EASTERN EUROPEAN DISCOVERIES A SELECTION OF ESCORTED TOURS MAY, JUNE & SEPTEMBER 2018 CULTURAL TREASURES OF An escorted tour of , and Bucovina 11th to 22nd May & 14th to 25th September 2018

oin us for a comprehensive escorted tour through central and north east Radauti JRomania. Travelling amongst the plains and slopes of the Carpathian Bucovina Ciocanesti Mountains, this unique itinerary is one of contrasts, from stunning architecture to Tarpesti Bicaz Gorges Piatra Neamt picturesque villages and an intriguing history which will be brought to life by Targu Mures excellent local guides. Our journey begins in Transylvania, a land of forests, Biertan ROMANIA Brasov Sibiu lakes, castles and stunning Medieval towns. We will explore some restored Saxon Bran villages and towns, many on the UNESCO Heritage List, visit fairytale castles Sinaia and travel across the beautiful Carpathian Mountains, the landscape for the setting of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. We will also visit the fascinating and unique painted monasteries of Bucovina; their fine exterior and interior frescoes have been preserved since Medieval times. Highlights of our tour are endless, and this promises to be a unique journey through regions relatively untouched by mass tourism. We will stay in the best available hotels in the region. The Itinerary Day 1 London to Sibiu, Romania. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On Count Dracula. Enjoy a guided stroll and lunch before we continue further arrival, transfer to the Best Western Silva Sibiu Hotel or similar for a two through the heart of Transylvania to Targu Mures and check in to the Hotel night stay. This evening enjoy a welcome drink and dinner in the hotel. Privo or similar for an overnight stay.

Day 2 Sibiu. This morning we will explore the city of Sibiu, one of the Day 4 Carpathian Mountains, Ciocanesti & Radauti. After breakfast, take seven walled cities founded by the Saxons. We will take a drive around the a drive through the scenic landscape of northern Transylvania, crossing the city, seeing such sights as Great Square, Small Square, Liars Bridge, the Carpathian Mountain range, the second longest in Europe. They provide Orthodox Cathedral, the Brukenthal Museum and stop at the Lutheran the needed habitat for more than 6000 Carpathian Brown Bears and many Cathedral of Saint Mary, the most famous Gothic-style cathedral in Sibiu. other species that would otherwise be at risk of extinction. This is the route After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy some free time to explore the described by Bram Stoker in his novel “Dracula” as the fictional location Old Town which retains the grandeur of its earlier days when rich and of the Castle of Count Dracula. We will stop at Borgo Pass for lunch in powerful guilds dominated regional trade. This afternoon we will visit Dracula’s Castle Restaurant and continue to the bucolic mountain village of Sibiel, stopping en route in Cristian to visit the old fortified church. Sibiel Ciocanesti to visit the Painted Eggs Museum, and enjoy a demonstration is a beautifully preserved village which maintains many age-old traditions of egg painting by the local artists. Continue to Radauti and check in to the within its community. We will visit the local museum to see the rich Gerald’s Hotel or similar for a two night stay. Enjoy wine tasting with our collection of glass-painted icons and later we are all invited into a local dinner this evening. home for a traditional dinner. Day 5 Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. Today we have a full day tour Day 3 Biertan, Sighisoara & Targu Mures. Today we continue to drive to three of the most fascinating painted monasteries of Bucovina. The through the rich and fertile plateau of the Tarnave Rivers, stopping at the tour will begin with Voronet Monastery, the “Sistine Chapel of the East”. Transylvanian Saxon village of Biertan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here the frescoes inside and out are painted an intense ‘Voronet blue’ Continue to Sighisoara, a perfectly intact 15th century gem with nine and even after 450 years, the paintings still look bright and fresh. Next towers, narrow passageways and cobbled streets, burgher houses and we visit Moldovita Monastery, awarded the ‘Golden Apple’ trophy by the ornate churches, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sighisoara is the Federation of European Journalists. Visit the main workshop before lunch birthplace of Vlad Dracula who inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional creation, at a nearby restaurant. Continue to the largest and finest of the painted

Medieval Sighisoara Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest Interior of Peles Castle in Sinaia

2 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

Sucevita Monastery, Bucovina Bicaz Gorges Painted Egg Museum at Ciocanesti

monasteries, the Sucevita Monastery. Here we see thousands of painted ‘Romanian Alps’. We will stop at the Halewood sparkling wine company images on a background of emerald green. This evening we will enjoy in Azuga for a tour and tasting followed by lunch. This afternoon we visit dinner and a folklore performance at the hotel. Peles Castle in Sinaia, considered by many as the most beautiful castle in Europe. Continue to Bucharest and check into the Pullman Hotel or similar Day 6 Radauti, Tarpesti & Piatra Neamt. This morning we visit Agapia for a two night stay. Monastery, built at the beginning of the 17th century. The interior of the main church has been fully redecorated by the great Romanian painter Nicolae Day 11 Bucharest. Today we discover Bucharest exploring the main sights Grigorescu. Our tour continues with a visit to the first private museum of the city and seeing the boulevards with their decidedly French style. of Romania, located in the village of Tarpesti, followed by a traditional Visit the Parliament , the second largest administrative building homemade lunch in a local home. Later we will transfer to Piatra Neamt and in the world at 3.77 million square feet. This gargantuan construction is check in to the Central Plaza Hotel or similar for an overnight stay and dinner. Ceausescu’s most infamous creation, and makes for a fascinating tour (please note closure at short notice is possible if unannounced official Day 7 Bicaz Gorges & Brasov. After breakfast we drive back to Transylvania functions are taking place). After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy some via the Bicaz Gorges, one of the Carpathian’s deepest gorges at over time at leisure before meeting this evening for our Farewell Dinner in a 300 metres and a spectacular site. Nearby is Red Lake (Lacu Rosu), so local restaurant. named because of the reddish alluvia deposited by the Red Creek. We visit Sumuleu–Ciuc Fransiscan Monastery, which is the most important Day 12 Bucharest to London. Transfer to the airport for your return pilgrimage location for Catholics of South Eastern Europe. Lunch will be scheduled indirect flight to London. taken at Miercurea Ciuc before we continue to Brasov for a three night stay at the Aro Palace Hotel or similar.

