Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 1/14

Itinerary for , & Romania • Expat Explore

Start Point: End Point:

Hotel in Kiev, Hotel in Bucharest,

To be confirmed To be confirmed

10:00 hrs 10:00 hrs

DAY 1: Arrive in Kiev

Laskavo prosymo! Welcome! Ukraine is the biggest country in Europe, outside of . Kiev (also

spelled ) is its magical capital and it’s here where your journey kicks off. Arrive this afternoon

and settle into your hotel room. Meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby to ask any questions or get

sightseeing advice. This evening, sit down for a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.

Experiences

If you arrive early you’ll have free time to explore the capital city. Top sights include St. Michael's

Cathedrale, Saint Sophia Cathedral and the State Aviation Museum. Walk around to explore the

vibrant city. You never know what gems you’ll stumble across. Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 2/14

Included Meals

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:

DAY 2: Kiev city tour - Free afternoon

Kick off the day with a guided tour of the city for the perfect overview of the history, culture and

lifestyle of the Ukrainian capital. With free time after the tour, stroll the main avenue of Kiev,

Khreshchatyk street - known as one of the most expensive streets in Europe. Or visit Andriyivskyy

Descent (Uzviz), a famous creative street often compared to Montmartre in Paris. While there, visit

the famous literary and memorial museum of Mikhail Bulgakov. Kiev’s beautiful parks (like Feofaniya

or Maryinsky) are the perfect spot for some people watching and downtime.

Experiences

Guided tour of Kiev: A local guide will take you on a walking tour of Kiev to see all the must-see

sights and attractions: the golden domes of Pechersk Lavra; the famous The Motherland Monument

of Ukraine outside the museum of the Great Patriotic War; and the famous Independence Square

() - the site of the .

Included Meals Accommodation Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 3/14

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Rus

Optional Excursions

Lavra Christian Monastery & River Cruise: € 25

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 3: Kiev: Free Day

Another free day in Kiev with the option to join a full-day outing to the residence of Ukraine's former

president, Victor Yanukovych. After being ousted and fleeing the country, the Museum of Corruption,

became Ukraine’s latest travel attraction. The excursion includes a visit the National Museum of Folk

Architecture in Pirogovo to experience traditional Ukrainian architecture and folk traditions.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Rus Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 4/14

Optional Excursions

Museum of Corruption & Pirogovo: € 50

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 4: Kiev: Free Day

Today is yours to explore as you wish. Spend the day at your leisure and explore more of Kiev. Or

choose a fully guided trip to Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the location of the world's worst nuclear

disaster. Before 1986 the deserted town of Pripyat was home to more than 40,000 people

connected to the nuclear power plant of Chernobyl. The full-day optional excursion gives you the

opportunity to explore with the guidance of a local expert and see the most iconic sights in the area.

Before you leave Kiev, make sure to enjoy a few traditional Ukrainian dishes like chicken Kiev and

sweet vareniki (dumplings).

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hotel Rus

Optional Excursions Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 5/14

Chernobyl day trip: € 80

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 5: Kiev - Strategic Missile Force Museum -

An early departure takes you southwest through the Ukrainian heartland towards Pervomaysk. Enjoy

the rare opportunity to visit a former top-secret Soviet nuclear missile base. Walk with a local guide

to learn all about this command post and launch bunker that was retained as a museum. Explore

the grounds, and encounter an open-air exhibition of nuclear missiles. Once this experience comes

to an end, you’re off to Odessa, the Pearl of the Black Sea.

Experiences

Visit the Strategic Missile Force Museum: Explore the Museum of Strategic Missile Forces Base near

Pervomaysk. All equipment and facilities are as they were during the Cold War period. This museum

is staffed by former troops from the 46th division of the 43rd Rocket Army of Ukraine. This is the last

remaining nuclear base in Ukraine that allows the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of a

previous secret military project.

Included Meals

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 6/14

DAY 6: Odessa

Time to see what the fuss is about! Odessa is a major cultural centre in eastern Europe and also the

biggest commercial trading port along the Black Sea. Start the day with a walking tour alongside

your tour leader. Famous sights you’ll see on your way include the Mother-in-Law Bridge, Duc de

Richelieu Monument, Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral and Odessa Passage. Spend the afternoon at

your leisure. Soak up the sun as you visit Arkadia, Lanzheron or Otrada, Odessa’s beautiful beaches.

