From the YPT office in Varna, Bulgaria, and with our specialist knowledge and language skills gained from a decade of working in the region, YPT can really get you from the heart of Russia and Eastern Europe out to the corners where the action is. Through our Soviet tours and travel packages, we have pioneered travel in Chernobyl and the Unrecognised Countries of the former Soviet Union and we run regular trips to the Balkans, Albania, Ukraine, Belarus, Kaliningrad and Russia itself, from Chechnya and Stalingrad to the Siberian summer in Magadan and Lake Baikal.
In fact, there’s not one country in the former Eastern Bloc that we don’t go to! We have also added much more in the Caucasus where we now run tours to not only Georgia and Armenia but also Azerbaijan including the Nakhchivan exclave. We can also organise bespoke independent travel to any location in the former Eastern Bloc; click here for more information on private tours.
All our international tours are run in accordance with YPT’s branding and ethos: a super price, expert guides, and most importantly an adventure that will stick with you for life. We run tours for people who hate group tours, and we do not run groups larger than 25 people (at 26 we split into two. Average size 10 people). All groups are led by expert guides that know the destinations and are passionate about what they do. We also strongly believe in value, and our prices are generally unbeaten.
If our group tour dates to Chernobyl don’t fit your plans, then you can go on an independent tour at any time. We generally need ten days to organise the relevant permits, and there is a choice of day trip or overnight trip. See more about Chernobyl independent tours here.
In fact, we can arrange independent travel to any of our Soviet Europe destinations. Whether you want a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, a holiday in Chechnya, to hire Tito’s train in Serbia or visit Ceausescu’s grave in Romania, we can design the dream itinerary for you!
Likewise, if you want to travel on the Trans-Siberian/Mongolian Railway but can’t join us on the Eurasian Adventure, you can still get train tickets through YPT. If you want to break up the trip in Irkutsk or Novosibirsk, then you can get train tickets to fit your specific plans.
Is it safe to visit Chernobyl?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit Chernobyl. The famous quote is that you will get less radiation from a day tour to Chernobyl than you will from taking a long-haul flight. Parts of the Chernobyl exclusion zone are closed to visitors however, for this very reason.
Can we visit reactor number 4?
No, the reactor where the main explosion happened is off limits to tourists, and in general, we cannot wander around away from the tour group in Chernobyl.
Can we stay the night in the exclusion zone?
Yes, on a YPT group tour to Chernobyl you will spend one night in the exclusion zone at Chernobyl Hotel. For independent tours, you can go on a day trip from Kiev or do an overnight trip staying in the hotel.
Can you help with the Russian/Belarusian/Ukrainian visa?
Yes, YPT will provide you with visa support for any country on any tour we go to. We will help with a letter of invitation if you need one for Russia, Ukraine or Belarus though there is an extra cost for this. If you are not on one of our tours but still want visa support this is something we can also help with.
Can you book tickets for the Trans-Siberian/Mongolian train?
Yes, YPT can book tickets on the Trans-Siberian/Mongolian railway to suit your exact travel plans.
Can I cross from South Ossetia into Georgia?
Not really. It’s not impossible, but from our experience it is not something worth trying and definitely not something to plan a trip around.
Can I enter North Korea from Russia?
Yes, YPT can book Air Koryo flights from Vladivostok to Pyongyang and you can also cross the land border by train if you join our DPRK Scuba Diving tour.
- €790
Transnistria and Chernobyl (Summer) Tour
Visit our favourite Unrecognised Country : Transnistria and explore the post-nuclear disaster of Pripyat.
- Start Date : July 17th 2020
End Date : 26th July 2020 - Duration: 9 nights, 10 days
- €390
Extreme Chernobyl Tour
Spend a summer weekend in post-nuclear Pripyat on our Extreme Chernobyl Tour
- Start Date : July 24th 2020
End Date : July 26th 2020 - Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
- €895
Ultimate Ukrainian Adventure
Tanks, guns, missiles and palaces of corruption. This is the ultimate road trip through Europe's 2nd biggest country!
