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(Click on map to enlarge)
Tour Date: 01 Sep - 27 Sep 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $11,947.00
A wonderful itinerary to a corner of Europe that is little-visited but no less fascinating or beautiful than other parts of the continent. The journey starts in Ukraine's gorgeous capital city, Kiev. In April 1986, some 132 km to the north of the city, the world's worst nuclear accident occurred at the site of Chernobyl. Twenty-five years on, with radiation levels normalised, we visit the infamous plant, the abandoned town of Pripyat, and have lunch with the villagers who have now resettled. From Kiev we move south to the beautiful Black Sea coast and the historic Crimean city of Yalta. We visit Livadia Palace where Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt outlined the future of post-war Europe and created the United Nations in February 1945. Yet even this is only a start as the magnificent treasures of the Crimea are unveiled. We head west and cross the border into mysterious Moldova. Within its territory lies a breakaway republic known as Transnistria. Here, in the only unrecognised country in Europe, lie the last vestiges in the world of a Soviet-style system. Moldova is also home to Europe's largest winery, Milestii Mici, with 250 kms of limestone tunnels forming underground streets! Heading further west we enter Romania. It is here, deep in the Transylvanian Alps that we visit Dracula's Castle. Everything in this pocket of Romania is interwoven by truth and legend and the perpetuation of mystery. Rivalling Prague and Cesky Krumlov, Romania and Bulgaria play host to some of the most remarkable fairy-tale towns in the world - without the tourist hordes! The journey draws to a close with the ancient Bulgarian prehistoric cities of Plovdiv and Sofia where monuments to Thracian, Roman and Ottoman history rub shoulders with modern-day edifices of city life. This is a journey that is a heady mix of contemporary and ancient history, rustic medieval settlements, myths and legends set against the backdrop of the Black Sea, Transylvanian Alps and the Carpathian Mountains. This is undiscovered Europe with a capital U!
01/09/2012 Australia - Dubai
Emirates
Check-in at your chosen Australian airport for your flight to Dubai with Emirates.
02/09/2012 Dubai - Kiev (D)
Independence Square, Kiev
Depart Dubai, Fly Dubai FZ 727 09.00
Arrive Kiev 13.15
On arrival in Kiev we transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city.
Premier Palace Hotel
5-29 Taras Shevchenka Boulevard
Kiev
Ukraine
Ph: 0011-38-44-2441201
Fx: 2798772
03/09/2012 Kiev (BLD)
Kiev city
Situated on the Dnieper River, Kiev is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This morning we explore the old city on foot and stroll down its most famous street, Andriyivsky Uzviz or Andrew's Descent. In the afternoon we visit the stunning Peschersk Lavra, or Monastery of the Caves as it is also known. A UNESCO World Heritage monument, the monastery is a dazzling combination of beautiful domed buildings and catacombs. Below the Lavra are numerous caves where monks once lived and prayed, and which were later used as burial sites.
04/09/2012 Kiev - Chernobyl - Yalta (BLD)
In 1986 the world's worst nuclear disaster occurred at Chernobyl. Today, radiation levels are normal and, in fact, are similar to that of Kiev. This enables us to travel safely to the site itself. In a fascinating day, we get to within 100 metres of Reactor 4 and visit the deserted ghost town of Pripyat. We also visit a village where we can meet and speak to the people who were resettled. As a travel experience this day is unparalleled and Travel Directors is the first Australian company to offer this enthralling excursion. In the evening we board our train for the journey to the Crimean Peninsula.
Depart Kiev Train 05 18.55
05/09/2012 Yalta (BLD)
Arrive Simferopol 07.55
On arrival in Simferopol we transfer to Yalta. En-route we visit the amazing Tartar town of Bakhchisaray. In the middle of Bakhchisaray is the Khan's Palace, home to the world renowned 'Fountain of Tears' immortalised by Pushkin's wonderful poem, The Fountain of Bakhchisaray. After our visit here we continue to Yalta, which is perhaps the most famous and historic of the Black Sea resorts. Located on the beautiful Crimean peninsula, it is a city with a population of 150,000.
