Situated in the east of Europe, Ukraine remains a mystical and misunderstood land. A simple west-to-east cross of this country and you are bound to get the most intriguing history lesson. Along the way, you will discover that there are plenty of cultural myths and stories, the kinds about unique local archetypal characters that will capture your imagination and keep you coming back for more local travel experiences in Ukraine.

While the celebrated Christmas markets in Germany, Poland and Switzerland always crowd up for the holiday season, there are other well-established European markets slightly further off the beaten track that offer thinner crowds and beautiful locally made products. Eastern Europe in particular is a great place to check out the growing markets, while farther in the west of the continent, the funky holiday Christmas stirred up in Amsterdam is not to be missed.

Albania might not come to mind as a destination for amazing ruins and cultural heritage, especially in the shadow of an archaeological giant like Greece, its neighbour to the south. Yet ancient civilisations have left their fascinating marks throughout the Balkan peninsula, including Albania. In fact, all of Albania’s three UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites exhibit grand-scale traits to rival any of their Balkan neighbours.

The coastal city of Kotor, Montenegro is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it has a unique character that has been determined by its history, it was always a place of mixture and it is visible at the first glance: western European and Byzantine style are reflected even in the building blocks themselves with the varying textures and marble hues.

Set against the deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, Podgorica, Montenegro, is home to some of the most stunning gorges, peaks, rivers and valleys in Europe, if not the world. Even better, thanks to its relative distance from the tourist track, its centuries-old culture and traditions have remained largely intact.

Like most folk tunes, Moldavian music is deeply rooted in national traditions, characterised by the use of traditional musical instruments such as the ‘nai’. Nowadays, young people are getting their folk fix with the likes of internationally famous bands such as Zdob şi Zdub, a name that roughly translates as ‘the sound of impact on the drum’.

Budva, Montenegro is much more than an average beach escape. With its centuries-old architecture, exceptional natural scenery and exciting entertainment, this getaway is the newest ‘it’ spot. Budva is one of those rare gems that offer true cultural immersion away from the standard tourist trail. The city’s classic summer vibe, music festivals, impromptu theatre, beach parties and more make Budva a must-see destination in the heart of the Balkans.