• www. › ebrochures › uk › Europe.pdfCall for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • Fact File • 15 land days • Maximum 16 travelers

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com

Fact File• 15 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Prague, Czech Republic and

finish in Krakow, Poland• All meals included

highlights • Visit 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites• 9 nature hikes, including Bohemian

Paradise, the Giant, Eagle, Orava, High Tatra and Moravian-Silesian Beskyds Mountains

• Explore historic Prague and Krakow• See Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance,

Art Nouveau and folk architecture

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Prague, Czech RepublicDays 2-3: Prague sites (UNESCO), the Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Vysehrad Castle, Wenceslas Square, lunch cruise, to JicinDay 4: Bohemian Paradise — Prachov Rocks, Trosky Castle

Day 5: Giant Mountains, Kuks, to RychnovDay 6: Hiking in the Eagle Mountains, renaissance town of Nove Mesto Day 7: Litomysl Castle (UNESCO) and Olomouc (UNESCO)Day 8: Wallachian open-air museum, hike to Radhost, to SlovakiaDay 9: Hiking in the Orava Mountains, Orava Castle, dinner with Slovak musicDay 10: The High Tatra Mountains, Levoca — (UNESCO)Day 11: Spissky Castle (UNESCO)Day 12: Dunajec River ride, to Krakow, PolandDay 13: Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO) or Auschwitz (UNESCO)Day 14: Krakow sites (UNESCO), Royal Wawel CastleDay 15: Depart Krakow

Departure Dates & PricesMay 16 – May 30, 2011 - Aug 01 – Aug 15, 2011 - May 16 – May 30 , 2012 - Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: Walking on ruin sites can be on uneven and loose surfaces. There are 9 hikes, some inclines involved, but no significant elevation gain.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels with private bathrooms.

Eastern Europe is a fascinating place with great history and culture, lovely little medieval towns, picturesque landscapes and hospitable people. On our adventure we see the best of three old European countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland; including seven prominent UNESCO sites boasting riches of cultural heritage and well-preserved architectural monuments.

There are however many hidden gems in this region yet to be discovered by crowds of tourists and it is this variety that makes our adventure so special.

Immerse yourself in Prague and Krakow, two jewels among cities and indulge in the captivating beauty of rock formations and deep gorges in Prachov. Climb to the ruins of the impressive Trosky Castle, proudly perched atop a volcanic monolith and inspect ingenious historical military structures in Dobrosov.

Take a guided visit in a world-renowned Renaissance palace in Litomysl, admire a set of public fountains and the huge Trinity Column in Olomouc, wander among ancient picturesque houses with thatched roofs in the open-air-museum in Roznov and hike in the grandeur of the Slovak mountain scenery.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Krakow is Poland’s historical capital. Walk through the Old Town and the famous Royal Wawel Castle, the home of Poland’s monarchy for centuries. Choose between a day trip to the fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mines or the profound experience of Auschwitz.

Highlights of our Prague to Krakow adventure are impressively blended with a series of nine hikes through stunning, undulating landscapes rich in floral scenery and rural villages. Our active adventure ends in beautiful and historic Krakow.

For combo trips, see page 124-125.

poland

slovakia

austria

hungary

germany

prague

jicin

czechrepublic

rychnov

litomysl

olomoucroznov pieniny

n.p.terchova

krakowauschwitzwieliczkasalt mines

levoca

nove mesto

99

£3395 £3395 £3495


Fact File• 19 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Ljubljana, Slovenia and finish in

Dubrovnik, Croatia• All meals included

highlights • Hike in the Slovenian Alps• Explore 9 national parks• Discover Postojna and Skocjan Caves• Visit the Roman Amphitheater in Pula• Enjoy a boat cruise on the Krka River• Explore the fabled city of Dubrovnik• Visit 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.• Tour of Trieste, Italy• Views of Stari Most in Mostar• Views of the magnificent Kotor Fjord• Boat ride on Lake Skodra

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Ljubljana, SloveniaDay 2: Ljubljana city sites, Bled Castle, to BohinjDay 3: Lake Bohinj and Mt. Vogel hikesDay 4: Postojna Cave, Predjama CastleDay 5: Skocjan Cave (UNESCO), Sneznik CastleDay 6: Trieste, Italy, Lipica Stud Farm Day 7: Hrastovlje, cross to Croatia, HumDay 8: Istria Peninsula, Porec Basilica — (UNESCO), Rovinj, PulaDay 9: Cres Island — BeliDay 10: Watermills on Otococ River, Waterfalls of Plitvice N.P. (UNESCO), StarigradDay 11: Paklenica Gorges National ParkDay 12: Zadar, Lake Vrana Bird Sanctuary, SibenikDay 13: Boat cruise to Krka FallsDay 14: Trogir, Split, to Bosnia, Mostar (UNESCO)Day 15: Mostar sightseeing, Kravica Falls, to Dubrovnik, Croatia via StonDay 16: Dubrovnik sightseeing (UNESCO) Day 17: Montenegro, Kotor Fjord (UNESCO) & Lovcen N.P., Lake Skodra & Sveti Stefan Is. Day 18: Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik museums Day 19: Depart Dubrovnik

Departure Dates & PricesApr 22 – May 10, 2011 - Oct 07 – Oct 25, 2011 - Apr 20 – May 08, 2012 -

Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: Some long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable accommodations with private bathrooms.

