13D12N Budapest To Istanbul (EABI)

13 Days Bulgaria | Hungary | Romania | Turkey 2 to Go

From pastoral countryside to forbidding forests and fairytale villages, this tour from Budapest to Istanbul is definitely the road less travelled, but absolutely a worthy adventure to take. Over 13 days, you’ll explore the weathered architecture of Budapest, grand Ottoman palaces, “Dracula’s Castle” in Transylvania, and much more. With an intriguing combination of cultural colour and exploration, you'll come away with a real feel for this lesser-explored corner of Europe.

DepartureBudapest
ReturnIstanbul
Min. travellers2
Booking periodNow till December 2026
Travel periodMarch till December 2026

Tour Highlights:

  • Budapest orientation walk
  • Visit to the Balla Géza Winery
  • Half-day tour of Sighisoara and surrounding countryside villages
  • ‘Dracula’s Castle’ (Bran)
  • Bucharest orientation tour
  • Hike to Arbanasi village
  • Sofia orientation walk
  • Istanbul city tour with local guide

Good to know

  • Physical Rating: 2: Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Budapest

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Budapest - Balla Géza Winery

Enjoy a morning free to explore Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. After check out we visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a drink and optionally order a bite to eat before we leave Budapest to travel to the Balla Géza Winery for a wine tasting and traditional Romanian dinner. Tonight’s accommodation will be at the winery’s guesthouse on the property.

breakfast · dinner

Day 3 Balla Géza Winery - Sighișoara

Enjoy breakfast at the Balla Géza Winery before traveling to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.

breakfast

Day 4 Sighișoara - Braşov

With a local guide, venture into the Romanian countryside to visit traditional villages. Get a true sense of life in this less-visited region. Visit charming Brasov.

breakfast

Day 5 Braşov

Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.

breakfast

Day 6 Braşov - Bucharest

Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk. Take time to explore the Soviet-esque architecture, the beautiful cathedral, or indulge in Bucharest’s international cuisine.

breakfast

Day 7 Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo

Enjoy some free time to explore more of Bucharest in the morning before travelling to Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in the world, Veliko Tarnovo. Wander the medieval town, visit the museums, or sample your first taste of Bulgarian cuisine.

breakfast

Day 8 Veliko Tarnovo

Enjoy the morning in the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo.

breakfast

Day 9 Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia

Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies’ Market.

breakfast

Day 10 Sofia - Plovdiv

Travel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city. Visit the hilly old town, museums, or the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis, one of the many Roman ruins found here.

breakfast

Day 11 Plovdiv - Istanbul

Spend time in the morning exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an afternoon bus to Istanbul.

 

breakfast

Day 12 Istanbul

Enjoy a city tour with a local Turkish guide. Opt to visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya), and the Topkapı Palace.

breakfast

Day 13 Depart Istanbul

Depart at any time. We highly recommend you book post-accommodation to fully enjoy this vibrant city.

breakfast

What's included

Included

  • 12 nights accommodation
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
  • Meals as per itinerary

Not included

  • International air ticket
  • Tipping
  • Travel insurance
  • Others not mentioned

Prices & dates

Tap a package to load it into the price calculator.

Your hotels

Ibis Styles Budapest Center

★★★

Budapest 1074 Budapest, Rákóczi út 58., Hungary

The Ibis Styles Budapest Center is housed in a fully renovated building from the late 19th century on the Pest side of the city, half-way between the Danube and the Eastern Railway Station. Only 100 metres away you find Blaha Lujza square, which is one of the stops of the red subway line. The Jewish museum is close by as well. The charming rooms either face the Rákóczi street or the garden and offer a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. Ibis Styles Budapest Center features a bar, a snack counter and 3 meeting rooms. All the key sights, shopping and business areas of the city are within easy reach.

Balla Geza Winery

★★★

Romania DJ708B, Miniș 317230, Romania

Balla Geza Winery offers a refined escape into the world of artisanal winemaking, nestled in a picturesque vineyard landscape where guests can savor handcrafted wines paired with local flavors. Visitors enjoy guided tours of the cellars, tastings of award-winning vintages, and immersive experiences like grape harvesting or sunset picnics amid the vines. Perfect for oenophiles and travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, education, and gourmet indulgence in a stunning rural setting.

Hotel Sighisoara

★★★

Sighişoara Str Scolii Nr. 4 - 6, 545400 Sighişoara, Romania

Dating back to the 16th century, Hotel Sighişoara features a traditional Romanian restaurant. Located within the historic walls of the citadel of Sighişoara, all rooms at this pet-friendly property are individually decorated and furnished. Each has a minibar and a private bathroom. Motorcycle parking is available at the property. Hotel Sighişoara is located 40 km from Târgu Mureş Airport.

