24 Days Eastern Europe Tour Package
Duration: 24 Days / 23 Nights
Priced From: $49,950 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Oct, Nov

For 24 days, let us show you ten beautiful, ancient, and welcoming countries of Eastern Europe and Central – all on this singular, inaugural journey aboard a deluxe private Boeing 757.

Budapest, Hungary • Romania’s Painted Monasteries • Butrint & Gjirokastra, Albania • Riga, Latvia • Vilnius, Lithuania • Tbilisi, Georgia • Bukhara, Uzbekistan • Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart USA
Depart on individual overnight flights to London.

Day 2
London, UK
Meet fellow travelers, lecturers and expedition staff at our deluxe hotel for a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 3
Budapest, Hungary
Begin your journey behind the former Iron Curtain in lovely Budapest, home to vibrant Hungarian culture, spectacular architecture, and glorious monuments to the country’s storied history. Stroll the city’s scenic boulevards and enjoy a private cocktail reception in the Houses of Parliament.

Day 4
Romania's Painted Monasteries
From Budapest, take a day trip to visit several of Romania’s spectacular painted monasteries, world-famous treasures situated in the heart of the countryside where life has remained unchanged for centuries.

Day 5
Gjirokastra, Albania
Embark upon the road less traveled to Albania’s gorgeous southern coast where charming towns are strung like pearls on a necklace. The seaside city of Saranda offers a picturesque base for our exploration of once-forbidden sites like the UNESCO World Heritage hillside town of Gjirokastra.

Day 6
Butrint, Albania
Also walk among lovely forested paths to explore the fabulous, untouched Roman ruins of Butrint. Throughout your stay in Albania, relish the open hearts and warm hospitality of the her people, who are curious about the West and eager to share the history and traditions of their fascinating country.

Day 7
Riga, Latvia
A gem on the glittering Baltic Sea, Riga will enchant you with its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town where church spires and castle turrets rise above 17th-century architectural gems and twisting cobblestone streets.

Day 8
Riga, Latvia
Spend your time here strolling through the city, accompanied by expert guides who help you trace Riga’s fascinating history through its splendid museums, outstanding Art Nouveau buildings, lively street life, and striking historical monuments.

Day 9
Vilnius, Lithuania
Under the shadow of the Soviet empire, Lithuania’s ancient traditions developed in secrecy for many years. But once again the glorious baroque city of Vilnius proudly shares beautiful architecture, delicious food and wine, and welcoming inhabitants. Enjoy an afternoon exploring this lively city where surprises await around every corner.

Day 10
Tbilisi, Georgia
The crossroads of the Caucasus, the world’s second oldest Christian country, the home of Stalin – the tiny, mountain nation of Georgia has always played a part in the history of both Europe and Asia. Today, the newly independent nation opens its doors to you as you explore its colorful past and vibrant present.

Day 11
Tbilisi, Georgia
Visit the boyhood home of Josef Stalin, tour a local winery to learn about the ancient art of viticulture as practiced in Georgia, or embark on a walking tour of the old town, stopping at cathedrals, monasteries, and museums.

Day 12
Tbilisi, Georgia
Throughout the country, you’ll be met with sumptuous food and wine, gorgeous landscapes, and the warm hospitality of a people whose roots are as deep as those of any nation in the world.

Day 13
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Travel back in time in Bukhara, fabled trading center of the Silk Road and the holiest city in Central Asia, with more than 350 mosques and nearly 100 madrasas (religious universities). These days, Bukhara guards its ancient secrets behind clay and mud walls in the best-preserved historic old city in the region.

Day 14
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara’s people live much as they did hundreds of years ago, sipping green tea by the sacred pool at and playing chess in the shade of mulberry trees. Explore the twisting streets of this fascinating town, visiting the Ark, the imposing citadel that was once the home of the tyrannical Emir Nasrullah; the city’s famous domed bazaars, home to trade for more than 500 years; and the striking Kalyan minaret, symbol of the city.

Day 15
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the most remote and least visited countries in the world. Explore the ceremonial rooms of the country’s pre-eminent monastery, Gandan, and listen to the chants of monks in prayer. At the Museum of Natural History, view dinosaur skeletons and numerous dinosaur eggs unearthed in the Gobi. Also visit the National Museum of Mongolian History to see a remarkable collection of ethnic costumes.

Day 16
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Venture into the grasslands of the Mongolian steppe to visit a traditional ger encampment and witness the legendary horsemanship of nomadic peoples. In the evening enjoy a festive, traditional dinner and colorful folk dancing and acrobatics performed by a national troupe of dancers and contortionists.

Day 17
Irkutsk, Russia
A thriving center of Siberian culture, Irkutsk is a city of beautifully preserved architecture. Explore the 18th-century Church of the Holy Cross and the Irkutsk history museum. Once home to artists and intellectuals exiled by the czar, the remote city prides itself on its sophisticated heritage as the “Paris of Siberia.”

Day 18
Lake Baikal, Russia
Discover the wonders of legendary Lake Baikal, estimated to contain one-fifth of the world’s supply of fresh water. Traveling by hydrofoil ferry, visit the village of Listvyanka to see traditional Siberian architecture and learn about Lake Baikal’s unique and flourishing aquatic life. At the Wooden Architecture Museum, examine original buildings from throughout the region.

