Hidden Places in European (Schengen) Countries that you must visit.

Hidden destinations in a region flooded by tourist all over the year? Especially from the UAE, the summer traffic to Europe is highest from the region. So I am sure you have someone or the other who went to a European country recently from Dubai and posted pictures of the Eiffel Tower, Swiss Alps or Tower of Pisa. Every destination seems to have been photographed and shared a million times.

But Hey! We do live in a world big enough that still offers the keen traveller those hidden secret destinations. If you love a sweet secret spot (and who doesn’t, right?), plan a trip to some exotic lesser-known places. And trust us when we tell you, these 10 will give you serious wanderlust goals and up your social media game.

 

1. Salzkammergut region, Austria

Austria is a marvel of alpine goodness well wrapped up. Hidden in the Salzkammergut region is Lake Hallstatt, one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes in Austria. Mountain railways connect the Lake to a historic salt mine.

Connectivity from Dubai and Abu Dhabi is convenient with fights of all budgets operating directly till Vienna or Salzburg with one stop. Salzkammergut is well connected from both these cities via rail and road.

Visit Austria apply for a Schengen visa from UAE, call us on 971554499957

2. Odense, Denmark

If you are familiar with the works of writer Hans Christian Andersen, the mention of Odense may ring a bell. A picturesque view, breathtaking locales and crisscrossing streets designed for pedestrians and cyclists will take you away from the hustle bustle of city life. The city’s identity is built around Andersen’s legacy, with several museums, sculptures and statues dedicated to the master craftsman.

The nearest airport is Copenhagen which Emirates operates one flight daily, so 7 Hours by flight and 1 hour 30 mins by train to Odense.

We have had good success in obtaining Schengen visa from Denmark for our clients to know more Contact Us.

 

3. The Azores, Portugal 

The Azores is an archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic 800 miles off the coast of Portugal. Breathtaking landscapes, volcanoes, crater lakes, fishing villages, and waterfalls are waiting for you. No wonder UNESCO listed the Abores a Biosphere Reserve in 2009.

The Azores has been referred to as Europe’s answer to Hawaii. Out of this list of destinations in Europe on a budget. The place is perfect to enjoy marine life, especially if you fancy dolphins.

Azores airline is the local carrier which operates flights from all major European cities. Portugal is an embassy which attracts a lot of visa applications from Dubai and Abu Dhabi so it is always advised to plan your visa application in advance. 

 4. Olomouc, Czech Republic

So you think Prague is the prettiest city in all of Europe? Well, that’s a claim not many can contest, but exploring Olomouc may still be worth your while. This eastern city of Czech Republic is just as beautiful as Prague, if not more, but far easier on the senses. It is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Holy Trinity Column, and is considered one of the best value cities in all of Czech Republic.

The nearest airport is Ostrava to which direct flight is operated by Travel Services Airlines directly from Dubai International.

Czech Republic has a walk in visa submission so it is always a good option for last minute travel plans. Let us prepare your Czech visa application, contact us.

5. Lednice-Valtice, Czech Republic

Another destination on our list is from the Czech Republic.

Did you know that the 200 km Lednice-Valtice region in the Czech Republic is Europe’s largest artificial geographical area and known as the Garden of Europe?

A major attraction is Lednice Castle, a palace built on a Renaissance chateau and Gothic fort. You can take a fairytale walk and enjoy the stunning views after climbing the 60-meter high minaret or relax on a boat trip down the river.

Valtice Chateau is known for its beauty and long tradition of winemaking. Plus it is the most extensive cultural and landscape area in the world, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The recommended mode of transport is by road from Prague or Brno.

6. Rothenburg, Germany 

Yet another hidden gem in the heart of Europe that will take you on a trip back in time to the quixotic era of Renaissance and the Middle Ages. Every nook and corner of this place has evidence of a bygone era. Walk through the by-lanes and to witness the restored house fronts, bay windows, age-old street signs, gables and fountains.

The nearest international airport is Nuremberg, where the best possible connection from Dubai or Abu Dhabi is operated by Turkish Airlines, convenient one stop flights via Istanbul.

Germany is one of the biggest Schengen visa application handler in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Let us guide you through the process. Contact Us.

6. Volos & Pelion region, Greece

Damouhari, the only natural harbour on the East Pelion coast. Volos is halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki in the Pagasetic Gulf. It has rich historical and architectural sites, good restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, and is bordered by beautiful beaches on one side, and by Mount Pelion on the other. The region is a delight for nature lovers.

There is no airport in Pelion, the closest airport is located in Volvos in the town of Nea Anchialos. Popular low-cost carriers Ryan Air and Air Berlin operate to the airport of Volvos. However, Athens is the major airport of the region to which you will find multiple flights from UAE.

7. Saaremaa Island, Estonia

Estonia is a destination in Europe that has been getting a bit of attention lately.

If you like beer and windmills this island (Estonia’s largest) located in the Baltic Sea is for you. The famous local homebrew and windmills are Saaremaa’s symbols. You will love it!

Apart from that, Saaremaa has the Kaali craters – the result of several meteorites that impacted some 3,500 years ago – the largest forming the unique, green-coloured Kaali Lake.

Kuressaare is the island’s only town and features a medieval and bishopric castle dating from the 13th century.

Aerofloat and Turkish Airlines have flight operating from Dubai which takes you to Tallinn, from there a short twice daily flight to Kuressaare Airport. Estonia does not have an embassy in the UAE. So getting a visa to Estonia from Dubai can be a little tricky however, we have the experience in handling such applications.

Call us to get you a Schengen visa to Estonia.

8. Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Civita di Bagnoregio is a combination of two obscure Italian towns. Civita, which has earned the sobriquet of ‘The Dying City’, is accessible only by a stone walkway and has just six permanent residents. The town, which sits atop a volcanic rock overlooking a lush-green valley, has an unmistakable medieval charm. It is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a tryst with rich European history. 

All major airlines land directly at Rome from there, Civita di Bagnoregio is just a 2-hour drive away. Emirates operates 3 flights daily to Rome from Dubai.

9. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Despite being a capital city, Ljubljana is fairly unknown. To its credit, it has the distinction of being the greenest capital city in all of Europe. The rich green cover, the emerald-green Ljubljanica River flowing through the heart of the city, and an array of terrace cafes springing up in summer, make this place every bit the quintessential European treat.

Turkish Airlines has multiple connections from Dubai to Ljubljana, Slovenia. However, if you prefer to fly Emirates there are direct flights to Zagreb which is the Capital of Croatia, from there you can take a luxury bus to Ljubljana

10. Giornico, Switzerland

This canton in southern Switzerland, with its Italian-speaking population, has a distinct lost-in-time vibe. A 14th century stone relic and arching stone bridges over a trickling river lend an ancient feel to this town, which can be easily accessed from the lake towns of Locarno and Ascona. The meat ragout and local Merlot are a must-have during your time here.

Even though Giornico is located in Switzerland, its best you take a fight to Milan, Italy and from there drive to the city. But if you a got a Swiss Schengen and have to make a Swiss city as your port of entry, Zurich will be the city to fly to.

Best things about ‘secret’ destinations, these places are untouched by the maddening tourist rush. So, you have the perfect opportunity to explore these heavenly spots at your own pace. Let us help you with the Schengen visa process to visit any of these cities.

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