Day 8 Brasov. We have a full day to explore Brasov. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels, Brasov exudes a distinct Medieval ambiance and has been used as a backdrop in many recent period films. Our city tour will include the Old Town Hall Square; the Black Church, the largest gothic church in Romania; Rope Street, the narrowest street in Europe at just four feet wide; Catherine’s Gate, built in 1559 and the only original gate to have survived from Medieval times; and the Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church. After lunch enjoy some free time or join the optional excursion to the Prejmer Fortified Church. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant, specialising in traditional Romanian cuisine. The Transylvanian Saxon village of Biertan

Day 9 Brasov. Relax and enjoy another day in Brasov. Meals are under your own arrangements today. PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Day 10 Bran, Sinaia & Bucharest. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and Twin: £2495 Single: £2895 legend and perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as the myth created around Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 11 nights hotel accommodation, all meals (with the exception of lunch and dinner on days Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. Built on the site of a Teutonic Knights stronghold 9 and 12), wine, beer and soft drinks with dinners, excursions, entrance fees, dating from 1212, the castle was first documented in an act issued by English-speaking guides, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers, Louis I of Hungary on November 19, 1377, giving the Saxons of Kronstadt airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, optional excursion on day 8, lunch & dinner (Brasov) the privilege of building the Citadel. We continue through the on days 9 & 12. lush landscape of the Azuga-Busteni Mountains, often referred to as the

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 3 IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF QUEEN An escorted tour of Romania & 4th June to 16th June 2018 SOI Melk WACHAU VALLEY Budapest e are delighted to offer this new escorted tour through Romania andNR Kalocsa Pecs RONI Alba Iulia Bulgaria which has been devised by our popular Tour Manager,Villany and Brasov W Cristian Sibiu Bran Osijek Sibiel Romanian native, Rodica Ghiserel. Rodica is thrilled to be leadingCROI this tour Sinaia Curtea de Arges and looks forward to sharing with you the history and culture of this Novi Sad fascinating region as well as her insights into the life of British born Queen Bucharest Rousse C Marie of Romania. This promises to be a unique journey through areas Danube SE Arbanasi Veliko Tarnovo Balchik relatively untouched by mass tourism and we will stay in the best available Varna hotels in the region. Sofia RI

FOREWORD BY TOUR MANAGER, RODICA GHISEREL “I was barely 17 when I came to you. I was young and ignorant, but very proud of my native country, and even now I am proud to have been born an English woman… but I bless you, dear Romania, country of my joy and grief, the beautiful country which has lived in my heart” (Queen Marie of Romania) “Listening often to talks about Sissy, Emperor Franz Joseph’s wife I could not help thinking about the impressive, unique woman that Marie was and, whilst guiding tours around Romania, I came to realise that people are very interested in the powerful, beautiful women of this world. As a Romanian, I have known since my childhood about our beloved queen and, in my heart and mind, she has always been present. She was called Missy. Queen, mother, lover, writer, warrior, the strong woman behind the throne. Her awareness and love for the two countries, her native - England - and her adoptive – Romania, developed her above her own expectations and destiny brought her from Britain to Romania, a country she devoted her heart to. She became the leading light during World War I and after. She took charge of improvised hospitals and cholera camps and was called the “people’s queen” and “mother of the wounded”. Her diplomatic skills made her a valued negotiator in internal politics and she lobbied internationally for Romania after the war. Her missions were important – to persuade the leaders of international conferences and impress upon them the validity of Romania’s claims. She returned with the Grand Cordon of the Legion d’Honneur from President Poincare. Hers is a long story, full of love, tragedies and politics. “The last – Michael (Maria’s grandson) is still alive, his wife – Anne of Bourbon – died on 1st August 2016 and was buried in the royal necropolis from Curtea de Arges Monastery which we will visit on our tour.”

The Itinerary Day 1 London to Sibiu, Romania. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On Day 4 Sinaia & Brasov. Known as the most charismatic Queen of arrival, transfer to the Silva Hotel for a three night stay. This evening enjoy Romania, Queen Marie earned fond nicknames such as ‘the mother of a welcome drink and dinner in the hotel. all the wounded soldiers’ and ‘the soldier queen’. Continuing through Transylvania towards Sinaia, we begin to discover more about the Queens Day 2 Sibiu, Cristian & Sibiel. This morning we will explore the city of Sibiu, personal life. But first we visit Halewood Winery for a tour and tasting formally named Hermannstadt and one of the seven walled cities founded of the locally produced sparkling wine that is made using the traditional by the Saxons. During our walking tour see such sights as Great Square, Champagne method, followed by lunch. This afternoon we visit fairytale Small Square, Liars Bridge, the Orthodox Cathedral, the Brukenthal Museum Pelisor Castle in Sinaia, the Royal summer residence of Queen Marie and and the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary, the most famous Gothic-style King Ferdinand I. Marie, who was an accomplished artist, personally styled cathedral in Sibiu. After lunch in a local restaurant enjoy some free time to many of the rooms in her signature Art-Nouveau Byzantine and Celtic explore the Old Town which retains the grandeur of its earlier days when style including the ‘golden room’ where she eventually passed away and rich and powerful guilds dominated regional trade. Queen Marie and King her soldier heart is now kept. Continue through the scenic Carpathian Ferdinand I came here in May 1919 to boost the self-confidence of their Mountain range, often referred to as the ‘Romanian Alps’, to Brasov for people in coping with the stringent needs of a land soon to be known as the a two night stay at the Aro Palace Hotel. Enjoy dinner tonight in a local Greater Kingdom of Romania. This afternoon visit Sibiel, stopping en-route restaurant. in Cristian to visit the old fortified church. Sibiel is a beautifully preserved village which maintains many age-old traditions within its community. Here Day 5 Brasov & Bran. Brasov exudes a distinct Medieval ambiance and has we enjoy a traditional dinner in a local guesthouse. been used as a backdrop in many period films. The three mingling cultures of Romanian, Saxon and Hungarian can be noticed at every turn during our Day 3 Alba Iulia. This morning drive to Alba Iulia, a city of great panoramic tour. We then continue on the trail of the Transylvanian Saxons importance for Transylvanian Saxons as it is one of the seven walled cities towards Bran. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched of Transylvania. It is the city where on 1st December 1918 many gathered high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing to proclaim the union of Transylvania with the Kingdom of Romania and towers and turrets as well as the myth created around Bram Stocker’s the place where Queen Marie and King Ferdinand I were crowned on the ‘Dracula’. Built on the site of a Teutonic Knights stronghold dating from 15th October 1922. Our panoramic walking tour will include Coronation 1212, the castle was first documented in an act issued by Louis I of Cathedral, the Union Hall, St Michael’s Cathedral and a visit inside the Alba Hungary on November 19, 1377, giving the Saxons of Kronstadt (Brasov) Carolina Citadel and Unification Museum. After lunch in a local restaurant the privilege of building the Citadel. After World War I, Queen Marie won enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Return to Sibiu and this evening we will enjoy a lobby in Paris to reunite all historic provinces of Romania and have all dinner at the hotel. historical rights recognised by the treaty of Versailles. On 1st December

