By Barbouni Anastasia & Tsironi Penelope

As we come to the end of 2018, we want to present the countries that the popularity of people chose to visit this year. So, we found the 3 most visited countries of 2018.

1. France-82.6 million visitors

France is visited by millions of people all over the world for its exquisite cuisine, historic sites, and beautiful scenery. Paris which is the capital city of France is one of the most visited destinations in the world and has a lot to offer to them who decide to visit it and it is a unique experience that will be sure to stay in your mind for a very long time.

Most visited places in France

1. Eiffel tower in Paris, the most visited city in France

2. St Tropez summer holiday destination

3. Chamonix ski resort

4. Palace of Versailles

5. Mont Saint-Michel

2. The United States – 75.6 million visitors

The United States is an extremely diverse place culturally and ethnically. The USA is known for its wide variety of live entertainment. From intimate historic venues to giant arenas, live entertainment is a large part of U.S. culture, the 35,000 museums and more.

Most visited places in the USA

1. Grand Canyon                      

2. Manhattan in NYC

3. Yellowstone National Park with its geysers

4. Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

5. Niagara Falls at the borders with Canada.

3. Spain – 75.6 million visitors

Spain is one of the most visited European countries, at least in part because of its striking beauty for example the spectacular white sand beaches. Madrid which is the capital and largest city of Spain, is one of the best places to visit , especially for those who have a love and appreciation of history and beautiful architecture.

Most visited places in Spain

1. Alhambra

2. Mezquita of Cordoba

3. El Escorial

4. Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

5. Ibiza island

Sources:

By Michalopoulou Konstantina & Panteli Chrysa

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country in Western Asia at the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south, as well as sharing maritime borders with Qatar to the west and Iran to the north. The seven emirates which constitute the country are:

• Abu Dhabi
• Ajman
• Dubai
• Fujairah
• Ras al-Khaimah
• Sharjah
• Umm al-Quwain

Attractions

Burj Khalifa, also known as Burj Dubai, is a skyscraper in the Dubai of the United Arab Emirates and the world’s tallest building, with a height of 827 meters. Construction began on September 21, 2004 and was completed on October 1, 2009. Its inauguration took place on January 4, 2010.

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. It is set on the 30-acre manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was designed by WET Design, the California-based company responsible for the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel Lake in Las Vegas.

By Stasinopoulou Christina (A Class)

Generally for Naples

     Naples is Italy’s third-largest city, is one of its oldest, most artistic and most appetizing places. Naples” centro storico (historic centre) is a Unesco World Heritage Site; its archaeological treasures are among the world’s most important. Naples” urban sprawl can feel anarchic, tattered and unloved. But looking beyond the grime, graffiti and occasional gruffness, you’ll uncover a city of breathtaking sculptures and panoramas, of unexpected elegance, of spontaneous conversations and profound humanity. It’s one of Italy’s most unlikely masterpieces.

Worthwhile Experiences

Teatro Di San Carlo

     The Real Teatro di San Carlo (Royal Theatre of Saint Charles), its original name under the Bourbon monarchy but known today as simply the Teatro di San Carlo, is an Opera house in Naples, Italy. It is located adjacent to the central Piazza del Plebiscito, and connected to the Royal Palace. It is the oldest continuously active venue for public opera in the world, opening in 1737, even before both the Milan’s La Scala and Venice’s La Fenice theatres.

     The opera season runs from late January to May, with the ballet season taking place from April to early June. The house once had a seating capacity of 3,285, but has now been reduced to 1386 seats. Given its size, structure and antiquity, it was the model for the following theatres in Europe.

Pompeii

     Pompeii has been a tourist destination for over 250 years. Today it has UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. It has been located near Naples, so it is easily accessible.

     Pompeii and many villas in the surrounding area, was mostly destroyed and buried under 4 to 6 m of volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.The eruption destroyed the city, killing its inhabitants and burying it under tons of ash.

     The site was lost for about 1,500 years until its initial rediscovery in 1599 and broader rediscovery almost 150 years later by Spanish engineer Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre in 1748.The objects that lay beneath the city have been preserved for more than a millennium because of the long lack of air and moisture. These artefacts provide an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city during the Pax Romana. During the excavation, plaster was used to fill in the voids in the ash layers that once held human bodies.This allowed archaeologists to see the exact position the person was in when he or she died.

