Eastern Europe Explorer





Tour from bustling Budapest to Istanbul through enchanting Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria.
Be mesmerised on this explorer tour through the best and most beautiful regions from Eastern Europe to Turkey. Explore the captivating cities of Budapest, Bucharest and Sofia and Istanbul. Sample culinary delights with local folk in Viscri, be inspired by the traditional craft workshops in Plovdiv, hear enthralling myths from Transylvania and visit the quaint town of Bansko, snug at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and bask in the transcontinental glory of Istanbul. This is a journey full of culture and history, of monuments, markets and museums, tantalising towns and charming cities.

- Start
- Budapest, Hungary
- End
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Meals
- 14 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Transport
- Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Tram, Taxi, Chairlift
- Accommodation
- Hotel (14 nights), Pension (2 night), Homestay with shared facilities (1 night)
- Days
- 18
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Ages
- Min 15
- ThemeOur themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- StyleBasix: 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: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders - Original
- Physical ratingIndicates 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
- Rich in history, art, architecture, cuisine and nightlife, Budapest is a hot European destination. The Museum of Fine Arts offers free English tours that reveal the famous artwork of Monet, Manet and Goya, just to name a few
- A homestay with a family in the Saxon village of Viscri in Romania offers insight into local life and the chance to sample some delicious home-cooked food
- This trip takes you to a mix of exciting capital cities and quaint mountain villages through Eastern Europe all the way to the transcontinental Istanbul.
- Transylvania is drenched in history and myth. Discover the medieval city of Sighisoara, the birthplace of one of Romania's most infamous figures, Vlad the Impaler - better known as the inspiration for Count Dracula
- Journey deep into the forested valley of Rila to find the Monastery of Saint Ivan. Over 1,000 years old, this spectacular building is one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments
Itinerary
Szia! Welcome to Hungary. Since the collapse of communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, you might like to head out to explore the city by night – the twinkling lights of the evening are an essential part of the Budapest experience. Maybe visit the Jewish Quarter for dinner and explore the many options for a celebratory nightcap.
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information 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.
This morning, take a train east to Eger. This beautifully preserved Baroque town is surrounded by hills and is home to some of the most renowned vineyards in Eastern Europe. Visit the wine cellars of the seductively named Valley of the Beautiful Women to sample some of the town's famous 'Bull's Blood' red wine (which supposedly gave the Hungarian army supernatural strength during their battle against the Ottoman Empire). In your free time, maybe explore Eger's 13th-century castle, which was the scene of the historic siege that thwarted the Ottoman Empire's advancement into Western Europe. Here, you can explore the Gothic Palace, a gallery of fine Hungarian art, and tour underground passageways of archaeological finds. You may also like to check out the town's 19th-century cathedral, the northernmost medieval minaret in Europe for views of the city, or the Minorite church in Dobo Square.
- Breakfast
- Eger - Wine Sampling
- Eger - Castle - HUF4000
- Eger - Minaret - HUF800
- Eger - Astronomy Museum, Camera Obscura, Panoramic terrace in the Lyceum building - HUF2600
- Eger - Town Under The Town - HUF4500
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
This morning, travel to the pleasant town of Debrecen. While here, you'll have time to explore Deri Square with its fountains, colourful buildings, museums and golden Great Church. Continue by train and private vehicle across the central plains into the Maramures region of Romania – this region may be modernising, but among the traditional wooden houses, churches, music and forests, you can still find parts of life unchanged since medieval times. When you arrive, settle into your room at the pension – your accommodation for the night is run by a local family. Sit down for a homecooked dinner with your group and get to know the locals, their stories and their lifestyle.
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
Romanian visas are not available at the border. If you need one, organise this before your trip.
Today you’ll discover more about the region of Maramures (mah-ra-moo-resh). Rich in tradition and folklore, the music, costumes, festivals and ancient superstitions of one of the last peasant cultures in Europe continue to thrive here. Maramures is particularly famed for its wooden churches, many of which are World Heritage-listed. Set out on a guided group tour to explore the region, visiting the unique Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, where the life stories of the deceased are displayed on colourful wooden crosses. There are poems, limericks and little pictures illustrating how the person died, all single-handedly carved over 40 years by Stan Ioan Patraş, until 1977 when his apprentice took up the work. You’ll also see other traditional villages including the village museum in Sighetu – an assembly of beautiful local wooden architecture.
