eastern europe & rail journeys Intrepid’s real life experiences in eastern europe… From tiny hamlets to iconic cities, ancient opulence to modern marvels - the countries of Eastern Europe offer enchanting adventures.
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RUSSIA MONGOLIA RUSSIA
CROATIA SLOVENIA
CHINA
UKRAINE
HUNGAR Y
BOSNIAHERZIGOVINA
ROMANIA SERBIA
BULGARIA
TURKEY
MONTENEGRO ALBANIA GREECE
St Petersburg Nights
Romanian Homestay
Ostrog Monastery
Russian Rail Odyssey
St Petersburg to Budapest page : 29, WBSH
Explore Eastern Europe page : 32, WMSY
Balkan Adventure page : 33, WMSK
Russia & Beyond page : 30, WBRL
Make the most of the White Nights and join the locals on a twilight stroll past elegant museums and ornate palaces during St Petersburg’s summer.
Stay with a Romanian family and get a taste of local life. Dine on traditional foods, sup on tasty schnapps and wake the next day to the sounds of village life.
Join monks as they make the pilgrimage along rocky mountain paths to the stunning Ostrog Monastery. Spend the night in a konak and mingle with pilgrims.
Cross continents aboard a long-distance train, an ideal way to meet the locals. Down in the restaurant car, sample some vodka and let the conversation flow. Horses by serene lake, Rila Mountains, Romania
28 Rail Journeys
Trans-Mongolian Express trip code
WBSB
Original
21 days, St Petersburg to Beijing ITINERARY... Days 1-3 St Petersburg This rail odyssey begins in St Petersburg, the shining star of modern Russia. After a boat tour of the canals and waterways, enjoy free time to explore this grand city. The illustrious State Hermitage Museum is a must-see for its huge collection of artistic treasures, while the city’s Baroque architecture and European atmosphere is sure to charm. Day 4 Suzdal Part of Russia’s famed Golden Ring of ancient capitals, this town holds a millennium of Russian history. Wander down rustic lanes and be enchanted by the medieval monasteries and cathedrals. Relax by the riverside with a glass of medovukha, a local tipple made from honey. Days 5-7 Moscow Russia’s capital is a unique blend of Orthodox churches, communist relics and brash ACCOMMODATION Hotel (9 nts), guesthouse (2 nts), ger camp (1 nt), overnight train (8 nts) TRANSPORT Overnight train, minivan, ferry, boat, local train, local bus, metro, taxi GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Mon GUARANTEE Subject to min 4 CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 775 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.68 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 18 Apr 08 May 02 May 22 May 16 May 05 Jun 30 May 19 Jun 13 Jun 03 Jul 27 Jun 17 Jul
04 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug
24 Jul 31 Jul 07 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28 Aug 04 Sep 11 Sep
29 Aug 05 Sep 12 Sep 19 Sep 26 Sep 03 Oct 10 Oct 19 Dec
18 Sep 25 Sep 02 Oct 09 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Oct 08 Jan
26 Dec 15 Jan 2012 23 Apr 13 May 07 May 27 May 21 May 10 Jun 04 Jun 24 Jun 18 Jun 08 Jul 25 Jun 15 Jul
Above: Photo Competition, Cute local kids, Mongolia - Hayley Anderson Below: Photo Competition, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Russia - Brendan Corrigan
capitalism. Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum and the Armoury Museum in the Kremlin, then perhaps step inside iconic St Basil’s Cathedral. Days 8-10 Trans-Siberian Railway The famous Trans-Siberian
Physical culturAL
• Discover the canals of St Petersburg • Visit Lenin’s famed Mausoleum in Moscow • Unwind aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway • Enjoy local hospitality at Lake Baikal • Journey across the Mongolian Steppe • Have a memorable stay in a ger camp • Stand atop the Great Wall of China
train journey travels deep into the dense Siberian taiga - a perfect opportunity to chill out, sip tea with the locals and watch the scenery pass by. There are stops along the way, providing a chance to stock up on tasty dumplings at market stalls. Days 11-12 Lake Baikal Head to the world’s largest freshwater lake. Experience a homestay on the banks of tranquil Lake Baikal for a unique insight into traditional life. Days 13-14 Irkutsk/Trans-Mongolian Railway Wander the streets of Irkutsk and explore the city’s mix of
Try it in reverse… Start this epic rail journey in bustling Beijing and finish up in St Petersburg. See trip code CBSU for details.
