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Europe Trip Ideas

Eastern Europe Tour Packages

Travel and Leisure Fodors USA Today New York Times National Geographic Washington Post Vogue

A private tour of Eastern Europe will have you venturing into the countries of the former Soviet Union, three decades after its demise. Besides the remnants of Communism, this is a region whose history and cultures stretch back much further and by visiting two or more of these fascinating countries you’ll gain an understanding not just of their recent past but also what makes each of them special and unique.

The countries you’ll find included in sample itineraries shown on this page are: Moldova and Ukraine, occasionally including some neighbouring countries to the west such as Poland and Romania. We aren’t running trips to Belarus or Russia for the foreseeable future. While often considered part of Eastern Europe, the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are best explored as a trio, so we have excluded them for the purposes of this page. Romania and Bulgaria is another pairing that is best considered separately. If you’ve arrived on this page looking for trips including Prague, Budapest, Krakow and Vienna, please visit our Central Europe page.If you’ve arrived on this page looking for trips including Prague, Budapest, Krakow and Vienna, please visit our Central Europe page.

Popular itineraries for tours of

Eastern Europe Tour

Although every Eastern Europe itinerary we create is unique, there are some popular routes and itineraries that we are asked for frequently. Our sample itineraries provide some ideas for you to consider as a basis for your own private tour combining several Eastern European countries. For each of these itineraries you can get a rough idea of the price using the Price Guide function. We cover many more destinations in these three countries than those listed here, and our expert trip planners will work with you to incorporate any places in the Eastern Europe region or neighboring countries you want to see.

Follow in the footsteps of the JayWayUkraine Bloggers Custom Itinerary
Follow in the footsteps of the JayWayUkraine Bloggers
Kyiv, Lviv
9 Days
Ukraine's Jewish Heritage Custom Itinerary
Ukraine's Jewish Heritage
Lviv, Kyiv, Odessa
10 Days
Western Ukraine's Best Custom Itinerary
Western Ukraine's Best
Lviv, Kyiv, Odessa
10 Days
Eastern Horizon: From Krakow to Kyiv via Lviv Custom Itinerary
Eastern Horizon: From Krakow to Kyiv via Lviv
Krakow, Lviv, Kyiv
10 Days
Ukraine and Moldova's Best Custom Itinerary
Ukraine and Moldova's Best
Lviv, Kyiv, Odessa, Chisinau
12 Days

* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select the number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

Why Travel with JayWay?

You only travel somewhere for the first time once. By choosing a custom itinerary, tailored to your needs and preferences, you can enjoy an unforgettable, seamless trip to your choice of destinations and at your own pace, planned by professionals and supported by locals on the ground in Europe.

Save Precious Time

Planning an amazing trip takes time. Our friendly travel advisors and experienced trip planners will listen to your needs and craft your dream itinerary. We know the best way to get around and how to spend your hard-earned time off, and this is how we’ll maximize your vacation time and enjoyment.

Have Peace of Mind

You’re in safe hands from the very beginning. Even before you arrive, your dedicated tour manager in Europe will be in touch to help you prepare. When you arrive, they’ll meet you and be available by phone, email, and IM for anything you need during your journey.

Make Memories Forever

Travel creates memories that can last a lifetime. You’ll return home with indelible recollections of beautiful sunsets, magical vistas, fascinating stories, and meals so delicious you’ll want to fly back every time you think of them. This is why we do what we do.

Reviews

Of our Eastern Europe tour

Review by John K.

Great time & can't wait for next tour with Jayway Travel! I loved visiting my grandfather's origins and Lviv.

– John K., Illinois

Year : 2021
Visited : Ukraine
Itinerary : Kyiv, Lviv, Kyiv
Rating :
4.8 / 5
Review by Peter, Elsa, Michael & Mary

A wonderful way to see this area. As a traveler you can be independent but still get tours and access to sites and recommendations for things to do. Great, friendly and knowledgeable JayWay Travel representatives.

