EUROPEBULGARIA  MACEDONIA  ALBANIA 156 " This tour really did meet my expectations - if not exceed them! Thank you for giving me the chance to travel!" Eva Bernasconi europe European Frontiers Imaginative Facts Tour code: UAEF • Activities: Extensive walking in towns, hiking, cycling, swimming • Accommodation: 13 nights simple hotels and 1 night overnight train • Transport: Local trains and buses, private transport • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader DAY 1: SOFIA- Arrival day. DAY 2: SOFIA- We spend this morning exploring Sofia on foot, visiting some of the magnificent churches, cathedrals and mosques. In the afternoon, we take a bus across the border with Macedonia to Skopje. ( B) DAY 3: SKOPJE - TIRANA- We spend the day in the old town, perhaps visiting the Daud Pasha Baths, once the largest Turkish baths in the Balkans and now the City Art Gallery. Later we take a bus to Tirana, in Albania. ( B) DAY 4: TIRANA - BERAT- Albania's capital city is an intriguing place; the downtown area is a mixture of communist, Art Deco and modern architecture. We explore here before travelling to Berat in the south of the country. Berat is one of Albania's prettiest towns and contains remnants of the region's past role as a crossroads between Ottoman Turkey and Europe. ( B) DAYS 5 & 6: SARANDA- After a free morning we travel to Saranda, by the Ionian Sea where we visit Butrint National Park to explore ancient ruins, and visit the seaside town of Dhermi. ( B) DAYS 7 & 8: LAKE OHRID- Today we leave Albania, returning to Macedonia and the beautiful Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have a full day here starting with a hike followed by a cycling trip to Bachilo, where shepherds bring traditional mountain cattle for summer pasture. If you feel less active, the lake offers great places to relax at numerous beaches. ( B) DAYS 9 & 10: PLOVDIV- Travel to Plovdiv in Bulgaria, one of the most ancient cities in Europe and famous for its diverse culture. We have the chance to explore this historic town, with its archaeological sites and museums. ( B) DAYS 11 & 12: VELIKO TARNOVO- We take a train to the charming city of Veliko Tarnovo, where the River Yantra winds through a gorge in the centre of the city and the houses cling precariously to the cliffs of either side. Enjoy a free day to explore - perhaps take a trip to nearby Svishtov or take a boat out on the River Danube. ( B) DAY 13: VARNA- Travel to Varna, an atmospheric city situated on the Black Sea. ( B) DAY 14: VARNA- This morning we cycle to Pobitite Kamani, an intriguing geological site made up of numerous limestone pillars and cones. This evening we take an overnight train to Sofia. ( B) DAY 15: SOFIA- Tour ends on arrival in Sofia. Travel well off the beaten track to the very edge of Europe • Compare and contrast the intriguing capitals of Sofia, Tirana and Skopje • Experience Albania at the Ionian coastal town of Saranda and historic Berat • Hike and bike at Lake Orhid, one of the oldest lakes in Europe • Explore ancient Plovdiv and the charming city of Veliko Tarnovo • Cycleto the curious site of Pobitite Kamanifrom Varna on the Black Sea BulgariaBulgaria Macedonia Albania Macedonia Albania Sofia Plovdiv Veliko Tarnovo Varna Lake Ohrid Tirana Berat Saranda Skopje European Frontiers Serbia & Montenegro Bosnia & Herzegovina Zlatibor Durmitor N. P. Ostrog Lovcen N. P. Biogradska Gora N. P. Belgrade Sarajevo Lukomir Mostar Kotor Heart of Europe Georgia Armenia Treasures of the Caucasus Tbilisi Gori Kazbegi Tusheti Region Telavi David- Gareja Yerevan Garni Geghard Echmiadzin Khor Virap Single Supplement £ 285 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 3.78 * Price includes tour price of £ 949and local payment of € 200All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1099pp Land Only * adventurer Tour duration 15 days © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller Starts SunEnds Sun SofiaSofia 2009 07- Jun- 09 21- Jun- 09 05- Jul- 09 19- Jul- 09 02- Aug- 09 16- Aug- 09 30- Aug- 09 13- Sep- 09 Starts SunEnds Sun SofiaSofia 2010 06- Jun- 10 20- Jun- 10 04- Jul- 10 18- Jul- 10 01- Aug- 10 15- Aug- 10 29- Aug- 10 12- Sep- 10 new tour for 2009 We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

