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Map of Eastern Europe Explorer including Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Turkey

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
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Destinations
Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Turkey
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
WMSEC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

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

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.

Rila monastry ceiling fresco
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia Bulgaria
The stunning city of Bucharest in Romania
Man gazing at the Glazne River, Pirin Mountain, Bulgeria

Itinerary
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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. After the welcome meeting at 6 pm, you might like to head out to explore the city by night. Perhaps visit the Jewish Quarter for dinner and explore the many options for a nightcap.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
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.If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Take a two-hour train east to Eger today. 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 with the group 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. Among the Turkish soldiers it was rumoured that the enemy army drank blood diluted with wine, as the firm resistance they encountered couldn't be explained any other way. In your own time, perhaps 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Eger - Wine Tasting
Optional Activities
  • Eger - Castle - HUF2400
  • Eger - Minaret - HUF500
  • Eger - Astronomy Museum, Camera Obscura, Panoramic terrace in the Lyceum building - HUF2200
  • Eger - Town Under The Town - HUF1500
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel either by public bus or local train (depending on availability) to the pleasant town of Debrecen today (approximately 3 hours). While here, you'll have time to explore Deri Square with its fountains, colourful buildings, museums, and golden Great Church. Continue on by train and private vehicle across the central plains into the Maramures region of Romania. This second part of the journey should take around six hours. Time in Romania is an hour ahead of Hungary, so don't forget to set your watch. Maramures is also a place that can feel like stepping back in time. The region may be modernising, but among the traditional wooden houses and churches, the traditional music and forests, you can still find parts of life fairly unchanged since medieval times. Upon arrival, settle into your room at the pension, which is run by a local family, and look forward to some hearty home-cooked fare.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Romanian visas are not available at the border. Should you require one, please organise this before you commence the trip.

Today you’ll discover more about the region of Maramures ('mah-ra-moo-resh') and how it seems frozen in time. 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. Each village is distinctive in its colourful outfits and style of hat. 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. You’ll visit the unique Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, where the life stories of the deceased – the good and the bad of their lives – are displayed on colourful wooden crosses. There are poems and limericks, and little pictures illustrating how the person died, all single-handedly carved over 40 years by Stan Ioan Patraş until 1977. The work has continued for the last 30 years by his apprentice. You’ll also see the village museum in Sighetu, an assembly of beautiful local wooden architecture, along with stopping by various other traditional villages.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Maramures - Day Tour with Local Guide
  • Maramures - Sapanta Merry Cemetery
  • Maramures - Barsana Monastery
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, get ready for a scenic drive to Sighisoara (approximately 5.5 hours), where you'll feel like you've entered a different world. 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 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 and is 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 was the inspiration for 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. Maybe have traditional Romanian fare at ‘Casa Dracula’ tonight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Sighisoara - Church of the Dominican Monastery - RON10
  • Sighisoara - Covered Stairway - Free
  • Sighisoara - Church on the Hill - RON5
  • Sighisoara - The Clock Tower - RON16
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your next stop is less than an hour away to the village of Viscri.The small Transylvanian village of Viscri was originally inhabited by Saxons from the Luxembourg area, and the whole scene is picture-postcard rural. This idyllic village of red tiled roofs is a World Heritage site, virtually unchanged for 900 years. You’ll visit the town's fortified church (thought to be the oldest in Transylvania). You’ll also 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.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Viscri - Local Home Cooked Dinner
  • Viscri - Sock Project
  • Viscri - Fortified Church
Optional Activities
  • Viscri - Prince Charles House - RON15
  • Viscri - Blacksmith demonstration - RON80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
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, continue to our next stop Brasov on a private transfer (Approximately 1.5 hours). Also known by its German name of Kronstadt, the town is flanked by mountains and city walls was once a major medieval trading centre. Enjoy free time to explore, checking out the ornate churches, townhouses and squares surrounded by gingerbread-roofed merchants' houses. It's worth visiting the town's main attraction, the gothic (Biserica Neagra) Black Church, which took its name from its blackened appearance after a fire in 1689. Stroll along pedestrianized 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 place of refuge for the common people from Tartar invaders. For those looking for a little nightlife action, Brasov has plenty of funky bars and restaurants to enjoy once darkness falls.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Brasov - The Black Church - RON15
  • Brasov - Walking Tour with Local Guide - RON200
  • Rasnov - Fortress - RON20
  • Brasov - Cable Car to Mt Tampa - RON25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy another free day. It'll be the perfect time to head to Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for the home of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Though not exactly super spooky, it is undeniably impressive, perched on a high cliff top and surrounded by pine trees.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bran Castle - Tour - RON55
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head south to Bucharest on train today (approximately 3 hours). The city is increasingly known for its cosmopolitan vibe and energy, and while not the most beautiful or stylish city, there are some wonderful art nouveau buildings, ancient churches and monasteries, lush parkland, lakes and elegant boulevards. Romania's interesting 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 – former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu ordered the construction of the 12-storied Palace of Parliament, a building of staggering scale and opulence that includes 1,100 rooms and 4,500 chandeliers. You'll embark on a guided walking tour around town to help you get your bearings, then in free time you can choose to further explore some of the sights pointed out. Maybe seek out some traditional home-cooked Romanian food with your fellow travellers tonight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bucharest - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities
  • 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 Ceauşescu Residence - RON55
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Salut! Welcome to Romania. Bucharest, Romania's capital city, 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. It's worth arriving into the city a few days early to explore. Perhaps take a tour of the Palace of Parliament (former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu ordered the construction of this 12-storied monster, a building of staggering scale and opulence that includes 1,100 rooms and 4,500 chandeliers), or check out the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. You might even like to partake in one of our Urban Adventure day trips, such as the 'Home Cooked Bucharest' tour.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
  • Bucharest - Village Museum - RON30
  • Bucharest - Bike Tour - EUR25
  • Bucharest - Former Ceauşescu Residence - RON55
  • Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON10
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Travel by train across the friendship bridge into Bulgaria and on to the picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo's history is incredible. Founded in 4500 BC by the Neolithic people, the Romans later built the first fortress walls and in the 6th century a Byzantine capital was established on Tsarevets Hill by Emperor Justinian. After the foundation of the second Bulgarian empire in 1185, it became the second most important and beautiful 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. Because of its importance during the second Bulgarian empire, the city was chosen as the place where the Bulgarian constitution was written in 1879 and where the official proclamation of Bulgaria as an independent state was made in 1908.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's travel time is approximately 6 hours.

