CUENCA II EM USD

About the destination: Athens is named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena, and her grandeur is celebrated by the stunning Acropolis that towers over the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens has become. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is the cradle of western philosophy, democracy, and theater. Today, the Greek capital continues to be a significant global hub of culture, with its historic center, iconic classical sites, and museums brimming with artifacts from ancient Greece. The Acropolis, topped by the iconic Parthenon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars are prohibited in the historic center, which has transformed into Europe's most impressive pedestrian walkway. In this archaeological park, visitors can experience the city's contrasting nature by visiting the New Acropolis Museum, a modern, high-tech building with bright, spacious exhibition areas, and the National Archaeological Museum, Greece's largest archaeological museum dedicated to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city's highest points, serve as landmarks as they can be seen from most locations in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is located beneath the Acropolis and extends nearly to Syntagma, the location of the Greek Parliament. For a glimpse into the indulgent Athenian lifestyle, visit Monastiraki, a popular spot for locals to eat, drink, and socialize. The nightlife belongs to Psirri, a lively neighborhood known for its bars, live music venues, and thrilling nightclubs. Southeast of the city center, a beautiful stretch of coastline offers breathtaking views of the shimmering blue Aegean Sea. Few European capitals can boast of having sandy beaches and clean swimming waters so easily accessible. Athens thus provides the best of both worlds – an exciting city break and a relaxing beach vacation. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing, and their zest for life's pleasures is so contagious that even the most reserved traveler will find themselves taking time for leisurely coffees and evening walks, dining out late, and enjoying the city's nightlife long after the rest of Europe has retired for the night.

About the destination: Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

About the destination: Sofia is a city with a bright future; it's the dynamic and resilient capital of Bulgaria that continues to embrace its unique characteristics as it evolves into a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan city. Encircled dramatically by the Balkan Mountains to the north and the Vitosha Mountains to the south, Sofia is situated on an open plain 550m above sea level in western Bulgaria. This contrast between urban expansion and natural beauty makes it an intriguing destination, offering more to captivate visitors than many other Eastern European capitals. Development is widespread and the roads are thankfully being upgraded. It features numerous boutique hotels and the brand new Metro lines and stations are enough to make Western visitors envious. Of course, the influence of Communism still lingers in the streets; the country's relatively brief occupation from 1945 to 1989 is still evident in its neo-Stalinist architecture. Despite this, most of Sofia’s major tourist attractions pre-date this period. Structures like the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, the Central Sofia Synagogue, and the Banya Bashi mosque serve as stark reminders of the country’s multicultural history, while the charming UNESCO-listed Boyana Church in the Vitosha Mountains is an absolute must-see. Locals maintain a balance between Russian nonchalance and Mediterranean vibrancy and continue to be proud custodians of the country’s hospitable heritage. The Bulgarian language and Cyrillic alphabet continue to thrive, resisting the tourism industry's preference for English internationalism, which is not widely spoken outside of restaurants, shops, and hotels.

About the destination: Budapest is recognized as one of the most breathtaking cities in Europe. This could be attributed to its remarkable surroundings, such as the Danube River that bisects the city, the Buda hills to the west, and the Great Plain to the east, or perhaps its diverse and stunning architecture: Renaissance, Byzantine, Neo-Classical, and Art-Nouveau structures coexist in perfect harmony. Its extensive World Heritage Site encompasses: the banks of the Danube, Buda Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, Hero’s Square, and the Millennium Underground Railway. Additionally, the city boasts 80 geothermal springs and the world's largest water cave system, where visitors can enjoy a soothing bath. Budapest was unified as a single city in 1873, straddling both banks of the Danube River, with Buda to the west and Pest to the east. Each side of the city has its own distinct character. Buda is the more tranquil part of the city. As visitors wander around Buda, they can explore the Castle Quarter and the narrow cobblestone streets leading to the Fishermen’s Bastion with its enchanting towers, symbolizing the 7 tribes that inhabited the city in the 9th century. This ornamental fortification, situated atop Buda Castle Hill, offers the most spectacular panoramic view in Budapest. On the other hand, Pest is where the city's hustle and bustle is concentrated. This part of the city exudes a fin-de-siècle vibe, and almost every building has some intriguing or unique detail. Visitors are encouraged to take leisurely walks on its broad boulevards brimming with a variety of shops or to unwind with a cup of coffee in its grand coffee houses. Pest is home to the parliament building and the Dohari street synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe. The remnants of WWII are still evident in the city, with bullet holes and shrapnel damage from the Second World War and the 1956 Uprising still visible on some facades, serving as somber reminders of this dark period in history. There are several memorials honoring the Hungarian Jews who perished, such as the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial and the Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park. This side of the river is also considered the city's cultural hub, with numerous art galleries and more opera, concerts, and ballet performances than there are days in the week. The city's finest restaurants are located in Pest, and it's also where the nightlife thrives until the wee hours. For a unique drinking experience, try a Ruin Pub, part of Budapest's network of bars in repurposed buildings, including former tenement houses, factory buildings, and community centers. Budapest has successfully integrated all its influences and navigated its complex history to forge its own identity, and it has certainly done so with aplomb.