– Peter, Elsa, Michael & Mary, Arizona

Year : 2018
Visited : Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Russia
Itinerary : Krakow, Warsaw, Riga, Tallinn, St. Petersburg
Rating :
4.8 / 5
Review by Carolyn & Sarah

It was a fabulous trip. JayWay is just the right mix of independent travel and hand holding when needed.

– Carolyn & Sarah, Maryland

Year : 2018
Visited : Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Finland
Itinerary : Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki
Rating :
4.8 / 5
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Beyond the Iron Curtain

Eastern Europe is a far cry from the drab gray place we were shown on newsreels in our youth. Lively cities and lush green countryside are for more common. You’ll find some throwbacks in the form of architecture and attitudes in places, but that’s a large part of the attraction to exploring this region.

Traces of Empires and Dictators

Shaped by centuries of history, from monarchies to empires to communist dictators, Eastern Europe has plenty of stories to tell. Castles, palaces and fortresses are everywhere, alongside more than a few monasteries. Experience the height of the Russian Empire in the ornate and beautiful city of St. Petersburg. Head to Ukraine for quirky Lviv and elegant Odessa. Step back into the 1980s in Transnistria, a breakaway republic on the territory of Moldova that wishes the USSR was still around. Go through the looking glass in Belarus, Europe’s last official dictatorship and see the ‘what if’ scenario for all the other ex Soviet republics that became democracies.

Rich Culinary Traditions

If you come to Eastern Europe unsure about the cuisine, rest assured you’ll eat well and deliciously. The Belarusians might have a reputation as ‘the potato people’ but there’s an amazing variety of ways they prepare the humble spud. Russia’s savory pelmeni dumplings are incredibly moreish. Moldova’s a wine country and the Romanian-influenced cuisine pairs well with the rich reds. Ukraine is the origin of borscht, but the biggest surprise might just be the fruit-filled varenyky dumplings served for dessert.

Condrita Monastery of Saint Nicholas in Moldova. Christian Orthodox church with a distinctive architectural style traditional for eastern Europe culture
Aerial view of Pechersk Lavra in Kiev. A UNESCO world heritage site in Ukraine
Flying over Lviv City, Ukraine. Town Hall, the tower, Dominican church. Panorama of the ancient city.

Diverse Destinations

We’ve done our homework, so you can comfortably explore beyond each country’s capital city, whether on day trips or spending a few nights. Cosmopolitan capitals Moscow and Kyiv are great for a few days but St Petersburg in Russia and Lviv in Ukraine are both must-sees, with both offering significant historical, and cultural, treasures.

You’re in the best hands

Our expert Eastern Europe travel advisors and trip planners will work with you to create your dream vacation itinerary. You’ll stay at the very best hotels, apartments or villas. You choose how you want to spend your days, either enjoying day trips and city tours with our trusted partners or taking a day off to wander on your own. Before you arrive and during your trip our on-the-ground staff throughout the region are on hand by phone or email for any help you need. With our years of experience in arranging trips in Eastern Europe we’re perfectly placed to create the most memorable trip you’ve ever experienced.

Frequently asked questions

about travel to Eastern Europe

Do you offer trips to Russia or Belarus?

We used to, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. We do not plan on resuming until the Ukraine-Russia war is over, and it is safe
for Americans to visit.

What is the best way to travel to Eastern Europe?

Most of our guests travel to Eastern Europe from the US by air, unless they are already traveling in a neighboring country. Currently, there are no direct flights from the US between New York and Moscow or Kyiv. We usually recommend getting an “open jaw” ticket which has you flying in to the first city on your trip and out of the last. This will save time and usually cost less when you factor in the cost of returning to the first city on your itinerary. Although we don’t sell airfare, our travel advisors will help you pick out the best fare and routing.

Where should I start my tour of Eastern Europe?