- Start Date : July 27th 2020
End Date : August 3rd, 2020 - Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- €1490-€2790
Transnistria, South Ossetia, Chechnya and Russia Combo
Visit two post-Soviet breakaway states and explore the length and breadth of Russia from Siberia to the Caucasus!
- Start Date : August 29th 2020
End Date : September 18th-27th, 2020 - Duration: 22 days to 29 days
- €495
Transnistria 30th National Day and Gagauzia Tour
Think the Cold War is over? Come to Transnistria for National Day and think again!
- Start Date : August 29th 2020
End Date : September 5th 2020 - Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- €995
Revolutionary Russia Tour
Visit the most important sites throughout Russia at a ridiculously cheap price!
- Start Date : September 4th 2020
End Date : September 15th, 2020 - Duration: 11 nights, 12 days
- €795
South Ossetia National Day Tour
Participate in the independence day celebrations of the world's youngest unrecognised Country and frozen conflict zone!
- Start Date : September 15th 2020
End Date : September 22nd 2020 - Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- €495
Chechnya and Stalingrad Tour
A Soviet- and post-Soviet-themed adventure through the former war-ravaged Chechnya and Stalingrad!
- Start Date : September 22nd 2020
End Date : September 27th 2020 - Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
- €1195-1795
Kaliningrad, Baltics & Belarus Combo
Tour the whole of the Baltics, from Kaliningrad to the Belarussian Exclusion Zone
- Start Date : September 26th 2020
End Date : October 7th-11th, 2020 - Duration: 11 to 16 days
- €595
Kaliningrad Post-Soviet Exclave Tour
Explore Russia's westernmost exclave, the secretive Kaliningrad
- Start Date : September 26th 2020
End Date : September 30th, 2020 - Duration: 4 nights, 5 days
- €845
Soviet Baltics
Actively experience the dark history of the Baltic region in classic YPT style at an affordable price!
- Start Date : October 1st 2020
End Date : October 8th 2020 - Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
- €395
Belarus Exclusion Zone Autumn Tour
Visit the recently opened and untouched sector of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Explore abandoned Soviet villages, factories, police stations. See wildlife such as Wolves, Bison and much more!
- Start Date : October 9th 2020
End Date : October 12th 2020 - Duration: 3 nights, 4 days
- €1995
Svalbard: Soviet Frontier Arctic Cruise
Visit some of the northernmost settlements in the world in ex-Soviet Svalbard!
- Start Date : October 11th 2020
End Date : October 16th, 2020 - Duration: 5 nights, 6 days
- €2495
Ultimate Leaders Tour
Visit the Mausoleums of Ho Chi Minh, Mao Zedong, Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Vladimir Lenin in one go!
- Start Date : October 12th 2020
End Date : November 3rd, 2020 - Duration: 21 nights, 22 days
- €1995
Svalbard: Soviet Frontier Cruise (SECOND DEPARTURE)
A second chance to visit some of the northernmost settlements in the world in ex-Soviet Svalbard!
- Start Date : October 14th 2020
End Date : October 19th 2020 - Duration: 5 nights, 6 days
- €395-€2995
Eurasian Adventure
5 weeks, 2 continents and 21 countries. The ten-year-running, original YPT Soviet adventure through fallen empires, nuclear wastelands and unrecognized countries!
- Start Date : October 27th 2020
End Date : December 6th 2020 - Duration: 2 days to 39 days
- €795
Chernobyl & Transnistria Nuclear Winter Tour
Experience atmospheric winter in the former Soviet Union on a journey through the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and the unrecognized Soviet time-warp country of Transnistria!
- Start Date : November 6th 2020
End Date : November 14th 2020 - Duration: 8 nights, 9 days
- €895
Balkan Badlands Tour
A winter journey through the fascinating Balkan Peninsula. Natural beauty and hospitality contrasted with the horrors of war and the unspeakable atrocities of brutal political regimes.