Hotel Oreanda
35/2 Lenina Street
Yalta
Ph: 0011-38-654-274274
Fx: 274307
06/09/2012 Yalta (BLD)
Today we take a boat to Lastivchyne Hnizdo (Swallow’s Nest). The castle, which is complete with bastions and battlements, is perched precariously on the very edge of a 40m-high cliff. It is a breathtaking sight and one that has become a true symbol of the Crimea.
In the afternoon we take a historical trip to Livadia Palace, the former summer residence of the Russian Czars. It was built in the Italian Renaissance style, with elements of Byzantine, Gothic and Arabic architecture. The famous Yalta Conference of February 1945 was held here, during which Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin completed plans for Germany's defeat.
07/09/2012 Yalta (BLD)
Black Sea coastline at Yalta
After breakfast we visit Vorontsov’s Palace and park, one of the finest palaces in Ukraine, which was built in late English-Gothic style with Moorish motifs. We also see Nikitsky Botanical Gardens, containing almost 28,000 species of rare plants, trees and flowers from around the world including a large collection of roses with more than 2,000 different varieties.
After lunch we start a walking tour of Yalta before taking a cable car up to Ai Petri for a breathtaking view of Yalta and its coastline.
08/09/2012 Yalta - Sevastopol - Odessa (BLD)
Train: Simferopol to Odessa
This morning, in a day steeped in history, we head for the western Crimean towns of Balaclava and Sevastopol. A former secret Soviet underground submarine base, this town was closed to outsiders until 1991. After exploring the submarine base we have lunch in the infamous town. Here, during the Crimean War in 1854, Florence Nightingale worked day and night tending the wounded British soldiers. As winter set in, women in England started to knit enclosed woollen masks, which became known as balaclavas. We also visit the Valley of Death where British soldiers were massacred by Russian artillery. Lord Tennyson's famous poem, The Charge of the Light Brigade, depicts the amazing events of this battle.
This evening we transfer to the train station at Simferopol for our overnight journey to Odessa.
Depart Yalta Train 310 Yalta (Simferopol) 19.35
09/09/2012 Odessa (BLD)
Arrive Odessa 09.08
Odessa is the Ukraine's crossroad of cultures, languages and trade. As we walk around the town we visit masterpieces of architecture, such as the famous Opera and Ballet Theatre, designed by Viennese architects, Primorskiy Boulevard, and the One-Wall building. We also view the Sea Port Terminal from the top of the world-famous Potemkin Stairs. These stairs are the formal entrance into Odessa from the Black Sea and are the symbol of the city. We also see the monument to Duke de Richelieu, the founder of the city, and learn the history, stories, and legends of Odessa.
Hotel Londonskaya
11 Primorskiy Boulevard
Odessa
Ph: 0011-038-48-7380102
Fx: 7380111
10/09/2012 Odessa (BLD)
After breakfast we take a look at the fascinating catacombs. These underground tunnels were created nearly 200 years ago during mining of buildings that were used in part to construct the city. Currently, these are a maze of 2,500 kms with hundreds of entrances, exits, caves, and tunnels.
In 1941, when the German and Romanian armies occupied Odessa, the Soviet military gave the order to organise the partisan resistance. The catacombs were chosen as the headquarters. There would be enough provisions and weapons stored underground for nearly a year. During the whole period of occupation the resistance were encamped in the catacombs. As we explore the tunnels and caves we gain an understanding of the conditions under which the partisans operated.
