10 European Destinations Under Rs 3 Lakh

For the majority of Indians, Europe promises a dreamy landscape, one that gets draped in a pristine white blanket in the winters, and upon thawing, gives way to a rolling countryside of lush green hills and thick brown forests dotted with fairy tale castles and forts, some of them witnesses to bloodcurdling historical events.

In the last couple of years, Indians have been making a beeline to Europe, including the affordable and the not-so-affordable destinations. According to a World On Holiday report by RateGain Travel Technologies, a data analytics company, Indian travel to Europe surged by 190 per cent in FY24, with leisure family trips growing at 318 per cent.

“This reflects India’s increasing interest in European destinations, especially among budget travellers,” the report said. Incidentally, many planned their trips on short notice. “Notably, 32 per cent of travellers booked trips within a 0-15 days window,” the report said.

Besides the usual destinations—France, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and Austria—other countries in central Europe, such as Poland and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, are also becoming popular with Indian travellers.

Typically, we tend to box Europe into a single compartment, but that’s not the right approach. If India was to be superimposed on a map of Europe, it would span from Norway to Italy on the north-south axis and from France to Belarus and beyond on the east-west longitude. Just like different Indian states offer diversity in history, culture and climate, European countries, some of which may be smaller than many Indian states, are as diverse.

But besides the difference in climate, culture and culinary habits, the holiday and travel cost also vary widely. The Nordic countries and the popular destinations, such as France, Germany, and Switzerland, are expensive compared to those in central and eastern Europe.

One reason for this is that most of these central and eastern European nations were behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War from the end of World War II up to the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. It’s only recently that they have opened their doors to tourism in a bid to boost their economies. This also makes them less expensive, more pristine and almost unexplored.

Says Rikant Pittie, co-founder, EaseMyTrip: “Bulgaria is a hidden gem, offering golden beaches and historic charm, with flights around Rs 98,000 and daily costs of Rs 10,500. Czechia and Poland offer both historical sites and scenic landscapes with flights starting at Rs 60,000-67,000 and daily expenses under Rs 10,000, making them accessible.”

Season-wise, Indian tourists tend to travel more during the summers, to escape the heat and to explore the landmarks and the cultural vibrancy which comes into play after the months of cold and bleak winters.

“The travel period peaks from June to August, with the majority of bookings occurring in May. This underscores Europe’s draw as a summer destination for Indian tourists, many of whom are eager to explore cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and urban experiences there,” Rategain said in its report.

But if you want to explore Europe on a tight budget, then winter is the best season. First, being off-season, the airfare and accommodation costs will be cheaper. Second, the cities will be less crowded, and lastly, you will get to experience the local winter festivities around Christmas and New Year, too, says Pittie.

Things To Keep In Mind

Multi-Country Schengen Visa: A major factor that makes travel in Europe relatively easy is the Schengen visa, which allows non-EU (European Union) citizens 90 days of travel across multiple Schengen countries, allowing you to cover as many countries as you plan to.

Self-Drive Option: Europe also offers the convenience of self-drive across multiple Schengen countries. So, if you have a valid international driving licence, you can plan and pace your travel at your own comfort.

With proper 24x7 support and automatic escort vehicle service in case of a breakdown at most places, your self-driving holiday experience can be almost hassle-free, too. Says Pittie: “Self-driving is unquestionably a fantastic way to experience Europe’s scenic routes and local charm if you hold an international licence. Rental cars are readily available at most airports, with rates starting from around €25, typically including modern amenities like air conditioning and GPS navigation. This option allows travellers to explore at their own pace, discover hidden gems, and create personalised itineraries that wouldn’t be possible with structured tours. With all necessary permits, self-driving can be both hassle-free and enjoyable”

Also, this option is much cheaper than hailing taxis. Rahul Bhanudas Shinagare from Pune went on a trip to Croatia recently with his wife, daughter, parents and brother’s family. He says: “Both my brother and I have an international driving licence, so we rented a car for our trip. It was much cheaper than hiring a taxi.” However, public transportation may be more economical in city areas.

However, remember that rental agreements often come with fixed time constraints, and vehicle availability can be limited during peak seasons. Additionally, driving in unfamiliar territory requires adaptation to local traffic rules and road conditions. Says Pittie: “For budget-conscious travellers, we recommend careful evaluation of transportation options, as alternatives, such as Eurail passes or budget flights, which might be more economical for certain routes.”

