LAND OF THE SLAVIC BEGINNINGS BELARUS, UKRAINE & MOLDOVA

September 16 to October 02, 2022 Led by Native Tour Leader & Local Guides Travel to some of the least explored parts of Europe on this two week journey visiting three beautiful countries: Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldo- va, which are considered some of the hidden gems of Europe. Starting with Belarus, discover it’s glorious and elegant capital - Minsk, repre- senting a stunning amalgam of Soviet-style/Communist architecture and amazing medieval churches. Experience the genuine Belarusian hospitality, and then travel to the fairytale castle at Mir and the 16th century town of Nyasvizh. Departing Belarus, head to Lviv – considered by many as one of the most elegant cities in Europe. In the nearby villages, you will discover some imposing old castles. Cross the border to the tiny nation of Moldova, with its vast underground wine cellars, ancient monasteries and the unique Republic of Transnistria, which officially doesn’t exist. Return to the Ukraine and end at the capital where you will visit some magical golden-domed monasteries and ca- thedrals dating back many centuries. This tour covers a truly intriguing region, full of surprises and imbued with a rich heritage that easily rivals better known parts of Europe, and best of all, it’s well off the tourist map.

Ihab Zaki Managing Director, Spiekermann Travel

Also visit Nyasvizh Palace, the historical residence of the Radzivills, Friday, September 16 which includes a museum within the Palace and a traditional En- Arrive in Minsk (BELARUS) glish landscaped park. After lunch, drive to Brest, a city bordered by Poland and then transfer to Hermitage Hotel or similar for check-in Upon arrival in Minsk (depending on your flight schedule), you’ll and overnight. (B,L,D) be met by your guide and transfer to the Monastyrski Hotel (or similar) for check-in and overnight. Monday, September 19 Note: Standard check in time at hotel is 3:00 pm. if you Brest - Minsk arrive on September 15; an extra hotel night has to be booked. You’ll spend some time exploring the city of Brest, which is con- sidered the traditional “western gate” of the country. Visit its UNES- Saturday, September 17 CO-listed enormous Fortress, with a history dating back to 1842 Minsk when it was built under the orders of Czar Nicholas I. After it was destroyed during WWII, the fortress was not rebuilt, but instead After breakfast at around 9:00am, you’ll begin a two-hour walking became a shrine to the terrible and heroic events that took place tour down the main avenues, Independence and Victory Ave- there. After lunch, transfer to Monastyrski Hotel or similar in Minsk nues. Along the way admire the architectural monuments that around 6:00 pm for check in and overnight. (B,L,D) date from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Continue to the Upper Town to see the City Hall, the temples and monasteries, and walk Tuesday, September 20 through the old small streets of Trinity Suburb. Visit the 17th Minsk - Lviv (UKRAINE) century Holy Spirit Cathedral, an orthodox church built in simple Baroque style. Next, take a small footbridge to the “Isle of Tears”, a Transfer to Minsk Airport for your one-hour flight toLviv , depart- memorial set up in 1988 to commemorate the Belarus soldiers who ing around 1:10 pm. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred died in the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980’s. In the center, there is to Reikartz Hotel or similar for check-in. After a late lunch, around a chapel that contains the moving figures of grieving mothers, sis- 4:00 pm, you’ll head out on a three-hour walking tour through ters and widows. Afterwards, head to see the Gates of Minsk, two medieval Lviv, founded in the 13th century and with a very Cen- towers that resemble an entrance to the city, along with the Victo- tral European feel, which is reflected in its architecture. The town ry Monument (Square), a major landmark of the city. Also visit the lost much of its gothic-style buildings during the 1527 and 1556 nearby National Library, the largest in Belarus. After lunch, drive to fires, but it still has a number of renaissances, baroque, and clas- the open-air museum of folk architecture, the Dudutki Museum, sic style structures. Wander Lviv’s lovely UNESCO-listed Old Town a symbol of Belarus and its culture. Head to the village for a visit that Square, surrounded by 16th - 18th century merchant dwellings. includes craft shops, a wooden church, a windmill (one of the best You’ll see many unique cathedrals, churches and a chapel with preserved in Belarus), taverns, a garden, and a small tannery mak- the “Sitting Christ” on top, the only one in Europe. Continue on to ing it a large crafts and trading center. The complex recreates the the Pharmacy Museum (the first pharmacy in Lviv) and see its life of a Belarusian county estate and here you’ll visit the Museum walls lined with old shelves stacked with little boxes, antique bot- of National Crafts to learn more about Belarussian crafts including tles, vessels, and scales and learn about the development of phar- pottery, woodcarving, blacksmithing, and cheese-making. Return macology in Lviv and in Europe from ancient to modern times. to the hotel for your overnight. (B,L,D) Return to the hotel for your overnight. (B,L,D) Sunday, September 18 Wednesday, September 21 Minsk - Mir - Brest Lviv