11/09/2012 Odessa - Transnistria - Chisinau (Moldova) (BLD)
Alexander Suvorov, Tiraspol
This morning we leave Odessa for the 200-km journey to the Moldovan captial of Chisinau. On the way we pass through the only 'unrecognised' country in Europe, Transnistria. Still rigidly clinging to a Stanlist system, the country declared independence from Moldova in 1990, resulting in a civil war that lasted for two years. Today Transnistria maintains autonomy with financial and military support from Russia and bears a remarkable resemblance to North Korea. The country has its own president, currency, flag and judicial system. After lunch in Transnistria's capital, Tiraspol, we head to the Moldovan capital city, Chisinau. Leogrand Hotel
Mitropolit Varlaam Street Chisinau Moldova Ph: 0011-373-22-201201 Fx:: 201222
12/09/2012 Chisinau (BLD)
Milestii Mici Winery, Moldova
Moldova is a landlocked country lying between Romania and Ukraine. Although the country's language and customs are aligned with Romania, it was annexed by the Russian empire in 1812 but reunited with Romanian lands at the end of WWI. Between 1945 and 1991 it fell under the Soviet yoke, until finally declaring independence in 1991. We start to explore Chisinau this morning. It is a city of wide tree-lined boulevards and impressive architecture, as well as many parks and lakes.
In the afternoon we leave the city of Chisinau for the village of Milestii Mici. Here we plunge 60 metres below the surface through a series of limestone tunnels. This is the underground wine city of Milestii Mici, the largest wine cellar in the world. Here, 250 kms of 'tunnel streets' wind their way under mountains. The subterranean streets have names such as Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Cars and bicycles are the means of transportation through this maze that holds over two million bottles of wine.
13/09/2012 Chisinau - Brasov (BLD)
Today we start the 450-km drive to one of the most famous towns in Romania, Brasov. Crossing the border at Albida we arrive at the town of Onesti. The town is well known in Romania as its most illustrious resident is the great Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comaneci. After lunch here we continue through to Brasov.
Hotel Bella Muzica
Piara Sfatului 19
Brasov
Romania
Ph: 0011-40-268-472956
Fx:
14/09/2012 Brasov - Peles - Bran - Brasov (BLD)
Today we visit the magnificent Peles Castle, with its fairytale turrets and pointed towers nestling in the Carpathians. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful castles in all Europe. Indeed it was the first castle in the world to have central heating and electricity! It is also the final resting place for several Romanian monarchs including King Carol I, who died here in 1914. Throughout its history, the castle has played host to some important personalities, from royalty and politicians to artists. These have included Kaiser Franz Joseph of Austria- Hungary. Artists such as George Enescu, Sarah Bernhardt, and Jacques Thibaud often visited the castle. In recent times it has received guests such as Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Muammar Gaddafi, Yasser Arafat and many more. Our visit here will include the incredible weapons room.
After lunch we head to the small village of Bran where we visit perhaps the most talked about structure in the world, Bran Castle. Much older than Peles, this spectacular fortress was made famous by Bram Stocker's gothic novel, Dracula. The fortification popularly known as 'Dracula's Castle' was built on top of a steep rock in the Carpathian Mountains by Prince Mircea in 1377, where it protected the border of Valachia and Transylvania.
15/09/2012 Brasov - Sighisoara (BLD)
After breakfast we take a cable car ride to Mount Tampa which has spectacular views overlooking Brasov. Here we can see clearly the defined lines of living areas of the towns's inhabitants. The Saxons in the walled old city, the Romanians immediately outside the walls and the devloping new town beyond. We then start our drive to Sighisoara. We turn off the main road to visit the wonderfully restored medieval village of Viscri. Totally unpoilt with horse and carts trudging its streets, surrounded by rolling green meadows, this is Romania as it was 200 years ago. We have lunch in Viscri as we soak up the atmosphere of years gone by.
We then continue to the oldest inhabited citadel in Europe, the best preserved of all the medieval towns in Romania, Sighisoara is simply the 'Pearl of Transylvania'. This is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) and we visit the house where he was born in 1431. We also walk across town to the famous Clock Tower Museum with its torture and weapons rooms.