Research Your Itinerary: As with any trip, you need to do proper research, including the places you plan to visit and the time taken for inter-city or other travel.

According to Shinagare, you can make a self-itinerary. However, going through group booking could be cheaper as they would cover the usual popular places: “You could save up to 30 per cent on the total cost depending on the aggregator, he says.” He spent around Rs 2.25 lakh per person ex-Pune, on airfare, visa, stay, food and travel including car rental, and visited three places—Plitvice, Split and Dibrovnik in Croatia.

Says Pittie: “For extended vacations that are typically more than 7 days, many Indian travellers find full packages to be cost-effective. It covers essentials, such as flights, stay, insurance, and guided tours. However, for shorter trips, travellers often go for standalone services, customising their itinerary to include only what they prioritise, such as specific hotel preferences, certain activities, or flight-only bookings. This à la carte approach allows flexibility and can suit travellers focused on a few key experiences rather than a complete itinerary.”

Language Issue: Though English is widely spoken in the city areas, it would be wise to converse in local language in the remote areas, where English is uncommon. You can use apps, rely on guides or learn a few basic words for communication.

Shinagare used Google Translate to communicate during his self-driving holiday in Croatia and faced no language problem anywhere.

Says Pittie: “English is commonly spoken in cities and tourist regions in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. However, in more rural areas, travellers may encounter lower levels of English usage.”

So, let us take you on a journey to the ancient cobblestone streets of Plovdiv in Bulgaria, among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places dating back to 6,000 BC, to the natural wonders of Madeira off the coast of Africa in the North Atlantic, which is equally famous for its eponymous wine, to the streets of Lisbon where rickety trams still jostle with modern cars, to the icy peaks of Caucasus towering up to 5,000 metres in northern Georgia, and to the haunting woods of Wallachia and Transylvania in Romania where the bloodcurdling tales of Vlad The Impaler’s reign of terror will send a chill down your spine on any night.

We have curated 10 destinations that will cost less than Rs 3 lakh per person. In the pages ahead, you will find what they offer and the average cost of the essentials you will need to spend on.

Poland

Open countryside, medieval town squares and coast in the north. Poland offers a gamut of options for all travellers

Costs

Visa: Rs 8,272

Flights: Delhi to Warsaw (two-way): Rs 50,000-60,000

Transportation: EU Rail: Rs 5,600; Taxi: Min. Rs 163.34, then Rs 61.47 per kilometre

Museum: Fees Rs 500 upwards

Accommodation: Hotels: Rs 4,500-plus Hostels: Rs 1,200-plus

Meals: Rs 500-1,200

Warsaw: The Old Town was completely destroyed during WWII, but has been rebuilt, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Royal Castle; Castle Square; and Old Town Market Place. The Palace of Culture and Science with an observation deck on the 30th floor stands stall amid modern buildings.

Other attractions include the Wilanów Palace and Royal Castle. For museums, visit the Fryderyk Chopin Museum; the Praga Museum of Warsaw; the National Museum; and the Copernicus Science Centre.

For WWII-related history, visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum; Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews; and the Żabiński Villa. A four-hour trip will take you to Auschwitz Birkenau-the largest concentration camp. The Treblinka extermination camp is 4 km further from Warsaw.

Łódź: The red-brick ancient city, about 140 km south-west of Warsaw has many attractions; such as Księży Młyn, which houses the old textile mills of Łódź; Izrael Poznański Palace; Manufaktura arts centre; Red House; and Radegast Station.

Gdansk: This port city was bombed by Germany on September 1, 1939, starting WWII. Visit the Museum of WWII and the Museum of History of Polish Jews, which has some hand-written diaries of the Holocaust. The 13th century Malborg Castle, Europe’s largest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is 62 km further.

Kraków: The former royal capital has Europe’s largest medieval town square, Rynek Glowny. It has a 16th century Cloth Hall built in Gothic style; and a 15th century Town Hall Tower. Beneath the square is the Rynek Underground Museum, where you can go for a tour of the 600-year old market stalls. The Kanoncicza Street has many medieval buildings.

Krakow has many historical monasteries, churches and palaces with artefacts dating back to the Palaeolithic era. The Czartoryski Museum has Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th Lady With An Ermine.

The famous Wieliczka Salt Mine with labyrinth of tunnels, lakes and chambers lies 14 km south-east.

