Original
Explorer
Eastern Europe Express
9 Days | Explore from Eastern Europe's Romania and Bulgaria to Turkey
4.9
Excellent
30 reviews
9 days
Start
Bucharest, Romania
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Trip Code
WMSI
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
6 breakfasts
Transport
Train, Public Bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights)
From £1,529(9 days)
Trip Informations
Embark on a spectacular journey from Romania and through Bulgaria to Istanbul, discovering the architectural grandeur and quaint cultural enclaves that make this such an intriguing part of the world. Absorb Bucharest’s austere atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia, breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains, and meander back in time in the Old Town of Plovdiv. and bask in the glory of transcontinental Istanbul. Relatively short in terms of distance travelled, this nine-day trip is a fascinating study in just how much regions can change as you cross national borders.
Why you’ll love this trip
Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
Experience the romantic "time travel" back to the 20-th century by taking a trip on the last operational narrow gauge line in Bulgaria on route from Bansko to Plovdiv.
Explore the amphitheatre and Plovdiv's other significant sights on a guided walking tour.
Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
Stand in awe of the exquisite architectual design of Selimiye Mosque and celebrate the end of your journey in the transcontinental Istanbul.
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/apart.
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 Budapest, taking in the best of Romania before continuing into Bulgaria. Or start in Vienna to see the best of Central Europe before heading to Romania and then Bulgaria. Check out our trips 'Eastern Europe Explorer' (trip code WMSEC) and '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
Inclusions
Meals
6 breakfasts
Transport
Train, Public Bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights)
Activities
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
Add on activities
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
Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum - BGN6
Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
Sofia - National History Museum - BGN12
Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide - 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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Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. You don't have a lot of time in Bucharest and Istanbul at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these underrated cities in depth, we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.
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