Far Eastern Europe/Russia

[claassenam]

I'm considering an August trip to the Far Eastern Europe/Russia area - maybe Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, Armenia, also Russia, etc. I have a few weeks, so I'd have to pick and choose the best spots or focus on one country. Has anybody been to any of these places, and what was your experience? Do you think August would be a good time to go? I just read this great book called The Historian that takes place in these locations (also Turkey, another possibility!) and it really piqued my interest. Any suggestions as to where to focus, where to go, would be greatly appreciated.

[kyshel]

You will have to get a sponsored visa for Russia--not an easy feat, I understand, if traveling w/out group (cruise, tour, etc). Hungary/Czech Rep are easy compared to some of the others mentioned (user-friendly). I believe you have no visa req'd for Ukraine, but unsure as to summer. Keep in mind that almost all of EU is on holiday in August. Have you considered Croatia? Aug will be very crowded nearly anywhere in EU--even there, so be aware before you plan.

[claassenam]

Thanks Kyshel for your input - I definitely want to avoid anything truly EU in August which is why I was thinking Russia/Ukraine, etc. I've lived in Europe in August and know that the cities are dead and the beaches too crowded! Would Bulgaria and/or Romania be similarly on vacation? I didn't realize getting a visa would be so difficult but I would certainly use a tour company of some sort so I would imagine we'd work through the kinks. Just wanting to know if anyone has any experience in these areas? What resources did you use to plan your trip and was it worthwhile?

[omegaet]

claassenam...what about pushing on into Mongolia? We have a friend who has made two trips to Mongolia and tells us it's almost like going to another planet (not hostile, just totally different from any experience he has every had). His last trip was with Geographic Expeditions www.geoex.com. We are considing some possibilities offered by Nomadic Expeditions www.nomadicexpeditions.com. Our friend raves about the time he spent at Three Camel Lodge www.threecamellodge.com.

Message Edited by omegaet on 01-19-200709:33 AM

[claassenam]

Thanks Omegaet, that's definitely on the "must do" list at some point in the future. There was a great article about Mongolia in the most recent Travel and Leisure (or else CN Traveler, can't remember which!) that really piqued my interest. Have you ever used Geographic Expeditions for a tour? I love their mailings and brochures, and have considered them for all recent trips but for some reason or another chose another company. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has used them and what the experience was like.

[omegaet]

claassenam....no, we have never used Geographic Expeditions, however we enjoy their brochures and have not ruled out using them in the future. I, too, would be interested in hearing from anyone who has been or one or moreof their trips.

[ludcph]

There are no visa requirements for US citizens in Romania. August is a nice month to go on a trip in E. Europe, since temperatures should cool off somewhat compared to June-July. Bucharest is a great hub to go visit both the Romanian mountain area (history galore) and the Black Sea Coast. If you have any questions, e-mail me at
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Message Edited by LL_moderator_nc on 08-15-2007 07:55 PM