Budapest to Istanbul

From$1600USD
Was $1999.00  — Savings of 20% on select departures.
14 days,Budapest to Istanbul
Trip Code: EABI

Visit 'Dracula's Castle', medieval fortresses and charming Slavic villages, discover the rich and varied culture and countryside of Eastern Europe.

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20% off Eastern Europe

From pastoral countryside to forbidding forests and magnificent mountain ranges, experience the romance of the east on your way from Budapest to Istanbul. In two well-packed weeks, explore the weathered architecture of Budapest and grand Ottoman palaces and mosques in Istanbul for an introduction to the artistic and cultural heights of two very different empires. With an intriguing combination of cultural colour and outdoor activities, you'll come away with a real feel for this lesser-explored corner of Europe.

What's Included

  • Half-day trip from Sighisoara to Romanian villages and countryside, visit from Brasov to Bran Castle, orientation walk of Bucharest, Hike to Arbanasi village from Veliko Tarnovo, visit of Kaleto Fortress, Orientation walk of Sofia, Day visit to Plovdiv town, Orientation walk of Istanbul
  • No meals included (Allow EUR335-440 for meals not included.)
  • Hotels/pensions (11 nts), overnight bus or train (2 nts). There may be shared bathroom facilities in one or two locations.
  • Train, overnight train, local bus, metro, walking.
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
  • Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10
Map of the route for Budapest to Istanbul
Places Visited
  • Bulgaria
  • Hungary
  • Romania
  • Turkey
Day 1 Budapest

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Budapest

Orientation walk of Budapest, overnight train to Sighisoara.

Day 3 Sighisoara

Local guided trip to traditional villages and Romanian countryside.

Day 4 Brasov

Transfer via train to Brasov. Opt to visit the Bran Castle, sometimes called "Dracula's Castle".

Days 5-6 Bucharest

Travel to Bucharest via "Dracula's Castle" at Bran, and Snagov. Orientation walk of Bucharest.

Days 7-8 Veliko Tarnovo

Hike to Arbanasi village. Optional mountain biking opportunities.

Days 9-10 Belogradchik

Visit Kaleto fortress.

Day 11 Sofia

Orientation walk of Sofia.

Day 12 Plovdiv

Day visit to Plovdiv town, onward travel by overnight bus to Istanbul.

Day 13 Istanbul

Orientation walk with your group leader. Options for free time include the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Aya Sofya and the Tokapi Palace.

Day 14 Istanbul

Depart at any time.

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