TripMarks Eastern Europe - Best Destination Websites @ National Geographic Traveler

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Eastern Europe TripMarks
Text by Heather Morgan Shott

Albania    Belarus   Bosnia-Herzegovina   Bulgaria    Croatia

Czech Republic    Estonia   Republic of Georgia    Hungary    Latvia

Lithuania    Macedonia    Moldova   Montenegro    Poland    Romania

Slovakia    Slovenia    Turkey    Ukraine

Albania

Official Tourism Sites

Albania National Tourism Organization Transportation, accommodations, restaurants, national parks, and more in Albania.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Albania Entry requirements for Albania, Albanian history, news, and more.

Other Sites We Like

Virtual Albania Online Virtual guide to districts in Albania, including Berat, Korce, Permet, and Tirana.

Albania-Hotel.com Information on places to visit in Albania, including Tirana, the Fortress of Pertrela, the National Historic Museum, and the Mosque of Ethem Bay, with an emphasis on lodging.

The Free Dictionary Overview of the musical traditions of Albania.

Travel Images Photographs of famous architectural sites in Albania.

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Belarus

Official Tourism Sites

Belarus Embassy Belarusian news, politics, culture, history, and more.

National Tourist Agency of the Republic of Belarus Information on entry requirements; Belarusian hotels, restaurants, clubs, and attractions.

Other Sites We Like

Belarus Guide Local music, literature, architecture, theater, fine arts, and more.

Hotels-Minsk.com Information on museums in Minsk, the capital, including the National Museum of Culture and History of Belarus, Maxim Bogdanovich's Literary Museum, and the Vankovich Museum.

World 66 Attractions in Belarus, including Kuropaty, Mir Castle, and the Khatyn Memorial, with ratings from visitors.

Belin Tourist National parks and reserves in Belarus, including Belavezhskaya Pushcha, Berezinsky Biosphere Nature Reserve, and Braslav Lakes National Park.

Eurotravelling.net A detailed historical overview of Minsk, the capital.

InfoPlease.com Information on Belarus's people, economy, government, and history.

World Wedding Traditions Wedding traditions and customs in Belarus.

Topix.net Belarusian news and current events, and information on local entertainment, sports, health, and more.

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Bosnia-Herzegovina

Official Tourism Sites

Tourism Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Information on Bosnia-Herzegovina attractions, transportation network, restaurants, and more.

Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina Information on culture, politics, and financial matters in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

BH Airlines Flight schedules from the official airline of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Other Sites We Like

Sarajevo Places to visit in the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, including the Ali Pasha Mosque, the covered market, and the Moorish town hall.

Sarajevo Film Festival Information about this acclaimed annual film festival held in Bosnia-Herzegovina's capital.

Travel-Images.com Photographs of landmarks and people in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Discover-the-Balkans.com Overview of Bosnian-Herzegovinian history and culture. Information on authentic crafts and attractions.

Cultural Orientation Overview of the history of sculpture, music, and dance in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

History Place An account of the conflict between the Serbs, Croats, and Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the 1990s.

Global Voices Online Blogs on Bosnia-Herzegovina.

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Bulgaria

Official Tourism Sites

Destination Bulgaria Overview of Bulgaria's regions, attractions, activities, accommodations, and more.

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria Information on how to contact the Bulgarian embassy and news about Bulgaria.

Bulgaria Air Flight schedules, deals, and more from Bulgaria's official airline.

Other Sites We Like

Bulgarian National Parks Overview of Bulgaria's national parks and reserves, wildlife, and park tours.

Discover-Bulgaria.com A broad collection of information on Bulgaria, from culture, art, and music, to transportation and other practical knowledge.

Bulgaria Ski Information on Bulgaria's ski resorts; includes snow reports and forecasts, photographs, and message boards.

Travel-Bulgaria.com Listing of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bulgaria, including Rila Monastery, the Kazanluk Tomb, Boyana Church, and the Ivanovo Rock Monasteries.

World Wedding Traditions Presentation of the traditions that inform Bulgarian engagements, wedding ceremonies, and receptions.

Bulgarian News Network International and Bulgarian news, and information on Bulgarian politics, sports, and cultural happenings.

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Croatia

Official Tourism Sites

Croatian National Tourist Board Information on Croatia's cities, regions, and islands accommodations, festivals, and food.

Embassy of the Republic of Croatia Entry requirements, Croatia's government system, and news.

Croatia Airlines Flights, schedules, deals, and more from Croatia's official air carrier.

Other Sites We Like

Culturenet.hr Performing-arts and fine-arts festivals throughout Croatia.