Around 9:00 am, you’ll head to visit the 16th century Mir Castle You’ll head out around 9:00 am to continue your walking tour Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a perfect example around the Austrian and Polish influenced Lviv. You’ll learn about of Belarusian stone defensive architecture. Continue on to Nyasvizh its public, political, and cultural life, development of science, tech- to see the magnificent Catholic Cathedral of the Divine Body of nologies, trade, education, its dwellings, and traditions. Visit Lviv’s Christ built in 1593. The Cathedral is a famous family burial-vault State University, the oldest university in Lviv, and Lviv Polytechnics, the largest scientific university in Lviv. Next, visit Lychakiv Cemetery, for the historically influential Radzivills with its beautiful frescoes. where the most notable people from Ukraine are buried including Sunday, September 25 public and political leaders, military men, artists, etc. You’ll then Kamyanets Podilskyi - Chisinau (MOLDOVA) head over to Shevchenkivskyi Gay - the Museum of folk archi- tecture and rural life. The museum is one of the biggest open-air Around 8:00am, you’ll cross the border into Moldova in time for museums in Europe and here you will see traditional folk wood- lunch at Soroca. Afterwards, enjoy a tour of this vibrant little town, en architecture, artifacts from everyday life, and local arts. After situated on the right bank of River Dniester. The main highlight lunch, you’ll have some free time at your leisure to enjoy some of will be a visit to Soroca’s Fortress, built in the 15th century and the sites on your own then return to your hotel around 5:00 pm known for its well-preserved stronghold. It was of vital military im- for your overnight. (B,L,D) portance during the Pruth Campaign of Peter the Great in 1711. A unique feature of this medieval fortress is the curved walls, Thursday, September 22 thought to better resist projectiles. Next, you’ll see the Candle of Lviv - Frankivsk - Kolomeya - Chernivtsi Gratitude Monument, one of the best monuments in Moldova, built on the rocks over the Nistru River. The day ends in Chisi- Today’s drive will take you to Chernivtsi with stops along the way nau where you will be transferred to Jolly Alon Hotel or similar at beginning with the historic Ivano-Frankivsk. Enjoy a two-hour around 8:00 pm for check in and overnight. (B,L,D) walking tour of this 17th century city, often called a “small Lviv”. Here, you will see the Market Square and City Hall, stroll along Monday, September 26 the main pedestrian street known by locals as the “Hundred Chisinau (Cricova ) Meters Street”, see the Armenian Church and much more. You’ll then have lunch at a Galacian restaurant-museum owned by a You’ll being you morning with a city tour that takes you along Ste- local family where you can learn about Galacian life. Afterwards, phen the Great Boulevard to see the elegant administrative build- continue on to Kolomeya to visit the Hutsul Museum (or Pysan- ings including the Presidency, the Parliament, and the City Admin- ka - Easter Eggs Museum) to learn more about the history and istration. There are cultural centers, including the National Theatre culture of the Hutsul people. The drive ends at Chernivtsi around 7:00 pm where you will be transferred to Allure hotel or similar M. Eminescu, the Organ Hall, and Theatre of Opera and Ballet. for check-in, enjoy some free time at leisure and overnight at the Well-known architects and poets such as Bernardazzi, Sciusev, and hotel. (B,L,D) Pushkin gave Chisinau its unique character. Also visit the handicraft market and the National Museum of History of Moldova, one of Friday, September 23 the most important museums in Moldova featuring a nice collection Chernivtsi - Kamyanets - Podilskyi of Moldova’s national heritage from ancient times all the way to mod- ern times. After lunch, drive to the Cricova Winery for a tour and wine After breakfast, head out on a two-hour walking tour to explore tasting where you’ll try four different types of wine. Return to Chisinau this enchanting small European city and main cultural center at around 5:00 pm, where you’ll have some free time to explore on your of Western Ukraine. Chernivtsi is full of architecturally import- own. Overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D) ant historic buildings including Chernivtsi University, a UNES- CO World Heritage Site founded in 1875; the beautiful Drama Tuesday, September 27 Theater, built in 1905; Museum of Local Lore where you can see thousands of items on exhibit including a bible printed by Ivan Transnistria - Odessa (UKRAINE) Fedorov in 1581, a coin collection, a collection of archaeological After a late breakfast, around 10:00 am, drive back towards the items, and a collection of natural items including stuffed ani- mals; Museum of Arts, an art piece in itself with a fine collection Moldova-Ukraine border to the Transnistria region, a narrow strip of Bukovyna folk items; the Central Palace of Culture (Jewish of territory to the east of the River Dniester. You’ll stop to explore People’s House), to learn about the history of the Bukovinian Tiraspol, a city founded in the late 18th century by the Russian Jews; and Star Alley in Teatralna Square where you can see Empire where you will see the Central Square where there is a stars that are dedicated to a famous person from Ukraine. Lunch statue of the Russian Military leader, Alexander Suvorov and in will be at a local Bukovenian restaurant, followed by a drive to front of the Pridnestrovian Government building, there is a stat- Kamianets-Podilskyi, where you will be transferred to Reikartz ue of Vladimir Lenin. After lunch, continue across the border into Hotel or similar at around 4:00pm for check in, have some free the Ukraine to Odessa, located on the northwestern shores of the time this evening to relax and overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D) Black Sea. It first began as a Greek settlement sometime in the 6th century B.C. and some of those remains can still be seen today. Saturday, September 24 Transfer to Aleksandrovskyi Hotel or similar at around 7:00 pm for Kamyanets Podilskyi - Khotyn check in and overnight. (B,L,D)