Cuisine: Try pierogi, a gingerbread with fillings of cabbage, mushroom, cheese and minced meat; Rosol, a Polish chicken soup; and żurek, a meat broth. Bigos is a hunter’s stew of chopped meat, cabbage and spices, served in a bread bowl. Other stews are zupa grzybowa; zupa pomidorowa rosół; and flaki. Kielbasa is a sausage with spices. For desserts, try pączki; pierniki; and makowiec.

Czechia

The Czech Republic is home to one of the oldest cultural cities of Europe and has the best beers

Costs

Visa: Rs 8,200

Flights: Delhi to Prague (two-way): Rs 53,000-55,000

Transportation: EU Rail: Rs 9,240; Taxi: Min. Rs 219.55, then Rs 131.73 per kilometre

Museum Fees: Rs 200 upwards

Accommodation: Hotels: Rs 6,000-plus Hostels: Rs 1,200-plus

Meals: Rs 600-2,000

Prague: The Prague Castle and the St Vitus Cathedral are among the most popular. Visit the Old Town Hall; Old Town Hall Tower, which houses the famous Astronomical Clock; and the Old Royal Palace in the Old Town Square.

Other attractions include the Troja Chateau; Lobkowicz Palace; Golden Lane; Klementium, which is a vast complex of halls in baroque style; Basilica of St George; Strahov Library, which boasts of some of the most beautiful baroque architecture; Prague City Museum; National Monument; Charles Bridge; Stromvka Park; and Riergrovy sady gardens.

Don’t miss the historical Petrin Funicular railway; and Lennon Wall.

Plzeň: About 78 km west of Prague, this is home to the famous pilsner beer. The Plzeňský Prazdroj brewery offers a guided tour on the history of beer making. The St Bartholomew’s Cathedral; and Renaissance Town Hall are other major attractions.

Český Krumlov: Visit the Český Krumlov Castle dating back to 1253; the Castle Museum; and the Tower. The Old Town in this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a 16th century Town Hall; and Marian Plague column. At Graphite Mine, take a ride in an electric wagon. The Marionette Museum has a collection of puppetry and marionettes.

České Budějovice: This is home to the world-famous Budweiser Budvar beer. The historic city centre has the Museum of the Horse Drawn Railway; Black Tower; Iron Maiden Tower; and the Rabenštejn Tower, the last two being 14th century prisons.

Brno: The Zelný trh, also known as cabbage market, is the old market square. The Old Town Hall, with the famous Brno Dragon, a crocodile; and Brno Wheel, is the most famous landmark. The Parnassus Fountain dates back to 1695. Other places worth visiting are Reduta Theatre; Mintmaster’s Cellar; Moravian Museum, which holds about 6 million artefacts; Brno Ossuary, the second-largest after the catacombs of Paris; labyrinth under the Zelný trh; Špilberk Castle; Cathedral of St Peter and Paul; and the Veveří Castle.

Cuisine: Svíčková is the most famous dish, containing a vegetable and cream sauce served with a slice of beef and bread dumplings. Uzené is a dish of smoked meat with potato dumplings and vegetables. Smažený sýr (a kind of cheese pakora) served with potato fries and tartar sauce is a popular snack. Czechia is also famous for its beers. For desserts, try cakes; cookies; and sweet dumplings.

Slovakia

National parks, Gothic churches, faritytale castles, and Tatra Mountains, Slovakia is a small paradise

Costs

Visa: Rs 7,040

Flights: Delhi to Bratislava (two-way): Rs 50,000-55,000

Transportation: EU Rail: Rs 5,600; Taxi: Min. Rs 263.46, then Rs 70.25 per kilometre

Museum Fees: Rs 500 upwards

Accommodation: Hotels: Rs 6,000-plus Hostels: Rs 1,500-plus

Meal: Rs 500-2,000

Bratislava: Bratislava Castle; St Martin’s Cathedral; Jesuit Church; and Monument of the Slovak National Uprising are the main attractions. Hlavné Námestie has the Old Town Hall and Palugyayov Palác.

Bratislava has some unique museums, such as Slovak National Museum; Period Rooms Museum, which has an array of rooms decked up in aristocratic styles dating back to the 18th and 19th Century; Michael’s Gate & Weapons Museum; Museum of Clocks; and Transport Museum. The Slovak Radio Building and Petržalka are two marvels of brutalist architecture. The nearby Devin Castle has Neolithic grave finds and bronze-age sculptures.

