It is notoriously tricky to put your finger on the exact boundaries of Eastern Europe. Some definitions of this region conclude that Eastern Europe contains the countries to the east of the historic ‘Iron Curtain’ of the Cold War era. Others have defined it as those states which, following the Great Schism of the 11th-century, took on Eastern Christianity as their dominant belief system and today, those countries where the Eastern Orthodox Church plays a prominent role. Due to a lack of geographical borders, no unanimous agreement exists on where Eastern Europe begins and ends, but it is generally considered to contain the following countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Slovakia, Hungary, Moldova, Czech Republic, Romania, Russia and Ukraine.
As you venture eastwards into this part of Europe, you’ll find a land less travelled. On one hand, English is not as widely spoken and the Euro becomes less frequently accepted the further east you travel. On the other hand, if you travel to Eastern Europe you can enjoy much cheaper prices and a treasure trove of fascinating cultural delights!
Many, if not all of the countries in Eastern Europe have come under the influence of the Soviet Union at one time or another. This heritage gives many of the regions capital cities a gritty exterior, although underneath this aesthetic you can find some of the most charming and unique cultures in the continent.
Distinctive cuisines, breathtaking landscapes and ancient traditions can be found here in abundance. From steaming bowls of rich goulash in Hungary to the dramatic landscapes of the Danube Delta, Eastern Europe is a dream destination for travellers willing to venture off the beaten path. Landscapes here range from the rugged Tatra Mountains of Slovakia to the rolling hills of Transylvania and the glistening waters of Lake Balaton in Hungary.
The most alluring thing about travelling to Eastern Europe is the fantastical array of historic sights. In a region where history continues to unfold, on a tour of Eastern Europe you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the most inspiring monuments in the continent. From the rainbow-coloured domes of St. Basil’s in Moscow to the haunting silhouette of Bran Castle in Romania and the eerie remnants of Chernobyl in Ukraine, there’s no shortage of things to see in Eastern Europe. Of course, you cannot visit Eastern Europe without exploring its most enchanting, fairytale cities. Take Prague for example, the ‘City of a Thousand Spires’, or magical Brasov, one of Romania’s great medieval cities.
The perfect destination for a sightseeing tour, let Eastern Europe seduce you with its heady mix of folklore and landscapes. It might have a gritty exterior at times, but delve deeper to uncover its warm, hospitable heart!
