Original
Explorer
Romania, Bulgaria & Turkey Discovery
16 Days | Explore from Eastern Europe's Romania and Bulgaria to Turkey
5
Excellent
1 reviews
16 days
Start
Bucharest, Romania
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Trip Code
WMSIC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
Train, Public Bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi, Chairlift, Overnight Train, Plane
Accommodation
Hotel (14 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)
From £2,910(16 days)
Trip Informations
Embark on a spectacular journey from Romania and through Bulgaria to Turkey, 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, bask in the glory of transcontinental Istanbul and soak up sun and history with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Catch the overnight train to Central Anatolia and the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons dot the skyline and dwellings are cut into the cliffs - this 16-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
Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.
Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.
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
12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
Train, Public Bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi, Chairlift, Overnight Train, Plane
Accommodation
Hotel (14 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)
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
Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards
Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
Troy - Archaeological site visit
Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
Konya - Mevlana Museum
Cappadocia - Valley walk
Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
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 - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY1700
Istanbul - Galata Tower - EUR30
Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - EUR15
Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - EUR17
Selcuk - Basilica of St John - EUR6
Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - EUR10
Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15
Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR275
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR325
Goreme - Open Air Museum - EUR20
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding Day 12, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. You don't have a lot of time in Bucharest, so if you're keen to explore it in depth, we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip.
3. As this is a combination trip, your tour leader and group composition may change on Day 9 in Istanbul.
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