FindCroatia.com Information on Croatia's national parks and World Heritage sites, including Plitvice Lakes, Brijuni, Risnjak, and Mljet; listings of hotels and restaurants in Dubrovnik, Hvar, Zagreb, Brac, Kastel, and more.

Croatia.net Includes information on the Kornati Islands, Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica, North Velebit, and other locations.

Virtual Library Explores museums in Croatia, including the Archaeological Museum of Istria, the Gallery of Fine Arts Dubrovnik, the Croatian Museum of Native Art, and the Cultural History Museum.

Topix.net Croatian news and current events, and information on local entertainment, health, sports, and other subjects.

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Czech Republic

Official Tourism Sites

Czech Tourist Authority Information on vacation packages, travel agents, regions, attractions, food, accommodations, and more in the Czech Republic.

Embassy of the Czech Republic Entry requirements for the Czech Republic and information on Czech cultural events in the U.S.

Czech Republic Information on Czech culture, traditions, destinations, language schools, politics, statistics, and more.

Czech Airlines Flight schedules, deals, and more, from the Czech Republic's main air carrier.

Other Sites We Like

Czech Travel Guide Listings of restaurants, cafés, and pubs in the Czech Republic; also, a guide to menus.

My Czech Republic Information on shopping in the Czech Republic, including stores, business hours, and more.

Prague Post News and current events in the Czech Republic from a principal local English-language publication.

Radio Prague Czech news, feature stories, sports, music, and more from one of the Czech Republic's top radio stations.

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Estonia

Official Tourism Sites

Visit Estonia Guide to Estonia's regions, accommodations, food, attractions, weather, and more.

Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Entry requirements for Estonia and information on Estonia's culture, national holidays, fashion, and more.

Estonian Air Flight schedules for Estonia's national air carrier.

Other Sites We Like

Digital Tallinn A virtual tour of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Estonian National Museum Exhibitions, events, and programs at Estonia's national museum.

Teater.ee News about theatrical performances and cultural festivals in Estonia. Also, related resources.

Travel-Images.com Photographs of places and faces in Estonia.

Eesti Muusikafestivalid Music festivals throughout Estonia.

Baltic Times News and current events in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from an English-language website.

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Republic of Georgia

Official Tourism Site

Embassy of the Republic of Georgia Entry requirements, Georgian news, events, culture, history, and more.

Other Sites We Like

Country Profiles Discusses Georgia's history, politics, and local media.

USA Today Explores the culinary renaissance of Georgia, with recommended restaurants.

Passport to Adventure Overview of the Caucasus Mountains, their culture, cuisines, heli-skiing, and more.

Great-Adventures.com Information on Vani, the site of an ancient temple city in Georgia's Colchis region.

All Hotels of Russia Listing of Georgian hotels and resorts.

Georgian Museum of Photography Information on the museum's exhibits; includes photos of local architecture, photographer profiles.

Info-Tbilisi.com Listings of shops and markets in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

BlogShares.com Blogs on Georgia.

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Hungary

Official Tourism Sites

Hungarian Tourist Board Overview of Hungary's regions, attractions, accommodations, history, and more.

Embassy of Hungary Entry requirements for Hungary, news about Hungary in America, culture, art and more.

MALÉV Hungarian Airlines Flight schedules and deals from Hungary's national airline.

Hungary Tourism Information on tours, potential itineraries, events, and culture in Hungary.

Budapest Tourism Office Overview of attractions, spas, travel information and events in Budapest, Hungary's capital city.

Other Sites We Like

Hungarian Museums Museums, exhibitions, events, and news for a number of Hungary's museums.

Appetitenet.com Quick guide to Budapest, Hungary's capital, including its history, attractions, restaurants, cafés, bars, and entertainment venues.

Fine Arts in Hungary Overview of Hungarian art and Hungarian artists from the beginning of the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century.

Wines of Hungary Introduction to Hungary's wine regions, wineries, wines, grape varieties, and more.

Planet Ware Places to visit in Hungary, including Aggtelek National Park, the Bükk Mountains, and Lake Balaton.

Budapest Sun News and current events from Hungary's leading English-language newspaper.

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Latvia

Official Tourism Sites

Latvia Tourist Board Introduction to Latvia's cities, activities, accommodations, events, and more.

Embassy of Latvia Entry requirements for Latvia and information on Latvian culture, news, politics, and more.

Other Sites We Like

View Latvia Webcams of points of interest in Latvia's capital city of Riga and in Latvia's ski resorts.

Virtual Riga Virtual tour of Riga, the Baltics' largest city, including nightlife, dining, and accommodations.