traditional Siberian buildings and stark communist-era architecture. Delve into romantic local history with a visit to the Volkonsky House Museum - the former home of the ‘Princess of Siberia’, Maria Volkonsky. Then, depart the land of Lenin and venture into the grasslands of Ghengis Khan via the border town of Sukhbaatar. Days 15-18 Ulaanbaatar/Ger Camp Learn about Mongolia’s turbulent history by exploring some of Ulaanbaatar’s fine museums, monasteries and palaces. Spend an unforgettable night in a simple ger camp in the magnificent Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Days 19-21 Beijing China’s impressive capital offers up a wealth of historical sights. Stand atop the Great Wall and marvel at the might of the Middle Kingdom before heading back to the hustle and bustle of mighty Beijing.
For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com
This is a wonderful trip for people of all ages and backgrounds. All that is required is a desire to experience foreign countries from a local perspective. Dennis Snower, Germany Travelled on the WBSB
trip code
WBSR
29 Eastern Europe
Russia Highlights Original
8 days, Moscow to St Petersburg ITINERARY... Days 1-2 Moscow A city where old-world orthodoxy meets audacious free enterprise, Moscow is one of the greatest capitals of the world. Explore the Kremlin and discover its huge collection of imperial treasures including exquisite Faberge eggs and ceremonial regalia. Wander among the cathedrals and Physical culturAL
museums within the Kremlin walls and get a glimpse of Lenin in his eternal resting state. Be sure to see the metro stations - these lavishly decorated ‘Palaces of the People’ are unlike any other in the world. Days 3-4 Suzdal Marvel at this glittering town and former Russian capital, which forms part of the Golden Ring. Suzdal is home to a remarkable number of churches and a memorable skyline. Make time to wander past lovingly decorated wooden cottages and the crumbling churches that line the narrow streets and alleys of this magical spot. Perfect local specialities in a cooking class, then wind down with a glass of medovukha - a light alcoholic drink made from honey - while enjoying lovely views across attractive meadows. Day 5 Novgorod Russia’s oldest city is an absolute gem. Take in the many well-preserved architectural treasures that hint at the city’s former glory. Travel back in time with a visit to the Millennium of Russia monument and the Cathedral of St Sophia, both concealed within the Kremlin walls, then join locals for a refreshing steam at the public banya (bath house). Days 6-8 St Petersburg Take a tour to learn about the historical characters associated with the sights of St Petersburg. Later, be a special guest of a local family for a tea party, Russian-style.
• Experience the mesh of Moscow’s communist and capitalist cultures • Explore a medieval Russian capital in the Golden Ring • Hone culinary skills in a cooking class in Suzdal • Sip delicious mead alongside a river • Travel to Russia’s oldest city • Enjoy a relaxing steam in a Russian banya
ACCOMMODATION Hotel (5 nts), guesthouse (1 nt), overnight train (1 nt) TRANSPORT Overnight train, local train, public bus, metro, boat, taxi GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 6 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner, 1 Russian tea party BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Mon GUARANTEE Subject to min 4 CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 295 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.50 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 28 Mar 04 Apr 25 Apr 02 May 02 May 09 May 09 May 16 May 16 May 23 May 23 May 30 May 30 May 06 Jun 06 Jun 13 Jun 13 Jun 20 Jun
20 Jun 27 Jun 04 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Aug
27 Jun 04 Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25 Jul 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Aug 05 Sep
05 Sep 12 Sep 19 Sep 26 Sep 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 2012 26 Mar 16 Apr 23 Apr
12 Sep 19 Sep 26 Sep 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 02 Apr 23 Apr 30 Apr
30 Apr 07 May 07 May 14 May 14 May 21 May 21 May 28 May 28 May 04 Jun 04 Jun 11 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jun 25 Jun 02 Jul
Colours of St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
St Petersburg to Budapest trip code
WBSH
Original
15 days, St Petersburg to Budapest ITINERARY... Days 1-2 St Petersburg This magnificent city is abundant in palaces, churches and canals. Get acquainted with it all on a walking tour before heading off on personal explorations. A climb up the colonnade of St Isaac’s Cathedral is highly recommended - the views from the top are exceptional. Days 3-4 Novgorod With a history stretching back more than 1,000 years, Novgorod is often seen as the cradle of modern Russian civilisation. On arrival, join a local family for a Russian tea party. Later, visit the town’s riverside Kremlin for an insight into the nation’s turbulent past. Days 5-6 Moscow Marvel at the mighty heart of Russia with a visit to the Kremlin’s grand halls, home to impressive imperial treasures and Lenin’s Mausoleum. In free time, why not head to the Izmaylovo Market to snap up a souvenir? Days 7-9 Kyiv Roam the cobbled streets of Kyiv, the ‘Mother of Slavic Cities’, and gain valuable insight into Ukraine’s tragic history with a visit to the Chernobyl Museum. Days 10-11 Carpathian Mountains Stay with a local family and join in with the cooking of
Physical culturAL
• Marvel at the beauty of St Petersburg • Pay a sobering visit to the Chernobyl Museum • Sample traditional Ukrainian food • Cycle the streets of beautiful Budapest
Ukrainian delicacies. Located near the borders of Romania, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia, the Carpathians hold an eclectic mix of
Arriving early?