You’ll spend the morning exploring this beautiful town on a three- Wednesday, September 28 hour walking tour to discover the history from the moment of the Odessa town’s foundation to recent times. You will see the Cathedral of the Saints Peter and Paul, built in the 16th century in a Renaissance Start your day with a two-hour walking tour through downtown, style but later rebuilt in the Baroque style, and the ruins of St. Nicolas visiting Odessa’s historical places, many of which have a Mediterra- Armenian Church. Also enjoy a breathtaking view of the Smotrich nean classic style influence, and strolling along itsage-old streets. River Canyon. Perhaps the highlight today will be a visit to the 14th You will see masterpieces of architecture and artistic designs of its century Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress, which sits atop a peninsula buildings such as the city’s most well-known architectural monu- that was carved by the Smotrych River, creating a natural defense for ments - the 19th century Opera and Ballet Theatre Other histor- the old town. After lunch drive to the 13th century Khotyn For- ical buildings include the Odessa Archaeological Museum, one tress, one of the best preserved in Ukraine, built with Moldavian, of the oldest archaeological museums in Ukraine, and the Marine Polish, and Turkish influences. Return to the hotel around 4:00 pm Museum, which documents this history of shipbuilding and sail- for some free time at leisure and overnight. (B,L,D) ing in the Odessa region from ancient to present times. As you stroll along the Primorsky Boulevard you’ll see many historical York’s Statue of Liberty! Inside, there is a WWII Museum you can visit buildings including the impressive Municipal Duma, the Count before heading over to the Museum of Corruption Mezhyhirya, Vorontsov Palace built for Russian Prince Mikhail Semyonovich the residential area of the ex-president of Ukraine, Yanukovych. This Vorontsov between 1827 and 1830, and the monument to Duke estate is a stunning, incredibly vast territory and a perfect example de Richelieu and the famous Potemkin stairs. They are the main of human greed. It includes a yacht pier, equestrian club, hunting entrance to Primorsky Boulevard from the seaside from where grounds, exotic cars, a golf course, an ostrich farm, helicopter pad, there are the fascinating views of the marine terminal and the many fountains, and man-made lakes. After Yanukovych fled Kiev seaport. Before lunch we will visit the Tolstoy Palace - currently in 2014, it was turned into a museum. Return to Kiev and enjoy a known as the House of Scientists, which is one of the most vivid one-hour cruise to see the Golden Domes of St. Michael’s Monas- architectural monuments in Odesa (or the Literature museum). tery in their glory. The monastery is situated along the banks of the After lunch we will tour the Opera house then return to the hotel Dnieper River in the historic administrative part of town. Return to around 4:00 pm for free time and overnight. (B,L,D) the hotel at around 8:00 pm for your overnight. (B,L,D)

