Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Eastern Europe

Armenia Welcomes Iran Travelers 2014

Aleksandr Shatskih

According to news from Armenia’s Economic Ministry, some 35,000 Iranian tourists visited the country in the first half of this 2014. Over 495,000 tourists from Iran came to Armenia, an increase of some 17.3% compared to the same period last year.

ADfel in Bucharest This Week

Aleksandr Shatskih

This week in Bucharest, Romania the latest edition of the ADfel unconventional advertising festival at Fabrica terrace takes place.

Dia Island: Ancient Atlantis Reemerges As a Resort?

Phil Butler

News Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal is interested in Crete as a touristic development bears mixed blessings. The prince, who’s transformed every place he’s invested in quite literally, says he wants to develop the island of Dia, just off Heraklion. But Crete is a special case study in protected antiquity, and Dia may hold secretes the Greeks don”t want destroyed by overzealous development.

Tõlluste Manor on Saaremaa Island Changes Hands

Aleksandr Shatskih

In hotel news from Lithuania, the historic Tõlluste manor house in Saaremaa Island has been transferred to the Estonian subsidiary of Natura Siberica, a Russian-owned natural cosmetics brand.

Euromonitor International Releases “Travel and Tourism in Greece”

Aleksandr Shatskih

Despite the economic downturn in the EU and Greece, last year was a good one for the tourism industry. According to the latest report for Euromonitor International, the number of international visitors to the cuntry increased significantly, just as domestic trips displayed grew as well.

5 Lesser Known East Europe Travel Gems

Aleksandr Shatskih

Photographer Cristina Drafta talks about the Eastern Europe she loves. Find out about coffee in Istanbul, the Paris of Siberia, Irkutsk, and much more.

Turkey’s First Street Art Graffiti Show

Aleksandr Shatskih

In a first for Istanbul and Turkey, the Pera Museum is hosting the country’s first ever exhibition dedicated to graffiti. The aptly named “Language of the Wall” runs until 5 October, and features the works of some 20 artists from the US, France, Germany, Japan and Turkey.

Top 10 Chania “In and Out of Town” Attractions

Phil Butler

Crete’s second biggest city, is probably the most well know and picturesque. Chania, a Minoan settlement known to the Greeks as Kydonia, is famous for it’s Venetian Harbor photogenically. The capital of the provence of the same name, Chania is about as iconic a destination as you can imagine. Surrounded by a host of smaller villages and immeasurable natural beauty, the west of Crete’s gem of tourism deserves every accolade. Here’s a bucket list of things any visitor “must see” before leaving this magical Cretan getaway.

FashionTV Black Sea Model Awards Hit Romania

Aleksandr Shatskih

The magnificent Mamaia, Romania, beach resort plays host next weekend to one of the best international model competitions this summer. The FashionTV Black Sea Model Awards, where over 40 models will compete, is the fourth in a string of competitions set on the biggest fashion stage in Europe. This year’s competition, which begins August 16th, […]

Swissôtel Tallinn Rakes In Three WTA Wins

Aleksandr Shatskih

One of Estonia’s best hospitality names, Swissôtel Tallinn took home three World Travel Awards at the gala held in Athens earlier this month.

This Week Sziget Festival “Island of Freedom” Beckons

Aleksandr Shatskih

Beginning today and lasting through Sunday, the Sziget Festival – Island of Freedom kicks off with a stellar lineup of entertainers. Hundreds of thousands will invade Budapest for one of the biggest party/cultural celebrations on Earth.