Activities

A half-day trip to Sorrento

     Sorrento is a town overlooking the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy.Ferries and hydrofoils connect the town to Naples, Amalfi, Positano, Capri and Ischia. Sorrento’s sea cliffs and luxury hotels have attracted celebrities including Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti.

     Also, Limoncello, a digestif made from lemon rinds, alcohol, water and sugar, is produced in Sorrento. Other agricultural production includes citrus fruit, wine, nuts and olives.

     The old section of Sorrento is a wonderful place to get lost in its narrow streets and alleyways. Here you’ll discover colorful shops and quaint trattorias and the true essence of Sorrento.The old town centre is home to numerous historical buildings including the Basilica of Sant’Antonino and the complex of San Francesco, which includes the church, cloister, and a convent.

 Day Trip to Capri

     Capri is an island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples in the Campania region of Italy. The main town Capri that is located on the island shares the name. It has been a resort since the time of the Roman Republic.The town of Capri is the island’s main population centre.

     Inevitably, the two main centres, Capri Town and its uphill rival Anacapri, are almost entirely given over to tourism, with the high prices that follow. But explore beyond the designer boutiques and cafes and you’ll find that Capri retains an unspoilt charm, with grand villas, overgrown vegetable plots, sun-bleached, peeling stucco and banks of brilliantly coloured bougainvillea.

(By Aggeliki Dimorrigopoulou & Theodora Alexopoulou, A Class)

Paris is situated in France and it is the capital of this country. It is an overpopulated area that was founded in the third century B.C. Paris is well-known as the city of lights or as the city of love…

Firstly, the Parissi, who were Celtic people, resided the city of love from around the middle of the third century B.C. After thousands of years it became a fabulous cultural, economic, politic and religious French capital. During the Renaissance, Paris was the scientific and philosophic centre, in which Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alambert published a total of 33 tomes (volumes) called ‘’Encyclopedie’’. Afterwards, the first Revolution took place! It was held by the poor French residents against Napoleon. As a result, the public experienced violent periods of agitation and unrest that overthrew monarchy. Furthermore, during the 20^th and 21^st century, France participated in the 1^st and 2^nd World Wars, with a variety of negative consequences in its historic course.

It cannot be denied that Paris is visited by seventy-five million tourists annually. It consists of a great range of monuments and attractions. The most popular and attractive place is the Eiffel Tower, the tallest structure in Paris. It measures up to 125 meters and as you can imagine the view from the top is breathless. Moreover, another bright monument is the Louvre Museum, which is the world’s largest museum. It is also famous for the four glass- and metal-made pyramids that decorate its entrance. What is more, Notre Dame is located in Paris. It is a cathedral church of French Gothic architecture that underlines the glory of naturalism of its sculptures. As it comes for attractions, Euro Disneyland is the greatest destination that someone could choose. It consists of countless rides that match to all ages. Everyone can feel like a little, inexperienced, enthusiastic child for a couple of moments! Needless to say that Galleries Lafayette can be the reason why any women could spend a fortune. It is an upmarket department store chain that is located inside an old theatre.

As time passes, Paris was, is and will always be a supreme, outstanding and exceptional place to visit. It is widely believed that the city of lights is the most visited city of the entire world, no doubt! If you haven’t visited this city yet you should do it soon! There aren’t any excuses to avoid it. It will be the most perfect experience of your life!!!

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris

(By Krikis Thanasis, Mittaris Nikos & Koutsokeras Mihalis, A Class)

World party is a TV show which started in 2013 from the Greek channel ERT 3. Four best friends from Thessaloniki started this TV show just because it was their dream. After a lot of rejections from Greek TV channels they finally managed to find the solution by just waiting for an opportunity. This opportunity was given to them by ERT 3 channel. So, let’s introduce the main presenters of this extremely unique TV show.

Sakis Tanimanidis

He was born in Thessaloniki in 1981. He is the director, producer and presenter of the show. He is maniac with gymnastics, healthy food and a healthy lifestyle. He is usually hungry throughout the day. He has excess energy and likes to talk and travel around the world. His motto is «You Only Live Once» (YOLO) … not just sit on the couch and let life go on. He likes to make others smile. He is an engineer and he has studied Aristotle. He did his Master’s (MBA) at Babson College US. His best friend is George.