4 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Fortress, Alba Iulia

Veliko Tarnovo Peles Castle, Sinaia

1920, as a thank you for the Queens efforts, the city of Brasov gave the Day 10 Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi. This morning continue through the Balkan fortress of Bran to her as a gift. After lunch at a local restaurant in Bran we Hills leading to the city of Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the second Bulgarian return to Brasov for some time to explore at leisure. Enjoy dinner and a Kingdom from 1187 to 1393. The city formed a natural fortress, located on folklore performance this evening. three hills surrounding the Yantra River. A palace, fortification and churches were built into the terrain. Across the river from Veliko Tarnovo, ancient stone Day 6 Curtea de Arges & Bucharest. This morning we cross the stunning houses seemingly perched on top of each other rise up the steep river bank. Carpathian Mountain range leaving the misty and mystical Transylvania This is Arbanasi, a village rich in history with a large number of cultural and behind as we travel south towards Curtea de Arges. The striking spiritual monuments and examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture. Monastery in the town is of great holy significance for many, and is the final It rose quickly in the 13th century due to its proximity to the capital of the resting place of Queen Marie, who died on 18th July 1938. She lies in the second Bulgarian Empire but eventually fell in the early 19th century after Royal Necropolis alongside her husband King Ferdinand I. Lunch will be a series of planned raids and disease outbreak. Arbanasi has been officially served in a local restaurant in Curtea de Arges. Continue to Bucharest and declared as a national historical monument. Our tour will include the examples check in to the Pullman Hotel for a two night stay. Dinner is at our hotel of housing during this time and a historical church that was disguised to avoid tonight. invasion. Check in to Bolyarski Hotel for an overnight stay. Dinner is in the hotel this evening. Day 7 Bucharest. Today we explore the city of Bucharest. Our tour will include the main highlights such as the Former Royal Palace, Revolution Day 11 Veliko Tarnovo & Sofia. This morning enjoy a panoramic tour of Square, the Town Hall, the Opera House, the National Military Academy, the town and visit inside Tsarevets Fortress, one of Bulgaria’s most beloved the Metropolitan Church, University Square, The Arch of Triumph, Scanteia monuments, an inescapable symbol of Veliko Tarnovo that dominates Printing House, Kiseleff Boulevard and Palace. The Palace the town’s skyline. See the Royal Palace Ruins, Holy Forty Martyrs Church was built between 1893 and 1895 to accommodate the future heirs to and Execution Rock. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing the throne, Queen Marie and King Ferdinand I, and now is the official to Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. The second Balkan War caused an outbreak of residence of the . After lunch in a local restaurant Cholera among the soldiers and Queen Marie spent time in Sofia assisting there will be an inside visit of the Palace of Parliament, one of the largest the sick and wounded Romanian soldiers, despite risk to her own health. buildings in the world, with an impressive 1100 rooms over 20 levels, 12 Arrive in the late afternoon at Arena Di Serdica Hotel for a two night stay and above ground and eight underground. Alternatively, enjoy an afternoon at enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening. leisure. This evening we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Day 12 Sofia. Today we explore the city of Sofia. On a panoramic tour we will Day 8 Rousse & Varna, Bulgaria. After breakfast depart towards Bulgaria’s see the main highlights including Central Market Hall, the National Palace of Black Sea, driving through the southern Romanian Plain. As we cross the Culture, Tsarigradsko shoes boulevard and Eagle’s bridge. During a walking Danube River and border, we will stop en-route in the charming town of tour of Sofia, visit the impressive Alexander Nevski Memorial Cathedral, built Rousse, birthplace of Noble Prize winner for literature, Elias Canetti and to commemorate the Russian soldiers who fought and died in Bulgaria’s home to stunning 19th and 20th century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo war of independence in 1877-78, the Saint Sofia Church dating from the architecture. We will enjoy lunch here in a local restaurant. Continue south late Roman and early Byzantine period, and the remains of Serdika Ancient east and arrive in the seaside town of Varna in the late afternoon and Fortress. After lunch in a local restaurant enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This check in to the Golden Tulip Hotel for a two night stay. Dinner is in the evening enjoy a farewell dinner of traditional cuisine in a local restaurant. hotel this evening. Day 13 Sofia to London. Transfer to the airport for our return scheduled Day 9 Balchik & Varna. Depart this morning for Balchik, a picturesque indirect flight to London. small town on the hilly shores of the Black Sea close to the Bulgarian border with Romania. Queen Marie had a summer palace here that was a gift from her husband King Ferdinand I. Built between 1926 and 1937 the palace, officially called ‘The Quiet Nest’, is surrounded by a beautiful park PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy with a rose garden, tiny ponds and small waterfalls, along with a water mill, several villas and a chapel. We will explore the palace on foot before Twin: £2995 Single: £3895 making our way to the Botanical Gardens nearby. Spend time wandering Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 12 nights hotel the extensive grounds that host 2000 plant species including an accommodation as described (or similar) on bed and breakfast basis, all meals, impressive display of cacti, whilst taking in the ocean views. After lunch wine, beer, and soft drinks with dinner, excursions as described, entrance in a local restaurant, return to Varna for a panoramic tour of the city and fees, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, English speaking local guide, gratuities, transfers, airport taxes. some free time to enjoy at your own pace. Dinner is in the hotel this Not Included: Travel insurance. evening.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 5 THE HIDDEN BALTICS & BELARUS An escorted tour of Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus 13th to 22nd June & 5th to 14th September 2018

aving operated voyages around the Baltic for over twenty years, we Hthought it was time to devise an escorted tour which allows for some INN more time to discover the many facets of both Latvia and Lithuania with SEEN the added benefit of time to explore the little visited yet intriguing city of RSSI IC ESONI Minsk in Belarus. This in-depth journey offers the perfect balance of SE guided excursions with visits to some stunning National Parks, glorious I Riga and gardens, natural wonders such as the Curonian Spit, Pilsrundale Plateliai fascinating museums showcasing remnants of the Soviet era as well as Lapiai Siauliai Klaipeda INI time spent wandering the charming streets of Riga and Vilnius admiring Curonian Spit Kaunas Rumsiskes the Gothic architecture. Trakai Vilnius Minsk

Nesvizh Mir Despite the often turbulent history of conquests and partitions, since the PON ERS departure of their Soviet masters, both Latvia and Lithuania have retained their unique character and enchanting old quarters which combined with natural treasures has meant they are fast being recognised as two of Europe’s gems and now is the time to discover their many riches. In contrast, the city of Minsk was razed to the ground in World War II and very little remains from the pre-war years, there are however a myriad of places of interest to those interested in the Soviet period and just outside the city is Nesvizh Castle, a combination of Medieval, Renaissance and Classical architecture which we will explore during our time in Belarus.

