Original
Explorer
Eastern Europe Explorer
18 days • 4.7
4.5
Excellent
24 reviews
18 days
Start
Budapest, Hungary
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Trip Code
WMSEC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
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)
From £2,785(18 days)
Trip Informations
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.
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.
Itinerary
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.
Inclusions
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 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
Optional activities
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
Dates and availability
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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.
Reviews (24)
5 stars
19
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
Jamey
May 13, 2025
This was our first trip with Intrepid and my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We had 2 fabulous guides who were considerate, knowledgeable and fun to be around. They both catered to our needs and went above and beyond to make sure our trip was the best it could be.
Marilyn
Nov 27, 2024
Our Eastern Europe Explorer tour was an intensive and eye-opening experience. We had such little knowledge about Romania and Bulgaria and this trip showed us the amazing histories, cultures, and cuisines of these beautiful places. Our guides Barni and Gabriela shared their love of their homelands with us with great enthusiasm.
Judith
Oct 31, 2024
I’d never considered this part of the world, as I wanted to do Turkey where this tour ended. But it was an unforgettable tour that I’d highly recommend. Petar our guide was the best ever!
Alex
Oct 26, 2024
Trip of a lifetime and it didn't disappoint! Romania feels like the better half of the tour as you get to spend more time in the nice places, but Bulgaria and Turkey were both fab in their own ways. Raluca and Sandu were great guides, and we had a fab core group. Would definitely recommend!
Marlen
Oct 13, 2024
Enrich your mind and heart by exploring these beautiful countries.
David
Oct 05, 2024
This is a great trip to some of the lesser known parts of Europe. The history, geography, cultures and food of this area are something to be experienced and savoured.
Emily
Oct 05, 2024
This trip was a wonderful insight into Eastern Europe, with a well thought out itinerary and our fantastic tour leader Petar showing us a great time. Highly recommended.
Linda
Jun 20, 2024
Great trip covered a lot of places a different types of cities villages had a great leader Petar which made it so good
Ian
May 18, 2024
If you are unfamiliar with Eastern Europe and keen to expand your understanding and experience of its countries then this Intrepid trip is strongly recommended as it is a very efficient and effective way to travel and its management and guiding are excellent. You can feel safe and well cared for, while experiencing the interest and excitement of encounters with the cultures and traditions of these lands.
Heather
Apr 27, 2024
Fantastic trip, covered a lot and provided a lot of history, geography and fun activities. Loved the use of public transport
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