Hotel Casa Wagner
Piata Cetatii 7
Sighisoara
Romania
Ph: 0011-40-265-506014
Fx: 506015
16/09/2012 Sighisoara - Sibiu (BLD)
Leaving Sighisoara we head to the walled town of Sibiu. Just outside the town we encounter the Astra Village Museum. Here, in this 96 ha park we begin an incredible journey that replicates the site and spirit of the Romanian traditional villages. We will see houses of Romanian shepherds and fishermen, mills, and churches as they used to be in different parts of the country. The museum, which is set around a beautiful lake, is an invaluable piece of Romanian culture and identity.
Hotel Intercontinental
Piata Unirii 10
Sibiu
Romania
Ph: 0011-40-372-692692
Fx: 692693
17/09/2012 Sibiu (BLD)
Sibiu in theTransylvanian Alps
A town in southern Transylvania, Sibiu attracts visitors due to its beautiful surrounding landscapes and a rich medieval and Baroque heritage. It was designated a European Capital of Culture for the year 2007. Formerly the centre of the Transylvanian Saxons, the old city of Sibiu is ranked as Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live.
Today we walk around some of the beautiful landmarks of the town including the 13th-century Stairway Tower, and across Liar's Bridge to Haller Bastion and the Town Hall. We also visit the Cathedral where the son of Vlad the Impaler was assassinated. Sibiu is a true Eastern European gem that is undiscovered by the tourist hordes.
18/09/2012 Sibiu - Bucharest (BLD)
'Greatest Road in The World - Transfagarasan
This morning we start our drive on the magnificent Transfagarasan Road, stopping at the beautiful glacial lake of Balea. Our journey crosses the mighty Fagaras Mountains as we pass Moldoveanu peak (2544m). We then drive along the Vidraru Dam and lake before entering the longest tunnel in Romania, which is nearly a kilometre in length. The Transfagarasan, which is only open from June to October, is a breathtaking engineering feat which literally takes the road straight over and into the mountains. Jeremy Clarkson from 'Top Gear' recently called the Transfagarasan "the greatest road in the world". The road was constructed between 1970 and 1974, during the rule of Ceauescu. It came as a response to the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in the event the Soviets attempted a similar move into Romania.
Athenee Palace Hilton
1-3 Episcopei Street
District 1
Bucharest
Romania
Ph: 0011-40-21-3033777
Fx: 3152121
19/09/2012 Bucharest (BLD)
Historical Caru cu Bere, Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania's largest city and capital, is today a bustling metropolis. It is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned it its nickname of 'Little Paris').
We visit the most important sights of the capital including the Triumph Arch and the gigantic Palace of the Parliament. We also visit Revolution Square. The plaza gained worldwide notoriety when TV stations around the globe broadcast Nicolae Ceausescu's final moments in power on December 21, 1989. It was here, at the balcony of the former Communist Party Headquarters, that Ceausescu stared in disbelief as the people who were gathered in the square below turned on him. He fled the angry crowd in his white helicopter, only to be captured a few hours later.
In the afternoon we walk through the fascinating Old District as we stroll up the narrow cobblestone alleys of Lipscani Street. Here the variety of architectural styles (baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau) owes much to the mix of merchants and craftsmen who were Austrian, Greek, Bulgarian, Serbian, Jewish and Armenian.
20/09/2012 Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria) (BLD)
Heading south towards the border of Romania and Bulgaria, we cross the Danube by the impressive Friendship Bridge that divides the two countries. By lunchtime we reach the former capital of the Bulgarian Empire. Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most ancient towns in Bulgaria. It is located on four hills: Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, Momina Krepost and Sveta Gora, at the foot of which the Yantra River meanders. The town has an outstanding rich historical heritage and as the Cultural Capital of the Balkans, it continues to preserve and develop Bulgarian traditions and spirit. Strolling through the Samovodska marketplace we see pastry cooks, master goldsmiths, potters and carvers who still pursue their crafts as they have been done in centuries past. In the afternoon we visit the nearby village of Arbanassi. A mass of stone houses and red tile roofs, this fantastic ensemble was orginally founded by the Albanians.