We do hope you can join us for what promises to be a fascinating tour of some relatively unknown places of much interest which are unlikely to remain ‘hidden’ for too much longer given their wealth of cultural and natural wonders.

Riga Cathedral and the Old Town

6 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Rastrelli’s magnificent Rundale Palace

The Itinerary Day 1 London to Riga, Latvia. Fly by scheduled flight from London to Riga to its former glory and is now considered one of the most outstanding and transfer to the centrally located Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel for a two monuments of Baroque and Rococo art in northern Europe. Take a night stay. Explore Riga at leisure this afternoon before meeting for dinner guided tour through the Palace halls and private quarters, enjoy lunch in at a local restaurant. its restaurant and explore the Baroque style park and rose garden. This afternoon we journey south and, after crossing the border into Lithuania, Day 2 Riga. Riga, the 800-year-old capital of Latvia is famous for its historic we visit the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site to the north of the city of centre and Art Nouveau architecture and on a morning city tour we visit Siauliai. Enjoy a brief visit before we continue on to Klaipeda and check Albert Street before driving along the boulevards of the city centre and in to the National Hotel for a two night stay. passing by the iconic Freedom Monument. We will take a walking tour of the Old Town, passing through Theatre Square to view the Riga Russian Day 4 Klaipeda & the Curonian Spit. After breakfast we take a panoramic Theatre and the Great and Small Guildhalls which reflect Latvia’s period as drive through Klaipeda and a ferry across to the Curonian Peninsula, a a Hanseatic City. Continue to the Swedish Gates, constructed during Riga’s UNESCO-listed 60 mile long curved sand dune spit that separates the period under Swedish rule in the 17th century before viewing other lagoon from the Baltic Sea coast. Admire the beautiful craftmanship of 80 interesting buildings such as the Parliament and the ‘Three Brothers’, the carved wooden sculptures at the Hill of Witches near Juodkrante before oldest complex of dwelling houses in the city. The tour continues to Dome driving to the main settlement of Nida, home to a collection of traditional Square to view the exterior of the Dome Cathedral and to see the House of Blackheads; now the temporary residence of the President of Latvia. This house with its 14th century origins was destroyed in 1948 and restored in 1999. Enjoy some time at leisure before our tour of the KGB Museum, representing the darkest days of the Soviet era. The museum contains hundreds of documents and photographs from the period and houses the cells used for the imprisonment of dissidents. Enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 3 Rundale Palace & Klaipeda, Lithuania. After a leisurely breakfast transfer to the Zemgale region of Latvia and the beautiful Rundale Palace. Constructed in the 1730s to a design by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, Rundale Palace was originally the summer residence of Ernst Johann von Biron, Duke of Courland. The 136 room palace was badly damaged in 1919 during the Latvian War of Independence but has been fully restored Rugged landscape of the Curonian Spit

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 7 Traditional cottage at Rumsiskes open-air museum

Hill of Crosses, Siauliai Mir Castle

Cathedral Tower Square and Gediminas Castle in Vilnius Trakai Castle, Lithuania

fishermen’s houses and weathervanes. Following lunch at a local restaurant of Lithuania and home to the stunning Trakai Castle, a well preserved 15th continue to the 52 metre high Great Dune for panoramic views over the century castle beautifully located on the lake. Following lunch at a local dunes and lagoon. On a clear day it is possible to see into the Russian restaurant we transfer to Lithuania’s capital Vilnius for a two night stay at territory on Kaliningrad at the southern end of the Spit. the Ramada Hotel.

Day 5 Plateliai, Lapiai & Kaunas. This morning we drive to Plateliai National Park, stopping en-route for a break in the traditional Lithuanian town of Plung. In Plateliai we will visit the nuclear missile site built under great secrecy in 1960 by the Soviets. From here nuclear missiles were targeted towards the biggest European cities including Berlin, London, Madrid and Paris. It was from this very same site in 1962 that missiles were deployed to Cuba in what became known as the Cuban missile crisis. We will visit the four remaining decommissioned nuclear missile silos, their control station and the underground facilities, giving an insight into the hidden secrets of the Cold War period. After lunch we visit Lapiai and the home of the first British defence attache to Lithuania. He will recount stories of his life from his time as a bomber pilot, a diplomat during the Cold War in Moscow and of life now in independent Lithuania. We will visit his refurbished old house and the original outbuildings built in 1926, wander around the large garden and see the Lapiai Castle Hill. Following the visit transfer to Kaunas and check in to the Daugirdas Hotel for a one night stay.

Day 6 Rumsiskes, Trakai & Vilnius. After breakfast at the hotel we will drive to Rumsiskes, home to an open-air ethnographical museum. The 150 cottages, windmills and even a church were transferred here from different villages to give an authentic representation of life in Lithuania in the 19th century. En-route to Vilnius we will stop in Trakai, the first capital Medieval castle at Nesvizh

8 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Church of St Simon and St Helena, Minsk