Eastern European cultures. Appreciate the immense natural beauty
Soak up the grandeur of this magnificent city on Urban Adventure’s half-day St Petersburg Discovery adventure.
of this region with a hike. Days 12-13 Lviv Work up an appetite for delicious Ukrainian borscht on a walk through Rynok Square or perhaps head up to High Castle. Days 14-15 Budapest The grand architecture and beautiful boulevards of Budapest offer an outdoor museum, so take to the streets by bicycle to discover its secrets.
ACCOMMODATION Hotel (8 nts), homestay (2 nts), overnight train (4 nts) TRANSPORT Overnight train, train, minibus, local bus, metro, tram, taxi, boat, bicycle GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 10 Breakfasts, 1 Russian tea party, 2 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sun GUARANTEE Subject to min 4 CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 554 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.58 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 15 May 29 May 12 Jun 26 Jun
26 Jun 03 Jul 17 Jul 31 Jul
10 Jul 17 Jul 31 Jul 14 Aug
14 Aug 28 Aug 28 Aug 11 Sep 11 Sep 25 Sep
2012 13 May 27 May 03 Jun 17 Jun
Photo Competition, Copper statue at the Opera Theatre, Lviv, Ukraine - Lidia Lipkiewicz
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com
30 Eastern Europe & Rail Journeys
Russia & Beyond trip code
WBRL
Basix
18 days, St Petersburg to Beijing ITINERARY... Days 1-2 St Petersburg Begin this rail odyssey in Russia’s opulent St Petersburg. Head to Nevsky Prospekt for a stroll through its heart, visit one of its many quirky museums or even follow in the footsteps of Rasputin on a walking tour of the city. Days 3-4 Moscow Orthodox churches stand proudly alongside Physical culturAL
Soviet icons and chic modern boutiques in the nation’s capital. Be transported back in time at the Kremlin and wowed by the onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral. Days 5-7 Trans-Siberian Railway Sit back and relax as the lush forests of the taiga roll by on this once in a lifetime journey along the world’s most famous train line. Days 8-10 Lake Baikal/Irkutsk Be a special guest of a local family during a traditional homestay on the shores of Lake Baikal. Later, enjoy time wandering through the streets of
• Visit Soviet icons in marvellous Moscow • Spend a memorable night staying with Nomads in their ger
Irkutsk exploring the city’s interesting mix of traditional Siberian and communist-era architecture. Days 11-12 Ulan Ude Chill out in this Mongolian-influenced city, a place with a unique mix of indigenous and Russian cultures. From here, travel into legendary ACCOMMODATION Hostel (6 nts), basic hotel (1 nt), homestay (2 nts), nomad camp (1 nt), overnight train (7 nts) TRANSPORT Overnight train, minivan, local bus, metro, taxi GROUP SIZE Max 16 MEALS 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Wed GUARANTEE Subject to min 4 CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 664 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.71 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 27 Apr 14 May 25 May 11 Jun
22 Jun 13 Jul 27 Jul 10 Aug
09 Jul 30 Jul 13 Aug 27 Aug
24 Aug 07 Sep 21 Sep 05 Oct
10 Sep 24 Sep 08 Oct 22 Oct
2012 25 Apr 12 May 23 May 09 Jun 27 Jun 14 Jul
Sitting outside a ger camp, Mongolia - Michael Chandler
Genghis Khan territory. Days 13-16 Ulaanbaatar/Nomad Camp Witness the old and new facets of Ulaanbaatar. Make time to see the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, Mongolia’s last emperor, as well as the beautifully restored Gandan Khiid Monastery. Then, head out of town for an unforgettable stay with a family in their ger tent. Days 17-18 Beijing The last stop is the impressive Chinese capital of Beijing. Perhaps stay a few days longer to walk a stretch of the Great Wall - a fitting conclusion to this epic journey.