Thursday, September 29 Sunday, October 02 Odessa - Kiev Kiev - USA

At around 8:30am, you’ll begin the drive to Kiev with a stop along After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home.(B) the way to visit a Cold War era nuclear missile base. Once was a top-secret base, now it became a museum and you can expe- rience a bit of what it was like to serve here. You’ll walk down Optional 1-day tour of Chernobyl a 500-foot-long underground corridor and take a lift 12 floors Sat, May 08 down to the “Red” button at the Unified Launch Control Cen- Sunday, October 02 ter, where you can sit in the hot seat and push that once fateful button. As you make your way to Kiev, you’ll pass bright yellow OPTIONAL 1-day Tour of Chernobyl sunflower fields and picturesque Ukrainian villages. In Kiev, the Begin your full day excursion with a visit to Chernobyl. Following capital city of the Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in Europe. an introductory briefing, head past the Leliv Checkpoint and into Transfer to Radisson Blu Hotel or similar for check in followed by Chernobyl town. Take in landmarks including the power plant, Ko- dinner around 7:00 pm and overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D) pachi Village and its abandoned kindergarten, and Reactor #4. Friday, September 30 Head down Lenin Street to Pripyat’s now Silent Square and see collapsed schools, run-down hospitals, and derelict cinemas. Af- Kiev ter lunch, visit the secret Duga Military Radar Station. Then, pass On today’s exploration of Kiev, you may feel as if you are in Paris. through a compulsory radiation control before returning to the ho- Take a walk along Kiev Broadway, known by the locals as “Ameri- tel in Kiev for your final night. (B,L) can long mile”, visit the House with Chimaeras (Horodecki House) Note: This visit is extremely safe and has no side effects on uniquely decorated with exotic animals and hunting scenes. Horo- your health. decki’s unusual architectural style earned him the name “Ukrainian Gaudi of Kiev.” You will also pass by the House of a Crying Wid- Monday, October 03 ow, named so because when it rains, the facade appears like tears Kiev - USA running down a woman’s cheeks, as well as the Chocolate House, one of the oldest mansions in the city, painted in a chocolate color. You’ll pass by many other interesting historic buildings, then make After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home.(B) your way to the Fountain of Samson, a talisman for Kiev dwellers. From here, head to visit the 18th century St. Andrew’s Church, a “We reserve the right to change the order of activities or places real pearl of Ukrainian Baroque and Richard the Lion Heart Cas- visited due to unforeseen schedule conflicts or in order to make tle, built in Neo-gothic style in the early 1900’s. After lunch, your the itinerary run smoothly” tour continues to the 11th century St. Sophia Cathedral, one of the city’s most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have the opportunity to see the Golden Gate, the main gate of Kiev during the 11th century on your back to the hotel. Have some free time late this afternoon to do some of your own explorations and overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D) Saturday, October 01 Kiev

Today will be a long touring day, but it is worth it as you head out around 9:00am to explore the Kievo-Pechersk Lavra Monastery of the Caves. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in 1051 A.D. and is the oldest monastery in Ukraine and possibly Russia. The monastery’s tight cluster of gold-domed churches is a feast for the eyes and the hoard of Scythian gold rivals that of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The underground labyrinths lined with mummi- fied monks are exotic and intriguing. You’ll then head to visit the Motherland Statue, now a symbol of the city and taller than New Tour Cost (Land Only): $5,195.00 per person sharing in double occupancy Single Supplement: $900.00 Price based on group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 12 participants. Optional Chernobyl extension: $325.00 $325.00 per person sharing in double occupancy $430.00 per person sharing in single occupancy Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: ***_****

Tour includes: Tour does not include:

• Arrival and departure transfer in a private A/C car with meeting • International roundtrip airfare, fuel surcharges, airport taxes & transfers to/from all airports. and security charges. • Minsk to Lviv flight • Currently all three countries don’t require visas. • 16 nights in Superior (4*) accommodations in centrally located • Dayroom or extra hotel nights necessitated by airline hotels with breakfast. flight schedule changes. • Travel by modern, air-conditioned van or minibus. • Airport transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled trip dates. • Meals as specified in the itinerary. • Expenses of a personal nature such as: beverages with meals, • Entrance Fees to all mentioned sites and museums. telephone, camera fees, laundry, etc. • English - speaking guide during all tours. • Travel Insurance. • Gratuities to the local guides and drivers. • Meals not specified in the itinerary. • All activities described in the tour. • Travel insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Trip Grade: II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides and extensive drives.

Lodging Level: *** Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, re- fined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (4 stars)

Special Trip Remarks: Active Touring - You will be covering a lot during this journey. The roads are good, and the bus is very comfortable. Some driving days are long, but there will be several restroom stops along the way. It is important to recognize the exhausting nature of some of the long sightseeing days. Be pre- pared to travel with comfortable shoes. You do have the option of staying in the vehicle if some sites seem difficult to you.

Spiekermann Travel Service, Inc. 18421 East Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021 Phone: 1-800-645-3233 Fax: 586-775-9556 www.mideasttrvl.com [email protected]