Žilina: On the way to Žilina, visit the Čachtice Castle, where serial killer Countess Elisabeth Bathory was imprisoned. At Žilina, visit the Marian Square; Demanovska Cave of Liberty, and the very spooky Orava Castle, which has served as the location of many Dracula movies and books. The fairytale Bojnice Castle located nearby is among the most-visited castles in Slovakia.

Tatra Mountains: The Tatra National Park is a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve. Visit the Belianska Caves and the historic town of Spišská Sobota. The mountains offer lot of options for hiking. The region also has the Slovenský Raj National Park and the UNESCO-listed Dobšinská Ice Cave.

Eastern Slovakia: On the way to Košice, visit the famous Spiš Castle. In Košice, Hlavná ulica is the main street in the historic downtown. The Cathedral of St Elizabeth, built in Gothic style, is Slovakia’s largest church. Other places of interest include the Rodošto & Mikluš Prison; the Lower Gate Underground Museum; Plague Column; and the Singing Fountain.

A few other architectural marvels are the Andrássy Palace in a neo-Renaissance style; St Jakob’s Palace; and the Pongrác-Forgács Palace. Bardejov, about 77 km north of Košice has the Basilica of St Egídius.

Cuisine: Bryndzové halušky, a potato dumpling with sheep milk cheese is a national dish. Strapačky is a popular dumpling. Pork, beef and chicken are the main meats, along with wild game. For desserts, try Buchtein (sweet rolls); Žemľovka (bread pudding); Ryžový nákyp (rice pudding); and Orechovník (walnut rolls). Domino rezy is a popular festive cake. Žĺtkové rezy is a walnut cake; and Trdelník is a traditional cake baked on a rotating spit.

Hungary

Large rivers, Roman ruins, a history of rise and fall, Hungary offers a spicy flavour to tourists

Costs

Visa: Rs 7,040

Flights: Delhi to Budapest (two-way): Rs 54,000-65,000

Transportation: EU Rail: Rs 9,240; Taxi: Min. Rs 228.33, then Rs 92.91 per kilometre

Museum Fees: Rs 1,200-plus

Accommodation: Hotels: Rs 5,000-plus Hostels: Rs 1,200-plus

Meals: Rs 300-1,500

Budapest: Major attractions include the Hungarian Parliament; Széchenyi Chain Bridge; Memento Park; Royal Postal Savings Bank; Liberty Monument and Liberty Bridge; Museum of Fine Arts; Hungarian National Museum; Memorial to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution; Kerepes Cemetery; and Basilica of St Stephen’s Dome.

In the Castle District, explore Castle Hill; Buda Castle; Matthias Church and Matthias Fountain; Castleba Museum; the 1,200 metres long Panoptikum cave; Sandor Palace; Fishermen’s Bastion; and House of Houdini, among others.

Óbuda & Buda Hills has many ancient Roman ruins dating back to 100 AD. There are a lot of museum and cave structures to explore here.

The Gödöllő Royal Palace is 40 km from Budapest. The old village of Hollókő, about 91 km northeast is a well-preserved ethnographic village, complete with traditional wooden architecture, farms and orchards.

Lake Balaton: There are a couple of towns and cities along the banks of the lake, such as Balatonfüred; Siófok; Keszthely; and Zamárdi.

Pécs: The Early Christian Necropolis (4th century) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Széchenyi tér, the main square, visit the Mosque Church; Trinity Column; Zsolnay Porcelain Museum; and Zsolnay Fountain. The Hamerli Glove Manufactury dates back to 1861. Other attractions are County Hall of Baranya; Pecs Cathedral; Basilica of St Peter; and Csontváry Museum.

Debrechen: Hungary’s most important cultural centre has the iconic Kossuth Square and the impressive Great Reformed Church. Other places of interest include the Statue Of Lajos Kossuth; Nagyerdei Water Tower; Hortobagy National Park; Deri Museum; and Kerekerdo Adventure Park. If you love nature, visit the Great Debrechen Forest.

Cuisine: Gulyás, a meat and vegetable stew, is the national dish. Lángos is a popular flatbread. Try Pörkölt and Húsleves (meat stews); Halászlé, a spicy fish soup; Főzelék, a vegetable stew of cabbage, beans, peas, carrots, bell peppers and tomatoes; Csirkepaprikás, a spicy chicken dish with thick creme and pasta; and Hortobágyi palacsinta, a meat-filled crepe. For desserts, try Kürtőskalács (chimney cake); Dobosh (sponge cake); Retes (layered pastry); Angel Wings cookies; Kuglóf, a traditional coffee party cake; and Lekváros Bukta, a thick brick-layered dessert with jam or ground walnuts.

