BALKAN GEMS

Known as the 'Queen of the Danube', magnificent Budapest exudes a cultural sophistication that entices and enchants. It graces both sides of the river with grand historic buildings, regal bridges, and graceful tree-lined boulevards. The city's elegant beauty and romantic atmosphere has given it Parisian status among the Eastern European countries.

Budapest offers the visitor the familiarity of European grandeur with a distinct Hungarian flavour. This is evident in the neo-Gothic Parliament buildings, sidewalk cafes, and Magyar cuisine; classical concerts and Hungarian folk music; and the cobbled streets of medieval neighbourhoods and shady parks. Highlights for visitors include a river cruise on the Danube and a thermal bath in one of the Turkish-era bathhouses.

Budapest was originally two cities built on either side of the Danube, namely Buda and Pest. The two districts are still distinct in their contrasting makeup. The older and more charming Buda comprised of atmospheric cobbled streets, little picturesque coloured houses, and a medieval, neo-Classical mixture of architecture set among the gentle hills of the west bank. It is famous for its historic Castle Hill, featuring the Royal Palace; museums and galleries; St Matthias Church; and the ramparts of Fisherman's Bastion.

Pest lies on a flat plain and is the commercial core of the city. It bustles with fashionable shopping areas and has characteristically wide, leafy boulevards. Andrássy Boulevard is the Champs-Elysées of Budapest, lined with a typical mosaic of architectural styles and buildings with the enormous Heroes' Square at the end.

A history of numerous wars and invasions, with repeated destruction and rebuilding, has created the Budapest of today, with an amalgamation of styles, created over time during periods of loving restoration by a proud and resilient nation of people; it is a city of charm and character and never drops out of favour with travellers.

Belgrade has developed into a prominent European capital, its promising growth and optimism seeking to overshadow its turbulent past. The history of Belgrade goes back some 6,000 years, and is filled with tales of conflict and tragedy. But no matter the cost or devastation, the city has always bounced back and is in the midst of a cultural and creative revival.

Situated where the Sava and Danube rivers meet on the Balkan Peninsula, the beauty and charm of the city is not found in gorgeous buildings or sweeping parks. Instead, it beats with an identity layered with relics of many generations and the remaining customs of countless invaders. Decidedly Old World with a hint of the Orient, varying cultural influences and architectural styles jostle for attention in Belgrade, combining to imbue the modern city with its own unique aura.

The best place to begin understanding the city is at the site of its original ancient settlement, the hill called Kalemegdan, now a fascinating park-like complex of historic structures overlooking the Old Town (Stari Grad). Here, the Military Museum traces the history of the city's bloody past, from its first conflict with the Roman legions in the 1st century BC to its most recent conflagration, when NATO forces bombed the city for 78 straight days in 1999.

Those less fascinated by history and who would rather enjoy modern Belgrade will find myriad leisure and pleasure opportunities in the city. From the techno scene of its famed nightclubs to the restaurants and street performances of bohemian Skadarlija Street, visitors to Belgrade will feel welcomed by the warm and proud residents of this indomitable city.

The Iron Gates is a city in Romania situated at the point where the Danube River flows through the Iron Gates gorge, between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. The city has a population of over 100,000 people and is the administrative centre of the Iron Gates County.

The Iron Gates has a long history, dating back to the Roman times when it was known as Trajan's Bridge. The city was an important military outpost and the site of several battles. In the Middle Ages, the Iron Gates was an important trading city, and the site of a major fair.

 Today, the Iron Gates is a major industrial city, with a large steel mill and a shipyard. The city is also a major tourist destination, with many beautiful parks and monuments.

Romania's capital since 1862, Bucharest is the country's largest and wealthiest metropolis. Tree-lined boulevards, classical buildings and extravagant public structures lie in juxtaposition to crowded streets, Stalinist apartment blocks and towering skyscrapers. It is a city where east meets west, where utilitarianism meets extravagance, and where business meets pleasure.

Once considered the 'Paris of the East' for its long leafy avenues, grand buildings and distinguished social scene enjoyed by the extravagant Romanian aristocracy, the city's elegance and beauty soon deteriorated under the harsh era of communism. The notorious redevelopment project launched by leader of the Communist Party, Nicolae Ceaușescu, in 1965 was a scandalous affair. In order to create an imitation Champs Elysee, a Civic Centre, and 12-storey palace for himself, he demolished an immense area of historic architecture in the old city, including 26 churches. The parliament building was designed to be the largest building in the world. Now known as the Palace of Parliament, it is the world's third-largest administrative building, and has become one of the city's prime tourist attractions.

The good news is that the capital of Romania is now experiencing a cultural revival; historic buildings have been restored and there is plenty of nightlife and an increasing amount of fun cultural events. It boasts a number of superb museums, galleries, exquisite Orthodox churches and other architectural delights. Its political legacy leaves a fascinating selection of sites where visitors can rediscover the events of its storied and difficult past.

Traditional Romanian cooking can be savoured alongside international cuisine and, in summer, festive beer gardens and picturesque parks are filled with cheerful crowds. A getaway to Bucharest is sure to be a treat.