BOSNIA + HERZEGOVINA  SERBIA  MONTENEGRO  GEORGIA  ARMENIA 157 EUROPE Imaginative Facts Tour code: UTHE • Activities: Extensive walking at sites, hiking on Bjelasnica Mountain and in Durmitor National Park, optional swimming • Accommodation: 8 nights hotel, 4 nights apartments, 1 night homestay, 1 night bungalows • Transport: Public and private bus • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader DAY 1: SARAJEVO- Arrival day. DAY 2: SARAJEVO- Take a walking tour through the old oriental part with its beautiful architecture and cafes. The contrast between the wide boulevards and modern shops of the European quarter and the narrow alleys and ancient mosques of the oriental section is fascinating. ( B) DAY 3: LUKOMIR - UMOLJANI- Drive to Lukomir, the highest and most isolated settlement in the country. The inhabitants are shepherds, and we spend time walking around the village with its traditional architecture and mediaeval tombstones, along the dramatic Rakitnica canyon ( one of the deepest in Europe). ( BL) DAY 4: BELGRADE- Travel to Belgrade, arriving in the late afternoon. Belgrade is the largest city in the Balkans, and is an intriguing mix of the traditional and the modern, with its museums, galleries and lively nightlife. ( B) DAY 5: BELGRADE- There is the opportunity to visit the ' Stari Grad' or old city, the 18th century Belgrade fortress and Kalemegdan park, a popular place for relaxation with views over the river Danube. DAY 6: ZLATIBOR- Continue to Zlatibor, an area of valleys and forests where we spend time walking around the local villages. ( LD) DAY 7: BIOGRADSKA GORA NATIONAL PARK- This is an isolated area of forests and mountains which surround five glacial lakes, known as ' mountain eyes'. We take a short walk around the lake, and then have the opportunity to swim in its crystal clear waters. Later we continue to Zabljak where we spend the night. ( BL) DAY 8: DURMITOR NATIONAL PARK-Hike around the lakes of Crno and Zminje, through breathtaking scenery of mountains, forests, lakes and high pastures. This area is inhabited by many species of birds and animals, and we may see eagles, white-headed vultures, foxes, deer or chamois. ( BL) DAY 9: OSTROG - CETINJE - LOVCEN NATIONAL PARK- Visit the Ostrog monastery, with chapels set in a sheer rock face and linked by beautifully decorated caves, passages and stairways, before stopping in Cetinje, a former capital of Montenegro. Later we arrive at Lovcen National Park. ( BD) DAY 10: KOTOR- There is a chance to visit the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic Njegos, a prince and poet, and one of the best loved figures in Montenegran history. We then continue to Kotor, whose lovely mediaeval walled city has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. ( B) DAY 11: KOTOR- We take a boat ride around the islands in the bay of Kotor, then the rest of the day is free to further explore the city. DAY 12: MOSTAR- Drive to Mostar, visiting the orthodox monastery of Trebinje and the Ottoman border town of Pocitelj. Mostar is famous for its bridge, the ' Stari Most' a single stone arch which was rebuilt after it collapsed whilst being shelled by tanks in 1993. The town has a lovely bustling atmosphere and there are hundreds of photo opportunities of the scenic river valley, surrounding hills, the Turkish old town, its mosques and beautiful Islamic architecture around every corner. DAY 13: MOSTAR- Today there is time to explore Mostar to take advantage of the superb shopping and dining, and to visit Blagaj, a town situated by the river Buna with a fortress set on the cliffs above. ( B) DAY 14: SARAJEVO- After a free morning in Mostar, we return to Sarajevo. ( B) DAY 15: SARAJEVO- Tour ends. ( B) Experience a mix of cultures at this crossroads between East and West • Explore the vibrant capital cities of Sarajevo and Belgrade • Travel to the highlands to the isolated, traditional villageof Lukomir • Hike and swim amidst the stunning national parksof Montenegro • Wander the streets of old Mostar, with its beautiful Islamic architecture • Cruise around the Adriatic islandsfrom the mediaeval walled city of Kotor Heart of Europe Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia & Montenegro Treasures of the Caucasus Imaginative Facts Tour code: TTTC • Activities: Trekking in the Tusheti, extensive walking at sites. Trek grade - Moderate • Accommodation: 9 nights in simple hotels, 4 nights homestay • Transport: Private mini- bus, 4WD vehicles • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader DAY 1: TBILISI- Transfer to the hotel. DAY 2: TBILISI- A guided tour taking in the fascinating history of this region. ( B) DAY 3: DAVID GAREJA - TELAVI- Head to the semi- desert region of David Gareja, overlooking the border with Azerbaijan, home to a fantastic collection of rock- cut churches and frescoes. Continue to Telavi and taste some