Morning: Arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania, a consolidated democracy known for its independent media improvements. Take a walking tour to explore the city’s historic center and the vibrant local press scene.
Afternoon: Transfer to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Visit key institutions promoting free media and governance reforms, reflecting recent score improvements.
Evening: Enjoy a cultural evening in Ljubljana's Old Town, experiencing local cuisine and discussions on democracy's role in the region.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to Sofia, Bulgaria. Explore government buildings and sites connected to recent judicial reforms, including the removal of the chief prosecutor.
Afternoon: Travel to Bucharest, Romania to visit legal institutions involved in revising judicial frameworks and discuss ongoing democratic recovery processes.
Evening: Attend a panel or informal gathering on democracy strengthening efforts and engage with local civil society representatives.
Find HotelsMorning: Arrive in Warsaw, Poland, where democratic recovery efforts culminated in a high-turnout opposition victory. Tour key political landmarks and election sites.
Afternoon: Visit museums and hubs dedicated to recent electoral struggles and political activism.
Evening: Dinner at a social venue popular among political activists and observers.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Tbilisi, Georgia to observe challenges faced by autocratizing hybrids and learn about recent protests against legislation such as the "Foreign Agent Bill."
Afternoon: Fly to Chisinau, Moldova, a democratizing hybrid. Meet with local officials or NGOs supporting democratic reforms and anti-corruption efforts.
Evening: Relax with conversations on the geopolitics impacting these countries and their trajectories.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit Yerevan, Armenia, focusing on recent democratic breakthroughs and the complexities related to Nagorno-Karabakh.
Afternoon: Proceed to Skopje, North Macedonia to understand ongoing polarizing debates about EU accession and their impact on democracy.
Evening: Attend a public forum or cultural event showcasing regional identities and democratic discourse.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where long-term leadership coexists with some reform efforts; overview the political landscape.
Afternoon: Travel overland or by short flight to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, studying the extreme autocracy and political duopoly conditions firsthand.
Evening: Review geopolitical alliances in Central Asia, focusing on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus with expert commentary.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit Baku, Azerbaijan to learn about recent territorial conquests and authoritarian consolidation.
Afternoon: Tour sites in Minsk, Belarus, understanding its role in regional security and cooperation with Russia.
Evening: Reflect on the complex regional dynamics over a debriefing session with geopolitical analysts.
Find HotelsTotal Estimated Cost: €645
If you prefer a shorter trip, focus on the Democratic and Democratizing Hybrid group visits (Days 1-4). For travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s complexities, extending the trip to include additional days in key locations like Ukraine or Kazakhstan is recommended. This can provide more context on ongoing conflicts and political shifts.