Traditional fisherman’s house in Nida

Day 7 Vilnius. We have a full day to explore the Old Town of Vilnius which Day 9 Nesvizh & Mir. Following breakfast drive to the small town of was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Our city tour will Nesvizh, whose palace and castle complex is one of the architectural commence with a walk to the Gates of Dawn, historically the gates of treasures of Belarus. Construction work took place through the 16th Vilnius’ original defensive walls. The tour continues with a panoramic drive to 19th centuries and therefore combined the techniques of Medieval, around Vilnius. Make a short stop to see St Anne’s Church, one of the city’s Renaissance and Classical architecture with the distinctive art of local best known landmarks and a masterpiece of the late Gothic period and craftsmen. Explore the many rooms of the palace and wander around the make a stop at the 17th century Peter and Paul’s church. After a short stroll beautiful parklands before driving through the countryside to Mir Castle, through winding streets of Vilnius Old Town visit the 14th century Vilnius an outstanding example of defensive architecture and one of the few University. Following time for an independent lunch in the Old Town, UNESCO sites in the country. On a guided tour we will learn about the mix visit the Jewish Tolerance Centre with exhibits dedicated to Jewish life in of architectural styles and gain an insight in to the history of the castle and Lithuania. Enjoy an evening at leisure. its grounds before we enjoy lunch in the restaurant. Transfer back to the hotel for some free time before meeting for dinner. Day 8 Minsk, Belarus. Following an early breakfast transfer to Vilnius station and join a train for the transfer to Minsk, one of Europe’s least Day 10 Minsk to London. Transfer to Minsk airport for your return visited capitals. Badly damaged in World War II, much of the city was scheduled flight to London. rebuilt in typical Stalinist style in the 1950s, though our tour will begin in the Trinity District, an historic neighbourhood on the banks of the Svislach River that retains plenty of examples of 19th century buildings. Whilst here we will walk to the Island of Tears, a memorial to the Soviet PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Afghanistan war, before we transfer to the Upper Town to visit the Virgin Mary Church and the impressive Orthodox Cathedral. After some time to Twin: £2895 Single: £3395 explore at leisure we will meet for lunch at a local restaurant before driving Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, nine nights hotel to Independence and Victory Squares. Our final stop is at a more recent accommodation as described (or similar) on bed and breakfast basis, all landmark of the city, the modernist National Library. Opened in 2006, the meals (except lunch on days 1, 2 and 7 and dinner on days 2, 4, 6 and 7), excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, airport transfers. 22 floor structure has become the most recognisable building from the Not Included: Travel insurance, visa, lunch on days 1, 2 & 7 and dinner city and our tour will include a panoramic view of the city from the open air on days 2, 4, 6 & 7. observation deck. Check in to the Marriott Hotel for a two night stay.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 9 BEST OF THE An escorted tour visiting Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia & Bulgaria 20th to 30th June 2018

espite its often turbulent past, cultural and natural wonders RI abound in the Balkans and the region offers so much for the ONENERO D Lipa Cave Plantaze Vineyard Sophia genuine traveller. At the crossroads of east and west and with a Skadar Lake National Park Tivat Rila Monastery Budva Skopje history forged over the centuries and influenced by so many, there are Navrovo National Park Matka River Canyon Tirana CEONI a wealth of fascinating cultural sites and natural world marvels to Struga Kalista Ohrid discover during this escorted tour of Montenegro, Albania, St Naum NI Macedonia and Bulgaria. We will visit impressive cave monasteries and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enjoy a cruise on Skadar Lake and stay on the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s greatest biological reserves and taste some of the region’s wines. We also visit the bustling cities of Tirana, Skopje and Sofia and whilst driving between our destinations will witness some of the most beautiful scenery Europe has to offer with mountains that sweep down to lakes covered in rich vegetation. In addition to the guided tours, there will be some time at leisure for you to explore independently.

The Itinerary Day 1 London to Budva, Montenegro. Fly by scheduled flight to Tivat. On Day 3 Skadar Lake National Park & Tirana, Albania. In the morning we arrival transfer to Budva and check in to the Queen of Montenegro Hotel depart Budva for a picturesque journey through the dramatic Balkan for a two night stay. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel this evening. landscapes to the capital of Albania, Tirana. Entering Skadar Lake National Park, we will take a scenic cruise on the largest lake in the Balkans from Day 2 Lipa Cave & Plantaze Vineyards. Today we explore Lipa Cave, Rijeke Crnojevica to Virpazar. Surrounded by dramatic karst mountains, the one of the largest cave monuments in Montenegro. Boasting a beautiful lake offers unparalleled vistas reflected in the lake’s clear waters. Most of and wild cave system with 2.5 kilometres of passages and halls, it offers the lake is in Montenegro, with its tip reaching into Albania and it is one a unique experience of the underground world. Continue to Plantaze of the most important sanctuaries for wetland birds in Europe. Following Vineyards, a leader in the production of grapes and wine in Montenegro, lunch in a local restaurant we continue onwards, crossing the border into and famous for its Vranac variety. After a drive through the vineyard, we will Albania and reaching Tirana in the early evening. Check into the Sheraton visit the Sipcanik wine cellar, which was formerly an underground aircraft Hotel for a two night stay. hangar of the Yugoslav Army until the 1990s. In 2007 it was reconstructed and converted into a wine storage facility. We will enjoy a wine tasting Day 4 Tirana. After breakfast we will explore Albania’s capital, starting in and a tasty lunch before returning to the hotel. Enjoy dinner in a local Skanderbeg Square with a guided tour of the Albanian National Museum, restaurant this evening. home to many of the country’s archaeological treasures. Our exploration

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria Lake Ohrid and the Old Town, Macedonia

Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, Albania Fresco of the Last Supper, St Naum Monastery, Macedonia The 15th century Stone Bridge, Skopje, Macedonia

10 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk St Jovan Bigorski Monastery, Macedonia Rijeka Crnojevica River near Lake Skadar, Montenegro

of the city will continue on foot visiting the Blloku district, which is now buzzing with activities. On our morning tour we will take a cable car up home to many bars and restaurants but was a restricted area during the high above the city to the Millennium Cross before exploring the vast communist period. Visit the impressive National Art Gallery, which features Kale Fortress that dominates the city skyline. We will continue to the a large collection of social realist paintings from the second half of the 15th century Stone Bridge and the Ottoman Old Bazaar before enjoying twentieth century. After lunch at a local restaurant the afternoon will be at a refreshment stop with Turkish tea. The afternoon and evening is at leisure to further explore this surprising city. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this leisure, allowing you the opportunity to further explore this fascinating evening. city.

Day 5 Kalista, Struga & Ohrid, Macedonia. Leaving Tirana we will take a Day 9 Matka River Canyon. Following breakfast at the hotel take a scenic drive eastwards through Albania towards the Macedonian border. scenic transfer to the dramatic Matka Canyon, a mere 11 miles to the Arriving on the western shores of Lake Ohrid, visit the 13th century Kalista southwest of the city centre. A narrow canyon on the lower course of Cave Monastery before continuing on to the foothills of the Jablanica Treska River, with steep sided mountains on either side, it is a major mountain range and quaint village of Vevchani for lunch at a traditional centre for climbing and caving. We will visit the Sveta Bogorodica restaurant. Following a short walk to the Vevchani springs we rejoin the Monastery and St Andrew’s Church before embarking a local boat and coach for the transfer to the bustling town of Struga, where our guided sailing through the canyon, exploring one of its caves. Enjoy a lunch in walking tour will visit the Museum of Natural Sciences. Continue to the the canyon before returning to Skopje. Later this afternoon we will visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lake Ohrid and check in at the Park the award-winning Chateau Kamnik, located in the Vardar Valley to the Lakeside Hotel for a two night stay. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant this east of the city. Tour the wine cellars and enjoy a wine tasting and dinner evening. in the restaurant.