of Georgia's famous wines. ( BD) DAY 4: SHENAKO- Travel into the heart of the High Caucasus by 4WD jeeps over the Abanos Pass and on to Shenako, a remote village in the province of Tusheti. The Caucasus contain some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, as well as isolated communities that were once the first defence against the Imperial Russian army. ( BLD) DAYS 5 & 6: TREKKING IN THE TUSHETI REGION - We spend these days walking through magnificent scenery. En route we'll pass fortified villages that date back hundreds of years, many containing the traditional watchtowers that were used to guard against invaders. Trekking past dense forests that hold bears and wolves, and across glacial rivers, this is one of the highlights of our journey here. We camp or stay in village houses along the way. ( BLD) DAY 7: TBILISI- Return to Tbilisi, visiting the Alaverdi Cathedral on the way. ( BL) DAY 8: MTSKHETA - ANANAURI - KAZBEGI- Today we drive along the Georgian Military Highway to the small town of Kazbegi, close to the Russian border. En route we visit the church fortress of Ananauri, an unusual mixture of military and religious architecture and the town of Mtskheta, once the capital of Georgia. Upon arrival in Kazbegi, we hike up to the Holy Trinity Church for superb views. ( BLD) DAY 9: GORI - UPLISTSIKHE - TBILISI-Gori is best known for being the birthplace of Georgia's most famous son, Stalin, and we visit the Stalin Museum while there. We then move on to the abandoned cave city of Uplistsikhe, one of Georgia's most famous sites, before we return to Tbilisi for our final night in Georgia. ( BL) DAY 10: YEREVAN- A sad farewell to Georgia as we cross the border into Armenia. There are some great monasteries en route to Yerevan, including the World Heritage Sites of Haghpat and Sanahin. We also stop at the vast Lake Sevan and visit the Sevanavank Monastery. ( BL) DAY 11: YEREVAN - GARNI - GEGHARD-This morning we enjoy a city tour of Yerevan, a surprisingly cosmopolitan city. Garni is an excellent example of a pagan temple, dating back to the 1st century BC with commanding views of the valley below. Nearby is the monastery of Geghard, built into steep cliffs and partly hollowed out of the rock, which is reputed to have contained the spear that pierced Christ on the cross. ( B) DAY 12: KHOR VIRAP - NORAVANK - SELIM CARAVANSERAI- Khor Virap is fabled to be the place where St Gregory the Illuminator, Armenia's Christian father, was imprisoned for 13 years. It dates back to the 3rd century and overlooks Mt Ararat in Turkey, once part of Armenia's historical empire. One of the best preserved caravanserais in the world, Selim harks back to days when the Silk Road was trodden by merchants on their journeys between the East and West. ( BL) DAY 13: ECHMIADZIN - AMBERD FORTRESS- Echmiadzin - Armenia's equivalent of the Vatican City - is the religious centre of the country and gives a great insight into the first country in the world to officially adopt Christianity. Our final afternoon is free to explore Yerevan. ( B) DAY 14: YEREVAN- Tour ends. ( B) Explore the surprising cultural gems of Georgia & Armenia • Trekamidst the isolated communitiesof the Tusheti region in the Caucasus • Visit Stalin's birthplaceat Gori and the abandoned cave city of Uplistsikhe • Visit the caravanserai of Selim and ancient Khor Virap overlooking Mt Ararat • View ancient church fortresses and remote rock- hewn monasteries • Enjoy the region's famed hospitality, fantastic food and local wine Single Supplement £ 295 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 2.96 * Price includes tour price of £ 1149and local payment of € 250All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1340pp Land Only * Single Supplement £ 240 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 6.50 * Price includes tour price of £ 1149and local payment of € 300All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1380pp Land Only * travellertraveller Tour duration 15 daysTour duration 14 days Starts SunEnds Sun SarajevoSarajevo 2009 05- Jul- 0919- Jul- 09 02- Aug- 0916- Aug- 09 30- Aug- 0913- Sep- 09 Starts SunEnds Sun SarajevoSarajevo 2010 06- Jun- 1020- Jun- 10 04- Jul- 1018- Jul- 10 01- Aug- 1015- Aug- 10 29- Aug- 1012- Sep- 10 Starts SatEnds Fri TbilisiYerevan 2009 04- Jul- 0917- Jul- 09 01- Aug- 0914- Aug- 09 29- Aug- 0911- Sep- 09 Starts SatEnds Fri TbilisiYerevan 2010 03- Jul- 1016- Jul- 10 31- Jul- 1013- Aug- 10 28- Aug- 1010- Sep- 10 new tour for 2009 Trek grade - Easy Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243