Yantra Grand Hotel
Velchova Zavera Square
2 Opalchenska Street
Veliko Tarnovo
Bulgaria
Ph: 0011-35-9-62600607
Fx: 62606569
21/09/2012 Veliko Tarnovo - Etara - Plovdiv (BLD)
Soon after leaving Veliko Tarnovo we arrive at Etara village, an ethnographic complex which is unique in South-eastern Europe. It is an open-air museum, where master-craftsmen fashion beautiful gold, silver, copper, leather and wooden articles right before our eyes. The aroma of freshly baked bread drifts across from an old bakery and a tiny coffee shop serves sweet Turkish coffee cooked in a copper pot. Pastry cooks offer delicious home-made biscuits and cakes. Surrounding this are lovely old houses, flowers on the window sills, small shops with wooden shutters and gas lanterns on the street corners. This open-air exhibition contains nearly 50 shops and workshops and the village has been designed in a style typical of the Bulgarian national revival period (18th and 19th centuries). Leaving Etara, we climb through the mountains and into the magnificent Valley of the Roses. Following the line of the Rodopi Mountains we arrive in Plovdiv by late afternoon.
Tromontium Princess Hotel
Corner Konstantin & Elena Streets
Plovdiv
Bulgaria
Ph: 0011-35-9-32605000
Fx:
22/09/2012 Plovdiv - Sofia (BLD)
One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, and among seven hills in the beautiful Maritza valley, Old Plovdiv is quite simply, a living museum. It is an architectural phenomenon and many of the houses of prominent Bulgarians of those times have been turned into museums which stand beside the houses of active residents of the old quarter. A contemporary Troy, Plovdiv today is a modern city with an ancient spirit and charm emanating from its illustrious past. We explore the fascinating sights of the Old Town, including the ancient Roman amphitheatre which dates back to the 2nd century AD.
After lunch we make the short drive to the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.
Grand Hotel Sofia
Gurko Street
Sofia
Bulgaria
Ph: 0011-35-9-2-8110811
Fx:
23/09/2012 Sofia (BLD)
Today we start to explore Sofia which, like Plovdiv, is one of the ancient European cities. Because of its location, Sofia has always been on the crossroads of eastern and western international routes. The city was named in the 14th century after St Sofia Church. Today numerous archaeological, cultural and historical monuments from its rich Thracian, Byzantine, Roman, Slav and Turkish history have been preserved among modern edifices. This blend of the new and old adds a charming quality to the capital.
24/09/2013 Sofia - Prague (BLD)
Bridges across the Vlatava River
Depart Sofia on Bulgarian Air FB 301, 09.40
Arrive Prague, 10.45
On arrival in at Prague airport we transfer to the city centre and after lunch begin to explore this glorious city. After we head up to Prazsky Hrad, the great castle of Prague, which overlooks the whole city.
Hotel Kampa
Vsehrdova 16
Prague 1
Czech Republic
Ph: 0011-420-226201910
25/09/2013 Prague - Ceske Krumlov - Prague (BLD)
Ceske Krumlov
A full-day tour to the fairytale town of Ceske Krumlov.
26/09/2012 Prague - Dubai
This morning we are taken on a city tour before we transfer to the airport.
Charles Bridge at dusk, Prague
Depart Prague Emirates EK 140, 16.00
Arrive Dubai, 23.59
27/09/2012 Dubai - Australia
In Dubai we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Moderate
SEPTEMBER 2012 DEPARTURE:
Tour Cost: $11,947.00
Single supplement: $1847.00
INCLUDED IN COST:
* All flights between Australia and Europe/Europe and Australia
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All transfers
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
* All ticketable air taxes (NB. may be subject to change)
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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