The Road Less Traveled:
Balkan Bazaar
9-16 October 2010
Bucharest, Romania & Sofia, Bulgaria
A New Departures' Exclusive Excursion
The Road Less Traveled takes you to Bucharest and Sofia, cities that have rich and varied histories. Shaped for millennia by outside empires, from Rome to Austria, these cities each retain a grandeur that belies their current size. Cultural influences from both north and south of the Alps and the Mediterranean, have created societies that are diverse and cosmopolitan.
Then opt to celebrate Herr Kelley’s 50th Anniversary of Berlin
as we check into the Kempi for 5 nights.
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Bucharest is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris.") In the 15th century, the princely court of Vlad Tepes (thought to have been the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula) was established here and by the end of the 17th century the city had become the capital of the province of Walachia. Remodeled in the late 19th century by French and French-trained architects, the city features large neoclassical buildings, fashionable parks, and even its very own Arc de Triomphe on the elegant Soseaua Kiseleff, an avenue longer than the famed Champs-Elysees and home to the city's mansion district.
Bucharest is laden with historical charm - from the streets of the Old City Centre to the grand architecture of the Royal Palace and the lush green of Cismigiu Park. The city also claims a large number of museums, art galleries, exquisite Orthodox churches and unique architectural sites.
SOFIA, BULGARIA
Sofia is one of Europe’s most compact and walkable capital cities, although it’s still one of the least known by foreign travelers. It’s usually bypassed by tourists heading to the coast or the ski resorts, but they’re missing out on something special. Sofia has a young and dynamic vibe, like a city waking up after decades of slumber, and is becoming a confident and cosmopolitan European capital.
The old east-meets-west feel is still here, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and Red Army monuments topped with air-punching Soviet soldiers, but these days they share the skyline with glitzy shopping malls, five-star hotels and the best bars and clubs the country has to offer.
Saturday: Bucharest
Arrive in the capital of Romania and transfer to the hotel. We’ll meet in the lounge at 5:30PM to discuss our plans for tomorrow. Evening at leisure.
Sunday: Bucharest
After breakfast our city tour will take us to see the imposing Palace of Parliament, Metropolitan Church, Romanian Athenaeum, and open-air Folk Village Museum.
Monday: Bucharest
Free day to explore this lively and vibrant city with pedestrian plazas lined with wonderful baroque and art nouveau facades. Shop for glassware, crystal, antiques, as well as contemporary and traditional Romanian arts and crafts.
Tuesday: Bucharest
Today perhaps you'll opt for a full day excursion to beautiful and mysterious Transylvania.
Wednesday: Bucharest—Sofia
After breakfast we fly to the Bulgarian capital. This evening at 5:30PM we meet in the lounge as usual to plan the next day.
Thrusday: Sofia
After breakfast our city tour will visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Church and the Rotunda of St. George Church, the oldest in Sofia.
Friday: Sofia
After breakfast this days is yours to dive into the polyglot city. Shop for colorful hand-woven rugs from Chiprovtsi, Troyan pottery, woodcarvings, silver jewelry and rose-oil products.
Saturday: Fly to Berlin or return home.
After breakfast we are whisked to the airport and if you don’t head for home, you’ll fly with us to Berlin for five days in Europe’s newest old capital.
BALKAN BAZAAR includes:
· 4 nights at the historic five-star Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest
· 3 nights at the four-star Hilton Sofia, Executive level with Club access
· Daily breakfast
· All hotel taxes and fees
· Private transfers throughout
· City tours of Bucharest & Sofia
· Personalized baggage tags
· Pre-trip social gathering
· Escorted by New Departures’ Jerry Kelley & Brian Nystedt
$350.00 deposit per person due at sign-up; space is not held without a deposit. Final payment due 15 August 2010.
Sign me up for “Balkan Bazaar ”:
The Road Less Traveled
Book One or Both (and save $50)
» Bucharest: Double Occupancy, per person $ 950.00
» Bucharest: Single $1250.00
» Sofia: Double Occupancy, per person $ 495.00
» Sofia: Single $ 735.00
Deposit $350.00 per person
Book both and deduct $50.00
Extend your stay and save $50:
Berlin Golden Jubilee
5 nights at the legendary Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin: Breakfast daily; all hotels taxes and fees
Cost includes only listed features; gratuities and items of a personal nature are additional.
Minimum number of group participants is required to operate this tour. If number is not met we reserve the right to increase the cost or cancel the tour, in which case all money will be refunded.
Cancellation fees: Due to the special nature of this tour all payments are non-refundable. Trip insurance is highly recommended (A brochure will be sent at deposit).
Phone 612.305.0025 or 1-800-853-1880