One of the best trips of my life. I loved the itinerary, the people, the landscape, the cultural differences and most of all, our leader. I’d recommend this to everyone. Catarina Carona, Portugal Travelled on the WBRL
St Petersburg to Istanbul trip code
WBSIC
Original
32 days, St Petersburg to Istanbul ITINERARY... Days 1-2 St Petersburg Be dazzled by this city’s multitude of opulent palaces. Days 3-4 Novgorod Explore the graceful Kremlin with a local guide. Days 5-6 Moscow Grab some pirozhki - Russian pastries - to fuel explorations of the Kremilin. Days 7-9 Kyiv Pay a visit to the Chernobyl Museum. Days 10-11 Carpathian Mountains Stay with a local family and help with the cooking of Ukrainian delicacies. Days 12-13 Lviv Be captivated by the crumbling facades of Lviv’s lovely Old Town. Days 14-15 Budapest Head out on a cycling tour to uncover all this wonderful city has to offer. Day 16 Eger Sip on Egri Bikaver - a local red wine - during an optional trip to the evocatively named, Valley of the Beautiful Women. Days 17-18 Maramures Discover one of the last peasant cultures in Europe. Day 19 Sighisoara Uncover the myths of Transylvania. Day 20 Viscri Enjoy a delicious dinner with a local family. Days 21-22 Brasov Be sure to sample the nightlife at some of the bars in this medieval town. Day 23 Sinaia Drop by Bran Castle en route to Sinaia. With its fairytale turrets, this castle ACCOMMODATION Hotel (16 nts), guesthouse (4 nts), homestay (6 nts), overnight train (5 nts) TRANSPORT Overnight train, coach, train, minibus, local bus, metro, tram, taxi, bicycle GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sun GUARANTEE Subject to min 4 CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 1181 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING Not applicable as this is a new itinerary Start Finish 2011 15 May 15 Jun 12 Jun 13 Jul
03 Jul 17 Jul 31 Jul 14 Aug
03 Aug 17 Aug 31 Aug 14 Sep
Ivy-covered walls, Budapest, Hungary
28 Aug 28 Sep 11 Sep 12 Oct 2012 13 May 13 Jun
03 Jun 04 Jul
will impress. Days 24-25 Veliko Tarnovo Explore the imposing fort which overlooks this picturesque town. Day 26 Sofia Admire the gold domes of the Aleksander Nevski Church. Day 27 Gorno Draglishte Be a guest of a local family during a homestay in the Rila Mountains. Days 28-29 Bansko Stretch legs on a invigorating hike through alpine scenery. Days 30-31 Plovdiv Wander among impressive Byzantine ruins. Day 32 Istanbul Finish up among the many mosques and bevy of bazaars of Istanbul.
For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com
Physical culturAL
• Marvel at the beauty of St Petersburg • Uncover Moscow’s many treasures • Discover a tragic past in Ukraine • Get swept up in the romance of Budapest • Experience peasant life in a Maramures village • Go for a hike in the picturesque Bulgarian mountains
trip code
ZMSF
31 Croatia & Slovenia
Explore Croatia Original
8 days, Dubrovnik to Split
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Days 1-2 Dubrovnik With its steep, cobbled streets, stunning architecture and paved squares, Dubrovnik bursts with fascinating history. Post-war restoration work has been extensive and the views from the city walls - over terracotta roofs and out to nearby islands and the sparkling sea - are spectacular. There is plenty of time to uncover the hidden treasures of the Old Town or perhaps take a boat ride to the island of Lokrum, where it is said that Richard the Lionheart was once shipwrecked. These days, Lokrum is the perfect place to head to for a sunbathe and swim. Days 3-4 Korcula Travel to Korcula by ferry or bus and stay in simple accommodation with welcoming local hosts. Korcula boasts pristine forests, tranquil inlets and character-filled vineyards - and its residents are justifiably proud of their island home. Try traditional delicacies at a local farm and wash them down with travarica, a grappa-like drink, followed by the island’s famous cakes for dessert. There is plenty of time here to shop, swim or just soak up the ambience. Days 5-6 Hvar Known as the ‘Queen
Physical culturAL
• Walk the famed city walls of Dubrovnik • Dine on traditional treats in Korcula • Sip a cocktail at a waterside bar in Hvar • Explore the palace of Emperor Diocletian
of the Dalmatian Islands’, Hvar’s beauty is undeniable. Wander past wonderfully preserved Renaissance facades and vast fields
Got extra time?
