Budapest to Istanbul

From$1999USD
14 days,Budapest to Istanbul
Trip Code: EABI

discovering the rich and varied culture and countryside of Eastern Europe, Visiting 'Dracula's Castle' and charming Slavic villages, exploring the spectacular Eastern European capitals of Budapest and Istanbul

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Offer valid for new bookings only with international air travel originating in North America added to a land booking. Not valid with any other discount, offer or promotion. Subject to availability. Must book by May 31, 2013, for travel by February 1, 2014. Subject to airline regulations and restrictions.

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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
  • (Allow EUR335-440 for meals not included.)
  • Hotels/pensions (11 nts), overnight bus/train (2 nts). There may be shared bathroom facilities in one or two locations.
  • 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

Ride the rails to the city of Brasov, the best preserved medieval city in Romania. Explore the 'Black Church' or enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafés.

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. 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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