Day 19
Moscow, Russia
Red Square, the Kremlin, Lenin’s Tomb – the names alone evoke the mystery and secrecy that surrounded Russia for so many years. Moscow today is a thriving cosmopolitan city, home to world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and restaurants.

Day 20
Moscow, Russia
Also travel just outside the city to the once-forbidden cosmonaut training facility, Star City. While in Moscow, do as the locals do, dine on sumptuous cuisine and attend a performance at one of the city’s many lavish theaters.

Day 21
Krakow, Poland
Regal cultural capital of Poland, Krakow boasts a fascinating and varied history, rich with grace and charm. Stroll through Old Town, its beautifully preserved churches and homes a testament to a bygone era. The 16th-century Wawel Castle presides as lord of the town, but the heart of the city is the medieval town square, bustling with restaurants, architectural jewels, and, at night, a thousand glittering lights.

Day 22
Krakow, Poland
If you like, travel deep into the nearby Wieliczka salt mine – a UNESCO World Heritage site – to see fabulous sculptures and chapels carved by salt miners over many centuries, or join a half-day trip to visit Auschwitz.

Day 23
Return to London
Depart from Lisbon for London, arriving in the afternoon. Transfer to our deluxe hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 24
Depart London for Home
Following breakfast at the hotel, return home on regularly scheduled commercial flights.

Accommodations

United Kingdom

The Berkeley, London
This glamorous boutique hotel is renowned for its world-class dining, meticulous staff, and rooftop pool with a roof that slides open on warm days. Each guest room has been individually designed with silk fabrics and whimsical custom furnishings, elaborate window treatments and paneled walls. Italian marble baths and long list of modern amenities round out the luxury.

Hungary

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Budapest
Located just steps from the Danube, this superbly staffed hotel is a top choice for dignitaries. Spacious, soundproofed guest rooms have fine wool carpeting, original art, furniture with inlaid woods, and remarkably comfortable beds. Beautiful granite baths are appointed with in-floor heating and thoughtful lighting. The renovated fitness center features steam baths, aromatherapy baths, an ice bath, sauna, solarium, and pool with wave resistance.

Albania

Butrinti Hotel, Saranda
The finest hotel on the entire coast, the Butrinti features an impressive resort-style outdoor pool area, complete with poolside bars framed by Doric columns. The fitness area includes a sauna and basketball court, and jogging and bike paths follow the Ionian Sea coastline. Guest rooms are modern, spacious, and air-conditioned.

Latvia

Hotel Grand Palace, Riga
Approached via a cobbled street, this intimate property is an integral part of the fabric of 19th-century Riga. The grand reception area is filled with fine furniture, paintings, rugs and lighting, and the many dining facilities are similarly elegant. Guest rooms feature French-styled painted furniture, gilt mirrors, heavy drapes, elegant lighting and medieval and modern artwork. A small health club offers sauna, steam room, gym, and massage.

Lithuania

Radisson SAS Astorija Hotel, Vilnius
Built in 1901 near the heart of the Old Town, the hotel has maintained its turn-of-the-century charm despite modern renovations. Guest rooms are well-appointed and offer top amenities. The Health Club features a fitness room, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and whirlpool. The Astorija is within walking distance of many Vilnius highlights.

Georgia

The Tbilisi Marriott
Enter this historic building’s grand atrium-style lobby, adorned with crystal chandeliers and gilded columns, and encounter Georgian hospitality. Spacious guest rooms include safe, mini-bar, individual climate control, and complimentary daily newspaper. The Fitness Center features state-of-the-art fitness equipment and a sauna.

Uzbekistan

Bukhara Palace
This modern property offers basic accommodations. Guest rooms are arranged around a central atrium and have private balconies and marble baths. Recreational facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, sauna, whirlpool, and massage. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, including a traditional teahouse.

Mongolia

Chinggis Khaan Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
The glass-and-pink-stone Chinggis Khaan Hotel was built in 1998. On the premises are several good dining and shopping choices. The health club offers an indoor swimming pool, fitness rooms, sauna, and massage. Guest rooms have comfortable beds, satellite TVs, Internet connections, minibars, and full baths.

Russia

Irkutsk Hotel, Irkutsk
This property is situated on the banks of the River Angara and close to many points of interest. Guests can choose from several restaurants and bars on site, and are invited to unwind in the Russian sauna. Guest rooms include satellite TV and telephone.

and

Hotel Metropol, Moscow
Moscow's grandest hotel, built between 1897 and 1904 across from the Bolshoi Theater, is a masterpiece of Art Moderne architecture, its exterior adorned with spires, colorful tile, wrought-iron railings and ceramic friezes. Used as a setting for Doctor Zhivago, it evokes Old Russia. Guest rooms are decorated with Russian floral wallpapers, regional print fabrics and spreads, and quality art.

Poland

Sheraton Krakow Hotel
This low-rise, modern masterpiece is located close to Krakow’s castle, cathedral, and main square. Guest rooms feature comfortable beds with pillow-top mattresses, padded headboards and thick duvets. Baths provide fine toiletries, excellent lighting, powerful showers, and thick towels. Dining options are many, from casual to formal, and fitness facilities include an indoor heated pool and sauna.

Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

11/08