Stunning scenery, sensational artistic and culinary diversity, a wide range of cultures and languages and a history that stretches across millennia - you will find all of it in Europe.
And while Western Europe has been firmly established on the traveller's map, Eastern Europe is far-less visited by North Americans. Yet it has as much to offer as the western part, and in most places you feel like you travelled back in time. Here are six fabulous adventure holidays in Eastern Europe
Georgia & Armenia
14 days from CA$3749
Physical Rating: Leisurely / Moderate
Journey through the Caucasus, home to some of the oldest Christian cultures on Earth. Start in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, and visit the monasteries the country is famous for: Khor Virap, Noravank and Geghard. Drive by Lake Sevan and visit medieval churches en-route to Georgia's capital Tbilisi.
In Georgia, enjoy stupendous views along the Georgian Military Highway and walk up through the village of Gergeti to the Holy Trinity church, set against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek. Visit Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, walk in some beautiful areas, explore the rock-hewn town of Uplistsikhe and try some of the wine the country is famous for.
Romania
10 days from CA$2849
Physical Rating: Leisurely
Romania is a forgotten corner of Europe, a country of medieval towns, fortified churches and small villages, a land where traditions live strong. This journey takes in the best of Romania, from the wooden churches in Maramureș, the Saxon villages in Transylvania, and the beautiful town of Sighisoara.
Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia
15 days from CAQ$2930
Physical Rating: Moderate
This two-week tour of Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia has you discover the highlights of these countries that share so much history yet are so diverse. Visit the capitals of Bucharest, Belgrade and Sofia, explore the castles and fortress towns of Transylvania, discover ancient Roman ruins at Plovdiv, the Ottoman Citadel at Nis and Soviet monuments in Sofia and churches, monasteries and mosques everywhere.
Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo
12 days from CA$2593
Physical Rating: Leisurely / Moderate
Explore five completely different countries in the Western Balkans, a little travelled corner of Europe. Discover Ottoman charm in Kosovo and see the grand monuments of Skopje, North Macedonia's capital before travelling into the country's canyons and mountains. Experience the magic of Lake Ohrid on a cruise, then delve into forgotten Albania where warm people, mountain villages and a bustling capital await. In Montenegro, spend some time in atmospheric Kotor, tucked between steep mountains and its bay, before entering Croatia and travelling to picture-perfect Dubrovnik.
Poland and the Baltics
18 days from CA$5465
Physical Rating: Leisurely / Moderate
This tour through Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia gives you a unique insight into often overlooked European historical dramas. From the restored old towns of Warsaw and Gdansk to the crusader castle at Malbork, Hitler's Wolf`s Lair and the Soviet occupation, the region brims with historical relevance. But there is much more of course. Beautiful Krakow, a cruise on the waters of the Baltic Sea and the Masurian Lakes, forgotten Saaremaa island and of course the capitals of the Baltic Republics: Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn. This adventure tour is a wonderful discovery of a quiet but beautiful corner of Europe.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
12 days from CA$2479
Physical Rating: Leisurely
The three Baltic Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania share a common history but each of them is quite different. On this trip you will discover the capitals Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, along with beautiful old town like Kaunas, beautiful scenery at Lahemaa and the dunes and beaches of the Curonian Spit. Then there are oddities such as crusader castles, the Hill of Crosses and a Soviet ballistic missile launch complex. This tour shows you all the highlights of these three fascinating countries.