Latvian Institute Overview of Latvia's culinary culture and traditions; also Latvian history and society.

Music in Latvia Information on music performers, recordings, musical institutions, and more in Latvia.

Latfilma Guide to the film industry in Latvia, including films, film makers, locations, and film festivals.

Baltic Times Breaking news and current events in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from this English-language news provider.

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Lithuania

Official Tourism Sites

Lithuanian State Department of Tourism Introduction to Lithuania's history, politics, and culture.

Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania Entry requirements for Lithuania and information on its culture and politics.

FlyLAL Flight schedules and special offers from Lithuania's national airline.

Other Sites We Like

LeisureGuide.info Overview of entertainment in Lithuania, including information on fashion, clubs, and nightlife.

Visit Lithuania Listings of nightclubs in Lithuania, with descriptions and photographs.

Museums of Lithuania Guide to the exhibitions and collections of museums in Lithuania.

Baltic Times News and current events for Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia from a regional English-language news provider.

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Official Tourism Sites

Exploring Macedonia Overview of Macedonia's cities, cuisines, accommodations, restaurants, and more.

Ministry of Culture, Macedonia Information on music, theater, film, the performing arts, visual arts, and more in Macedonia.

Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia Entry requirements for Macedonia, tourist contacts, and more.

Macedonian Airlines Flight schedules and deals from Macedonia's national airline.

Other Sites We Like

RMacedoniaPHOTO Photographs of Macedonia's places and people.

Balkan Web Overview of the history, cultural traditions, politics, cuisines, and religions of Macedonia.

History of Macedonia A comprehensive history of Macedonia, including major political events and issues.

Macedonia.org Examples of antique Macedonian icons, including the Annunciation and the Crucifixion.

Idi Vidi News and current events in Macedonia from a Macedonian news provider.

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Moldova

Official Tourism Sites

Department of Tourism Development in Moldova Moldova tours, hotels, attractions, culture, food, national holidays, and more.

Embassy of the Republic of Moldova Entry requirements, general statistics about Moldova, and related resources.

Air Moldova Flight schedules, news, and more from Moldova's official air carrier.

Other Sites We Like

Travel-Images.com Photographs of Moldovan attractions, including the Republic Stadium, the Soviet Memorial, the Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity, and the Opera House.

Moldova.org Information on traditions and customs in Moldova.

Travel Post Blogs on Chisinau, Comrat, Drochia, Soroco, and other Moldovan attractions.

World Info Zone Moldova's geography, environment, architecture, food, history, and more.

InfoPlease.com Includes an overview of Moldova's history, geography, and government.

Kishinev.info Explores the architecture in the capital city, Chisinau, also known as Kishinev.

Moldova Online Features information on Moldova's national holidays, theaters, wine makers, and more.

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Montenegro

Official Tourism Sites

National Tourism Organization of Montenegro Guide to Montenegro's cities, beaches, accommodations, tour operators, and more.

Republic of Montenegro Entry requirements for Montenegro and information on Montenegro's government, economy, and tourism.

Montenegro Airlines Flight schedules for Montenegro's official airline.

Other Sites We Like

Montenet.org Overview of the cultural traditions of Montenegro, with information on historically significant sites.

Montenegro.org Information on Montenegro's historic towns, churches, and mosques.

Montenet Paintings and drawings by artists working in Montenegro.

Njegos.org Overview of the history of Montenegro from a Serbian point of view.

Destination-Montenegro.com Introduction to Montenegro's four national parks—Durmitor, Lovcen, Biogradska Gora, and Skadar Lake.

herbalgram.com Report on medicinal plants found in Montenegro.

Montenegrin News Services News and current events in and around Montenegro.

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Poland

Official Tourism Sites

Polish National Tourist Office Information for visitors to Poland, including Poland's regions, cities, spas, culture, and more.

Embassy of Poland Entry requirements for Poland, Polish news, key tourist contacts, and more.

Other Sites We Like

Poland.com Information on guided tours, accommodations, excursions, and more in Poland.

StayPoland.com Overview of Poland's culinary culture, including its traditional dishes.

City of Warsaw Listings of attractions, cultural offerings, accommodations, and more in Poland's capital.

Demel.net Information on Poland's historic architecture, including preservation efforts, with links to articles and photographs.

Warsaw-Life.com Reviews of restaurants, cafés, and bars in Warsaw.

culture.pl Links to websites for museums, castles, and palaces throughout Poland.

VirTourist.com Photographs of Warsaw's Market Square, Old Town, Royal Castle, and more.

Warsaw Voice Magazine articles on Polish politics, media, culture and more from Poland's English-language news magazine.