Journey to one of the most diverse regions of Europe — Slovenia and the Adriatic coast from Croatia to Montenegro. Our adventure begins in Ljubljana, the pleasant capital of Slovenia. If you are a nature lover, the diversity will surely fascinate you in the nature parks we visit, including the world-famous Plitvice and Krka National Parks with their impressive falls. Breathe the fresh mountain air of the Slovenian Alps and take in the unforgettable blue color of the Adriatic Sea.

Explore two enormous caves, Postojna and Skocjan (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with fascinating stalagtites, stalagmites, unique cave animals and giant underground rivers.

In Croatia, visit seaside towns with roots from the middle ages or as far back as Roman times. Relive history during a walk through the medieval streets of Dubrovnik, a fascinating and fabled city also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and enjoy the culture, cuisine and hospitality of the locals.

Our trip to the Adriatic Coast, Bosnia and Montenegro is a relaxing blend of walks and hikes to natural wonders and historic sites. Journey with us to one of the least crowded and perhaps the most impressive seacoast of Europe.


montenegro

slovenia

croatia

bosnia-herzegovina

ljubljana

rovinj

pulabeli

zadar

sibeniksplit

dubrovnik

bohinjlake

skocjancave

plitvicen. p.

postojna

trogir

mostar

kotor

julianalps

Trieste

paklenicagorges

adriatic sea

istriapeninsula

velebitMt.

krka

101

The Arena in Pula

Sveti Stefan island

£3850 £3850 £4095


Fact File• 15 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Bucharest, Romania finish in

Budapest, Hungary• All meals included

highlights

• Explore Budapest — Parliament, Heroes’ Square, Castle District

• See ancient fortified Saxon towns, Moc and Secler villages

• Hike through the last great wilderness of Europe

• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites• See historic Bran “Dracula’s” Castle

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive Bucharest, RomaniaDay 2: Poiana via Sinaia, Peles Castle, Sinaia MonasteryDay 3: Brasov, the Black Church, PrejmarDay 4: Risnov, Bran Castle

Day 5: To Viscri Secler village (UNESCO)Day 6: Biertan, Copsa Mare, Sighisoara Day 7: Underground salt mine, charcoal makers, Enlaka Unitarian village (UNESCO)Day 8: Odorheiu Secuiese to Torda GorgeDay 9: Rimetea, Torockoszentgyorgy hike, Moc villages, monastery visitDay 10: Sincrau village, Oradea sightseeingDay 11: Hortobagy National Park, Godollo Royal PalaceDay 12: Budapest sightseeing — Heroes’ Square, Parliament, BasilicaDay 13: Serbian city of Szentendre, Budapest sightseeing - Buda, Castle District, Citadel HillDay 14: Zsambek, Church of St George, Vertes Hills with Alcsut ArboretumDay 15: Depart Budapest, Hungary

Departure Dates & PricesMay 16 – May 30, 2011 - Sep 19 – Oct 03, 2011 - May 14 – May 28, 2012 -

Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: Some rough roads and long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable accommodations with private bathrooms.

Breathe the fresh air of coniferous woods in the country of Count Dracula, hike in the Carpathian Mountains, sample the famous wines of Hungary and gaze upon magnificent frescoes. Our trip to Hungary and Romania is an artful blend of culture, exquisite scenery, history and activity.

Our adventure in Transylvania begins in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Onward through Transylvania, into the Carpathian Mountains, we encounter ancient pockets of European culture and sample the region’s cuisine while sipping local wines in the ambience of a medieval castle. See the magnificent fortress-town of Sighisoara and walk through the grand square of Brasov. A true highlight is Bran Castle, a fortress atop a dramatic rock outcrop and more commonly known as Dracula’s Castle.

We continue to Hungary to see the Pusta in Hortobagy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before our adventure concludes in the famed city of Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Budapest is a city of spas, 2,000 year-old Roman amphitheaters, 400-year-old Turkish baths and 23 museums and galleries, all situated on the graceful Danube.


ExtensionPrague, Czech Republic 5 land days: Walk over Charles Bridge under the watchful eyes of the stone saints, wander through the labyrinth of the Castle District and try the local Pilsner at an ancient pub. This is an in-depth look at Prague, a hundred-tower “Mother of Towns”.Starts and ends in Prague, Czech Republic.