Day 6 Lake Ohrid & St Naum. After breakfast at the hotel explore Ohrid Day 10 Rila Monastery and Sofia, Bulgaria. Leaving Skopje, we head Old Town on a walking tour, before taking lunch in a local restaurant. The east towards the Bulgarian border via Kriva Palanka, crossing the lakeside town of Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe Osogovo Mountain, a local ski resort. Following a stop for lunch, we whilst the lake hosts more than 200 endemic species and is one of the visit the 10th century Rila Monastery, the largest in Bulgaria, located in great European biological reserves. It was listed as a UNESCO World stunning scenery on the slopes of Riva Mountain. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Board a local boat for a scenic cruise on the lake, Heritage Site, the monastery was destroyed by fire in the beginning of visiting the famous Bay of Bones and the beautiful St Naum Monastery. the 19th century and was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862. Continue on to This evening we will enjoy dinner and a music performance at a floating Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, and check in at the Grand hotel for an overnight restaurant on the lake. stay. Enjoy a farewell dinner in a nearby restaurant this evening.

Day 7 Mavrovo National Park & Skopje. Leaving Ohrid we travel past Lake Day 11 Sofia to London. Following breakfast at the hotel enjoy a walking Debar and through the stunning scenery of the Radika River Gorge to the tour of Sofia followed by some free time before the transfer to the Mavrovo National Park, the largest protected area in the country which is airport for your return scheduled flight to London. Arrive this afternoon. famous for its mountain peaks and picturesque villages. Visit the St Jovan Bigorski Monastery which was destroyed by Ottomans in the 16th century but restored by the Monk Ilarion around 1743. Famous for its intricately carved wooden iconostasis and situated on a steep slope surrounded by PRICES PER PERSON dense woodland, the monastery is not dissimilar to the clifftop monasteries Based on double occupancy of Mount Athos in Greece. Continue through the National Park, passing Twin: £2995 Single: £3795 Lake Mavrovo before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Explore the city of Tetovo in the afternoon before reaching Skopje, the capital of Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 10 nights hotel accommodation as described (or similar) on bed and breakfast basis, Macedonia. We will check in at the Hotel Marriott for a three night stay in all meals (except lunch on day 8 and dinner on days 7 and 8), guided the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free for independent exploration. excursions as stated in the itinerary, all entrance fees, transfers, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, visa, lunch on day 8 and dinner on Day 8 Skopje. With remnants of Greek, Roman and Ottoman history days 7 & 8. contrasting with modern architecture, Skopje offers up a vibrant metropolis

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 11 ANCIENT An escorted tour discovering the cultural & scenic wonders of Armenia 5th to 16th September 2018

andlocked Armenia boasts beautiful scenery, a fascinating and Ldiverse cultural history and some exquisite churches and monasteries. ARMENIA Dilijan This comprehensive escorted tour will explore the many facets of this Ashtarak Lake Sevan Geghard & Garni ancient land as well as include ample time at leisure to enjoy the lively Echmiadzin Zvartnots Noravanks café culture of the capital city, Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest Armas inhabited cities and home to numerous museums. Khor Viraps

Some thirty years before Rome was founded, Yerevan was an important stop along the caravan routes from Asia to Europe and over the years has been invaded by Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Persians, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols, the Turks and later by the Soviet Red Army, making for a captivating history with the many invading influences evident in the architecture.

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion and is scattered with Christian places of worship, many in stunning locations such as the Sevanavank Monastery located on the shore of Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucasus, and the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, both of which we will visit.

Aside from learning of the intricate cultural history of the land, we will visit the oldest cave winery and Ararat brandy factory (a reputed favourite tipple of Winston Churchill), enjoy both a culinary masterclass and a vocal concert and have the opportunity to interact with villagers.

The Itinerary Day 1 London to Kiev, Ukraine. Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this Day 4 Yerevan. Today we further explore Yerevan starting with a visit to evening and transfer to Opera Hotel, Kiev for an overnight stay. Dinner , a Museum and Scientific Institute of ancient manuscripts will be in the hotel this evening. which holds one of the world’s richest collections of Medieval manuscripts and books spanning a broad range of historical and cultural subjects. Day 2 Kiev to Yerevan, Armenia. After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the We continue to the Carpet Museum where specially trained weavers airport for the scheduled flight to Yerevan, Armenia. Arrive this afternoon demonstrate traditional methods of Armenian carpet making. For lunch, a and check in to the Royal Tulip Grand Hotel, our base for the next five professional cook will demonstrate age old traditions of Armenian cooking nights. Enjoy time to settle into your accommodation before dinner in the and create a famous Armenian dish for us to enjoy. After lunch we will visit hotel this evening. a Yerevan brandy factory. Brandy is a strong part of Armenian culture and heritage and has been for generations. Learn the local processes they use Day 3 Yerevan. Following a leisurely breakfast we will explore the Armenian and special grape varieties chosen, finishing with a tasting of the famous capital, Yerevan. During our city tour see Republic Square, Armenia brandy. Dinner will be at a local restaurant this evening. and City Park and visit the Genocide Memorial and the museum dedicated to the victims of the Great Genocide that took place in 1915. Also visit Day 5 Etchmiadzin & Zvartnots. This morning following breakfast we the Cascade which houses the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts, dedicated will visit the Yerevan History Museum before making our way to the city to bringing contemporary art from all over the world to Armenia and of Etchmiadzin. The main Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is presenting the best of Armenian culture to the world. After lunch spend reputed to be one of the world’s oldest cathedrals and is a special place some time at leisure to relax or explore independently. Enjoy a Welcome of pilgrimage for all Armenians around the world. After a tour of the Dinner this evening in a local restaurant with authentic Armenian cuisine. Cathedral enjoy a special authentic lunch hosted by an Armenian family.