- Start Date : November 17th 2020
End Date : November 29th 2020 - Duration: 13 Days, 12 Nights
- €495
Kosovo and Albania winter tour
Journey into the lands of blood feuds and bunkers and experience an untouched corner of Europe!
- Start Date : November 18th 2020
End Date : November 23rd 2020 - Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
- €495
Chernobyl and Transnistria Ultra Budget New Year Tour
Ring in the New Year exploring Chernobyl and Transnistria with this ultra cheap package!
- Start Date : December 28th 2020
End Date : January 3rd, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- €595
Communist Bulgaria Tour
Join an action packed, communist-relic-hunting road trip through Bulgaria, the country formerly known as the "Silicon Valley" of the Eastern Bloc!
- Start Date : March 12th 2021
End Date : March 18, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- €995
Communist Bulgaria & Dark Romania
A journey through the dark history of Romania, the homeland of the king of Communism Nicolae Ceaușescu and Dracula!
- Start Date : March 12th 2021
End Date : March 22nd, 2021 - Duration: 10 nights, 11 days
- €495
Dark Romania Tour
A communist relic hunting trip through Bulgaria and a journey from the homeland of the king of Communism Nicolae Ceaușescu to Dracula!
- Start Date : March 19th 2021
End Date : March 22nd, 2021 - Duration: 3 nights, 4 days
- €795
Chernobyl & Transnistria (Easter) Tour
Celebrate Easter in the former Soviet Union on a journey through the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and the unrecognized Soviet time warp country of Transnistria!
- Start Date : April 2nd 2021
End Date : April 11th 2021 - Duration: 9 nights, 10 days
- €1845 - €2495
Iran & Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Combo
From Iran through Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia and Georgia
- Start Date : April 6th 2021
End Date : April 26th, 2021 - Duration: 20 nights, 21 days
- €795-€1495
Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Tour
Visit the hardest to get to Unrecognised Countries in the Frozen Conflict Zones of Post-Soviet Europe
- Start Date : April 13th 2021
End Date : April 26th 2021 - Duration: 14 nights, 15 days
- €795
Ultimate Transnistria Victory Day Tour
Celebrate Transnistrian Victory Day and witness a Soviet style military parade.
- Start Date : May 5th 2021
End Date : May 13th, 2021 - Duration: 8 nights, 9 days
- €1695-€2595
Moscow to Pyongyang By Train Tour
Travel with YPT as we ride on the longest train journey in the world!
- Start Date : May 24th 2021
End Date : 10th June 2021 - Duration: 8 days / 17 days
- Flight option: €300 flight out
- €395
Belarus Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Spring Tour
Visit the recently opened and untouched sector of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, in Belarus!
- Start Date : May 28th 2021
End Date : May 31st, 2021 - Duration: 3 nights, 4 days
- €995
The Ultimate Yugoslavia Tour
Visit the entire former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia through 7 unique countries that boast tons of dark history, bizarre sights and mouthwatering food!
- Start Date : May 30th 2021
End Date : June 11th, 2021 - Duration: 12 nights, 13 days
- €790
Transnistria and Chernobyl (Summer) Tour
Visit our favourite Unrecognised Country : Transnistria and explore the post-nuclear disaster of Pripyat.
- Start Date : July 16th 2021
End Date : July 25th, 2021 - Duration: 9 nights, 10 days
- €2895
Summer Siberia Combo Tour: Buryatia, Baikal and Magadan
Take in the best sites of mighty Siberia, as well as explore its darkest memories
- Start Date : July 18th 2021
End Date : August 1st, 2021 - Duration: 14 nights, 15 days
- €995
Republic of Buryatia & Lake Baikal Siberian Summer Tour
Witness Lake Baikal in all its glory and visit Buryat settlements
- Start Date : July 18th 2021
End Date : July 25, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- €1895
Magadan Soviet Gulag Tour
Explore the Russian Far East in the Kolyma Region, infamous for its dark history and famous for its awe inspiring scenery and wildlife.