George Mavridis

He was born in Thessaloniki in 1978. He has particular love for animals and more specifically for his dog, Molly. He has been professionally engaged in the art of tattooing since 1999. He paints from a really young age. His hobby is football and he likes extreme sports. He loves music and video games. He is the owner of «Tattooligans» studio, which is his second home. His best friend is Sakis.

There are also two other members, Thodoris Plakidis (Teo) and George Letzas. They are the photographers/filmers. These four talented young travelers travel all around the world and they are trying to show to people the beautiful side of some countries known or not. In each episode, they try to present a country. They show the most representative and other parts of various countries all around the world. The unique characteristic about this TV show is that, unlike other TV shows, they always face any situations, bad or good, with humor and with their motto YOLO (which means you only live once). This means that anyone must face their difficulties with happiness and hope about the future.

The secret of success

Their secret of success is that from the beginning they wanted to make something different, something that has never been done before. Although some people may not like this show, no one can say that it’s not different.

The most dangerous of their journeys

No1: Zambia, Africa – Victoria waterfalls: George and Sakis jump in a physical pool from the edge of the waterfalls. Sakis claimed that that single moment he lost 10 years of his life.

No2: in northern Africa, they travelled in a ghetto where they were the only white people in that area. The indigenous black people could always harm George and Sakis as they have strong enmity for white people.

No3: the most dangerous place they visited was a favela in Argentina where they couldn’t escape from the aggressive mafia members.

The most impressive and exciting trip they made was in the Amazon River. They say that wherever you go you meet different civilizations but Amazon was extraordinary. The combination of pure nature and unspoilt river in addition to indigenous civilizations create a unique landscape with picturesque scenery. It’s startling how the indigenous people adapt so well in the rainforest without any help or communication with the modern world.

But the trips have offered something more than just fun. They were fulfilled as humans due to all their new experiences. The fact that they meet people from all social statuses has helped them form a personality that can judge situations better.

Above all, they are simple people, but most importantly inseparable friends. They have formed a friendship that will last maybe forever. This is, as they claim, the most important outcome of their trips. They think that travelling around the world is the point of life and would recommend it to everyone.

Sources

http://www.alphatv.gr/shows/entertainment/worldparty/whoiswho

Google Pictures

http://www.protothema.gr/stories/article/515377/sakis-tanimanidis-giorgos-mauridis-i-zoi-tous-ena-pagosmio-partu/

http://www.protothema.gr/stories/article/383955/sakis-tanimanidis-giorgos-mauridista-atakta-agoria-tou-world-party/

By Eva Katrivesi (A class)

When being kids or even teenagers, we all have the urge to explore the world, find new friends, try new foods and go to that one café in Rome that one of the celebrities you like posted on Instagram the other day. Moreover, I bet that all of us want those “tumblr” pictures we see all over the Internet, taking place in Paris, Venice, Sydney, New York City or Africa. But, what do all these experiences provide us with and what are the main reasons for travelling?

First and foremost, travelling is a way of learning new things. For example, you learn about the culture of a place, the beliefs of the people living there and their traditions. For instance, if you visit China you will probably learn about meditation and buddism. However, it is not only about learning things. When travelling, a lot of people try to tighten their bond with their travel-buddy or to reunite with a family member. For example, I’m half Australian so I’d like to visit my cousins in Australia soon.

In addition, there are people who only do travelling for professional reasons or just for shopping. Unfortunately, travelling is not about showing your friend that you are wealthy enough to go somewhere just to do a “shopping therapy” or that you are busy enough to only go to job-related-journeys.

Travelling is about finding who you really are. Finding new things that you enjoy, expanding your taste, not only in food but also in music, clothes and people. Travelling is about using that foreign language you learned at high school, even if a lot of years have passed and you may look silly to try it. It helps to learn things, not only for the place you visited but also for the people around you, your travel-buddy and most importantly about yourself. The benefit from this experience is that you try to enhance all these things in order to become a better human being.

To conclude, I strongly believe that travelling is a one-kind-of-experience, a very unique one, because every journey has its own story and that leads me to the conclusion that, if travelling was free, nobody would remain at home.