Yerevan Etchmiadzin Cathedral

12 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

Khor Virap Monastery and Sevanavank Monastery and Sevan Lake

On our return journey to Yerevan we will stop en-route at Zvartnots we will continue to Yerevan and check in to the Royal Tulip Grand Hotel Cathedral. Built in 7th century AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site for a three night stay. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant this evening. is today unfortunately in ruins, but even in ruins it reflects its unique architectural value and is still an impressive sight. Dinner will be in the Day 10 Geghard & Garni. After breakfast we drive to Geghard Cave hotel this evening. Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, assuring the great acoustics of this sacred place. Day 6 Khor Virap & Noravank. This morning we will drive to Khor Virap We will enjoy a vocal concert of Medieval Armenian songs inside the Monastery which dates back to the 4th century. From here admire the cave. Afterwards take a light hike along the narrow serpentine near Azat beauty of Mount Ararat in the distance and also see the closed border river admiring the view of the Khosrov national reserve on one side and between Turkey and Armenia located just 20 kilometres away. We will the unique natural formation of rocks called ‘Symphony of Stones’ or visit the chapel which was constructed over the deep dungeon where ‘Basalt Organ’ on the other. During lunch we will have a demonstration Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint and first official head of the of Armenian Bread ‘Lavash’ baking in an underground traditional oven, Armenian Apostolic Church, was imprisoned for 13 years. We then make called Tonir. Enjoy a traditional Armenian barbeque of local produce our way towards Noravank, travelling through countryside that emerges and learn about traditional preparation techniques from the locals. After into a scenic rocky mountainous gorge. The hot and dry climate makes lunch we will visit the Garni pagan temple, built in 1st century AD and this area renowned for wine making and is believed to be the location of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Garni is the only pagan temple that the oldest winery, dating back 6000 years. We will visit the 13th century remains in Armenia after the adoption of Christianity and inside we will Monastery standing high in the valley surrounded by red cliffs before enjoy a special Duduk performance, the national musical instrument enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. made of apricot tree. Enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening.

Day 7 Sevan Lake & Dilijan. Today we make our way to Dilijan, commonly Day 11 Aragatsotn Wine Region & Yerevan. This morning visit a local known as the small Switzerland of Armenia, the town is surrounded by food market before driving to the region of Aragatsotn to visit a winery. densely covered forest with surprisingly rich vegetation, and offers a cool The volcanic soil in the region is rich in minerals and properties that, and refreshing climate to the arid surrounds. En-route visit Sevanavank along with the ample sunshine, makes the perfect climate for growing Monastery, originally made from three churches the monastery was built grapes. Visit the picturesque wine estate set against the backdrop of on an island on Sevan Lake. The island Monastery was, according to the inspiring Mount Ararat, Ara and Aragats and enjoy a wine tasting of historians of the time, used both for worship and pilgrimage and as a different varieties and lunch. Return to Yerevan for some time at leisure. place of exile for Armenian noblemen who had fallen into disgrace. The This evening our Farewell Dinner will be held at a local restaurant with a receding waters in the 20th century created the current peninsula we live music performance. see today. Enjoy a scenic panoramic view of the lake before continuing to Dilijan where we will visit a local artist’s home to admire works of art Day 12 Yerevan to London. After breakfast transfer to the airport for our and enjoy a private lunch. We continue to the Haghartsin Monastery, return scheduled indirect flight to London. beautifully nestled in the heart of the forest. Later check in to the Best Western Paradise Hotel for a two night stay. Dinner will be in the hotel this evening.

Day 8 Dilijan & Molokan Village. Following a leisurely breakfast embark PRICES PER PERSON on a short walking tour of the quaint town of Dilijan before driving to Based on double occupancy see the 13th century Goshavank monastic complex that is named after Twin: Single: Mkhitar Gosh, a prominent writer, lawyer and author of the Code of law. £2595 £3195 We will have a late lunch in a Molokan village at one of the local houses Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 11 nights hotel where we can learn of the lifestyle of the village people. Dinner will be at accommodation as described, all meals (except lunch on day 2), excursions as described, entrance fees, transfers, English speaking local guide, Noble a local restaurant this evening. Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities. Not Included: Travel insurance, visa, lunch on day 2. Day 9 Ashtarak & Yerevan. After breakfast drive to Ashtarak, passing Please note: We have planned the itinerary to be less strenuous than most through Vanadzor, the 3rd largest city in Armenia, where you can still to the region, however it must be noted that the tour will involve being on your feet for long periods and some long drives. Many of the sites are see traces of the Soviet Union times. In Ashtarak visit the 13th century reached by uneven steps without handrails. To best enjoy your experiences Saghmosavank Monastery that received its name from the religious in Armenia, you should be in good physical condition. ecclesiastical songs performed in the monastery. Following a local lunch

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 13 & BEYOND A unique escorted tour of and Bucovina 10th to 19th May & 6th to 15th September 2018

here are few places left in the world, especially in Europe, that can be Tlegitimately referred to as ‘off the beaten track’ but Moldova is certainly a Soroca country that can lay claim to the description. Our in-depth escorted tour of this Transnistria Bucovina MOLDOVA fascinating country with its rich cultural heritage will explore a wealth of Curchi Orhei Vechi ROMANIA fascinating sites including Medieval fortresses, magnificent wineries, the Cricova Iasi autonomous territory of Transnistria with its Soviet architecture and crossing Chisinau into Romania we will admire the superb painted monasteries. Along the way we Hincesti Causeni will admire the beautiful, untouched countryside where traditional ways of life are still very much adhered to and of course enjoy local food and the splendid wines of the region.

The Itinerary Day 1 London Stansted to Chisinau, Moldova. Fly by scheduled flight. Day 3 Cricova Winery, Orheiul Vechi & Curchi. In recent years Moldova Arrive in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, this evening and on arrival we has become renowned for its wines and this morning we will visit one of will transfer to the Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel, our base for the next six the most popular cellars at Cricova which produces some of the country’s nights. Meet tonight for dinner in the hotel. best sparkling wines. We will learn about the production methods, which follows the French system very closely, before exploring the huge cellar Day 2 Chisinau & Capriana Monastery. After breakfast in the hotel we network. Situated 80 metres underground and stretching out for a total of will enjoy a walking tour of Chisinau including the Central Cathedral, 120 kilometres, these cellars are used by both the vineyard and many wine Parliament building and the ‘Alley of the Classics’ sculptural complex aficionados as a personal vault. After a tasting we will continue our journey located in the Stefan cel Mare Park and including busts of Alexander to Butuceni where we enjoy lunch in a pension with national Moldovan Pushkin and other Romanian literary figures and Moldovan political dishes. This afternoon continue to Orhei Vechi, Moldova’s most important leaders. Continue on to the 15th century Capriana Monastery which is the historical site. Visit the impressive 13th century Cave Monastery carved residence of the Metropolitan Bishop and has been the base for many into the limestone rock, see the ruins of the Geto Dacian fortress and visit rulers of Moldova including Stefan the Great. The monastery was closed the ethnographic museum. We will return to Chisinau via one of the oldest during the Soviet rule but was re-opened in the early 1990s following an Moldovan monasteries - Monastery Curchi, which was founded in 1773 and extensive renovation and is home to Moldova’s largest religious library. We known as one of the most beautiful pieces of Bessarabian architecture. return to Chisnau this evening and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Return to Chisinau for dinner this evening.