of lavender and rosemary. Enjoy frolicking on the beach or have a
Continue this Eastern European adventure in to lovely Slovenia. See trip code ZMSUC for a trip ending in Bled.
cocktail in one of the many waterside bars. Days 7-8 Split The site of Emperor Diocletian’s well-preserved palace, bustling Split is the soul of Dalmatia. Dynamic and vibrant, this World Heritage-listed town is easy to see on foot, so spend some time out and about discovering its golden past and present-day delights.
ACCOMMODATION Hotel (1 nt), private room (6 nts) TRANSPORT Coach, ferry, local bus GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 1 Dinner BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 87 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.64 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 30 Apr 07 May 14 May 21 May 28 May 04 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jun
25 Jun 02 Jul 09 Jul 16 Jul 23 Jul 30 Jul 06 Aug
02 Jul 09 Jul 16 Jul 23 Jul 30 Jul 06 Aug 13 Aug
20 Aug 27 Aug 10 Sep 17 Sep 2012 07 Apr 21 Apr
27 Aug 03 Sep 17 Sep 24 Sep 14 Apr 28 Apr
05 May 12 May 19 May 26 May 02 Jun 09 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jun 30 Jun 07 Jul
Two wooden boats, Croatia
Croatia & Slovenia trip code
ZMSY
Original
8 days, Split to Bled
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Split Arrive early to explore the many sights in this busy centre of the Dalmatian Coast including the impressive ruins of the Diocletian’s Palace with its sprawling Roman-style basements and Temple of Jupiter. Day 2 Zadar Board a local bus and take a scenic coastal route through vineyards and olive groves to seaside Zadar. Perhaps spend the afternoon admiring stunning collections of gold and silverwork housed in elaborate churches, then watch a magnificent sunset while listening to the harmonic sounds of the bizarre Sea Organ. Take time out to embrace the warm atmosphere of coastal Croatia at a small bar or cafe - perhaps try maraskino - a liqueur produced in Zadar since 1821. Days 3-5 Rab Island Soak up the sun on pristine, sandy beaches or sail to a nearby island to find a more secluded spot. Rab has been welcoming visitors for centuries and the paved village streets, gleaming, white bell towers and warm locals are sure to charm. Be immersed in the natural beauty of the island on a hike or a bike ride through the lush Kalifront forests. Days 6-8 Bled Cross the border into Slovenia and travel into the Julian Alps. With a mountainous backdrop, picturesque lake and impressive fortress, Bled is a wonderful place to conclude the adventure. Perhaps cycle around the Lake Bled shoreline, row a boat out to the island or hike in the nearby Vintgar Gorge. Be sure to take in the sweeping views from Bled Castle - a medieval fortress perched on top of a cliff, overlooking stunning Lake Bled. Celebrate the end of the trip by indulging in a slice of kremsnita, the local dessert.