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Maramures - Day Tour with Local Guide
- Maramures - Sapanta Merry Cemetery
- Maramures - Barsana Monastery
This morning, get ready for a scenic drive to Sighisoara – while the name may conjure up images of haunted castles, gothic churches and vampires, this is only a small part of what makes Transylvania such an enchanting and exciting destination. Medieval Sighisoara is likely to seduce visitors more than any other place in Romania. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town was first settled by the Romans but flourished under the Saxons from the 12th century. Take a walk around the old town, which coils up a narrow hill surrounded on all sides by fortified walls and explore the 64-metre-high clock tower that dominates the citadel. The town is famed as the birthplace of Vlad Dracul III, better known as Vlad the Impaler, whose name inspired Bram Stoker’s iconic Count Dracula. Vlad III is revered as a folk hero by Romanians for driving off the invading Ottoman Turks, of which his impaled victims are said to have included as many as 100,000. Tonight, maybe sit down for a traditional Romanian dinner at Casa Dracula.
- Breakfast
- Sighisoara - Church of the Dominican Monastery - RON10
- Sighisoara - Covered Stairway - Free
- Sighisoara - Church on the Hill - RON5
- Sighisoara - The Clock Tower - RON16
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
This morning, take a short drive to the village of Viscri – this small Transylvanian village was originally inhabited by Saxons from the Luxembourg area and the rural landscape is picture-perfect. This idyllic village of red tiled roofs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, virtually unchanged for 900 years. You’ll visit the town's fortified church (thought to be the oldest in Transylvania) and learn about the Sock Project, which supports the local Roma community. Time permitting, you may even like to go for a horse cart ride through the area, over pastures and through wondrous woods of oak and hornbeam. In the evening, indulge in a home-cooked dinner prepared by a local family, sampling fresh produce, homemade wines and schnapps. Tonight, stay in rustic houses that the locals rent out to visitors.
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Viscri - Local Home Cooked Dinner
- Viscri - Fortified Church
- Viscri - Prince Charles House - RON15
- Viscri - Blacksmith demonstration - RON80
Tonight's rooms are in different houses scattered across the village, and you'll be sharing facilities with other members of your group. Be prepared to spend a night in rustic conditions with a wood stove that needs tending.
This morning, you’ll visit the famed Bran Castle. Said to be the inspiration for the home of Bram Stoker's Dracula, the castle isn’t too spooky, but it is undeniably impressive. Perched on a high cliff top and surrounded by pine trees, you’ll explore the castle with your leader and group – this is the perfect photo op! After, travel to Brasov and enjoy free time to explore, checking out the ornate churches, townhouses and squares surrounded by gingerbread-roofed merchants' houses. For those looking for a bit of nightlife tonight, Brasov has plenty of funky bars and restaurants to enjoy once darkness falls.
- Breakfast
- Bran Castle - Tour
Today after breakfast, you will enjoy a full free day in Brasov. Also known by its German name of Kronstadt, the town is flanked by mountains and was once a major medieval trading centre. When you arrive, enjoy some free time to wander, take an optional activity or just find a good spot to eat and people-watch. The town's main attraction is the gothic Black Church (Biserica Neagra), which took its name from its blackened appearance after a fire in 1689. Maybe stroll along pedestrianised Strada Republicii, take a cable car up to Mt Tampa, or maybe explore the nearby Rasnov Fortress. The fortification is perched on a rocky hilltop above the town of Rasnov and was constructed by Teutonic Knights in the 13th century as a refuge for the common people from Tartar invaders.
- Breakfast
- Rasnov - Fortress - RON20
- Brasov - Walking Tour with Local Guide - RON200
- Brasov - The Black Church - RON20
Head south to Bucharest on the train today – the city is increasingly known for its cosmopolitan vibe and energy. While not the most beautiful or stylish city, there are some wonderful art nouveau buildings, ancient churches and monasteries, lush parklands, lakes and elegant boulevards. Romania's capital also likes big things – it’s home to one of Europe's biggest squares, and its Palace of Parliament is the second-largest building in the world! You'll embark on a guided walking tour around town to help you get your bearings, and then you have loads of free time to choose your own adventure. Explore some of the sights further or maybe seek out some traditional home-cooked Romanian food with your fellow travellers.
- Breakfast
- Bucharest - Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Bucharest - Bike Tour - EUR25
- Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Tour - EUR75
- Bucharest - Village Museum - RON30
- Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
- Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON10
- Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence - RON65
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Today is a free day to explore Bucharest. Perhaps visit the grand concert hall of the Romanian Athenaeum, or take a walk around the city's National Museum of Art or the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Another great way to see the city is by bicycle, perhaps exploring some of the city’s neighbourhoods for a glimpse into the daily lives of Bucharest’s residents.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
- Bucharest - Village Museum - RON30
- Bucharest - Bike Tour - EUR25
- Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence - RON65
- Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON10
- Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest - EUR75
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary at 6pm tonight, and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.
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 to the country?
- 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. 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, take a public bus to Sofia – Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and parks. You've got the rest of the day to wander, so maybe begin with a browse around the cured meats and cheese of the Central Market Hall, then take a walk through the city and see the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church. You might want to 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 - National Art Gallery - BGN10
- Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
- Sofia - National History Museum - BGN15
- Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
- Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide from - BGN17
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today, journey into the Rila Mountains, where you'll visit the impressive 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 a small but picturesque Okoto Lake (2000 m above the sea level) for clear views over the valley with Mt Vihren, the range's highest peak, to the west. If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue to Banderitsko Lake, or opt to stay in Bansko and visit the thermal baths. In the afternoon, board the only operational gauge line in Bulgaria – Rhodope Railway – to Septemvri. 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 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 102 m of elevation gain.
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.
- 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 join your new friends for an optional dinner and bask in the beauty of 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 7-8 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 to book additional accommodation.
- 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
14 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Tram, Taxi, Chairlift
Hotel (14 nights), Pension (2 night), Homestay with shared facilities (1 night)
- Eger - Wine Sampling
- Maramures - Day Tour with Local Guide
- Maramures - Sapanta Merry Cemetery
- Maramures - Barsana Monastery
- Viscri - Local Home Cooked Dinner
- Viscri - Fortified Church
- Bran Castle - Tour
- Bucharest - Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Veliko Tarnovo- Orientation Walk
- Veliko Tarnovo- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop
- Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
- 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
- Eger - Castle - HUF4000
- Eger - Minaret - HUF800
- Eger - Astronomy Museum, Camera Obscura, Panoramic terrace in the Lyceum building - HUF2600
- Eger - Town Under The Town - HUF4500
- Sighisoara - Church of the Dominican Monastery - RON10
- Sighisoara - Covered Stairway - Free
- Sighisoara - Church on the Hill - RON5
- Sighisoara - The Clock Tower - RON16
- Viscri - Prince Charles House - RON15
- Viscri - Blacksmith demonstration - RON80
- Rasnov - Fortress - RON20
- Brasov - Walking Tour with Local Guide - RON200
- Brasov - The Black Church - RON20
- Bucharest - Bike Tour - EUR25
- Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Tour - EUR75
- Bucharest - Village Museum - RON30
- Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
- Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON10
- Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence - RON65
- Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest - EUR75
- Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum - BGN6
- Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
- Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
- Sofia - National History Museum - BGN15
- Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
- Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide from - BGN17
- 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
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Is this trip right for you?
- 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 to that season.
- Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other travellers, so embrace it while you can. Please also note that some accommodation used on this trip offer shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities.
- This trip involves some travel by public bus or train, including a few long journeys of up to seven hours. Although this can be a bit tiresome, it's a great way to meet locals and relax while enjoying the passing scenery.
- 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.
- If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip by starting your travels in Vienna to see the best of Central Europe before heading to Romania and then Bulgaria. Check out our trip 'Journey through Central Europe & Romania' (trip code AMSCC). Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combination trips.
- 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 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
- 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 to that season.
- Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other travellers, so embrace it while you can. Please also note that some accommodation used on this trip offer shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities.
- This trip involves some travel by public bus or train, including a few long journeys of up to seven hours. Although this can be a bit tiresome, it's a great way to meet locals and relax while enjoying the passing scenery.
- 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.
- If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip by starting your travels in Vienna to see the best of Central Europe before heading to Romania and then Bulgaria. Check out our trip 'Journey through Central Europe & Romania' (trip code AMSCC). Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combination trips.
- 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 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 6. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. You don't have a lot of time in Istanbul at the end of the trip, so if you're keen to explore in depth we recommend you extend your stay at the end of the trip.
3. As this is a combination of 2 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in Bucharest.
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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