Price: from

budapest

hortobagynational park

odorheiutordagorge

rimetea brasov

bucharest

BlackSea

sinaia

oradea

sighisoara

r o m a n i a

h u n g a r y

102

Bran ‘Dracula’s’ Castle

Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest

£2695 £2695 £2795

£650

Fact File• 17 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Athens• All meals included

highlights

• The Parthenon and the Acropolis• The rugged beauty of the Peloponnese• Olympia — the birthplace of the

Olympic Games• Delphi - centre of the ancient world• Visit the Meteora Monasteries• See Temples of Zeus, Poseidon & Apollo• Hiking on Tinos and Naxos• Athens Archeological Museum

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in AthensDay 2: The Parthenon and Cape SounionDay 3: The Byzantine city of MystrasDay 4: Cape Tainaro — entrance to the Underworld

Day 5: Diros Caves, KardamyliDay 6: Olympia — the birthplace of the Olympic GamesDay 7: Delphi — the center of the ancient world Day 8: Arachova to Meteora Day 9: Moni Megalo Meteora Monastery, Rafina port AthensDay 10: To Tinos IslandDay 11: Tinos hike, Exomburgo, Venetian Castle, Tripotamo, Kyra-Xeni, ChoraDay 12: Mykonos IslandDay 13: The Sacred Island of Delos — the Temple of ApolloDays 14-15: Naxos Island, Ano Potamia, Kouros statue, AthensDay 16: Athens city sitesDay 17: Depart Athens

Departure Dates & PricesMay 15 – May 31, 2011 - Sep 13 – Sep 29, 2011 - May 02 – May 18, 2012 - Please note: Due to ferry schedules, itinerary order may change but everything in the itinerary will be included.

Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: For hiking enthusiasts. Terrain at ruin sites may be uneven and loose and slopes can be steep. Full day hike on Tinos (optional) up to 5 hours.

AccommodationsComfortable, well-located accommodations, with private bathrooms throughout.

Journey into the realm of the gods…Athena, Apollo, Hercules, Poseidon and the mighty Zeus. Bring the mythology and legends of ancient Greece to life in an epic adventure taking you from the impressive Parthenon in Athens’ Acropolis, to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games, to the stunning islands of Tinos, Naxos, Mykonos and Delos.

Starting in Athens, we visit a myriad of ancient sites including the Parthenon, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. In Mystras, see the Byzantine Citadel then get off-the-beaten path as we venture deep into the region of Mani. Drive through the central Peloponnese before arriving in Olympia, where the games began in 776 BC. The impressive Temple of Zeus was built here to honor the great god.

Continue on to Delphi, the heart of the ancient world just as kings and warriors did, to consult with the Oracle in exchange for great treasures. Drive through rural picturesque villages of central Greece. Visit the impressive 14th-century Meteora Monasteries, set in the canyons of the Eastern Pindus mountains. Ample opportunities exist to meet many of the locals during our countryside explorations.

No journey to Greece would be complete without a visit to the stunning Greek Isles of the Aegean with their relaxed atmosphere and turquoise waters. Exploration is on foot, truly the best way to connect with the land, the people and their history.

Our epic journey to Greece concludes in Athens as we bid farewell to a land of beautiful islands, ancient temples, friendly faces and a mythology that would even make the gods smile.


103

Delphi

Parthenon

£3845 £3995 £4150

Fact File• 15 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Sofia, Bulgaria• All meals included

highlights

• City tour of Sofia• Explore the ancient city of Plovdiv• Hike through pastures and quaint villages• Tour Devils Throat with 250 caves• Visit Rila Monastery – UNESCO World

Heritage site• Cruise on Lake Ohrid• Explore ancient buildings in Heraclea• Visit Galicia National Park

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in SofiaDay 2: Sofia, PlovdivDay 3: Asenovgrad Castle, Chudenite Mostove, DevinDay 4: Gela - birth place of Orpheus, Shiroka Lake Day 5: Devin Eco Trail, Trigad GorgeDay 6: Rodopi Mountains, MelnikDay 7: Rozhen Monastery, Zlatolist Village, MelnikDay 8: Rila Monastery. Berovo, Macedonia - The Pearl of the Balkans Day 9: Berovo Monastery, Klepalska walk Day 10: Obozna, BudinarciDay 11: Ohrid, Roman Heraclea, Pelister National Park Day 12: Ohrid walk, St. Naum Monastery Day 13: Galicia National Park, Ohrid

Day 14: Tetovo painted mosque, Vodno mountains near Skopje, Sofia Day 15: Depart Sofia

Departure Dates & PricesJun 02 – Jun 16, 2011 - Sep 21 – Oct 05, 2011 - Jun 01 – Jun 15, 2012 -


AccommodationsComfortable hotels with private bathrooms.