Physical culturAL
• Explore the ruins of the Diocletian’s Palace • Marvel at Split’s Temple of Jupiter • Soak up coastal Croatia during a stay in Zadar • Listen to the enchanting sounds of an unusual Sea Organ • Relax on the Adriatic island of Rab • Hike or bike through the Kalifront forests • Be captivated by enchanting Bled
ACCOMMODATION Hotel (2 nts), private room (5 nts) TRANSPORT Coach, ferry, local bus GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS No meals included BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 87 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.68 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 07 May 14 May 21 May 28 May 04 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jun
25 Jun 02 Jul 16 Jul 23 Jul 30 Jul 13 Aug
02 Jul 09 Jul 23 Jul 30 Jul 06 Aug 20 Aug
27 Aug 03 Sep 03 Sep 10 Sep 2012 12 May 19 May 26 May 02 Jun 09 Jun 16 Jun
23 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun 07 Jul
Photo Competition, Church towers by the sea, Rab Island, Croatia - Gabor Pali
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com
32 Eastern Europe
Explore Eastern Europe trip code
WMSY
Original
18 days, Budapest to Istanbul
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Budapest Be greeted by elegant palaces and a vibrant nightlife in this city on the Danube. Day 2 Eger Explore Eger Castle or sample some excellent local wines, including a drop known as ‘Bull’s Blood’. Days 3-4 Maramures Call into the town of Debrecen then cross the border into Romania to experience peasant culture in the rural villages of Maramures. Day 5 Sighisoara Be spooked by the bloodcurdling myths that surround the land of Transylvania. Day 6 Viscri Enjoy dinner with a local family and perhaps sample schnapps. Days 7-8 Brasov Flanked by mountains and city walls, this medieval town boasts a bevy of ornate buildings including the Biserica Neagra, or Black Church. Day 9 Sinaia Once a quiet monastery settlement, Sinaia quickly became a booming resort town with the construction of King Carol I’s summer residence, the Peles Castle. Days 10-11 Veliko Tarnovo Drop into Bucharest before crossing the Friendship Bridge into Bulgaria. Head to the picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo. Day 12 Sofia Walk along tree-lined boulevards ACCOMMODATION Hotel (10 nts), guesthouse (4 nts), homestay (2 nts), overnight train (1 nt) TRANSPORT Overnight train, train, coach, minibus, local bus, metro, tram GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 1 Breakfast, 2 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sun GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 196 kg pp per trip NOTES A single supplement is available on this trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.75 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 01 May 18 May 29 May 15 Jun
26 Jun 17 Jul 31 Jul 14 Aug
13 Jul 03 Aug 17 Aug 31 Aug
28 Aug 14 Sep 11 Sep 28 Sep 25 Sep 12 Oct
2012 06 May 23 May 27 May 13 Jun 17 Jun 04 Jul
Intricate religious fresco, Rila Monastery, Bulgaria
Physical culturAL
• Relax by the Danube in elegant Budapest • Dive into a Communist past in Bucharest • Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains • Admire Istanbul’s majestic Aya Sofya
and see the Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church. Day 13 Gorno Draglishte Journey into the Rila Mountains and join a family as
Budapest up close…
guests for the night. Days 14-15 Bansko Unwind in charming
Get acquainted with some of this capital’s hidden gems on Urban Adventure’s half-day Budapest Explorer.
stone taverns - known as ‘mehanes’ - and indulge with local cuisine. Days 16-17 Plovdiv Wander among Byzantine ruins and be sure to see the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Day 18 Istanbul Whether happily lost in the Grand Bazaar or reflecting in the Aya Sofya, Istanbul is sure to delight.
Albanian Adventure trip code
ZMSO
Original
15 days, Dubrovnik to Athens
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Days 1-2 Dubrovnik Admire the terracotta roofs and ancient ramparts of Croatia’s ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Walk along the city walls, taking in glorious vistas over the azure coastline. Day 3 Ulcinj The sands of Velika Plaza are believed to hold potent healing powers - a great excuse to lie back on these Montenegrin shores and relax. Days 4-5 Tirana Albania’s compact capital is best explored on foot. Turkish and Italian influences are apparent in the architecture - the Et’hem Bey Mosque is a must-see for its intricate frescoes. Days 6-7 Berat Thought to be one of the oldest cities in the country, charming Berat is better known to Albanians as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’. With an incredible concentration of historical buildings - including a crumbling castle - there’s much to explore. Days 8-9 Gjirokastra Step back in time and discover this perfectly preserved Ottoman town. Get a taste of the region’s tumultuous past at its magnificent citadel and be sure to visit the 17th century bazaar. Days 10-11 Saranda Gateway to the beautiful Albanian Riviera, Saranda is a lively seaside town full ACCOMMODATION Hotel (10 nts), private room (2 nts), homestay (2 nts) TRANSPORT Ferry, local bus, metro GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 1 Dinner BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 164 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.62 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 07 May 21 May 21 May 04 Jun
04 Jun 02 Jul 13 Aug 03 Sep
18 Jun 16 Jul 27 Aug 17 Sep
2012 28 Apr 12 May 19 May 02 Jun 09 Jun 23 Jun
White bell tower, Corfu, Greece - Oliver Hoffmann
of Mediterranean-flavoured cafes and bars. Head out to explore the ruins of Butrint and stop by the Blue Eye Spring. Days 12-13 Corfu Sickle-shaped Corfu offers a World Heritage-listed Old Town and miles of scenic coastline. Perhaps stroll along the elegant Liston or delve into the myths of ancient Greece with a trip to the Archaeological Museum. Days 14-15 Athens The journey ends in Greece’s 3,400-year-old metropolis. Be sure to try Greek souvlaki and to visit the Parthenon for impressive panoramas of the city.