Romania

Costs

Visa: Rs 8,130

Flights: Delhi to Bucharest (two-way): Rs 45,000-52,000

Transportation: EU Rail: Rs 9,240; Taxi: Min. Rs 35.12, then Rs 30.73 per kilometre

Museum Fees: Rs 250 upwards

Accommodation: Hotels: Rs 6,000-plus Hostels: Rs 1,500-plus

Meal: Rs 300-1,500

Bucharest: The major attractions in the Old Town are Covaci Street; Old Princely Court and Church; Stavropoleos Church; Hanul cu Tei; and Cărturești Carusel book store.

In the city, visit the Palace of the Parliament; Arcul de Triumf; Grigore Antipa National Museum of National History; Romanian Athenaeum; and Former Ceauşescu Residence, home to former dictator Nicolae and Elena Ceauşescu.

The Village Museum in Herăstrău Lake has a collection of homesteads, windmills and churches relocated from rural Romania. The Snagov Monastery on Snagov Island is believed to be the final resting place of Vlad The Impaler, upon whom Bram Stoker based his horror novel, Dracula. The Peonari Castle, where Vlad lived, is about 180 km away. It was featured in Da Vinci’s Demons.

Brașov: Located in Transylvania, this is often regarded as one of Romania’s most picturesque cities. Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, is a major tourist attraction.

In Brașov, visit the Black Church; St Nicholas Cathedral; Rope Street (Romania’s narrowest); Old Town Street and Fortifications; Brașov County Perfecture; the historical Șchei neighbourhood; Piaţa Sfatului; the Black and White Towers; and the Renaissance-era Hirscher House.

The Peleş Castle, arguably Romania’s most beautiful, is 48 km away in the little mountain town of Sinala. The city is popular for hiking and winter sports. The Pelișor Castle; Sinaia Monastery; and Sinaia Train Station are the major draws in Sinala.

Cluj-Napoca: Vist the Castelul de lut valea zanelor, a gnome village; and the Salina Turda salt mine on the way to Cluj-Napoca. At Cluj-Napoca, visit the National History Museum of Transylvania; Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania; Statue of Matthias Corvinus; Tailor’s Tower; Statue of Baba Novac; and the open-air Parcul Etnografic Romulus Vuia museum.

Cuisine: Ciorba de fasole cu afumatura (Beans soup with smoked pork) is the most-cooked food. Tochitura, a roasted pork stew served with bacon, sausage, fried eggs, cheese, mushy porridge and pickles, makes for a sumptuous main course. Salata de vinete is a tasty eggplant salad served with bread. For desserts, try Baklava, (layered pastry); Cremșnit (vanilla cream cake); Amandine (cholocate sponge cake with almonds); and Cozonac bread. Țuică is a traditional Romanian wine made from plums. Romania also produces many red and white wines.

Bulgaria

Neolithic settlements, glacial lakes, Roman ruins make Bulgaria a must-visit for any traveller

Costs

Visa: Rs 8,550

Flights: Delhi to Sofia (two-way): Rs 1-1.10 lakh

Transportation: EU Rail: Rs 5,600; Taxi: Min. Rs 30.73, then Rs 35.12 per kilometre

Museum Fees: Rs 300 upwards

Accommodation: Hotels: Rs 4,000-plus Hostels: Rs 1,500-plus

Meal: Rs 500-2,000

Sofia: Bulgaria’s iconic landmark is the St Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, built to honour the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish war, which later led to Bulgaria’s independence. The Boyana Church (13th century) has among the finest murals from medieval Bulgaria.

Other draws include Dragalevtsi Monastery; Sveta Sofia Church; Sveti Georgi Rotunda; Sveta Nedelya Cathedral; the Russian-styled Sveti Nikolai Russian Church; Sofia History Museum; National Museum Of Natural History; National Museum Of History; Royal Palace; President’s Building; Muzeiko science museum; and the historic forested garden, Borisova Gradina Park.

Bulgaria is also famous for its unique Kukeri ritual, where men dress up in elaborate costumes and masks to ward off evil spirits.

Seven Rila Lakes And Pirin Mountains: The glacial lakes lie about 100 km south of Sofia. The Sveti Ivan Rilski is situated nearby in the valley of the Rilska River inside the Rila Monastery Nature Park.