Welcome to Old Europe! With cobblestone streets, Roman ruins, cosmopolitan cities, quaint towns and medieval monasteries, Bulgaria and Macedonia are two of the last European hidden gems. Join us as we explore remarkable cultural landmarks, pristine

nature, UNESCO sites and meet friendly local people on our off the beaten-track 15 day European adventure. Explore the 5,000 year old cosmopolitan capital city Sofia, with its wide boulevards, grand churches and open-air cafes. Travel to the city of Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities and explore the impressive amphitheatre, Roman Odeon and Roman Stadium. Hike through Bulgaria’s open pastures, passing old farmhouses and tiny villages. Travel through the breathtaking Rodopi Mountains which offer stunning views of the region. Visit Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our scenic route continues through wonderfully picturesque mountains and lush green countryside, where brisk walks though forests and orchid meadows, are accompanied by hearty lunches. Tour Heraclea, founded in the 4th century and marvel at the pristine condition of the ancient buildings. Overnight in Ohrid with its Old Town and splendid display of bazaars and experience the magnificent Lake Ohrid on an afternoon cruise. The friendly locals will delight us with their folkloric music and dance. Rich in fine architecture, ancient churches and monasteries nestled in picturesque country side surrounded by mountains and lakes, Bulgaria and Macedonia offer the perfect off the beaten track adventure for seldom traveled Eastern Europe. For combo trips, see page 124-125.

104

Ohrid

£3375 £3375 £3495


Fact File• 11 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Reykjavik• All meals included

highlights

• Visit Thingvellir National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Watch geysers erupt• Explore Lake Myvatn• Circle continental glaciers• Enjoy whale watching• Walk on ancient lava deserts• Soak in hot springs and

geothermal pools• Enjoy a glacier walk• Visit Skaftafell National Park

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Keflavik, to Thingvellir National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage SiteDay 2: Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs, AkureyriDay 3: Godafoss Waterfalls, Husavik the whale watching center of IcelandDay 4: Lake Myvatn — lava, craters and the largest duck colony in Europe Day 5: Traditional farming heritage, highland desert and fjords, overnight in EgilsstadirDay 6: South coast, village of HöfnDay 7: Vatnajokull Icecap, Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park Day 8: Skaftafell National Park — glacial hikes, Svartifoss Waterfall Day 9: To Hveragerdi, Skogafoss Falls, Dyrholaey Rock arch and Seljalands Falls Day 10: Hot springs at Hveragerdi, city tour of ReykjavikDay 11: Depart Reykjavik

Departure Dates & Prices*Jun 14 – Jun 24, 2011 - *Jun 15 – Jun 25, 2012 - *Summer Solstice departures


AccommodationsComfortable hotels with private bathrooms. Explore the rugged beauty of this North Atlantic island nation. For most people, the name Iceland conjures up little more than snow and ice. But it is much more than ice. In its sagas, puffins, glaciers, fjords, active volcanoes, lava fields and hot springs, you’ll find the perfect blend of nature, culture and history.

We begin in the sophisticated capital city of Reykjavik and continue south

along the scenic coast, taking in lava fields, hot springs and bird cliffs enroute. See the remarkable Geysir, (the geyser from which all geysers derive their name) and Hveravellir hot springs — an oasis of warmth amidst two interior glaciers. Experience the hospitality of Icelanders in the quaint coastal towns of Akureyri and Höfn, and enjoy an exciting whale watching trip from Husavik.

Onward to Lake Myvatn — world-famous for its bird life — where we spend two days visiting fishing villages and marvelling at Dettifoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Continue to the East Fjords — 18 million-year-old geological wonders carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. Drive along the Vatnajokull icecap to the southeast coast where we visit Skaftafell National Park and a glacier lagoon. Accompanied by Icelandic mountain guides, explore the park’s surrounding glaciers and be introduced to the “world of ice” that few people know.

Enroute to Reykjavik, stop to view Dyrholaey — a natural 400-foot high rock arch over the Atlantic Ocean that serves as a nesting point for thousands of puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Finally, spend a day exploring the fascinating capital city of Reykjavik. An added bonus for those who venture this far north are the long hours of sunlight. This is the land of the midnight sun — with no mosquitoes! Paradise.

Join us for our tour of this unique island in the North Atlantic. Enjoy commentary by expert guides and learn about European life in the Arctic Circle.

iceland

reykjavik geysir

skogafoss

husavikegilsstadir

akureyri

höfn

skaftafell n.p.

hofsjokullglacier

vatnajokull icecap

langjokullglacier

lakemyvatn

hveragerdi

thingvellirgullfoss

105

Puffins

Geysir

£3495 £3695

Documents

• www. › ebrochures › uk › Europe.pdfCall for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • Fact File • 15 land days • Maximum 16 travelers