13D12N Budapest To Istanbul (EABI)
13D12N Budapest To Istanbul (EABI)
Classic tours combine the support and security of group travel, unbeatable variety, and the flexibility to go off-script when fate says, \"Hey, let’s do this.\" Classic tours deliver the perfect balance of must-see highlights, cultural exchange, insider access, unbeatable value, and the kind of spontaneous, you-really-had-to-be-there moments that make your trip memorable.
Travel Period: from June 27, 2021 till October 3, 2021
Tour Highlight
~Discover the rich and varied culture of Eastern Europe~Visit 'Dracula's Castle' and charming Slavic villages
~Explore the spectacular cities of Budapest and Istanbul
What To Expect
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.-
Day 1: Arrive Budapest
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
-
Day 2: Budapest - Sighișoara
Enjoy an orientation walk of Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. Opt to spend free time visiting Buda Castle, wandering the streets of Pest, or soaking in a thermal bath.
: Breakfast
This evening, visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a farewell drink, before boarding an overnight train to Sibiu.
-
Day 3: Sighișoara
Head to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
Explore the medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars.
Sample some Romanian cuisine—the Casa Dracula (original home of Vlad, the model for Count Dracula) is now a restaurant specializing in hearty meat and game dishes of the region.
-
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
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Sighisoara and nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches.
In the early evening, transfer to the city of Brasov, the best preserved medieval city in Romania.
-
Day 5: Braşov
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.
: Breakfast
Impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley, this 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore. Soak in the gorgeous countryside as you learn about the creepier side of Romania.
-
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
Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.
-
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
A mix of western grandeur and Soviet bulk, Sofia boasts a gold-domed church and delicious international dining.
Sample modern takes on Bulgarian and international food, with some great trendy dining opportunities.
-
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.
Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area.
-
Day 11: Plovdiv-Istanbul
Spend the day exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an evening 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.
After getting the lay of the land with a local guide, spend some free time visiting all you can in this eclectic city straddling two continents.
In the evening, there are plenty of cool little bars and restaurants to celebrate the end of an amazing journey over a raki or two.
-
Day 13: Depart Istanbul
Depart at any time. We highly recommend you book post-accommodation to fully enjoy this vibrant city.
: Breakfast
Whats Included
~10 nights in hotel/pensions, 1 overnight on train, 1 overnight on train/bus.~10 breakfasts
~Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group.
~Budapest orientation walk.
-~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.
~All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Whats Excluded
~International flight~Tipping
~Travel insurance
~Covid-19 Test
Travel Period: from June 27, 2021 till October 3, 2021
Tour Highlight
~Discover the rich and varied culture of Eastern Europe~Visit 'Dracula's Castle' and charming Slavic villages
~Explore the spectacular cities of Budapest and Istanbul
What To Expect
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.-
Day 1: Arrive Budapest
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
-
Day 2: Budapest - Sighișoara
Enjoy an orientation walk of Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. Opt to spend free time visiting Buda Castle, wandering the streets of Pest, or soaking in a thermal bath.
: Breakfast
This evening, visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a farewell drink, before boarding an overnight train to Sibiu.
-
Day 3: Sighișoara
Head to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
Explore the medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars.
Sample some Romanian cuisine—the Casa Dracula (original home of Vlad, the model for Count Dracula) is now a restaurant specializing in hearty meat and game dishes of the region.
-
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
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Sighisoara and nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches.
In the early evening, transfer to the city of Brasov, the best preserved medieval city in Romania.
-
Day 5: Braşov
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.
: Breakfast
Impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley, this 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore. Soak in the gorgeous countryside as you learn about the creepier side of Romania.
-
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
Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.
-
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
A mix of western grandeur and Soviet bulk, Sofia boasts a gold-domed church and delicious international dining.
Sample modern takes on Bulgarian and international food, with some great trendy dining opportunities.
-
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.
Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area.
-
Day 11: Plovdiv-Istanbul
Spend the day exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an evening 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.
After getting the lay of the land with a local guide, spend some free time visiting all you can in this eclectic city straddling two continents.
In the evening, there are plenty of cool little bars and restaurants to celebrate the end of an amazing journey over a raki or two.
-
Day 13: Depart Istanbul
Depart at any time. We highly recommend you book post-accommodation to fully enjoy this vibrant city.
: Breakfast
Whats Included
~10 nights in hotel/pensions, 1 overnight on train, 1 overnight on train/bus.~10 breakfasts
~Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group.
~Budapest orientation walk.
-~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.
~All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Whats Excluded
~International flight~Tipping
~Travel insurance
~Covid-19 Test
Budapest, Dessewffy u. 36, 1066 Hungary
Strada Școlii 4-6, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
At Hotel Sighisoara each room has a distinct personality, with characterful details, authentic furniture and decorations.
Piața Cetății 7, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
Casa Wagner Hotel offers its guests a perfect location in the old town, right in Council Square, known in Saxon times as Marktplatz, a stone's throw from the main tourist attractions, cafes, terraces, and sumptuous restaurants and shops. Housed in a historic monument building, dating back to 1477, where a German bank once operated, Wagner House offers its guests accommodation in a historic setting full of warmth and beauty.
Hotel, Flight & Transfer option
Budapest, Dessewffy u. 36, 1066 Hungary
Strada Școlii 4-6, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
At Hotel Sighisoara each room has a distinct personality, with characterful details, authentic furniture and decorations.
Piața Cetății 7, Sighișoara 545400, Romania
Casa Wagner Hotel offers its guests a perfect location in the old town, right in Council Square, known in Saxon times as Marktplatz, a stone's throw from the main tourist attractions, cafes, terraces, and sumptuous restaurants and shops. Housed in a historic monument building, dating back to 1477, where a German bank once operated, Wagner House offers its guests accommodation in a historic setting full of warmth and beauty.