This morning join your leader for a visit to Veliko Tarnovo's imposing Tsarevets Fortress which overlooks the city. This once-magnificent fortress was first built in the 7th century and the ruined citadel is a delight to wander through. 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 before relaxing in one of the town's cafes or 'vinarnas' (wine bars).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
Optional Activities
  • Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum - BGN6
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning, transfer to Sofia. Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and pleasant 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 from the many empires of old that have occupied the city at the National Archaeological Museum, or get cultural at the National Art Gallery.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
  • Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
  • Sofia - National History Museum - BGN12
  • Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s trave time is approximately 4 hours.

Today journey into the Rila Mountains, where you'll visit the impressive Rila Monastery. Tucked away in a valley, this World Heritage-listed site is the largest and holiest of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries. It was founded in 927 to keep Bulgarian spiritual and social life alive during Turkish rule. The entire monastery complex is a work of art in itself – check out stunning murals, the 14th-century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church and the original 19th-century monastery kitchen. Then onto Bansko. Set at the base of the majestic Pirin Mountains, Bansko is home to more than 150 cultural monuments. Down its cobbled streets, many of its stone houses have been transformed into charming ‘mehanes’ (taverns). Wander through pl. Vazrazhdane and check out the frescoes of the Church of Sveta Troitsa, or the paintings in the Rilski Convent. In the evening, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in some local cuisine. Try filet elena (spicy cured meat) or kapama (simmered meat, rice and sauerkraut), washing it down with some delicious melnik (dark red wine).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rila - Monastery Visit
Optional Activities
  • Bansko - Spa Visit - BGN40
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s trave time is approximately 3 hours

This morning venture up into the Pirin Mountains. After a short ride on a chairlift stretch your legs with a hike into the eastern slopes of the mountains, with Mt Vihren, the range's highest peak at almost 3,000m, visible to the west. In the afternoon, hop on a couple of local train and continue to travel to Plovdiv. Situated on the Maritsa River, Plovdiv was once the meeting point of two ancient transportation routes. In the evening, make sure you indulge in the local cuisine, famed for its grilled meats and vegetables on skewers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pirin Mountains - Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 3 hours.
For today's hike it is recommended you bring comfortable walking shoes with ankle support. Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions the hike in the Pirin Mountains may have to be cancelled. If this should be the case we will visit the local spa instead.

This morning, join a local guide for a tour of the main sights and some insight into the town's history. The most remarkable sight is 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 6,000 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, still in use today. Enjoy a free afternoon in this charming city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities
  • Plovdiv - Bachkovo Monastery - BGN16
  • Plovdiv - Hisarya Hot Springs - BGN50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Get ready for a long day of travel that takes you from Europe to Asia. Stop at Edirne right after crossing the border and visit the magnificent Selimiye Mosque. Edirne was the first capital of the Ottoman empire and the exquisite Selimiye Mosque was built by order of Sultan Selim II over 400 years ago and represents the highest achievement of Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan’s work, arguably the most beautiful mosque in Turkey. Then continue onto the final destination of your journey, Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home. Have some free time after arrival. In the evening, maybe join your new friends for an optional dinner and bask in the beauty of a real Turkish kebab.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Edirne - Selimiye Mosque
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

All good things come to an end, and this morning your adventure officially comes to a close. If you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul we are able to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY200
  • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY200
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY175
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

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)

Included activities

  • Eger - Wine Tasting
  • Maramures - Day Tour with Local Guide
  • Maramures - Sapanta Merry Cemetery
  • Maramures - Barsana Monastery
  • Viscri - Local Home Cooked Dinner
  • Viscri - Sock Project
  • Viscri - Fortified Church
  • Bucharest - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
  • Rila - Monastery Visit
  • Pirin Mountains - Hike
  • Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Edirne - Selimiye Mosque

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Eastern Europe Explorer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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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.

Essential trip information

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