By Fran Walker
Only recently available to western tourists, an eastern European tour offers the opportunity to experience cultures and scenery like nowhere else in the world.
Russian Vacations
Anyone considering a Russian vacation will want to sample the incredible architecture of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Russia’s historic buildings and incredible museums mean lovers of history and culture will find a veritable feast. The Bolshoi Ballet is also a must.
Lovers of scenery and the outdoors likewise will have a great vacation too. Twice as big as the US, and covering 11 time zones, the Russian landscape is varied and beautiful.
Highlights include Lake Baikal, the mountains and forests, but look out for the bears! Siberia was once a place of exile, but has become another east European tourist venue. Winters are very cold in Russia, so early summer may be the best time to visit.
Poland Vacations
Like Russia, Poland’s history is strongly associated with communism.
These days, Poland is becoming equally popular for vacations. Nature lovers will love its national parks and reserves; Central Poland boasts medieval castles and caves. Capital Warsaw is a must for theater and music lovers. Tradition and folklore run strongly through all of this fascinating country.
Germany Vacations
Germany is another historic country offering a varied vacation and some of the most fairytale vistas you could ever imagine. You can choose from skiing, castles, river cruises, striking cities, or simply sampling one of their famous beers.
From fairytales to snowboarding, a German tour offers several vacations in one. Like most countries in Europe, Germany boasts a rich culture and a range of very different landscapes to tour and explore. If you want to experience the whole country, allow a few weeks for your vacation in Germany.
German City Tours
Germany has a number of fascinating cities to explore, each with their own historical and cultural attractions. Berlin has been transformed since the fall of the wall and offers a cosmopolitan vacation spot.
Cologne famed gothic cathedral is awe-inspiring, while its annual festival is colorful and exciting. Nuremburg offers medieval grandeur and Munich and Frankfurt boast cosmopolitan nightspots and culture.
No German tour would be complete without a visit to some of Germany’s classic, fairy tale castles. A Rhine cruise is an excellent way to sample the delights of a world like no other.
The Moselle Valley is less well-known, but also offers the opportunity to visit idyllic locations and enjoy peace and tranquility. Germany’s Black Forest is an area of great beauty with green valleys and thick conifer forests. It provides great opportunities for hiking and enjoying the outdoors while you tour.
Germany enjoys excellent climates some parts in the summer months, but also offers great skiing resorts. Germany offers a wealth of classic Alpine skiing vacations, where you can choose from luxury or more basic venues.
As you can see, a German tour offers something for everyone.
