|
|
| Explore — Worldwide 2008/09 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page Text Content
EUROPE
GERMANY " CZECH REPUBLIC
Viewpoint of the river Elbe
Undiscovered Germany
MOLDOVA " UKRAINE
Kievs golden spires 15 DAYS HOTELS/PENSIONS EASTERN GERMANY AFTER THE IRON CURTAIN
Ref GY
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
Moldova, Crimea & Kiev
15 DAYS HOTELS/TRAIN A JOURNEY THROUGH EASTERN EUROPE
Ref RKC
Undiscovered Germany Ref GY
POL AND
RHEINSBERG
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
GERMANY
Brandenburg
Lakeside Schloss
Brandenburg Gate Reichstag Berlin
Moldova, Crimea & Kiev Ref RKC
BEL ARUS POL AND RUS SIA
Metro to Lavra Monastery KIEV Complex Golden Gate St Sofia Old Quarter High Castle Cathedral
LVIV TERNOPOL
Dn
CHERNIVSTI
M OL DO
ep
r
UKR AINE
CHISINAU ODESSA
City tour
VA
ROMANIA
Lviv & Moldova We begin with a full day in Lviv, surely one of Europes most elegant cities, allowing time to explore its old market square, ancient streets, castle and the Old Rus quarter. After discovering the delights of off-beat Ukraine in Ternopol and Chernivsti, we cross into one of the smallest and least visited countries in Europe, Moldova; where we encounter a warm welcome and excellent wine! Odessa & the Crimea A short bus journey brings us to Odessa, where we explore its many historic buildings and can visit the Catacombs, used by resistance fighters during World War II. Then its on by train to Yalta. As well as learning about the world-shaping history of this famous town, we shall take a boat trip on the Black Sea, visit the Khans Palace at Bakhchisarai and see The Valley of Death, scene of the doomed charge of the Light Brigade. Sevastopol & Kiev Before the overnight sleeper train to Kiev, we take time to explore the sights of Sevastopol, including the harbour and the towns historic painting The Defence of Sevastopol. Arriving at our journeys end in Ukraines capital, Kiev, we have a guided tour of the many sights of the city, including the extensive Lavra Monastery, Museums and Caves, St Sofia Cathedral and browse the many art stalls along Andreyersky Street.
WERNIGERODE
Steam train Brocken 1142m
POTSDAM
Park Sanssouci Lubbenau
Scenic Spreewald
BURG
Quedlinburg Timber houses Leipzig
E
Visit Castle Bautzen Colditz Dresden
Elbe Cruise & Bizarre Rock Formations From Pirna our time is spent enjoying a variety of cultural and nature-based activities. We visit Dresden with its wealth of grand old Baroque buildings surrounding Theatre Square and take time to appreciate the imposing fortress of Konigstein before enjoying a unique cruise by paddle steamer along the Elbe valley. The Saxon countryside is simply stunning and best explored by foot bizarre sandstone rock formations and wild canyons typify the scenery of Saxonian Switzerland N. Park. Finally, our journey ends with a guided walking tour of Prague.
Spree
BULGARIA km
0 500
On this innovative itinerary we combine travels in Ukraine with a visit to the often forgotten country of Moldova. Starting with an exploration of Ukraines most elegant city, Lviv, we travel by bus and train, to its energetic capital, Kiev. En route we take in both city and rural sights; waterfalls, caves, palaces and monasteries. We also take a boat trip on the Black Sea and enjoy some easy walks.