About the destination: Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. It is situated on the Vltava River in the heart of Bohemia. Prague is considered one of the most stunning cities in Europe. It is a must-visit for those interested in art, history, classical music, and architecture. Every corner of the city is adorned with beautiful buildings and architecture. The Vltava River flows through the center of Prague. Numerous bridges cross the river, but the pedestrianized Charles Bridge, with its blend of Gothic construction and Baroque statues, is a major attraction for visitors. Street vendors sell a variety of items here, and the Castle, considered the historical heart of the city, can be seen on a hill in the distance. The Old Town Square, one of two main squares in Prague, is home to some of the city's main attractions, including the Old Town Hall Tower, the Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, and St. Nicholas Church. Since 1992, Prague's historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prague's city center is a 900-year-old architectural museum. It features Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, 19th-century revivals of all these styles, and Art Nouveau architecture, all remarkably untouched by the 20th century. Prague is truly an architectural gem.

About the destination: Vienna is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Austria. This beautiful, romantic city is renowned for its coffee culture and cafes, classical music and concert halls, historical buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and its enchanting streets. Vienna boasts a rich cultural diversity, and its central location in Europe makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the continent. Vienna is a remarkable city to visit, characterized by the Ringstrasse, a four-kilometer-long boulevard that encircles the city center. The city is replete with modern amenities and attractions, yet it is also steeped in reminders of its rich historical and cultural heritage. Outstanding museums, palaces, gardens, architectural masterpieces, remnants of ancient inhabitants, statues, and grand cafes coexist with trendy shops, top-notch restaurants, accessible music venues, contemporary museums and sculptures, and luxury hotels, making Vienna incredibly appealing. The extensive pedestrian-only streets of the old city are a joy to explore, lined with beautiful old buildings, bustling with people of all ages, filled with local shops, boutiques and cafes, and offering surprises at every turn. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vienna is a blend of history and music, poetry and culture, modernism and tradition, nostalgia and grandeur.

About the destination: Zurich is often misunderstood as just a sterile banking city, but don't buy into that. Yes, Zurich is home to one of the world's largest stock exchanges and is the financial heart of Switzerland, but there's so much more to it. Beyond the markets and stock prices, you'll discover a city that's artistic, trendy, and full of life. Spend some time in Zurich West. Its old warehouses, viaducts, and shipbuilding caverns have been transformed into art centers, cool bars, and unique boutiques. Along Langstrasse, the city's infamous red light district, you're now more likely to find a stylish handbag from an up-and-coming designer than anything else. Zurich's personality is on full display during the annual Street Parade, a massive techno festival that winds through the city with DJs and scantily-clad dancers on floats. You won't see a single banker's tie. If you do in the charming east bank quarter of Niederdorf, it's probably undone. These medieval streets are alive with corner cafes, trendy bars, and top-notch restaurants. It's easy to spend an afternoon just soaking up its relaxed vibe, especially in the summer when the riverside feels like a beach. Winter is special too. Under a blanket of snow, the cobblestone streets, fountains, lakeside walks, and stunning architecture of the Old Town seem like they were made for a painting. This is when one of Europe's best Christmas markets comes to town and the air is filled with the comforting scents of glühwein (mulled wine) stalls. Shoppers will love it here any time of year. Zurich's flashy side is on display in the high-end designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main shopping street. But this city isn't just for the well-to-do; there are plenty of unique shops tucked away on hidden streets. Located on the River Limmat and the northern end of Lake Zurich, Zurich is blessed with natural beauty. The city's architects have also made respectful additions - just look at the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, which face each other across the river. And when you've had your fill of the city's diverse restaurants, top-tier museums, and vibrant nightlife, you can always escape to the nearby Uetliberg mountain or take a boat trip on Lake Zurich – if only to catch your breath before diving back into the city's delights again.