With so many potential routes, it all depends on which cities you want to see on your custom tour. Our travel advisors and expert trip planners will help you decide when we prepare your initial itinerary. Any of our sample itineraries can also be taken in reverse.

How much does a Eastern Europe custom tour cost?

Many factors affect the cost of a tour of Eastern Europe. Traveling solo works out more expensive than traveling with others, as none of the costs are shared. You can get a rough idea of the cost of our suggested Eastern Europe itineraries by using the Price Guide function.

When is the best time of year to visit Eastern Europe?

Spring, early summer and early fall are the very best times of year to visit Eastern Europe if you’re visiting for a primarily cultural and historical interest trip. The weather is not dissimilar to that of New York. July and August can be very warm. Late fall and mid January through mid March are the low season. The cities experience another busy period with Christmas markets visitors from mid December until Orthodox Christmas in early January.

How many days do I need to see Eastern Europe?

It is very difficult to see all of Eastern Europe in one trip, especially if you want to visit multiple countries as usually this means flying between cities. With just a week we suggest no more than two big cities, such as Moscow and St Petersburg. With ten days you could spend three nights in each of three cities, adding on Minsk, capital of Belarus, to the aforementioned Russian cities. In Ukraine a popular itinerary is Lviv, Kyiv and Odessa. Add on a couple of days to incorporate Moldova. Three nights in each place gives you enough time to experience the city itself and take a day trip somewhere close by to get more of a sense for the country as a whole. With two weeks you would have enough time to see two or more countries, combining Russia and Ukraine for example.

Which other countries could I combine with a trip to Eastern Europe?

Being on the edge of our map, there are plenty of possible extensions to the south and west, if you have time. Head west from Russia or Belarus and add on Finland or the Baltic States. With good flight connections between Kyiv and Tbilisi, Ukraine and Georgia makes for a great pairing – Georgia is a mecca for foodies and winelovers. You could also combine Ukraine with its neighbor to the south-west, Romania, where Bran Castle and Transylvania are a big draw.

What’s the best way to get around Eastern Europe?

Some of the distances between cities in this part of the world are vast and are best traveled by plane. Where suitable we will make recommendations for trains or private transfers. In some cases, train or bus is an option, though not on all routes. The night train might look appealing for logistical reasons but you’re unlikely to get a good night’s sleep! We only recommend public transportation for journeys we’ve tested the comfort level of ourselves. Your travel advisor and trip planner will put together the optimal route for your tour and present options where available. We highly recommend that you do not rent a car for a tour of Eastern Europe. Road quality, general driving standards, high one-way rental fees, as well as the reasonable cost of private transfers, make being driven by a professional a much better option.

How many different currencies do I need to worry about?

Each of the countries of Eastern Europe uses its own currency. Your personalized Guest Page is full of advice on how to work with the local currency in each country. You may be able to use Euros or US Dollars in some circumstances but they are not universally accepted.

What about Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and other “Eastern European” countries?

While you’ll often see a picture of Prague Castle advertising Eastern Europe Tours, but for a number of reasons we think these countries are best grouped as Central Europe, along with other countries in the middle of the continent: Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Is Eastern Europe cheaper than Western Europe?

In general almost everything to do with a vacation is cheaper in Eastern Europe than Western Europe. Certain consumer goods such as electronics and clothing are often more expensive however. When eating out, stick to places serving local cuisine and beverages, and you’ll find your bill much more reasonable than if you accompany your meal with an imported wine. Keep your souvenir-buying to locally produced items and this shouldn’t be a concern. The Guest Page we provide is packed with recommendations to help you make the most of your time, and budget, on the ground.

Do you offer group tours of Eastern Europe?

All our tour itineraries in the Baltics are designed as private tours. You’ll travel “semi-independently” between destinations. In each city you’ll have local guides for each walking tour, unlike on a group tour where it is often the same guide throughout. This guarantees the guide is truly an expert in their city and country. Should you wish to include some meet with other travelers, by joining a day tour, we can arrange for that as part of your itinerary.