until 1945. The battles of World War II led to much destruction in Gdansk, but did not ruin its spirit. In fact, in 1997 Gdansk enjoyed constant festivals of music, exhibitions and tons of events on both land and water in celebration of its 1000th anniversary as a Baltic city. The streets are all restored to their original form and many shops and galleries have been built, keeping Gdansk prosperous, fun and enchanting.
Glowne Miasto, the Main Town of Gdansk, is filled with streets holding treasures of history. Explore this medieval city and all of the culture it embodies. If you are interested in churches that tell the story of Gdansk's past, then travel north to its Old Town, Stare Miasto. Shopping is especially good here, too. The oldest church, St. Catherine's, which dates back to the 12th century, is located here. Certain sections were added to the church as time went on. The tower is from the 1480?s, and the amazing 37 bells were installed in 1634. The largest mill in medieval Europe is on the same plot of land here, as well as the grave of the 17th century astronomer, Jan Hevelius. The Wielki Mtyn, (Great Mill) operated from 1350 until 1945.
Enjoy Gdansk and all of the opportunities that await you on your visit. It is as lovely as it is historically significant, and you will have a vacation full of memories and pictures to show your friends. From shops to nightclubs, it is all here, radiant and vibrant. Walk along the docks, and watch a sunset that will truly take your breath away.
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