CHRISTMAS MARKET IN TALLINN ȘI HELSINKI

About the destination: Tallinn, one of Europe’s most enchanting cities, offers a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. Its narrow cobbled streets are adorned with baroque architecture, while its nightlife is lively and exciting. Often referred to as the ‘New Prague,’ Estonia's capital city has a unique allure all its own. The World Heritage-listed Old Town is filled with attractions that will captivate even the most discerning traveler. Best explored on foot, Tallinn’s atmospheric Old Town is rich with castles, Russian Orthodox churches, and Dominican monasteries. These historical treasures coexist with old merchant houses and medieval meeting halls, where visitors can observe locals practicing centuries-old artisan crafts like glassblowing, weaving, and pottery. You might even find a unique souvenir to take home. As night falls, the Old Town transforms into a vibrant scene. Within its ancient walls, travelers can enjoy steamy nightclubs, stylish lounges, expat bars, and colorful gay clubs until the early hours. Beyond the medieval quarters, there is much to discover. A new district is emerging on the outskirts of the old borough, featuring gleaming hotels, offices, and a variety of restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and nightclubs. Anyone arriving in Tallinn expecting a drab Soviet Bloc city will be pleasantly surprised by the modern skyline and the charming historic center. Tallinn embraces its rich history while also being forward-thinking, vibrant, colorful, cultural, and lively.

About the destination: Helsinki is located on a small peninsula at the southernmost point of Finland. When you approach Helsinki from the sea, you'll be greeted by the sight of elegant neoclassical buildings in soft hues, and a bustling marketplace filled with strawberries and salmon. The city has been developed with a focus on harmony. During the summer, many locals leave the city's peacefulness for their country homes, but in winter, the capital comes alive with theater, political institutions, and over 20,000 university students. Architecture enthusiasts will adore Helsinki. The beautiful neoclassical buildings around Senate Square were almost entirely designed by German architect Carl Ludwig Engel in the early 19th century, shortly after Helsinki took over as Finland's capital from Turku. The jewel in the crown is the Lutheran Cathedral, which has recently been renovated and looks better than ever, with the 12 apostles on the roof once again gazing down at the world below. Elsewhere in the city, the bold, minimalist designs of the city's renowned 20th-century architects, notably Aalto and Saarinen, complement the sleek neoclassical lines. The breathtaking Jean Sibelius Monument, dedicated to Finland's most famous composer, is made up of hundreds of steel pipes sculpted by Elia Hiltunen. The monument is located in Sibelius Park. The Kansallimuseo, or National Museum, showcases wonderful exhibits of Finnish culture. The City Museum's exhibits depict the city's history. The islands around Helsinki are perfect for day trips. The sandy beaches and smooth rocks of Pihlajasaari make it a favorite summer spot for sunbathing Finns. Every summer, numerous parks in the city host many free outdoor concerts. In the afternoons, all sorts of music can be heard on the leafy Esplanadi. While Helsinki may be a small city compared to the world's mega-cities, it still has a cosmopolitan vibe. Helsinki is a beautiful city, particularly in the summer. The streets are clean, and there's always a quiet spot to be found if you need one. Some people refer to Helsinki as "the world's largest village," and it's an excellent destination for tourism, history, museums, galleries, theater, music, shopping, dining, nightlife, and more, all in an environmentally friendly, pollution-free, and traffic-free setting.

About the destination: Bucharest is a truly stunning city, showcasing an unlikely blend of various architectural styles; you can find Gothic and Greek Orthodox structures next to Stalinist monuments, which are neighbors to post-modern apartment buildings made of concrete and glass. Unlike other cities, the layout of the streets is not grid-like, but rather star-shaped, with streets radiating out from roundabouts, creating blocks of varying shapes. In the 1950s, Bucharest was referred to as Little Paris due to the French influence on the city's landscape and lifestyle. Remnants of this era can still be seen in the city center's architecture, the abundance of outdoor cafes, and even in the Arcul de Triumf, a smaller version of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Downtown Bucharest is defined by the area between Victoriei Square, where the Romanian Government is located, and Unirii Square, where the grand boulevard leading to the Parliament Palace begins. Near Unirii Square, you can also find the old city center, the Old Princely Court, and iconic streets like Lipscani, Selari, Covaci, Gabroveni. This area is home to a mix of mid-19th century buildings, ruins of the Wallachian princes' medieval court, churches, bank headquarters, a few hotels, clubs, restaurants, and shops. Narrow, cobblestone streets still bear the names of the ancient guilds that once resided there. The area has been largely renovated and is now a popular gathering spot for the city's younger generation. Revolution Square is a double square that houses the Romanian Athenaeum, the National Library, the Senate building, and the old Royal Palace, which is now the Museum of Art. A tall monument stands in the center of the square in memory of those who died during the revolution. Bucharest is a city of parks. Take a stroll through the well-maintained central Cişmigiu Garden or the expansive Herăstrău Park. For the residents of Bucharest, these parks are more than just escapes from the summer heat; they are the heart of much of the city's social life. You'll find elderly retirees, young couples, football fans, and backgammon and chess enthusiasts everywhere. Come join the fun.