- Start Date : July 26th 2021
End Date : August 1st, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- €495
Transnistria National Day and Gagauzia Tour
Think the Cold War is over? Come to Transnistria for National Day and think again!
- Start Date : August 29th 2021
End Date : September 5th, 2021 - Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- €1490-€2790
Transnistria, South Ossetia, Chechnya and Russia Combo
Visit two post-Soviet breakaway states and explore the length and breadth of Russia from Siberia to the Caucasus!
- Start Date : August 29th 2021
End Date : September 18th-27th, 2021 - Duration: 22 days to 29 days
- €995
Revolutionary Russia Tour
Visit the most important sites throughout Russia at a ridiculously cheap price!
- Start Date : September 4th 2021
End Date : September 15th, 2021 - Duration: 11 nights, 12 days
- €795
South Ossetia Tour
Participate in the independence day celebrations of the world's youngest unrecognised Country and frozen conflict zone!
- Start Date : September 15th 2021
End Date : September 22nd, 2021 - Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- €495
Chechnya and Stalingrad Tour
A Soviet- and post-Soviet-themed adventure through the former war-ravaged Chechnya and Stalingrad!
- Start Date : September 22nd 2021
End Date : September 27th, 2021 - Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
- €595
Kaliningrad Post-Soviet Exclave Tour
Explore Russia's westernmost exclave, the secretive Kaliningrad
- Start Date : September 26th 2021
End Date : September 30th, 2021 - Duration: 4 nights, 5 days
- €1195-1795
Kaliningrad, Baltics & Belarus Combo
Tour the whole of the Baltics, from Kaliningrad to the Belarussian Exclusion Zone
- Start Date : September 26th 2021
End Date : October 11th, 2021 - Duration: 11 to 16 days
- €845
Soviet Baltics Tour
An action packed and in depth road trip which kicks off in Lithuania and takes us through four countries in just over a week.
- Start Date : September 30th 2021
End Date : October 7th, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- €395
Belarus Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Autumn Tour
Visit the recently opened and untouched sector of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Explore abandoned Soviet villages, factories, police stations.
- Start Date : October 8th 2021
End Date : October 11th, 2021 - Duration: 3 nights, 4 days
- €2495
Ultimate Leaders Tour
Visit the Mausoleums of Ho Chi Minh, Mao Zedong, Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Vladimir Lenin in one go!
- Start Date : October 11th 2021
End Date : November 2nd, 2021 - Duration: 21 nights, 22 days
- €395-€2995
Eurasian Adventure Tour
7 weeks, 21 post-Soviet countries or Unrecognised Countries. Taking in the whole iron curtain: The true Young Pioneer Tour
- Start Date : October 26th 2021
End Date : December 5th 2021 - Duration: 2 days to 39 days
- €795
Chernobyl & Transnistria Nuclear Winter Tour
Explore post-nuclear disaster Pripyat and our favourite Unrecognised Country of Transnistria
- Start Date : November 5th 2021
End Date : November 13th 2021 - Duration: 8 nights, 9 days
- €895
Balkan Badlands Tour
The ultimate Balkan adventure
- Start Date : November 16th 2021
End Date : November 28th, 2021 - Duration: 12 nights, 13 days
- €495
Kosovo and Albania winter tour
Journey into the lands of blood feuds and bunkers and experience an untouched corner of Europe!
- Start Date : November 17th 2021
End Date : November 22nd, 2021 - Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
- €495
Chernobyl & Transnistria Ultra Budget New Year Tour
Ring in the New Year exploring Chernobyl and Transnistria with this ultra cheap package!
- Start Date : December 28th 2021
End Date : January 3rd, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
