Preface

Four friends from Croatia, Greece, Poland, and Serbia  decide to go on a trip together. They all want to show to their friends their own countries and share things about their cultures. So, they all pack their suitcases and they are ready to go! First stop wll be Croatia, then Greece. After that, they will visit Poland, then Serbia, and Turkey will be their last stop. As they want their friends back home to know everything about the places they visit and the experiences they have, they write everything down and they share relevant pictures. Our imaginary journey begins!

Contents

Introduction: The friends are ready

Chapter 1: Visiting Croatia

Chapter 2: Visiting Greece

Chapter 3: Visting Poland

Chapter 4: Visiting Serbia

Introduction

Well, here we are, Iva from Croatia, Irene from Greece, Hania from Poland, and Ana from Serbia. Our flight leaves in about an hour and we will be in Croatia at about 10:00 in the morning. We can't wait!

Chapter 1: Croatia

Irene: Here we are! Now, where shall we go first? I can't wait! I want to see everything!!!!

Iva: I have so many amazing places to show you here. Croatia is known for its amazing natural beauty, stunning Adriatic coast and delicious food. I live in Đakovo, so first I want to show you the most beautiful cathedral from Venice to Istanbul - Cathedral Basilica of St Peter.

Zagreb is a capital of our country. It is lively and livable city that charms with its baroque fasades, green parks and open-air terraces. After you should see Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is a combination of divine waterfalls and emerald forests. 

Croatia is also one of the best beach destinations in Europe with a long and spectacular coastline dotted by almost 80 islands and with dozens of beautifully preserved medieval towns and cities, such as Dubrovnik, Zadar, Split, Šibenik, Hvar, Pula...

Irene: It seems to be an amazing country! I would like to visit it some day!

Chapter 2: Greece

Irene: Here we are in Greece. I'm so happy. I can't wait to show my country to you. Here we are in Athens. Athens is the capital of Greece. More than 10 million people live here. Greece is one of the first countries to appear, so it has a lot of ancient sights.

The most famous is Parthenonas , an ancient temple built in the 5th century BC. It attracts many tourists!

Greece is also famous for its islands. What makes them so attractive, is that every traditional house is white with blue doors and windows. Greek Islands have crystal blue waters, clean beaches and  polite people. Tourists are fascinated by the folk dancing and the local food! What is really impressive about Greece is that it has 227 inhabited islands! 

Chapter 3: Poland

Hania: Welcome to Warsaw, my hometown and the capital city of Poland! We’re standing in the Old Town – everything you see was rebuilt after World War II.
Ana: What’s that statue?
Hania: That’s the Mermaid of Warsaw. She’s the symbol of the city and protector of the people.
Iva: She has a sword! That’s awesome.
Hania: And look over there – that’s the Palace of Culture and Science. It’s the tallest building in Poland!

Hania: “Now we’re in Kraków. This is Wawel Castle – it’s where Polish kings lived long ago.”
Iva: “It looks like a real royal castle!”
Irene: “What’s that statue near the river?”
Hania: “That’s the Wawel Dragon! Legend says he lived in a cave under the hill.”
Ana: “Does he really breathe fire?”
Hania: “He does! Watch – it happens every few minutes!”

Hania: “Welcome to Gdańsk, by the Baltic Sea. This city is over 1,000 years old!”
Ana: “Who’s that with the trident?”
Hania: “That’s Neptune. He stands in the Long Market, guarding the fountain.”
Iva: “And that big archway?”
Hania: “It’s the Green Gate. It once led to the royal residence. Behind it is the Motława River.”
Irene: “This city feels like a postcard!”

Chapter 4: Serbia

Ana: Here we are in Serbia. First, I would like to take you to see Belgrade, our capital city. It is famous for Avala, with the highest tower in Serbia and also there is Kalemegdan with the famous monument called "Pobednik" (the Winner) and the biggest zoo in Serbia.

Irene: Wow! What kind of animals are there in the zoo?

Ana: Oh, there are 210 species. The biggest attractions are white lions. There are also white tigers, vultures and apes! 

Hania: Wow! This place looks amazing!

Ana: Belgrade is also well known for Nikola Tesla Museum and the magnificent "St. Sava" ortodox church. Belgrade has a population around 2 million people and it is the biggest city in our country. It is also famous for its busy night life and clubbing. 

Serbia is also well-known for its magnificent nature, beautiful mountains and rivers, where you can enjoy many activities like hiking, skiing or even the popular Drina regatta.