We recently concluded a five-month journey through Eastern and Central Europe, and it reaffirmed our decision to save our European travels for our 30s. Our older selves now appreciate culture, architecture, history, and food much more than we did in our 20s, when beach-bumming and partying were more our style.
Starting in Istanbul, we revisited many of its lively, diverse attractions since our first visit in 2011. We enjoyed the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, met friends, and participated in the World Tourism Forum.
In Bulgaria, we found ourselves drawn to Plovdiv, extending our stay to savor its local wineries, unique grapes like Mavrud, and experiencing the city’s blend of Roman ruins and trendy neighborhoods. We also explored Sofia for a couple of days.
Macedonia surprised us with its revamped Skopje, filled with marble monuments and fountains. We enjoyed the winter vibes by skiing in Mavrovo National Park and relished the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid’s Epiphany ceremonies and sunny walks along its shores.
Albania offered a wild and memorable road trip despite its limited tourism infrastructure. Highlights included the old town of Berat, the walled city of Gjirokaster, the coast of Saranda, and the scenic drive from there to Tirana.
Our brief visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, centered around learning about the city’s harrowing history through the Tunnel Museum and enjoying the charming old town.
Croatia’s magical cities of Split and Dubrovnik were stunning, even though off-season rains dampened our overall experience. We still found joy in exploring Game of Thrones filming locations and both cities’ striking Adriatic settings.
Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor was breathtaking despite the rain. We enjoyed hiking, visiting churches, and exploring nearby towns like Budva and Perast.
From Montenegro, a seaplane took us to Italy, a long-awaited destination. We adored Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Tuscan countryside. Rome, in particular, captivated us with its timeless allure and vibrant cultural scene.
Our time in Malta was a perfect blend of adventure and downtime, with activities like kayaking, hiking, exploring ancient temples, and savoring local food and drinks. We made lasting friendships and immersed ourselves in the beauty and history of Valletta and Mdina.
Berlin offered a week of vibrant experiences with stunning street art, eclectic neighborhoods, and memorable reunions with friends. We traversed the city on bikes, indulged in local markets, and soaked in the city’s unique atmosphere.
Finally, Prague enchanted us with its fairytale-like streets, weekend markets, and lively beer gardens. The city’s aesthetic beauty left a lasting impression, even though we felt there was still much more to see.
Eastern and Central Europe left us wanting more, and we plan to return. There are still many countries and cities we need to visit, and we look forward to deeper explorations of this fascinating region.
We’d love to hear from you. Have you been to these countries? What were your highlights? Or are you planning to visit? Let us know!