For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com
Physical culturAL
• Explore the jewel of the Dalmatian Coast • Enjoy the pristine beaches of Montenegro • Admire exquisite frescoes in Albania’s Et’hem Bey Mosque • Discover Berat’s crumbling castle • Be captivated by charming Corfu • Lose yourself in the ancient streets of Athens
trip code
WMSK
Physical culturAL
Original
15 days, Budapest to Dubrovnik Departs every Saturday from April - October
33 Eastern Europe
Balkan Adventure DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Days 1-2 Budapest Built on the banks of the Danube River, this beautiful city is best seen from the water. Admire architecture, cross the iconic Chain Bridge to explore the Castle District and take in incredible vistas, then discover history on a visit to Heroes’ Square, or head to the Szechenyi Baths for a soak in the healing thermal waters. Days 3-4 Osijek Cross the border into Croatia and travel to the beautiful city of Osijek. Explore grand buildings, stroll along the Drava River and search out otters, beavers and other unique wildlife in the beautiful wetlands of the Kopacki Rit Nature Park. Day 5 Novi Sad With a fascinating blend of old Serbian culture and Austro-Hungarian architecture, the historic town of Novi Sad will enthral. Call into a family-run vineyard and a unique honey museum while visiting the picturesque town of Sremski Karlovci. Days 6-7 Belgrade Soak up the history of one of Europe’s oldest cities and experience a mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative tradition. Built on the confluence of two major rivers, the Sava and the Danube, this city is an important intersection of Eastern and Western Europe. Stroll through the Bohemian quarter or explore the boulevards to see Orthodox churches vying for space amid fashionable nightclubs. Days 8-10 Sarajevo/Mostar Travel through serene countryside to the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. In the evening, be sure to head to Bascarsija, the main street of Sarajevo, to find the best bosanski cevapi - grilled minced meat mixed with mild spices. A day trip to Mostar affords an opportunity to see the famous town and bridge, both reduced to rubble during the Yugoslav wars. Since being rebuilt, this town has become an important symbol of the new
• Cross the iconic Chain Bridge from Buda to Pest • See unique wildlife in Kopacki Rit Nature Park • Sip Serbian wine at a family-run vineyard in Sremski Karlovci • Head out to experience Belgrade’s vibrant nightlife • See the beloved town of Mostar and its famous bridge • Mingle with pilgrims on the rocky paths to the Ostrog Monastery • Spend an evening in a hillside konak • Wander the winding alleyways of Kotor
ACCOMMODATION Hotel (5 nts), pension (7 nts), private room (1 nt), monastery dormitory (1 nt) TRANSPORT Train, coach, private minibus, local bus, metro, tram GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 2 Breakfasts BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Sat from Apr-Oct GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 164 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.68 out of 5 Above: Photo Competition, Local woman, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina - James Johnson Below: Delicious traditional food, Hungary - Dusko Matic
• Admire the sparkling Adriatic Sea from Dubrovnik’s city walls
Balkans. Day 11 Ostrog Monastery Follow pilgrims up the rocky mountain path to this 17th-century monastery. Hike to the upper monastery where relics of the founder, Saint Vasilije, are kept, then
Hungarian spa…
head down to the lower monastery to spend the night in humble
Get ready for the journey ahead with a relaxing soak on Urban Adventure’s Budapest Sights & Spas tour.
konaks. Days 12-13 Kotor Get delightfully lost in the crooked alleyways of Kotor. Climb the hills behind the city to discover the ruined castle of the former ruler. In free time, a cruise on the Kotor Fjord is a must. Days 14-15 Dubrovnik Walk the city walls for views of the Adriatic Sea or climb Mt Srd for an aerial perspective.
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com
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