Budapest to Istanbul

From

CAD 2,512

Duration

13 days

Countries

Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary

Activity

easy

Group size

Max 16

The adventure

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.

Arrive at any time.

Enjoy a morning free to explore Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. In the afternoon, check out a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a drink 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.

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.

Day by day

Explore the stunning landscape of Cappadocia with its unique rock formations under a clear sky.

Your journey through

Turkey, Romania & 2 more countries

Showing Days 1-7

13-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.

Day 2Enjoy a morning free to explore Budapest…

A picturesque view of Prague with the Vltava River, historical buildings, and a bridge.

Budapest

Day 3Enjoy breakfast at the Balla Géza Winery before…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.

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 4With a local guideEnjoy a guided tour of the 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.

Enjoy a guided tour of the 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 5Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn…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.

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 6Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk

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.

Day 7Enjoy some free time to explore more…

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.

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