Head underground to the , walk down vibrant Deribasovskaya Street with cafes

and gift shops, or taste everyday Odessa life at a local market like Privoz.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Odessa: Perched on the shore of the Black Sea, Odessa lures tourists from all

over the world. Take a walking tour to see only the very best the city has to offer. Encounter famous

sights like the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, Monument to the 12th Chair, Shah's Palace, and

Potemkin . A sight of particular interest is the opera house, which is the second largest in the

world, after Milan’s Opera house. It’s famous for unique acoustics and many famous musicians have

performed here.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Black Sea Hotel Risheliyevskaya Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 7/14

DAY 7: Odessa - Tiraspol - Tighina Fortress - Chisinau

This morning, take a drive to the Moldovan border and prepare to experience the cultural overlap

between two closely-related countries. Then, cross the border from Moldova to Transnistria, an

unrecognised state located between Moldova and Ukraine. This mysterious piece of land is a

forgotten remnant of the . Visit the capital, Tiraspol, to see and explore the major

attractions. After a traditional lunch, cross over to Moldova and visit the Bender fortress. The final

experience of the day takes you to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. Here, you’ll be acquainted with

the city on a driving tour of central Chisinau upon arrival.

Experiences

Visit Transnistria (Pridnestrovie): Set foot and explore the capital of an independent Soviet state that

has been in existence since 1992. Even though Transnistria is an unrecognised state, it’s often

referred to as the last outpost of the Soviet Union.

Enjoy a traditional lunch in Transnistria

Visit Tighina Fortress (Bender Fortress): The historical fortress of Bender was built by the Ottomans

in the early 15th century. It was an important trade outpost and was later expanded and

modernised by the prince of Moldavia, Antioh Cantemir. This is the perfect spot to enjoy exceptional

views of Bender and its surrounding landscapes. Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 8/14

Panoramic tour of Chisinau: Get an idea of what the city is all about with a quick driving tour upon

arrival. Encounter Soviet-era architecture and historical sights like the parliament, Stefan del Mare

monument, the president’s residence and the Triumphal Arch.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Bristol Central Park Hotel

DAY 8: Curchi Monastery - Cricova wine cellar - Chisinau

Venture out of the city to visit the Curchi Monastery. It is one of the most beautiful and iconic

monasteries in the region. Experience the splendour of Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei), a centuries-old

natural amphitheater. After sitting down for an authentic Moldovan lunch, you're invited to world’s

second largest wine cellar, in Cricova! This evening you’re free to explore Chisinau at your leisure.

Experiences

Visit Curchi Monastery: An important architectural monument located in the most pristine of

surroundings. Several churches were built on the premises in the 1700s and many ancient traditions

are preserved here to this day. The main church, the cathedral Naşterea Domnului (1872), has the

highest dome in Moldova and was inspired by St. Andrew’s church in Kiev. Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 9/14

Visit Orhei Vechi Monastery complex: ‘Old Orhei’ and its cave church is one of Moldova’s most

famous tourist attractions. Monks dug out and built this monastery into the limestone cliffs

overlooking the meandering Raut River in the 13th century. The complex was shut down during the

Soviet times and restored after 1996.

Enjoy a traditional lunch in Moldova

Visit Cricova Wine Cellar: The wine town of Cricova is known as being the location of the second

largest wine cellar in the world. It has avenues, streets and broadways, and a car can even drive in

the cellar!

Wine tasting: Taste some of Moldova’s indigenous wine varietals. Moldova is home to 107,800

hectares of commercially active vines and 25% of the population is employed within the wine

industry.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Bristol Central Park Hotel

DAY 9: Chisinau - Iasi Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 10/14

Enjoy a free morning to further explore Chisinau . This afternoon we cross the border from Moldova

to Romania and soon arrive in Iasi, a vibrant university city in eastern Romania. Iași, pronounced

‘yash’ is an important cultural and economical hub for both Moldova and Romania. On arrival,

stretch your legs for an informative walking tour of the city.