Swallows Nest, Yalta/Andy Stenning
Bug
Paddle Steamer from Konigstein PIRNA Fortress Walk in Saxon Swiss NP
lbe
wald
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Prague. 2 Drive to Spreewald Biosphere Reserve (Germany) via Bautzen. 3 In Spreewald; optional cycling, canoeing or walks. 4 Train to Potsdam; visit Park Sanssouci. 5 Train to Berlin; orientation tour then free for sightseeing, return Potsdam. 6 Optional cycle trip around lakes and islands of Potsdam or further time in Berlin. 7 Train to Rheinsberg; optional lake cruise. 8 Drive Wernigerode via Brandenburg and historic Quedlinburg. 9 Steam train to/from Brocken peak in Upper Harz National Park (1142m); short walk. 10 Drive to Pirna via Bode Valley, Leipzig and Colditz. 11 Train to Dresden, orientation tour; train to Konigstein, visit fortress, paddle steamer cruise on Elbe River to Pirna. 12 At leisure in Pirna; optional Dresden. 13 Exploring Saxonian Switzerland N. Park on foot; visit Bastei viewpoint. 14 Drive to Prague; guided sightseeing tour. 15 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 12nts hotel, 2nts pension; 14 breakfasts included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/Train/Tram/Taxi/Steam train/Paddle steamer/On foot/Bicycle. Comment: A culturally focused tour with some optional easy-going activities including cycling, walks and canoeing. We make use of Germanys excellent public transport system where possible and include both a steam train trip and paddle steamer cruise for added variety. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), boat crew and some local guides. Group Size: Approx. 13 to 18.
Car
pathi
ans
C R I M E A
Boat trip
CZECH
km 0 120
Simferopol Sevastopol
REPUBLIC
PRAGUE
Ay-Petri Plateau tour YALTA & historic sites
Wenceslas Square St Vitus Cathedral
Black Sea
Following German reunification in 1990, the lands of former East Germany have developed rapidly and are now known as the New Federal States. Whilst the West of Germany has been a popular destination for years, the East languished behind the Iron Curtain a hazy image of smoky factories and dour blocks of flats. Reality is completely different it is a land of numerous artistic treasures, palaces, castles, medieval towns and striking landscapes now supported by an excellent infrastructure for travellers.
Spreewald Forest, Potsdam & Berlin Driving north from Prague we cross into former East Germany to spend two nights in the Spreewald Forest, declared by UNESCO an area of outstanding beauty. Here we can choose to cycle and walk well-marked trails or perhaps canoe through the remarkable network of rivers and canals. Taking a train we arrive in Potsdam, the old royal capital of the Hohenzollern dynasty and often described as a Prussian Versailles. Berlin is only a short train ride away and a visit to the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie exhibition is a must. Land of German History, Myth & Magic After time to relax in peaceful Rheinsberg exploring the lakeside schloss (palace) our next stop is Saxony-Anhalt, a land steeped in German history, myth and magic. We visit the 1,000 year-old fairy tale town of Quedlinburg with over 800 well-preserved half-timbered houses and also take a scenic steam train ride into the Upper Harz National Park to Brocken peak (1142m). Next we traverse witch-country to Leipzig and enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Colditz castle before arriving at Pirna, our base in Saxony on the River Elbe.
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Lviv. 2 Walking tour of Lviv. 3 Drive Ternopol; PM city tour. 4 Drive Chernivsti; PM city tour. 5 Drive Chisinau, Moldova. 6 Morning tour Chisinau; PM visit Cricova wine cellars (optional). 7 Drive Odessa; city tour. 8 Optional Catacombs visit; overnight train Simferopol. 9 To Yalta; boat trip on Black Sea. 10 Optional excursion Vorontsov Palace and Livadia. 11 Included day trip Ay Petri Plateau, Bakhchisarai State Historical and Cultural Reserve, Khans Palace, cave monastery and Chufut-Kale cave town. 12 Morning drive Sevastopol and guided tour; overnight train Kiev. 13 Guided tour of Kiev. 14 Visit Lavra Monastery complex; optional Wooden Architecture Museum excursion. 15 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 12nts hotel, 2nts standard class sleeper train; 12 breakfasts included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Train (standard class)/Bus/On foot/Black Sea Cruiser. Comment: A fascinating journey through the historical and cultural landscapes of Ukraine and Moldova. Train journeys in Ukraine can be slow, though this allows time to absorb the scenery and relax. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
Rock outcrops of Saxonian Switzerland N.P.
54
For information, inspiration and latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk
|
inbro