HUNGARY, ROMANIA & BULGARIA

With Len Amadio

04 - 24 May 2009

It is fascinating to observe these three eastern European countries, that share boundaries, a common experience of invasion, displacement, incorporation and similar major cultural differences, yet can still emerge into the 21st century with distinct cultures, attitudes and world views.

Hungary first emerged as an independent national force with the Magyar occupation of what has been the Roman province of Pannonia. Soon incorporated into both the Habsburg and Ottoman empires, the people retained their unique language and culture, making up around 90% of the population and also forming a sizeable minority in Romania. Because it was a part of a major European empire, the Hungarian capital has a grandeur and style befitting its status, but there is a wild , romantic soul in the people that finds expression in music, dance and in their world view.

Romania was known as Dacia by the Romans, who conquered it under Trajan, but found it hard to control. This short occupation however provided a significant cultural input, so that the Slavic alphabet never took hold, although the majority follow the Eastern Orthodox faith, and some of the greatest examples of Byzantine influenced iconography and painted churches and monasteries can be found here.

Bulgaria, known as Thrace at the time of the Greeks and Romans was, like Romania, settled by a Turkik group that briefly held a large swathe of territory before succumbing to the Ottomans. But the Eastern Orthodox faith had an early and tenacious hold here. Here too the cyrillic script was developed. In Bulgaria we can find examples of the high level of artistic skill achieved by the Thracians, and then the subsequent cultural influences that have accrued since.

This will be an intriguing journey providing beautiful scenary, cities and towns with eclectic architectural styles, tasty food and wine, and a chance to meet some delightful people.

Your Tour Leader: Leonard Amadio AM

Len has had a distinguished career in music administration in the ABC and subsequently in senior arts positions in the South Australian government. He has served on many National Boards and Committees include the Adelaide Festival, Opera Australia, Australia Youth Orchestra and the ABC. Len has traveled extensively in Europe, North America and South East Asia. Len has led 12 previous tours for Alumni Travel.

Tour Price

Land Only per person twin share $6,850.00

Single Supplement $1,400.00

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