      By Athanasia Lampiri (A class)

1. See three major sights in one square

Standing in the middle of the magnificent piazza San Marco is an experience in itself: Napoleon referred to it as the ‘drawing room of Europe’, since it appears that much of Europe’s population is crammed into this great square. But it’s  Basilica di San Marco, often seen as the living testimony of Venice’s links with Byzantium and Torre dell’Orologio, a clock tower, that are, not just the square’s, but some of the city’s main attractions.

2. Cool down with a delicious gelato

Most people agree that there is no gelato like Venice’s gelato. Be prepared to be patient though, because there’s always a huge crowd waiting to be served. But it’s worth the wait. These people are passionate about making ice-cream and experimenting with new flavours. How about trying flavours such as hazelnut or yoghurt, and even artichoke, asparagus and ginger?

3. Take a trip down the Grand Canal T

he best way to take in the Grand Canal is on board a vaporetto (Venice’s ubiquitous waterbus). The canal provides a superb introduction to the city, telling you more about the way Venice works.

4. Enjoy the Biennale in Venice

And, of course, the Venice Biennale is in full force. In 2015, an impressive 89 nations sent works by 136 artists to this, the worlds biggest and longest running artistic extravaganza which takes place every two years. Get involved and express your inner artsy side.

5. Get a bird’s-eye view of Venice

Enjoy the breathtaking view of Venice taking in the Lido, the whole lagoon and (on a clear day) the Dolomites in the distance.

6. Get a taste for true Venetian cuisine

Try traditional dishes from the Veneto (goose in its own fat) or freshwater lagoon fish and a strong selection of Venetian antipasti, including raw sea food.

7. Get around in a gondola

No trip to Venice would be complete without a punt down one of the city’s waterways in an iconic gondola.

Don’t forget to visit the Pontei dei Sospiri.

+1. Slip on a mask and enjoy the Carnevale

Carnevale, the world’s largest and most famous masked party, has existed since the Middle Ages, but it came into its own in the 18th century. Today, visitors go to piazza San Marco, where professional poseurs in ornate (and exorbitant) costumes occupy prime spots and wait for the world’s press photographers to immortalise them. Venetians, on the other hand, organise private masked and costumed celebrations, or gather in smaller squares.

By Periklis Solomos (A class)

The most wonderful experience I have ever had was a holiday I spent with a friend in Kalogria. As we were camping, we were afraid that it might rain, but the weather turned out to be gorgeous. I remember that week so clearly: the walk to the beach each day; turning that final corner and suddenly seeing the magnificent sea spread out before me like a sparkling blue carpet; the hours spent lazily lying in the sun and plunging into the sea when it got too hot. It was marvelous.

On the last day we were there, Chris and I were lying on the beach when Chris laughed and said: ‘ Look at that silly woman waving at us!’. We both grinned and waved back but she did not look very happy.

‘Hold on’ I said suddenly, she is waving for help! We both ran down the beach and dived into the water to save her. She was OK but she had got a cramp and would certainly have drowned if we had not been there! We both got our pictures in the paper!

All in all it was an exciting and rewarding holiday. I am planning to go again this year!

By Niki Argirou-Kolotourou (B class)

Traditional architecture, rich history, urban culture and youthful energy, all make for a unique combination that transforms the city on the shores of tranquil LakePamvotida into an ideal choice for relaxation, exploration and entertainment.

Ioannina is blessed with abundant natural beauty and a rich history. Lake Pamvotida lies at the foot of mountain Mitsikeli. The lake is just so peaceful, you can either follow its romantic promenade or sit on a bench and take in the view. Small boats connect  the city with a little island in the middle of the lake, the so-called “nissaki” by the locals. This islet counts around 100 stone houses and numerous tiny stone alleys – a beautiful labyrinth of history and architecture. Here you can also visit the house  where Ali Pasha, the ruler of Ioannina during the  years of Othoman occupation was assassinated.

Another must- see is the old town, spreading within the walls of the city castle, the largest Byzantine fortress in Greece which offers  breathtalking views over Lake Pamvotida.

If you have one museum to visit this should be the Museum of Greek History. Its creator Pavlos Vrellis, a former algebra teacher and sculptor, bought the land ath the age of 60, designed the building that houses now the museum and built everything from scratch. The interior, consisted of dimly lit rock-encased areas, hosts 36 wax sculptures created by Pavlos Vrellis depicting various landmarks of modern Greek history.

 Last, make sure you visit Perama Cave. Follow the guited tour trough the cave and admire up close the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed over the years.

