National Geographic published a ranking of ‘’Places You Need to Visit in 2018’’. The ranking consists of 21 destinations from South Korea to Ethiopia, Jordan, Ireland, Sweden and Canada.
On the list there are two destinations from the Central and Eastern Europe Region: Georgia is number 3! The author recommends visiting Georgian capital city Tbilisi for its authentic charms. At the same time mentions amazing development of the city in combination with traditional Georgian experiences such as : ‘’the 24-hour Sulphur baths, the plump khinkali (spiced meat dumplings), and the legendary hospitality of the locals—persevere in disarmingly disorganized Old Tbilisi.’’
What is also important to stress is the fact that Persian, Arab, Byzantine, Ottoman, Russian, and Soviet occupations influenced Tbilisi architecture.
Tbilisi, photo: courtesy of Embassy of Georgia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Another CEE locations worth visiting in 2018 according to National Geographic is Albania. Albania is ranked 17. National Geographic recommends Albania as a destination for divers. Albania offers unexplored waters and preserved underwater cultural heritage due to decades of isolation under Enver Hoxha, communist leader.
The author as a funny fact adds: ‘’ Hoxha famously banned scuba diving to prevent Albanians from escaping.’’
Shkodër, @Copyright Communications-Unlimited.nl
It is important to add that on the National Geographic is also A Dutch destination, the region of Friesland, ranked 20. Leeuwarden, the capital city of the region of Friesland will be an European Culture Capital in 2018. National Geographic adds that Leeuwarden is the birth town of Mata Hari and recommends experiencing Frisian life: ‘’mud walk on the Wadden Sea, buy tin-glazed pottery in Makkum, and eat cinnamon-laced sugar bread.’’
Friesland, @Copyright Communications-Unlimited.nl
See a complete list here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/best-trips-destinations-2018/#friesland-netherlands
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