Central Residence Annapolis Brasov

★★★

Brașov Str. George Baritiu nr. 18, 500025 Brașov, România

Built in Art Nouveau style, dating back to 1909, Residence Central Annapolis is located in Braşov, across the street from the Black Church. Free WiFi access is available. Apartments at Residence Central Annapolis feature garden views, a seating area and cable TV, a refrigerator and a bathroom with a shower or a bathtub and a hairdryer. There is a 24-hour reception. At Residence Central Annapolis you will find a garden. Other facilities like ironing services, laundry facilities and a vending machine are offered. A paid public parking is available. Residence Central Annapolis is just 164 feet from the Council Square and 6.8 mi from the Poiana Brasov ski resort.

ibis Styles Bucharest City Center

★★★

Bucharest 146 Stirbei Voda Street, Sector 1, 010119 Bucharest, Romania

Located in Bucharest, 1640 feet from Cișmigiu Gardens, Ibis Styles Bucharest City Center features a restaurant, fitness center, a cozy bar and shared lounge. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Rooms at ibis Styles Bucharest City Center feature a bright and modern decor. All are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box, wardrobe and a desk. A dining area and a private bathroom with free toiletries are included in each unit. Buffet and Full English/Irish breakfast options are available each morning at the hotel. The on-site restaurant provides à la carte or buffet options for lunch and dinner. Guests can also find a great selection of regional wines at the restaurant. The accommodations features a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage for guests. A business center and a bicycle rental service are also offered by ibis Styles Bucharest City Center. The meeting room can host up to 130 people. Popular points of interest near the accommodations include Romanian National Opera, Museum of Art Collections and National Museum of Art of Romania. The nearest airport is Henri Coandă International Airport, 9.6 mi from the property. An airport transfer can be arranged upon request and at an additional cost.

Hotel Tarnava

★★★

Odorheiu Secuiesc P ta Városháza nr.16, 535600 Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania

Hotel Küküllő - Târnava is situated in the city centre of Odorheiu Secuiesc, in SzekerLand, near a well-kept park and offers and ideal environment for active leisure and business stays. The reception is open round the clock, the staff speaks several foreign languages and a closed car park is available. This property has elegantly furnished and fully equipped rooms. This property has a business center with sound proof windows and event facilities. This property has 66 rooms. This is a great place for conferences, offering up-to-date facilities and equipment, and for fine culinary pleasures.

Hotel Budapest Sofia

★★★

Sofia 92 A Budapest Street, 1202 Sofia, Bulgaria

Budapest Hotel is within a 5-minute walk from the Central Train Station, in the very centre of Sofia. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi access. The metro station Luvov Most is within a 5-minute walk away. The Budapest Restaurant serves buffet and à la carte dishes. Guests can choose among modern Bulgarian and Hungarian cuisine. In the lobby bar there is a wide range of refreshments, cocktails, snacks and desserts on offer. Budapest Hotel is close to the commercial district, shops and offices. Restaurants and nightclubs are also situated nearby. Sofia Airport is 15 km from the hotel, and the transfer takes about 20 minutes.

Hotel Puldin COOP

★★

Plovdiv 128 bulevard "Tsar Boris III Obedinitel", Plovdiv Center, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Conveniently situated in the centre of Plovdiv, Hotel Puldin COOP provides air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 2-star hotel offers a bar. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.9 km from International Fair Plovdiv. At the hotel, each room is equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Speaking Bulgarian, German, English and Spanish at the reception, staff are willing to help at any time of the day. Popular points of interest near Hotel Puldin COOP include Roman Theatre Plovdiv, Hisar Kapia and Nebet Tepe. Plovdiv International Airport is 14 km away.

Hotel Centrum Istanbul

★★★

Istanbul Ibni Kemal Cad. No:28 Sirkeci, Fatih, 34080 Istanbul, Turkey

Within walking distance of the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, Hotel Centrum Istanbul is close to Topkapi Palace. It features a rooftop restaurant, spa and free Wi-Fi. Hotel Centrum Istanbul offers air-conditioned guest rooms equipped with a minibar and satellite TV Guests can admire the panoramic view of the hotel’s historic surroundings while enjoying international and regional specialities in the rooftop restaurant. Cold, refreshing drinks are served at the bar. To unwind, guests can visit the sauna or relax in the traditional hammam. Professional massages are also available upon request. Ataturk International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.
Tags & Interests
#Braşov #Bucharest #Budapest #Istanbul #Plovdiv #Sighișoara #Sofia.
From MYR 10,796 Tap for price options

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