Interior of the Cave Monastery at Orheiul Vechi Vineyards of Cricova

The medieval fortress at Soroca Interior of Capriana Monastery, Chisinau Curchi Monastery church

14 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Manuc Bei manor house

Fresco from Voronet Monastery, Bucovina Landscape around Bucovina Ottoman fortress at Tighina, Transnistria

Day 4 Transnistria. Situated to the east of Chisinau on the Ukrainian role in defensive battle against the Turks and was one of the “stone belt of border is the state of Transnistria. Officially part of Moldova it is run as fortresses” built to protect Moldova. Also visit “the Candle of Gratitude” an autonomous territory and clings to its Soviet roots. Statues of Lenin monument situated on the outskirts of the city. We will enjoy a traditional overlook the streets and Russian is the official language whilst the hammer lunch before continuing by road to Iasi crossing the border into Romania. and sickle flag flies from the buildings. We will start our day in Tighina In the early evening we will arrive at the International Hotel for a two night seeing the impressive 15th century Ottoman fortress before transferring stay. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. to Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria. On a city tour we will see the monument of Lenin outside the Presidential Palace and the Second World Day 8 Bucovina. Today we will explore the Bucovina region famed for the War tanks as well as the unique and typically Soviet architecture. We will large number of painted monasteries which are listed by UNESCO World enjoy a Ukrainian lunch before continuing our tour of Tiraspol at the Kvint Heritage. Our first call is perhaps the most famous, the Voronet Monastery distillery. Here we will learn about their production and visit the museum which is also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East”, due to its interior before enjoying a tasting of the wine, brandy and vodka made here. Enjoy and exterior wall paintings. Built in 1487 to celebrate victory over the dinner in Chisinau this evening. Turks it offers an abundance of frescoes featuring biblical scenes in an intense shade of blue commonly known as “Voronet blue”. We will stop Day 5 Causeni, Purcari & Et Cetera Winery. Our tour today takes us for lunch before continuing our journey to Humor Monastery. Founded in to Causeni where we will visit the 17th century Assumption of our Lady 1530, Humor features a variety of frescoes dating from 1535, including one church. The church preserves the only Medieval fresco in Moldova, illustrating the Return of the Prodigal Son. The predominant hues of the designed by Walachian painters in a late Byzantine-Romanian style whilst frescoes are reddish brown with some rich blues and green infusions. An the interiors feature religious scenes and iconography in vibrant reds, extremely valuable collection of icons from the 16th century is displayed gold and blues. Later this morning we continue our appreciation of the in the monastery. We will continue to the 17th century Agapia Monastery. local wines with a visit to the Purcari Winery. Here a unique micro-climate, One of the most important convents for Orthodox nuns in Romania and the location of the vineyards on the south-western and south-eastern famous for its interior frescoes painted in 1858 by the great Romanian slopes, proximity to the Black sea and closeness to the Nistru River offer painter Nicolae Grigoresc. Return to the hotel this evening for dinner. ideal conditions for the creation of high quality wines. Enjoy a tour of the cellars, the oldest in Moldova, unchanged since 1827, and a tasting before Day 9 Iasi & Chisinau, Moldova. After breakfast we will start our journey continuing to the nearby Et Cetera Winery where we will enjoy lunch. This back to Moldova stopping at Iasi, the most important political, economic small family run vineyard offers a different perspective of wine production and cultural centre of the province of Moldavia as well as one of the oldest with a mix of well-known and local grape varieties. We will learn about cities in Romania. We will visit the Monastery of the Three Hierarchs, the family’s production techniques and enjoy a tasting before returning to constructed between 1637 and 1639 in honour of three saints. In 1640 it Chisnau this evening. was here that Prince Vasile Lupu set up the first printing press in Moldovia and also the Vasilian College. The church is renowned for the extraordinary Day 6 Manuc Bei & Milestii Mici Winery. After a leisurely breakfast we decoration and lacery in the stone which adorns the façade. After our visit will journey to The Manuc Bei estate and manor house which is located in we enjoy lunch before continuing our journey back to Chisinau where we Hincesti. Manuc Bei (1769-1817) was a wealthy merchant, diplomat, and will check into the Radisson Blu Leogrand Hotel for an overnight stay. We inn-keeper during the period of the . In 1812 he played a enjoy a Moldovan dinner tonight in a local restaurant. major role in negotiating the signing of the Treaty of Bucharest between the Russian and Ottoman empires. Towards the end of his life, he retired Day 10 Chisinau to London Stansted. After breakfast we will check-out to his estate of Hinceşti where his son later built the manor house which of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to was designed by famed architect Alexander Bernardazzi in the style of a London Stansted. French chateau, now a museum with more than 20,000 artefacts which we will explore with our guide. After our visit we continue to the Milesti Mici Winery which is renowned as having the largest cellar in the world with PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy nearly 200 kilometres of caves situated 80 metres underground. There are now over one million bottles stored here and we will explore the cellars and Twin: £2495 Single: £2795 have a tasting whilst enjoying lunch at the vineyard. Return to the hotel this Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, seven nights hotel afternoon and enjoy some free time before meeting for dinner this evening. accommodation in Chisinau and two nights accommodation in Iasi as described (or similar) on a bed and breakfast basis, lunch and dinner daily, transfers, all excursions, all gratuities, English speaking guide throughout, Day 7 Soroca & Iasi, Romania. After an early breakfast we will leave Noble Caledonia Tour Manager. Chisinau and head north towards Soroca near the Ukrainian border. We will Not Included: Travel insurance. visit the impressive Medieval fortress which played an important and key

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 15 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Itinerary subject to change. Cover: Front – Bran Castle. Back – Saint Naum Monastery near Ohrid in Macedonia, Romania; Fresco from St Jovan Bigorski Monastery, Macedonia; Curchi Monastery Church, Moldova; Landscape near Rila Monastery, Bulgaria; Trakai Castle, Lithuania.

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