Cordoba is the second largest city in Argentina and the capital of Cordoba Province in the northwest. The city was founded in 1573 and named after the city in Spain. It was one of the first Spanish colonial cities. The city is surrounded by valleys of three mountain groups. It has a population of 1.3 million or more people. Cordoba is nicknamed La Docta or roughly “Learned Lady” because of the many universities and students.
Cordoba is a lively city with a fascinating mix of new and old. It mixes colonial architecture with modern buildings. There are many historical monuments, foremost buildings of the Roman Catholic Church. The Jesuit Block, a group of buildings dated from the 17th century, is declared as a World Heritage Site. This site includes the Montserrat School and the colonial university campus. The city is full of churches, palaces, monuments, museums and theaters. The city also has four excellent municipal galleries.
Cordoba has just as other large cities many shopping centers and a vibrant nightlife, although it is somewhat quiet during university holidays. The city has a public transport system with buses, trolleybuses and taxis. The Plaza San Martin square is considered to be the center of the city. Here you will find the Jesuit Cathedral, the colonial government house the Cabildo and the Jesuit Block. West of the city the famous holiday center Villa Carlos Paz is located near the San Roque dam which provides the city with potable water.
Travelers to Cordoba need a valid passport. American citizens don’t require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. The best time to visit the city is from March to May and August to November. These months the temperatures aren’t too high and there is little rain. Cordoba also provides outdoor possibilities in the Sierras mountains.
Banja Luka is the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the capital of the Republika Srpska entity. It is located in the northwestern part of the country. The city lies on the Vrbas River. Banja Luka is now a regional center of business, education, arts and culture. The population is estimated to be between 250 and 300 thousand people. The city is mostly know for its urban green areas; avenues, alleys and parks.
Although Banja Luka has suffered from an earthquake in 1969 and mosques being blown up in 1993, the city has some historic sights to visit, such as the Cathedral of Saint Bonaventure, the Governor’s Palace, the Ferhat-Pasha Monastry and the fortress Kastel. The fortress was built by Ancient Romans and is also used by Ottomans.
Banja Luka has a rich nightlife. It also has numerous cultural events. Most visited and popular are Banja Luka Theater Festival, Fashion Week and Summer Festival. In the summer you can enjoy live bands playing in outdoors venues. The region is filled with pools, thermal springs and spas. The Vrbas river is perfect for different water sports, including rafting and kayaking. You can also go fishing, rock climbing and hiking along the canyon of the Vrbas River.
Travelers to Banja Luka need a valid passport and return ticket. American citizens don’t need a visa to visit the city. The warmest time to visit Banja Luka is in July. The city has a continental climate with warm summers and harsh winters.
Travnik is a small city in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located at the edge of the Vlasic mountains into a narrow wooded valley of the Lašva River. The city has a population of approximately 27 thousand people. The city was the birth play of Nobel literature prize winning author Ivo Andric, who wrote about his city in The Travnik Chronicles.
Travnik is a picturesque city that has suffered from the war. This is still visible in the center, as well as signs of other historic times. The city was part of different occupations. Since 1995 Travnik is part of the Federal Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the administrative center of central Bosnia. The old town of the city dates back to the early 15th century. There are structures dating to the Ottoman era that are in near perfect conditions. Take a look at numerous mosques, oriental homes, fountains and two clock towers.
Walking from one part of Travnik to another will take only 30 minutes. Walking is the best way to see all the historic sights. Highlights include the source Plava Voda, the oldest part Stari Grad, the traditional architecture of Osoje and The Ivo Andric House. You can also walk up to the old fortress of Travnik which has very impressive traditional homes. Adventurous people can enjoy hiking mountain sports on the Mountain Vlasic, 6560 feet.
Travelers to Travnik need a passport that is valid for longer than their stay and a return ticket. American citizens don’t require a visa. Travnik can be visited all year round. It has a continental climate with temperatures from 33 Fahrenheit in winter up to 64.8 Fahrenheit in summer. It snows every year.
Arraial d Ajuda is a village in the south of Brazil, located in the state Bahia. It is located on a rock. Arraial da Adjuda is part of Porto Seguro, where the Portuguese first arrived more than 500 years ago. To get to the village people have to cross the Buranhém River in a ferry boat from Porto Seguro.
Arraial d Ajuda is located in a region with endless beaches, light blue water and sun all year round. You can enjoy walks on the beach near the village. The surroundings offer peach and relaxation. In the night there are lots of parties that start after midnight until the morning. During the day you can take boat trips or explore deserted beaches. Travelers can also try Capoeira lessons, Zouk lessons and Afro dance.
There are lots of nearby villages to visit, such as Lagoa Azul, Trancoso, Praia do Espelho with one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Brazil, and Caraiva. Porto Seguro has a historical center. Here the first church in Brazil was built. On the way to Trancoso you will come across the reserve of the Pataxo Indians. Spend some days here to learn about their culture, music and other aspects of Indian life.
Travelers to Arraial d Ajuda require a valid passport and visa. For most countries this visa is only issued overseas before departure to Brazil, this includes America. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days.