Experiences

Walking tour of Iasi: Iasi is one of the oldest cities in Romania. Iasi has long been a cultural and

political hub of Romania and Europe and boasts plenty of historic buildings, theaters, museums and

more than 100 churches! Highlights include the Palace of Culture (Palatul Culturii), St. Parascheva

Metropolitan Cathedral and Moldavian Metropolitan Cathedral. As a university city, Iasi also has a

distinct cosmopolitan vibe with many botanical parks, eateries, clubs and art galleries.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Ramada Iasi

DAY 10: Iasi - Targu Secuiesc - Brasov

Take a scenic drive through the Romanian countryside to Targu Secuiesc, a village in the Covasna

county. Then head to Brasov, one of the most visited destinations in Romania and start exploring.

Brasov was established as an important link between trade routes of the and Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 11/14

Western Europe. With the as a backdrop, it’s a picture-perfect city to explore.

Experiences

Targu Secuiesc: Journey into a Romanian village in the Covasna county where you’ll have free time

for lunch.

Orientation tour of Brasov: Explore the city centre of Brasov with your Expat Explore tour leader and

lay eyes on famous sights like the House of Council (Casa Sfatului), Black Church (Biserica Neagra),

Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei), and Weavers' Bastion (Bastionul Tesatorilor).

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Ana Hotels Sport

DAY 11: Brasov - Bran Castle - Sinaia - Bucharest

From Brasov, travel towards Bucharest. Along the way, visit Bran Castle - the structure that

famously inspired Bram Stoker's depiction of his fictional Count Dracula's castle. Afterward, journey

through Transylvania and the scenic Carpathian mountains to Sinaia. Here, an orientation tour takes

you to the town's most popular visitor attractions. Next, it’s off to the ‘Little Paris of the East’,

Bucharest, where we check in and depart on a locally guided driving and walking tour of the city. Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 12/14

Experiences

Visit Dracula’s castle: Bran Castle is the structure that famously inspired writer Bram Stoker when

he was writing Dracula. The Count himself was reportedly based on Vlad the Impaler.

See Transylvania and the Carpathian mountains: This incredibly scenic region of Romania is all

sweeping forest vistas and awe-inspiring mountains. The scenic route unfurls before you and allows

you to drink it al in.

Visit Sinaia: Situated in the Bucegi Mountains, Sinaia is a well-known Romanian resort town. Your

tour ambles along it's best-loved attractions. This includes Sinaia Casino located in Dimitrie Ghica

Park (which ranked among the world's most famous casinos in the roaring 30's), as well as Sinaia

Town Hall.

Locally guided tour of Bucharest: Follow a passionate local guide who knows Bucharest like the back

of their hand. Tick off a few of the city’s most impressive highlights and make notes about spots

you’d like to explore on your free day tomorrow.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: iBis Styles Erbas

DAY 12: Bucharest: Free Day Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 13/14

Today has been set aside for you to explore the fascinating city of Bucharest at your leisure. You

have the full day to seek out all the attractions that appeal to your taste. The Palace of Parliament is

always at the top of everyone’s list as one of the biggest buildings in the world. Art enthusiasts

could visit the National Museum of Art to see European art dating back to the 15th century. Visit the

open-air museums of Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, or head outdoors and spend some

time in Herastrau Park. It covers 160+ hectares and boasts everything from an open-air theatre to

an old-fashioned amusement park. Look out for most famous street-food in Romania, Covrigi.

Included Meals Accommodation

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: iBis Styles Erbas

Optional Excursions

Bucharest's Village Museum & Pasarea Monastery: € 35

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 13: Bucharest Expat Explore - Version: Fri Sep 24 2021 16:30:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 14/14

After spending your final night in Romania, sit down for one last breakfast with your fellow

travellers. The Kiev to Bucharest tour ends after breakfast.

Experiences

The tour ends after breakfast. Make sure you have exchanged contact details with your new-found

travel friends, and share your amazing tour memories with us online using the hashtags

#ExpatExplore and #BetterTogether.

Included Meals

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: