Eastern Europe Express





Find your new favourite spot on an express adventure through Eastern Europe’s ancient sites
Embark on an express journey from Romania to Bulgaria, finishing in Istanbul. Absorb Bucharest’s atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia and breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains. Meander back in time in the Old Town of Plovdiv, see Veliko Tarnovo's imposing Tsarevets Fortress and learn about the distillation process and history of rose oil production at a family rose distillery in Sofia. This 10-day trip is a fascinating insight into just how much regions can change as you cross national borders!
4.9
50 reviewsStart: Bucharest, Romania
End: Istanbul, Turkey
- Duration
- 10 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
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- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Journey through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, where you'll visit the Rila Monastery. Meet local monks at you wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site and largest and holiest of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries.
- Indulge in local Bulgarian cheese and wines with a local chef in Veliko Tarnovo, at their family-owned spot in the Old Town.
- Take a trip on the last operational narrow-gauge line in Bulgaria, from Bansko to Plovdiv. Grab a window seat if you can, the scenery is worth it!
- Breathe the crisp mountain air on a short hike in the Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria. Stop at the small blue lake surrounded by towering peaks – you might even be able to see the range’s highest peak, Mt Vihren.
- Visit Kazanlak Valley, also known as the Valley of Roses. Known for growing the Damascena rose, learn how the rose oil is distilled and created into a perfume during your visit to a family rose distillery in Sofia.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Salut! Welcome to Romania. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Bucharest – home to one of Europe's biggest squares and the Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. If you arrive early, maybe take a tour of the palace (former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu ordered the construction of this 12-storied building or visit his former residence where he lived with his family). Consider an Urban Adventures daytrip, like the Bohemian Bucharest tour, for the perfect city introduction. After your meeting, maybe seek out some traditional Romanian fare with the group.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
- Bucharest - Village Museum - RON40
- Bucharest - Bike Tour - EUR30
- Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence - RON75
- Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON15
- Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest - EUR75
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Travel across the Friendship Bridge into Bulgaria and on to the town of Veliko Tarnovo – founded in 4500 BC by the Neolithic people, the Romans later built the first fortress walls. In the 6th century, a Byzantine capital was established on Tsarevets Hill by Emperor Justinian. After the foundation of the second Bulgarian empire, it became the second most important city in the region (after Constantinople) and trade and culture flourished for the next 200 years. In 1393, the town fell to the Turks who held the city until the Russians liberated it in 1877. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk, finishing in the Old Town at a family-owned establishment. Here, a local chef will invite you to an authentic and interactive experience that will showcase the rich history of Bulgarian cheese and wine making. The menu includes tasty items such as truffle cheese, cold cuts and locally produced premium wine – what could be a better introduction?
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Veliko Tarnovo- Orientation Walk
- Veliko Tarnovo- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning, visit Veliko Tarnovo's imposing Tsarevets Fortress, which overlooks the city. This once-magnificent fortress was built in the 7th century, and the ruined citadel is the perfect spot to wander. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the City of Tsars. Maybe wander through the Old Quarter, with its preserved Renaissance houses and handicraft workshops or relax in one of the town's cafes or vinarnas (wine bars).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
- Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum - BGN6
In the morning, hop on a transfer to Sofia – Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and parks. Along the way, stop at Kazanlak Valley, also known as the Valley of Roses. This valley is famous for the growing of the Damascena rose, which is used to produce rose oil – a key ingredient in the perfume industry. After, wander through Etno Village – an open-air museum showcasing Bulgarian culture and crafts from the 18th and 19th centuries. From here, visit the Family Rose Distillery and learn about the distillation process and history of rose oil production. Your last stop is at Thracian Tombs – a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved murals from the Hellenistic period, depicting burial rituals and Thracian culture. Later, continue to Sofia, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Kazanlak Valley - Tracian tombs
- Kazanlak Valley - Family Rose distillery
- Kazanlak Valley - Etno Village visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today is a free day for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe browse around the cured meats and cheese at the Central Market Hall, then walk through the city and see the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church. This afternoon, maybe sate your cultural curiosity at the National History Museum, discover artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum or spend a couple of hours staring at the local artworks in the National Art Gallery.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Sofia - Orientation Walk
- Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
- Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide from - BGN17
- Sofia - National History Museum - BGN15
- Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
- Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
Today, journey into the Rila Mountains, where you'll visit the Rila Monastery. Tucked away in a valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest and holiest of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries. Founded in 927, the entire complex is a work of art in itself. Check out murals, the 14th-century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church and the original 19th-century monastery kitchen. Then, carry on to Bansko. Set at the base of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko is home to more than 150 cultural monuments and many of its stone houses have been transformed into mehanes (taverns). Wander through Vazrazhdane and check out the frescoes of the Church of Sveta Troitsa or the paintings in the Rilski Convent. Tonight, indulge in some local cuisine and try filet elena (spicy cured meat) or kapama (simmered meat, rice and sauerkraut), washing it down with some delicious melnik (dark red wine).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Rila - Monastery Visit
- Bansko - Spa Visit - BGN40
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Drive to Vihren Chalet – the starting point of today’s hike in the Pirin Mountains. You’ll head to the small but picturesque Okoto Lake for panoramic views over the valley – you might even be able to see the range’s highest peak, Mt Vihren. From here, maybe continue to Banderitsko Lake or opt to stay in Bansko and visit the thermal baths. This afternoon, board the only operational gauge line in Bulgaria – Rhodope Railway. After the scenic ride, you’ll continue to Plovdiv – on the Maritsa River, this city was once the meeting point of two ancient transportation routes. In the evening, maybe wander the bustling city streets and try some of the local grilled meats and vegetables on skewers.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Pirin Mountains - Hike
- Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
- Plovdiv-Private Transfer from Plovdiv Train Station to Plovdiv Hotel
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your walking distance will be approximately 2 km or 1 hour, with an elevation gain of 102 m.
For today's hike, it’s recommended you bring comfortable walking shoes with ankle support due to the rocky terrain. Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions, the hike in the Pirin Mountains may have to be cancelled and you’ll visit the local spa instead.
This morning, join a local guide for a tour of the main sights of Plovdiv. The most remarkable being the ancient Roman theatre, accidentally discovered after a landslide exposed the site in the early 1970s. Built in the 2nd century BC during the reign of Trajanus, the theatre seats about 6000 people and is now back in use! From here, wander up to the site of the former hilltop fortress of Nebet Tepe, where you can enjoy excellent views of the city. Head back down to visit the 15th-century Dzhumaya Mosque, which is still in use today. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace – maybe explore the street art and cafes of the Kapana Creative District or learn about Bulgarian culture and traditions at the Ethnographic Museum.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Plovdiv - Bachkovo Monastery - BGN16
- Plovdiv - Hisarya Hot Springs - BGN50
Get ready for a long day of travel today that takes you from Europe to Asia. Grab a window seat if you can and watch the scenery pass you by or get stuck into a good book. You'll be travelling how the locals do – on a bus along the Tsarigrad Road, also named the Road to Istanbul. When you arrive in the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have called home, you'll have some free time to settle in. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group and indulge in a real Turkish kebab (yum!)
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Istanbul- Private Transfer from Istanbul Bus Station to Istanbul Hotel
- Plovdiv- Private Transfer from Plovdiv Hotel to Plovdiv Bus Station
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
The border crossing from Bulgaria to Turkey is very popular in summer and long queues are unavoidable. We don't advise planning any activities in Istanbul today, as your arrival time may vary.
With no further activities planned, your adventure officially comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul, and it’s recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
- Breakfast
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
- Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY340
- Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY390
- Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY650
- Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
Inclusions and activities
6 breakfasts
Private Mini-bus, Public Bus, Metro, Taxi, Train
Hotel (9 nights)
- Veliko Tarnovo- Orientation Walk
- Veliko Tarnovo- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop
- Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
- Kazanlak Valley - Tracian tombs
- Kazanlak Valley - Family Rose distillery
- Kazanlak Valley - Etno Village visit
- Sofia - Orientation Walk
- Rila - Monastery Visit
- Pirin Mountains - Hike
- Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
- Plovdiv-Private Transfer from Plovdiv Train Station to Plovdiv Hotel
- Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Istanbul- Private Transfer from Istanbul Bus Station to Istanbul Hotel
- Plovdiv- Private Transfer from Plovdiv Hotel to Plovdiv Bus Station
- Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
- Bucharest - Village Museum - RON40
- Bucharest - Bike Tour - EUR30
- Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence - RON75
- Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON15
- Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest - EUR75
- Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum - BGN6
- Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
- Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide from - BGN17
- Sofia - National History Museum - BGN15
- Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
- Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
- Bansko - Spa Visit - BGN40
- Plovdiv - Bachkovo Monastery - BGN16
- Plovdiv - Hisarya Hot Springs - BGN50
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
- Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY340
- Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY390
- Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY650
- Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
This trip generates 31 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
- Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.
- As you will have the opportunity to visit several orthodox churches on this trip, please ensure you cover your legs, shoulders and chest and show the appropriate respect. It's a good idea to bring a light scarf to cover your skin as needed.
- On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. We recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps.
- If you have more time to explore the region, check out trips 'Eastern Europe Explorer' (trip code WMSEC) and 'Journey through Central Europe & Romania' (trip code AMSCC). Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combination trips.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
My Continental Bucharest
Calea Grivitei 143B
Bucharest
010708
ROMANIA
Phone: +40 372121721
Description
My Continental Bucharest is conveniently located in close proximity to Garia de Nord, the capital's main domestic and international transport hub. The 3-star hotel offers guests 250 modern and practical rooms.
Instructions
From Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (airport code OTP) – take train R that will take you to the stop Train Station - Bucharest North in about 25 minutes, where it is only 5 min walk to your hotel.
Pre booked arrival transfer from Bucharest Airport (OTP): Your transfer driver will be waiting for you in front of Segafredo Coffee Shop at OTP Bucharest Airport. Driver will be holding a board with your name. Maximum waiting time 1 hour from the actual arrival time of the flight.
In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able find the driver, please contact the emergency phone number: 0040 757 488 853 or 0040 744 673 300
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. You don't have a lot of time in Bucharest and Istanbul at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these underrated cities in depth, we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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