NAME John and Elizabeth Ure, Lake Macquarie NSW
THE TRIP The Balkans – Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Peloponnesian Greece.
THE ITINERARY A two-weeks private tour of Romania and Bulgaria, with our wonderful guides Lorezo (Romania) and Dylan (Bulgaria), visiting Bucharest, the Maramures region, Transylvania, Plovdiv and Sofia, exploring castles and monasteries and enjoying the warmth of the local people. Then (under our own steam) to Macedonia with a few days each in Skopje and the delightful lakeside town of Ohrid; across the border into northern Greece and a few days in historic Thessaloniki, situated on one of the major the trade routes between Europe and Byzantium; followed by two weeks driving around the Peloponnese peninsula, visiting ancient cities and towns including Mycenae, Nafplio, Argos, Epidavros, Sparta, Mystras, Gerolimenas, Kardamyli, Messini, Olympia, Kalavryta and Corinth, exploring ancient ruins and reliving the history of Ancient Greece. Then a few days in bustling Singapore on the way home.
BEST BITS
Enjoying the delicious food, especially fresh trout, in the mountain towns of Romania; visiting the beautiful monasteries, some dating back to the ninth century, with their original frescoes on display; exploring Dracula's castle; delighting in the company of our two attentive, knowledgeable – and funny – guides; marvelling at how these two countries have made the transition from Communist states to open, welcoming, self-sufficient societies. Exploring fortresses, castles and old churches in Macedonia and Thessaloniki; marvelling at the ruins of the cities and towns that underpin our understanding of Ancient Greece; and of course enjoying the delectable Greek food.
WORST BIT
There were no bad bits, although driving around the Peloponnese, on narrow, winding (but well-constructed) roads, with frequent hairpin bends, was a bit of a challenge.
BEST TIP
Consider a private tour of Romania and Bulgaria – ours (through Compass Travel Romania) was very well priced and organised and was, in large part, tailored to our special interests.
WHERE TO NEXT
A relaxing several weeks on four Mediterranean islands – Sicily, Malta, Cyprus and Crete.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIP
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