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Romania

Official Tourism Sites

Romania Tourism Introduction to Romania, including information on Romania's cities, attractions, accommodations, activities, vacation packages, and more.

Embassy of Romania Entry requirements for Romania and information on Romania's government, cultural events, and more.

Other Sites We Like

About Romania Broad overview of information on Romanian culture, politics, and travel with links to more specific resources.

Romanian Cultural Resources Introduction to music, dance, visual art, architecture, archaeology, and more in Romania.

VirTourist.com Overview of sights in Bucharest, Romania's capital, including the Ghica Palace and the National Library, with historical facts about each place.

Window to Romania Recipes for typical Romanian dishes, including appetizers, soups, and sweets.

Romania-On-Line.net Information on cultural festivals throughout the year in Romania.

Vivid Articles and stories on Romania and Romania-related topics from a Bucharest-based English-language publication.

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Slovakia

Official Tourism Sites

Slovakia Tourist Board Guide to attractions, architecture, spas, art, religious monuments, and more in Slovakia.

Embassy of the Slovak Republic Entry requirements for Slovakia and information on its culture, government, and economy.

Air Slovakia Flight schedules for Slovakia's national airline.

Other Sites We Like

Muzeum.sk Listing of Slovak museums, castles, galleries, towns, and villages.

Slovakia Photos Photographs of Slovak architecture, landscapes, attractions, festivals, people, and more.

Heart of Europe Recipes for typical Slovak dishes.

Slovensko.com A guide to Slovakia including tourist information, historical facts, and a cultural background.

Slovak Spectator News and current events from Slovakia's first English-language newspaper.

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Slovenia

Official Tourism Sites

Slovenian Tourist Board Information on Slovenia's regions, accommodations, attractions, foods and wines, and events.

Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia Entry requirements, plus Slovenia's climate, history, geography, and more.

Other Sites We Like

Spot-Slovenia.com Top attractions in Ljubljana, Bled, Portoroz, Savinjska, and the Saleska Valleys.

Slovenia Cultural Profile Overview of festivals throughout Slovenia, including the Lubljana Film Festival, Days of Comedy in Celje, Slovene Drama Week in Kranj, and Jazz Cerkno in Maribor.

Restaurants.com Restaurants in Ljubljana (the capital) and Portoroz.

Matkurja.com Information on Slovenian wines, wine routes, wine fairs, and wine shops.

Geocities.com Health and wellness spas throughout Slovenia.

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Turkey

Official Tourism Sites

Ministry of Tourism, Turkey Overview of destinations in Turkey, listings of tour operators, and information on entry requirements, hotels, museums, and more.

Embassy of the Republic of Turkey Entry requirements for Turkey, information on Turkish arts and culture, and videos of Turkish places and cultural performances.

Turkish Airlines Flight schedules and deals from Turkey's official airline.

Other Sites We Like

SailTurkey.com A virtual tour of Ephesus, an ancient city with Greek, Roman, and Persian ruins.

Videos of Turkey Short videos of notable sites in Turkey, including Istanbul and Cappadocia, and of performances by Turkish musicians.

All About Turkey Overview of the history and traditions of Turkish carpets and kilims.

Istanbul.com Up-to-date listings of exhibitions, opera performances, concerts, and more in Istanbul.

Enjoy Turkey Introduction to the customs, traditions, and lifestyles of Turkey's peoples.

About-Turkey.com Overview of Turkey's culinary culture and an introduction to traditional Turkish foods and drinks.

Istanbul Portal Notable places to see art in Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, and the Carpet and Kilim Museum.

Turkey Travel Planner Introduction to Turkey's wine regions and varietals; also, a history of the nation's wine industry.

Turkish Daily News Breaking news and current events in Turkey from a leading Turkish English-language newspaper.

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Ukraine

Official Tourism Sites

Embassy of Ukraine Entry requirements, Ukrainian culture, and politics.

Ukraine International Airlines Flight schedules, deals, and more from Ukraine's official airline.

Other Sites We Like

Travel Ukraine Information on cities, hotels, car hires, culture, events, shopping, and more in Ukraine.

Ukraine-Today.com Overview of traditional Ukrainian dishes, ingredients, and recipes.

Art of Ukraine Sculptures, photographs, paintings, graphics, and more from Ukraine.

iExplore.com Top Ukrainian attractions, including the Crimea and the cities of Kyyiv (Kiev) and Lviv.

InfoPlease.com Overview of Ukraine's history, economy, and government.

Ukraine News Local Ukrainian news.

Ukraine Info General information about Ukraine; includes maps, political snapshot, and population.

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