The Pirin Mountains lie further south. With over 100 peaks, many above 2,000 metres, it’s a favourite with hikers and skiers. There are also a lot of other attractions, such as a Museum of Wine; Park Loven Dom; and the 10th century Bolyaskata Kâshta, Bulgaria’s oldest home.

Plovdiv: This is among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places, dating back to 6,000 BC. The Ruins of Eumolpias has Thracian ruins dating back to 5,000 BC. The Archaeological Museum has over 100,000 artefacts including some of the largest haul of ancient Thracian gold work. Other major attractions include the Roman Odeon; Roman Amphitheatre; Stadium of Philippopolis; Church of Sveti Konstantin and Elena; Icon Gallery; Balabanov House; and Cultural Center Thrakart. The Bachkovo Monastery is 30 km south.

Burgas: This city is famous for its Sunny Beach, lakes, and ancient ruins. The ancient cities of Develtos and Nessebar are in the vicinity. Other attractions inclue The Burgas Central Railway Station; volcanic St Anastacia Island; and museums.

Cuisine: Banitsa and Mekitsi are pastries consumed at breakfast. Try Moussaka (potato dish); Kyufte and Kebapche (grilled meat patties served with salad); Meshana Skara; Gyuvech, Lukanka (salami); Shkembe and Tarator (soups). For desserts, try Garash; Revane; Kozunac; and a variety of cakes and crepes. Ayran; Boza; and Rakia are popular drinks.

Croatia

Ancient fortified seaports, national parks with cascading lakes that looks straight out of a wonderland—that's Croatia

Costs

Visa: Rs 8,360

Flights: Delhi to Zagreb (two-way): Rs 50,000-65,000

Transportation: EU Rail: Rs 5,600; Taxi: Min. Rs 175.63, then Rs 83.42 per kilometre

Museum Fees: Rs 450 upwards

Accommodation: Hotels: Rs 6,000-plus Hostels: Rs 1,800-plus

Meal: Rs 300-1,500

Zagreb: The Zagreb Cathedral is the city’s iconic landmark with its 108.4 metres tall twin Gothic spires soaring over the city. Other notable landmarks are the St Mark's Church; Mirogoj Cemetery; Trg Bana Jelačića; Katarinin Trg; Mimara Museum; and the Archaeological Museum.

The 217-ft long Zagreb Funicular railway, constructed in 1888, is still operational. Zagreb also has a few quirky attractions; namely, the Museum of Broken Relationships; Museum of Illusion; Lauba; Grič Tunnel; and Tortureum, a macabre museum of torture. The city is also famous for its street art and murals.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: A total of 16 cascading lakes can be seen from the surface, the water varying in hues of blue, green and grey. You can explore the park by way of hiking or taking a road train or ferry, and stay at resorts or camps. Prošćansko jezero is the highest and the largest lake and Veliki Slap is the highest waterfall. There are also 19 settlements inside the park.

The house where Nikola Tesla was born is a musuem, about 50 km away.

Split: The Diocletian’s Palace is the city’s most imposing structure. There are many structures inside it, such as Peristil; Vestibule; and the Golden; Silver; Bronze; and Iron gates.

The ruins of Salona lie nearby, with many artefacts, such as Tusculum; and Sarcophagi at Manastirine; lying in situ, and others at the Split Archaeological Museum. Other attractions include the Klis Fortress; (2nd century BC); and Meštrović Crikvene-Kaštilac, a medieval estate.

Dubrovnik: The city walls, five forts and three gates are the major draws. There are also a large number of churches, towers, columns and museums. Some of the notable ones are Rector’s Palace; Holy Saviour Church; Statue of St Blaise; Sponza Palace; Maritime Museum; and Franciscan Monastery And Museum. Lokrum in the Elaphites archipelago, which has a medieval Benedictine monastery, can be reached by ferry.

Cuisine: Crni Rižot is a signature cuttledish or squid dish. Try Gregada and Brodetta (seafood stews); and Pašticada (beef stew served with prunes, figs and wine). Ćevapi, sausages of lamb or beef, served with flatbreads is a popular street food. Soparnik is a vegetarian flatbread filled with cheese, onion and garlic. For desserts, try Međimurska Gibanica, and Rapska Torta (cakes); Burek, Kroštule, and Zagorski Štrukli (pastries); Rozata (creme caramel); Palatschinke (pancake); and strudles.

