Eastern Europe with teens

Inessa

different people define "Eastern" Europe differently. What does it mean to you?

Are you hoping to duplicate the previous trip?

When are you going?

All, or part of this route ...
Berlin =>Dresden=>Prague=>Vienna=>Budapest=>Krakow=>Warsaw

Thank you for the follow up questions and suggesions. I agree, I should have been more precise. The countries I am thinking of are: Croatia, Montenegro, Romania, Slovenia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina - we really are not committed to any particular itinerary. We are looking to have a wonderful 2, 5 - to 3 weeks in Euope as a family with teens. Perhaps some travelers did some teen-related activities that stood out to them.

You are talking The Balkans really then, and not Eastern Europe. Not an area I have travelled through yet, sorry.
I would say, however, that Croatia and Slovenia have many fans, and I have heard great reports.
Plitivice Lakes in Croatia and Slovenia's Lake Bled are the big attractions.
The bridge at Mostar in Bosnia is a stand out for many too.
Kotor in Montenegro is a spectacular setting according to my parents.
Albania and Romania would not figure with me, others may offer first hand advice.

I will throw out some random thoughts, ideas and experiences. If anything lights your fire we can go deeper.

Last June we flew into Sophia. Love Sophia, our second visit. Then we went overland to Istanbul. Took about a week but saw some marvelous places. Here are some pictures. https://vasvaripalvacationphotos.shutterfly.com/bulgaria We have a few other places we are obligated to visit, but once we get those out of the way we are off to Bulgaria again. I would only do this with a guide. Rates start about $300 a day for a couple including the hotel rooms. Underground rivers, roman ruins, great ancient towns in surreal surroundings, beautiful people. Very safe and an adventure of a life time.

Romania, spectacular. Again, this is a weeklong trip. This is Eastern Europe before the “westernization”. I’ve only been there once since the change and the progression from the earlier years is still way behind what one would expect. But that’s good. This is a land that will soon change. See it now while you can. https://vasvaripalvacationphotos.shutterfly.com/romania

Slovakia, not on your list but I think one of the great deals in the region right now. In expensive, stunning castles, amazing nature, mountains and ancient mining towns. https://vasvaripalvacationphotos.shutterfly.com/slovakia

Okay after all of the backwater lands you need the comfort of an amazing city https://vasvaripalvacationphotos.shutterfly.com/budapest1

Croatia………………well, in September we make our first trip to Croatia. Runs like this: Land Dubrovnik spend a few days, drive to Perast and spend the night. On to Kotor for a night, Budva for a night and finally Podgorica for a night, catching a flight to Belgrade the next morning. A day in Belgrade and then on to Budapest. I will let you know what I discover. And Ive see a few more in the region but that was a long time ago and probably not relevant today.

Other places you might check out are Hungary, the Czech Republic and Austria. As you can tell I love the region. Another thought would be to set up a base camp in a place like Budapest then use cheap European flights to do your sightseeing. For instance the flight from Belgrade to Budapest was about $75 and we have flown from Budapest to Moscow, Tel Aviv, Paris, London, Sofia, Burgas, etc on low cost carriers and on full service carriers for some pretty low prices.

Anyway……………… if anything looks interesting just ask.

Thank you ALL, your responses certainly give me plenty of information, I am very thankful to everyone for taking the time to share his/her experiences and opinions. Now for the hardest part - narrowing my choices while keeping in mind our teenages. Once I have digested this information - I'll return with more pointed and specific questions.

Innessa

Romania!

I was in Bucharest about a month ago and was impressed on how colorful the city is now (compared to the drab grey that dominated in the late '90's) and the great pedestrian and shopping near the main square (Piata Unirii). It's worth a visit to the Casa Poporului (second largest building in the world) and try to have lunch or dinner at the Carul cu Bere (great atmosphere and traditional food) - near Piata Unirii and the National Bank (which is actually quite an architectural splendor).

