It is not true that a big country necessarily offers more important landmarks than small countries. From the smallest city-states, like the Vatican, to most of European countries, when compared to the rest of the world, from islands dispersed in the middle of the many oceans, to those countries divided by long lasting wars into small states, there are so many small countries that offers some of the most spectacular sites.
Today we will look into four different small countries, tiny in size but big in tourist attractions:
New Zealand
New Zealand is a special country, unique in the world. Many places can call themselves so, but in the case of New Zealand, and due to its geographic isolation, this country has lots of features that are really unique on the face of the earth. Thus, New Zealand has a flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Perhaps the best known of these animals is the Kiwi, a flightless bird. Other endemic species in New Zealand have disappeared altogether.
Another key feature of New Zealand is its nature. To get lost in its islands, its marine wealth, and peek into unique views of endless forests and mountain ranges. There are many New Zealand tours to Taupo volcanic zone, one of the most impressive places in the country. Cities are another important point, the most important cities are Wellington (the capital) and Auckland (the largest city). As for culture, we must not forget that it is in New Zealand where the Maori culture has settled. Their traditions, games, rituals and lifestyle are more than a New Zealand tour when visiting the country, for many it continues to be a way of life.
Israel
In between the small countries Israel has always been an alluring destination. From biblical times to present day, this slice of holy land in the Eastern Mediterranean has long attracted visitors. It has attracted turmoil, too, and Israel remains a politically sensitive country. Nevertheless, its appeal for visitors is enormous and the day-to-day issues facing residents have little effect on those coming to appreciate its astounding historic relics, impressive religious sites and exquisite natural beauty.
In between all the Israel tours, the capital is one of the most visited and the oldest cities in the world and the most sacred to Christianity, Judaism and Islam combined. In Jerusalem you will find sacred places of global significance such as the Dome of the Rock, the most important Muslim shrine; the Western Wall, a sacred place for Jews; the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus an icon for Christianity was crucified; Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and many more. Thousands and thousands of tourists and pilgrims come every year to the Holy Land to immerse themselves in the history of mankind.
Jordan
The Middle East kingdom of Jordan is bordered on the west by Israel and the Dead Sea, on the north by Syria, on the east by Iraq, and on the south by Saudi Arabia. It is comparable in size to Indiana. Arid hills and mountains make up most of the country. The southern section of the Jordan River flows through the country. Located between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea, Petra is an archaeological site in Jordan, declared World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1985 and considered to be one of the new seven wonders of the world since 2007. The ancient capital of the Nabataean kingdom is a complete city carved out of rocks where tombs, temples, theatres, monasteries, museums, shrines, and churches combine to amaze lovers of ancient history and architecture. Beside many Jordan tours, this beautiful location has been chosen for filming several movies, including the famous “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”.
Turkey
Once the centre of the Ottoman Empire, the modern secular republic was established in the 1920s by nationalist leader Kemal Ataturk. Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey’s strategically important location has given it major influence in the region – and control over the entrance to the Black Sea. Its capital, Istanbul, is one of the most fascinating and charming cities in the world. It has the peculiarity of belonging half to Europe and the other half to Asia, giving it a wealth of cultural expressions of eastern and western civilisations. Tours of Turkey show its magnificent mosques, such as Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, its dazzling historical palaces, and beautiful sunsets will amaze you. You’ll also enjoy taking a beautiful Bosphorus cruise, visiting the famous Turkish baths, and riding a hot air balloon over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia… those are some of the many activities that give more than enough reasons to visit this wonderful country.