Georgia

Rock-hewn towns, 5,000-metre-high peaks, and Stalin’s birthplace, that’s Georgia in short

Costs

Visa: Rs 1,668

Flights:  Delhi to Tbilisi (two-way): Rs 40,000-50,000

Transportation: Rail: Rs 794 (min. fare for long trains);  Taxi: Min. Rs 87.81, then Rs 35.12 per kilometre

Museum Fees:  Rs 950 upwards

Accommodation:  Hotels: Rs 3,000-plus Hostels: Rs 1,000-plus

Meal: Rs 500-1,200

Tbilisi: The Narikala Fortress is the most iconic landmark in Old Town. The National Botanical Garden of Georgia and the ancient sulphurous bathhouses at Abanotubani are nearby. Anchiskhati Basilica is the city’s oldest surviving church. Other places of interest are Kashveti Church; Jvaris Mama Church; Armenian Cathedral of St George; Sioni Cathedral; Shahtakhti Fortress; Freedom Square; Bridge of Peace; and Rustaveli Theatre. The Georgian National Museum and Tbilisi History Museum are two important musuems. The Funicular railway and the cable car are popular rides.

Mtskheta: Samtavro Monastery; Jvari Monastery; and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are the main landmarks.

Stepantsminda: The 14th century Tsminda Sameba church on a rolling hill 2,200 metres above sea level against the backdrop of the 5,054 mt high Mt Kazbeg makes for a dramatic panorama. The town offers a range of options for adventurers—mountaineering, hiking, paragliding, and exploring glaciers, to name a few.

Uplistsikhe And Vardzia: Traces of human civilisation in Uplistsikhe, a rock-hewn town, date back to 2,000 BC. It contains important relics starting from the Early Iron Age till the 13th Century. The 12th Century cave-city of Vardzia is famous for its rock-hewn monastery complex, which has over 400 rooms, churches, wine cellars, and paintings in stone dating back to the 11th century.

Kutaisi: Places in and around this historical city include Bagrati Cathedral; Palace-Citadel; Colchis Fountain; Gelati Monastery; Satapila Cave; White Bridge; Rustaveli Bridge; and Kutaisi Historical Museum.

Svaneti: Mestia is the gateway to Svaneti in the north Caucasus. Check out the Svanetian Tower Houses built during 9-12th century, and visit the Mestia Museum. At Ushguli, visit Mt Shkhara; Mt Ushba; and Koruldi Lake. Chazhashi near Ushguli has many UNESCO World Heritage sites. With four of the 10 highest peaks in Caucasus, Saveneti offers many options for hiking and adventure.

Cuisine: Acharuli Khachapuri is a boat-shaped bread with an egg yolk, butter and cheese. Try Badrijani Nigvzit (grilled aubergine seasoned with herbs and pomegranate); steaks (Pkhali, Satsivi); stews (Ajapsandali, Kharcho, Ostri and Chikirtma). For desserts, try Pelamushi (grape pudding); and Churchkhela, and Tklapi (grape toffees). For drinks, try Kvanchkhara. Svaneti is famous for its fruit wines, honey, and spiced salt.

Portugal

With huge town plazas set in ancient cities, Portugal set forth the age of discovery and vogages during the Renaissance

Costs

Visa:  Rs 7,920

Flights:  Delhi to Lisbon (two-way): Rs 53,000

Transportation: EU Rail: Rs 9,240;  Taxi: Min. Rs 285.41, then Rs 41.27 per kilometre

Museum Fees: Rs 500 upwards

Accommodation Hotels: Rs 4,000-plus Hostels: Rs 2,000-plus

Meal: Rs 300-1,800

Lisbon: Alfama is the oldest district. Landmarks include São Jorge Castle; Lisbon Cathedral; fortress of Sé de Lisboa; Convent of the Grace; Monastery of São Vicente de Fora; and Church of Santa Engrácia, among others. Tram 28E that runs from Praça Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique is popular with tourists.

Praça do Comércio is a harbour-facing square in Baxia. The Museu Nacional dos Coches in Belém is Portugal’s most-visited museum. Belém is also the place from where Vasco Da Gama set sail to India.

Other places of interest include the Igreja & Museu São Roque museum; and the skeletal remains of Convento do Carmo & Museu Arqueológico. The church has been left in ruins as a testimony to the 8.5 Richter magnitude ‘Earthquake of 1755’.

Sintra: The Quinta da Regaleira is a fairytale-castle with intricately-styled gardens, mysterious secret tunnels, and grottoes. The Palace of Sintra; Palace of Queluz; and Pena Palace; are some of the other major attractions. Sintra has a great many preserved or classified architectural buildings, such as the Barreira Megalithic Complex; Anta de Adrenunes; and Castle of the Moors.