I personally would spend the bulk of a Romania visit in Brasov as my home base. From there you can visit Bran Castle and Sighisoara (Dracula sights and beautiful castles) as well as Peles Castle in Sinaia and the mountains (the actual Palace beats Neuschwanstein and just about any other, although the Schwangau area geography wins on that count). The teens will definitely like the Dracula history and mystique - although a little touristy. They might also enjoy the Sapte Scari hike (Seven Steps) just south of Brasov. It follows a river and its falls cutting through a wooded slot canyon and has a series of ladders and board walks - quite fun!)

There are also several cool fortified churches and fortresses to visit within a 1-hour drive or so of Brasov - like Rasnov and Rupea. They have recently constructed a medieval village within Rasnov fortress that gives you a taste of medieval life. If you can, stay in the Schei District of Brasov. (I loved Hotel Kolping, right next to the forested mountain!) This is the old town area (very quaint and beautiful) and close to the main square and pedestrian/shopping district and access to Mt. Tampa (around which the city wraps).

I would also consider to explore Sibiu (European Capital of Culture in 2007) and Alba Iulia (the original capital of Romania after 1918 unification. Cool fortification with 11th Century church and Roman ruins).

If you're making your way to or from Budapest, the Corvin Castle in Hunedoara is a MUST SEE! It is fantastic! Not overly-touristy and you feel like you are back in the 1400's. Plus, it has a striking similarity to Hogwarts - but without the Universal Studios frills. Hunedoara is a little over halfway from the Hungarian border to Sibiu.

Train and driving routes to Budapest are fairly easy and accessible from either Brasov or Sibiu.

I did a three week trip through Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia last year (with a day trip to Kotor, Montenegro).

I loved everywhere I went, but given your interest in history, architecture, and art, and your desire for an experience that is culturally and historically rich, I would make a point to spend some time in Bosnia, and try to find some opportunities to be in the company of local residents. The stories people shared with me about living through the war in the 90s and in present-day Bosnia were the real highlight of my entire trip.

When you are in Sarajevo, try to book a walking tour with Amir Telebecirovic. (You can read what I wrote about my day with him on my blog.) And go see the tunnel.

In Mostar, of course you'll go see the bridge, but also go into shops and talk to the proprietors, and try to get away from the central tourist area. You will meet some of the warmest, friendliest people anywhere, and they each have a story to share.

Have fun planning your trip!

Have to agree with all the wonderful tips for Romania... I did not travel with a teen there, but it was an amazing country to visit and especially Brasov for teens... If I remember correctly it is a university town.
I have traveled a lot with teens to Europe and know that anyone of my grandkids would love Romania. Plus, it is a unique area to visit and definitely not mainstream, so lots more to learn about.

also, Istanbul... I did take a teen there and it was amazing. He absolutely loved it!

I would also get the kids involved and have them do a little research on one of the locations you are going to visit... let them plan a few hours for the family.
I also make the kids keep a trip log/travel journal... it is amazing what you can forget if you don't write it down. There is just so much going on and you think you won't forget, but you do. At this age they are so impressionable so their insights, etc. are very important to record. Every night I try to remember to make them write a bit. I devised a fill in the blank journal in case they weren't inclined to write a lot about feelings, memories, etc... so it is easy for them to get started. Where we stayed, memorable sites, favorite moment, surprises, best food, etc... Now, a number of years later they all love their journals. It is private, just for them and need not be shared. Also pages for xtra writing, sketches, etc.

I will usually try to find appropriate music for the countries we are going and make a cd to listen to. I usually drive so have it in the car, but it can be used in the room also to set the mood of the country and to expand their music.

Unless your two teens and one young adult are particularly fond of cars or trains, you might confer with them about cutting a location or two from your wish list so you can settle into a few areas and get to know them. Less time moving; less packing and unpacking; more pausing to smell the roses, or at least the aroma of the local pizza.

