Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 – the 20th anniversary of which seems to have caught so many people by surprise – Eastern Europe has reclaimed its former glory as a thriving, diverse region. It now welcomes an increasing number of visitors who are keen to experience the wide range of sights, tastes and sounds available to travellers from any background.

The Orheiul Vechi rock monastery of Moldova is a museum complex exhibiting remains from different civilizations that lived between the Nistru and Prut rivers. It is situated 60km from Chisinau in a narrow, rocky bend of the Raut River Valley. The remains of the first human settlement are located in cliff caves, while atop the cliff are vestiges of an ancient fortification (5th- to 3rd-century BC) built by the Geto-Dacian people.

The UN defines Eastern Europe as being made up of 10 countries – Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine – but the area’s political, religious and cultural qualities don’t split cleanly along its borders. While a shared heritage means that there are compelling regional similarities, there’s also an inspiring amount of diversity. Even a short journey through Eastern Europe is enough to guarantee a genuinely rich range of experiences and encounters.

Whether it’s skiing in the Czech Republic or quaffing some of Moldova’s excellent wines, there’s always something different to try and somewhere new to see.

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FEATURE ARTICLES

SAMOGON? SAME AGAIN! THE INSIDE SCOOP ON MINSK

Minsk, Belarus, has long been associated with its provocative political (Communist) past. It offers a unique glimpse of a significant era for Eastern Europe as a whole, while keeping an eye firmly on the future. Samogon, the local tipple, also comes highly recommended. MORE…

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NOTES ON PRAGUE: DELVING INTO THE CITY’S CLASSICAL MUSIC SCENE

Prague is a centre of European culture, proud of its tradition of involvement in the arts. Despite its reputation as a party town, the city promises a full earload to anyone in tune with classical music or traditional elegance. MORE…

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A TASTE OF FINE WINE AND FRESH COUNTRY NEAR CHISINAU

Moldova is economically one of the poorest countries in Europe, but boasts an incredible wealth of experiences. Boost the local economy through rural excursions and savour its best-kept secret – fantastic wines! MORE…

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A PLUNGE INTO THE PAST AT HISTORIC OLD ORHEI, MOLDOVA

One of Moldova’s most important archaeological sites and popular tourist attractions offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with history in an area renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. MORE…

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DESTINATION SITES

whl.travel network coverage in Eastern Europe currently includes nine destinations in six of the 10 countries. New sites are being added to the network all the time.

• Bratislava (Slovakia)
• Bucharest (Romania)
• Chisinau (Moldova)
• Crimea (Ukraine)
• Minsk (Belarus)
• Odessa (Ukraine)
• Prague (Czech Republic)
• Rokytnice (Czech Republic)
• Transylvania (Romania)

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