Porto: Visit the Capela das Almas chapel with its exquisitely beautiful blue-and-white panels depicting scenes from the lives of early Christian saints; the Gothic-styled Igreja de São Francisco church; São Bento Train Station; and the Ponte de Dom Luís I bridge, among others.

Madeira: This tiny island in the North Atlantic is nothing less than a paradise. You can walk along the shore across landscape dotted with waterfalls, natural pools, cliffs, and forests. The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço and Levada do Caldeirão Verde are the most popular walks. The natural pools in Seixal; and Cachalote offer good options for swimming.

Cuisine: Bacalhau is Portugal’s national dish. Carne de porco à alentejana is a pork dish with clams and potatoes. Empadão is a baked dish of meat, seafood, potatoes and wheat similar to a Shepherd’s Pie. Francesinha is a sandwich with a filling of ham, pork sausage, steak, and roast meat coated with melted cheese, sauce, and served with potato fries. Pica Pau is a beef dish cooked in a spicy sauce and served with crusty bread. For desserts, try Pasteis de Nata (egg tart); Madeira honey cake; Arroz Doce (rice pudding); Azevias (fried pastries); Aletria, Bolla de aroz (rice muffins); marmalades; cakes; and cookies. Madeira and Porto are Portugal’s most famous wines.

Türkiye

This transcontinental country, once home to the largest of empires, is a melting pot of cultures

Costs

Visa: Rs 4,250

Flights: Delhi to Istanbul (two-way): Rs 41,000-55,00

Transportation: EU Rail: Rs 5,600; Taxi: Min. Rs 58.83, then Rs 42.15 per kilometre

Museum Fees: Rs 900 upwards

Accommodation: Hotels: Rs 6,000-plus Hostels: Rs 1,400-plus

Meal: Rs 300-1,500

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia is the most iconic landmark in this city, better known by its antiquated name, Constantinople—erstwhile capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. But if you want an actual glimpse into ancient Byzantine, visit the Hagia Irene; and Church of Stain Mary of the Mongols. These two were never converted into mosques.

Basilica Cistern; Theodosius Cistern; Cistern of Philoxenos; Aqueduct of Valens; Prison of Anemas; Walls of Constantinople; Dolmabahce Palace; Topkapı Palace; Suleymaniye Mosque; Church of St Sergius and St Bacchus; Church of Theotokos Pammakaristos; Chora Church; Monastery of Stoudios; Monastery of the Pantocrator; Hagia Theodosia; and Hagios Theodoros are some of the other attractions, along with many palaces and museums.

Cappadocia: Göreme is the most well-known town, offering options of trekking, ballooning, and cave hotel stays. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum; Dark Church; Göreme Historical National Park, which houses the Fairy Chimneys; and churches, such as Üç Haçlı Kilise; and Buckle Church. Ürgüp, 12 km from Göreme, has the Old Village; the Three Graces Fairy Chimneys; Temenni Wishing Hill; Ürgüp Museum; and Turasan Winery.

Kars: This ancient city, straddling a plateau 1,700 metres above sea level, which was the setting of Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk’s eponymous novel Kar (Snow), has the mercury going to as low as -37°C in winters.

Places of interest include Kümbet Camii; Stone Bridge; Kafkaz Cephesi Harp Tarihi Müzesi museum; and Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Paşa Kultur Evi, Kars’ most attractive old home. Sarıkamış, 55 km further east, is a famous winter destination with many historical places nearby, such as Yenigazi Castle; Zek Village Castle; Zivin Castle; and Köroğlu Castle. The ruins of Ani lie 50 km away.

Cuisine:  Try Lahmacun (a bread and meat pizza); Pide (boat-shaped flatbread filled with cheese, meat or vegetables); Cag kebab; Testi kebab (vegetable and meat cooked in a closed earthen pot); Perde pilav (dumpling with chicken, rice and nuts); Düğün çorbası (lamb/beef broth); and Gozleme (puff with cheese, mincemeat and spinach). For desserts, try Dondurma (ice cream); Lokum (Turkish Delight); pastries (Açma, Sütlaç); and puddings (Sütlaç, Keşkül, and Güllaç). Raki is Turkey’s national drink, and Turkish coffee is the most widely-consumed brew.

All visa, flight, taxi, bus, train, meals, tickets and activity costs are per person.

s.sanyal@outlookindia.com