Ioannina is famous for its silverwork. There are numerous shops around the city selling silver jewellery and decorative items-the perfect gifts for yourself or your loved ones.

Visiting Zagori, northwestern Greece is something of an otherworldly experience. Perched at altitudes as high as 1.400metres, the region’s villages, inhabited for centuries and truly incomparable, constitute a surprisingly functional society that has lived, prospered, and continues to live as one with nature. Man-made constructions are an integral part of the setting, andappear to have grown or evolved along with the natural landscape. The region’s contact with the outside worldwas assured by a network of tracks and 45 stone arch bridges, works of architectural wonder and most of which were constructed in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. These days, the trails offervisitors the opportunity to embark on unique trekking experiences.

The best way to explore Zagori is via a route  beginning at Kapesovo, along trails that have existed for centuries, through villages, along rivers, across bridges, taking in landscapes of sensational beauty and ending up at Koukouli. This route  takes about a week,but if your time schedule doesn’t allow for that, pick asection and spend a couple of hours or an afternoon taking in this marvelous part of the country.

The route from Kapesovo to Vradeto includes the stairs of Vradeto, an 18^th century stone-paved trail along the side of the gorge. Heading off from Kapesovo and Koukouli and crossing the renowned Kokkori Bridge leads to Kipous, where the Plakida Bridge,one of very fewtriple-arch constructionsin the area, is located. From here, continue to Dilofo, the best preserved of all the region’s villages which offers spectacular views. The Vikos Gorge, listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s deepest, begins at Vitsa. Walking the whole gorge from start to finish takesfive-and a –half to six hours. At the end you’ll find the village of Papigo. The gorgeous nearby Rogovo pools, ideal for swimming in the summer, are definitely worth a visit. Heading all the way up to the mountain retreat at Astraka and Drakolimni lake, at an altitude of 2.050 metres ,is a magical experience.The view from the lake is breathtaking. Once rested at the retreat, hikers can take in the Astraka highlands and head towards Tsepelovo before concluding the trek at Koukouli.

By Maria Katsenou (A class)

THREE DAYS IN ROME

Rome is an unforgettable city. The sophistication of the Roman Empire is resurrected through the city’s countless ancient treasures. This and the gastronomy explain why everyone when it comes to throw a coin into Fontana di Trevi wishes that one day, they will return to Rome.

DAY ONE

The plane finally touched down! I am so happy that I have reached my destination so I take the first taxi and I head towards the Pantheon. There is no entrance fee and the dome inside is an architectural wonder! I visit it and then I make a walk at Piazza della Rotonda which is the square right outside the Pantheon. Then I go to Piaza di Firenze for a taste of fresh buffalo mozzarella delicacies at Obika.

Pantheon

Pantheon (inside)

 DAY TWO

The next day I decide to visit the Flavian Amphitheatre, the renowned Colosseum and the Roman Agora. After finishing this route and taking some photos with men dressed up as Roman soldiers, I look for the Colloseo metro station which is situated just across the monument, and take the subway until I arrive at Piazza di Spagna. Around this area you will find especially fashion stores…actually this is the place where all the big Italian brands are placed! Near Piazza di Spagna, you can also find the first ever McDonald’s opened in Italy (not such a historical event but it is important for the peckish). Later, I visit Fontana di Trevi. I take pictures, look around and of course defend my pockets and bag from the strange people and buy an ice cream from the Gelateria near the fountain. From here on I will only tell you to enjoy your night walk and get lost into the alleys.

Colosseum

Piazza di Spagna

Roman Forum

Fontana di Trevi

DAY THREE

I would definitely dedicate my last day to the Vatican museum. I have already booked my tickets, so I admire the imposing St.Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel avoiding the queue. It will take you about 3-4 hours to see it and notice the memorable art pieces. I pass the Castel Sant’ Angelo overlooking the River Tiber on my way to the Trastevere. I make a little walk wondering through its cobbled streets and having lunch of delicious seafood at le Mani in Pasta. Here is the end of my trip…with all my heart I wish to return to Rome someday!

 Vatican

Trastevere quarter

Sources

• http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel_Guide-g187791-Rome_Lazio.html
• http://www.italyguides.it/en/lazio/rome
• http://www.athinorama.gr/travel/world/guide.aspx?artid=93&did=189&aid=