Some of the greatest works of art are hosted in Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Wine growing in Alps? Yes, it is possible in Liechtenstein.
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Vatican City
"In the beginning God created heaven and earth", says the Bible. And you don't need to be neither a Catholic nor a believer to know that line and have no special reason to visit Vatican City, the one and only state in the world within the city limits.
There is a fantastic movie, "The Agony and the Ecstasy" pictured 1965 with Charlton Heston in the role of Michelangelo and Rex Harrison as Pope Julius II, a kind of biographical story how Michelangelo painted famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
The movie describes Michelangelo's efforts to please Pope's order to do re creation of the chapel, but not the way Pope wished to be done, but the way he wanted to do that. Two lines carry the whole movie: the Pope's repeated question: "When will you make an end?" and Michelangelo's answer: "When I'm finished!"
The movie lasts as long as it lasts, but after you finish watching you will start to make plans to visit Vatican City and see one of the most stunning arts in the world. Climb to the top of the St. Peter's Basilica dome (built by Michelangelo) and enjoy magnificent view, stay in the city until evening and feel its magic and holiness at night when St. Peter square is lighted and bells ring.
Visit Vatican Gardens, the Vatican Museums, greatest museums in the world founded in the 16th century by Pope Julius II and Scavi, excavations under St. Peter's Basilica, an experience you will never forget. If you're still not convinced, start with the movie.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small principality bordered to the east by Austria and to the west by Switzerland measuring only 25km in length and 6km in width. It is German-speaking state but even if you know German well it won't be much of use here because Liechtensteiners speak a special dialect that even Germans find it hard to understand.
Liechtenstein is a little tax heaven and probably the only country with more registered companies than citizens and also the world's largest producer of dentures. Its capital and business Mecca is Vaduz, and Schaan is the largest town.
The whole country can be explored by foot, by bicycle or by 35 minute drive by city train. Although the country is situated within Alps it has ideal climate for grape growing and here you may expect to find a wide range of excellent wines which with their fine cuisine promises good time and a full stomach.
If you find yourself in Liechtenstein from May to October inevitable visit Galina Falcon Center in nearby Malbun and literally hold in hand an eagle, falcon or hawk before the falconer let it to the sky. A fantastic experience! Take a picture, of course.
Liechtenstein is a perfect destination for everyone who likes sport, from alpinism to mini golf, from nature hiking to more than 50km long superb inline skating trails or paragliding over the Rhine valley. Try some of that during your holidays and you will find out why Liechtenstein is called a small country for great pleasures.
