Remapping travel routes – SUPPLEMENTS News – Issue Date: Jan 21, 2019

For those planning a holiday in style, Europe offers a variety of options for wine-lovers, culinary enthusiasts, art-lovers or anyone seeking to immerse themselves in local culture. Explore picturesque towns, appreciate the splendour of the mountains, national parks and natural beauty or marvel at the most impressive cities on the Continent. For 2019, travel beyond the gateway cities and discover some of Europe’s hidden gems. Here’s a pick of five new European discoveries that will ensure your holiday is imbued with fascinating experiences.

Tirana, Albania
Located along the Balkan Peninsula, Albania sits on top of a mountainous valley and offers a little something for those who love history, food, and adventure. Despite being small in size, this former communist country has a lot to offer. Since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, Albania retains a unique personality with diverse relics that remain from its Ottoman, Italian and communist past.

Locals proudly describe its capital city Tirana as a modern metropolis, where the past and modern-day architecture presents an eclectic blend of culture and history. Cafes, restaurants, lively squares and friendly people abound throughout this colourful city. With Eastern Europe and the Balkans rising in popularity, this Eastern discovery adventure is perfect to explore the past and savour the present.

Get a local expert to take you on a walking tour, admire the city’s brightly painted buildings, hear the stories of its people and see some of the city’s main attractions.

Must-Try Mullixhiu in Tirana is perfect for traditional Albanian cuisine. The chef

Article source: https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/supplement/story/20190121-remapping-travel-routes-1427932-2019-01-10