BUNKER DOWN IN ALBANIA Albania’s capital, Tirana, provides a fascinating
window on the prolonged rule of Enver Hoxha, who plastered the country with defensive bunkers and state-sponsored surveillance. The House of Leaves Museum tells the story, while two repurposed Hoxha-era bunkers now house the art-focused Bunk’Art 2 and history- leaning Bunk’Art 1, the latter pairing with the Dajti cable car. Head south to the mountain
towns of Gjirokastër and Berat, adding time for the Albanian Riviera and the ancient city of Vlore. Guests in resort centers such as Dhermi, Ksamil and Himare will have the pick of the local beaches, while boats connect Saranda to the Greek island of Corfu. Other key experiences include the national parks of Butrint and Blue Eye, and scenic boat trips on Komani Lake.
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ROMANIA’S CAPTIVATING CARPATHIANS Away from its major cities,
Romania offers pristine landscapes aplenty, from the Danube Delta wetlands, a hotspot for boating and birding, to the mountainous countryside of the Carpathians. The area offers great biking and hiking, and the adventurous are drawn to Moldoveanu, Romania’s highest peak. Tracking brown bears with
Zarnesti’s Libearty Bear Sanctuary is another attraction, while many visitors’ wish lists include Bran’s ‘Dracula’ castle, alongside others like Peles. Historical towns such as Brasov, Sibiu and the medieval citadel of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, are great bases. Luxury-loving clients will
enjoy trips such as ‘Castles of Transylvania’, onboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express.