You didn’t provide the time of year, but given that you are traveling with teenagers and that they would probably be in school the only 2.5 to 3 week period would be the summer break. So, assuming they get out of school on or about the 2nd of June here are some ideas:

First a great assignment might be to have them research the very term: “Eastern Europe”. The definition is not set in stone and means different things in different generations and different countries and cultures.

Culture in “Eastern” Europe revolves to a great degree around the arts. Unfortunately for you the Performing Arts go on vacation in the summer months. Still, if you begin your trip as soon as school lets out and if you put the performing arts up front you should be able to expose them to the best of it. The opera houses in Budapest and Bucharest and Sofia are going to be among the most authentic in their cultural significance and participation within society. Of course you will have to bring a sports coat. Some people find that impossible. Me? I can pack for a fishing expedition and still fit in a sports coat in a “carry-on-only” trip.

So, and you can do the same sorts of things on a parallel course in other countries, but this is easier for me because I can do it off the top of my head without a lot of research:
1 Arrive Istanbul https://goo.gl/maps/qoan7
2 Istanbul (using local tour guide while in town – stay in the Sultanahmet in one of the many hotels with a great roof top terrace)
3 Istanbul
4 Istanbul to Nessebar Bulgaria. This is a wonderfully maintained village/town with church ruins dating to the earliest periods of Christianity to ancient Roman ruins. Touch the Black Sea
5 Nessebar
6 Nessebar to Plovdiv an important town in Ottoman Bulgaria. See how the Ottomans lived. Also in important Roman city with the great amphitheater still intact and hidden remnants of Rome buried in the basements of building and under street intersections. This town is dripping with history.
7 Plovdiv
8 Plovdiv to the Devil’s Throat subterranean waterfall and river. In a place nearly inaccessible but stunning in its beauty and ruggedness. Then on to Bansko, a winter ski resort for the night. Great craft shopping.
9 Bansko to the Rila Monastery to Sofia. The Rila Monastery is one of the most beautiful in the region, in excellent original conditions, still operating and very instructional when it comes to understanding orthodox Christianity. Visit with a monk.
10 Sofia. A wonderful city with hidden roman ruins I the courtyards of modern buildings. Maybe go to the opera.
11 Sofia to Veliko Tarnavo. A former capital built on the very, very steep side of a mountain. Below are the ruins of the old medieval castle complex.

12 Veliko Tarnavo to Bucharest.

https://goo.gl/maps/E26XP
13 Bucharest. The “People’s Palace” is an education in its self
14 Bucharest to Snagov where on an island, under an ancient chapel you will find the remains of Count Dracula. (Maybe). To reach this you have to pay the ferry man to row you across the lake. Then on to Pele’s Castle where some rooms are ancient armory museums and others are covered with murals by G. Klmt. Magnificent Architecture as well. Finally on to Brasov for the night

LOOK AT THE PREVIOUS POST ON ROMANIA FOR DESCRIPTIONS

15 Brasov
16 Brasov to Sighisoara to Bierton to Sibiu
17 Sibu to Timisoara
18 Timisoara
19 Timisoara to Kecskemét, Hungary for lunch and a Puszta Horse Show; then on to Budapest.
20 Budapest – of course things for kids to do in Budapest could take an entire post.
a. Drive a Russian Tank
b. Theater and Music
c. Cold War Fall Out Shelter / Hospital deep beneath Buda
d. The tragedy of the Holocaust
e. River trips
f. Bath houses
g. Escape games in the basements of ancient buildings
h. Buildings with machine gun bullet holes in them still visible from the attempted 56 revolution against Russian occupation
i. Remnants of ottoman rule
21 Budapest
22 Budapest
23 Budapest Home

Averages about 1.5 hours of driving a day and 2 nights per location. You can only do this with a car or a guide with a car. With the guide figure about $300 to $400 a day including the hotel rooms and all the car costs. Hey, you didn't provide a budget.