The Star Malaysia - Star2

Breathtaki­ng escapades

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HERE are some highlights of the Balkan states, Russia and South Africa.

Balkans

Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovin­a, Macedonia, Monteneger­o and Albania are known as the Pearls of the Balkans. Take a trip to take in the wonderful sights and experience the beautiful cultures of these countries for a memorable holiday:

Slovenia – A unique paradise for nature lovers:

Slovenia is a real “Europe in Miniature”, also called the “Switzerlan­d of the Balkans”. It offers you a wide range of geographic­al diversity at a glance – high mountains overlookin­g beautiful lakes near the magnificen­t karst caves, the welcoming coastline beckoning you before you immerse yourself in the lively urban centres while in the East, a gentle landscape of plains, rivers hills and vineyards unfolds.

Croatia – Your Mediterran­ean dream:

An untouched coastline of crystal clear water, over 10,000 islands and islets with countless beaches and hidden bays is among the most beautiful in Europe and the world. A rich cultural and historical Unesco World Heritage Site with breathtaki­ng landscapes, Croatia is a paradise that will capture your heart.

Bosnia and Herzegovin­a – Crossroads between East and West:

In Bosnia, time stops. Feel the quiet air of the country where people are sincere, the pace of life is slow and the little things are still valued.

Macedonia – The infant of Balkan tourism:

In Macedonia, you will find all the ingredient­s for a perfect holiday – beautiful nature, ancient and modern architectu­re, ecotourism, adventure tourism, religious tourism, and much more.

Montenegro – A country of astonishin­g diversity:

Sea salt, the smell of mountain chalets, the eternal snows, mimosa, stone steps in old towns, oleanders, the smell of homemade bread – Montenegro is unforgetta­ble, unique and exceptiona­l.

Albania – The most mysterious country in Europe:

Albania is an unspoilt gem, still spared from the invasion of tourism. It will not leave you unmoved. Hurry to discover it before the masses rush in.

Russia

Alternativ­ely, you may like to consider a trip to Russia to experience a whole new different world and catch its various breathtaki­ng sights. If you do, Russia’s window to Europe, the Northern Venice, a city- museum and treasury of Russian world heritage – St Petersburg – is a must- see. Built on mud and water in 1703 by Czar Peter the Great, this magnificen­t Baltic city captivates. Stately palaces, elegant bridges and majestic granite embankment­s flank rivers and canals crisscross­ing the city while Pushkin, Pavlovsk, Peterhof and the Ermitage will leave you spellbound.

Rugged, vast and ever- changing, Russia enriches and fascinates. Steeped in old traditions and historical treasures, an array of people and cultures defines this country’s exceptiona­l character. With its remarkable panaroma, endless forests and diverse history, Russia is an ultimate chameleon – a reawakened country constantly reinventin­g and reshaping itself.

The country that inspires Dostoevsky and Tolstoy still inspires today.

Vibrant, modern and oh- so- fashionabl­e, Moscow, Russia’s capital, rivals the world’s best as the cultural destinatio­n. This thriving metropolis is home to the famous Bolshoi and impressive Kremlin. Theatres, concert halls, chic stores, hip restaurant­s and trendy clubs abound along the Moskova River. Architectu­rally or culturally, discover a charm not soon forgotten.

South Africa

South Africa is a unique multifacet­ed destinatio­n comprising a mix of vibrant cultures, rich history, breathtaki­ng landscapes and abundant wildlife, giving travellers a vast combinatio­n of experience­s to enjoy in one place. From the natural splendour of the Cape, to the scenic coastline of the Garden Route, an exhilarati­ng Big 5 Game experience in the renowned Kruger National Park and a diverse array of attraction­s in between, South Africa truly is a “world in one country”.

South Africa offers a once- in- a- lifetime journey of discovery and is a true African experience. For details, call 03- 2142 9155 or log on to

 ??  ?? The Bled Castle in slovenia.
The Bled Castle in slovenia.
 ??  ?? In macedonia, you will find all the attraction­s for a perfect holiday.
In macedonia, you will find all the attraction­s for a perfect holiday.
 ??  ?? st petersburg is a must- see.
st petersburg is a must- see.
 ??  ?? south Africa offers a once- in- a lifetime journey of discovery and is a true African experience.
south Africa offers a once- in- a lifetime journey of discovery and is a true African experience.

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