Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey image
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Operated by G Adventures

Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey

From
CAD 4,199
Duration
20 days
Countries
Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary
Activity
easy

The adventure

Embark on a 20-day adventure through Eastern Europe and Turkey, where every moment is steeped in history and wonder. Wander through Budapest's grand architecture, uncover the mysteries of "Dracula’s Castle" in Transylvania, and step back in time in the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus. Get lost in the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where "fairy chimneys" rise from the earth, and savour a home-cooked meal with a local family. From cultural gems to natural marvels, this journey across two continents is truly magic.

At a glance

Duration
20 days
Route
Budapest → Istanbul
Countries
Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History, Food & Drink, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey image

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

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
Enjoy a morning free to explore Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. After check out we visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a drink and optionally order a bite to eat 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.
Map showing 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.
Day 8Enjoy the morning in the medieval town…
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.
Day 9Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk…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.
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 10Travel to 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.
Day 11Spend time in the morning exploring more…Istanbul
Explore Istanbul's stunning cityscape with historic architecture and waterways viewed from above.Istanbul
Spend time in the morning exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an afternoon bus to Istanbul.
Map showing Istanbul
Day 12Enjoy a city tour with a local Turkish guideAfter 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.
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 13Take advantage of a free day in Istanbul…
Explore Istanbul's stunning cityscape with historic architecture and waterways viewed from above.Istanbul
Take advantage of a free day in Istanbul to explore this incredible city and choose from a number of available optional activities. In the evening, head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night.
Map showing Istanbul
Day 14Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula…Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story. It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.
A serene view of a ferry on the Bosphorus with Istanbul skyline in the background, framed by trees.Istanbul
Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story. It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.
Map showing Istanbul
Day 15Set off from Çanakkale and visit the ancient…Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights.
Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights.
Day 16Explore Ephesus this morning as well as…
Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selçuk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia.
Day 17Disembark the train in Konya and grab some…
Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening.
Day 18Set out on a full day of exploration…
Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family.
Day 19After an early breakfastIstanbul
Explore Istanbul's stunning cityscape with historic architecture and waterways viewed from above.Istanbul
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group.
Map showing Istanbul
Day 20Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Turkey

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Peaceful winter scene of tall bare trees and snow-capped mountains under cloudy skies.
Turkeys roam freely near Mount Hasan, with snow-capped peaks and rural landscapes in the background.
Scenic view of rocky hills and calm waters in Halfeti, Türkiye.
Stunning aerial view of Cappadocia's unique rock formations in a summer landscape.
Quaint suburban view in Edremit, Turkey with lush trees and mountain backdrop.

Upcoming departures

20% off Europe · ends 2026-06-30
DatesPrice / personAvailability
14 Jun 20263 Jul 2026CAD 5,249unknownBook my trip
21 Jun 202610 Jul 2026CAD 5,249On requestBook my trip
28 Jun 202617 Jul 2026CAD 5,249On requestBook my trip
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