I honestly do not know if my words can truly describe how incredible this trip was and the exceptional, first-class service our guide, Traian, provided. We saw so many amazing castles, citadels, and fortified churches and did so much in four days that it is difficult to pick any one favorite. Peles Castle is truly the most beautiful; Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, the most eerie and intriguing; and Corvin Castle comes straight out of a fairytale. As for the citadels, I have to say that I favor Cetatea Rupea and for the churches, The Black Church, Biserica and Biertan held their own fascinating unique history of how they provided protection to their villagers. For the nights, we stay in the beautiful towns of Brasov, Sighisoara (birthplace of Vlad Dracula), and Sibiu. We enjoyed delightful outings walking the streets, seeing all the shops, the people, and enjoying the local foods. It was our wedding anniversary during our stay in Sibiu, and with the help of our guide, Traian, he secretly (unknown to my wife) arranged dinner at a wonderful restaurant for my wife and me. There was even a surprise anniversary cake with candles. Oh, and the hotels that we stayed at each night were amazingly distinctive to the town and culture. And, finally, on the last day, we traveled through the Carpathian Mountains along the famous Transfagarasan Road witnessing the beautifully breathtaking, winding, scenic route on our way back to Bucharest. We even had quite a few photo shoot opportunities of brown bears along the roadside. While I am sure that I have missed much, I just have to say that you must experience this marvelous adventure for yourselves. You will be astonished.
ABOUT THIS TRIP
This trip will provide you with the opportunity to explore the capital cities of 7 major European countries, England, France, Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria and Hungary. Your journey begins in Paris where you will have a few days to explore major attractions such as the Eiffel Tower. A ferry ride on the English Channel will take you to London to explore the city and its attractions such as the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Moving forward, get the opportunity to spend quality time in the capital of Holland. Amsterdam is also known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof, one of the most famous tulip and flower gardens in Europe. You can also experience a panoramic city tour to see its narrow canals and beautiful parks. Continue your tour with a guided visit to Germany’s incredible capital, Berlin. Following this, you will enjoy the multicultural and diverse cuisines and delicacies in Prague by paying a visit to its numerous lively restaurants. During your time in Munich, embrace the modern automobile technology at the futuristic BMW WELT, where you will find ultra-modern BMW cars and bikes. You will also have an opportunity to admire the beauty and grandeur of the famous Swarovski Museum located in Wattens, Austria. Here, you can see the beauty and glitter of unique Swarovski crystals at this incredible museum. Experience a pristine feeling while taking a boat ride on Traunsee lake in Traunkirchen, Austria. Enjoy the surroundings of the beautiful gardens at Schönbrunn Palace, in Hietzing in Vienna. The tour ends in the capital city of the Czech Republic, where you will pay a visit to the Prague Castle, an impressive monument that dates to the 9th century.
Start your day with a pickup from your European-side Istanbul hotel, and travel to the port where your ferry awaits. Cruise south across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, and then continue your journey by air-conditioned minivan. After just over two hours of traveling, arrive into Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire.
Get to know Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, on a day trip from Istanbul! With a private guide at your side, travel by minivan and ferry to the city and then visit some of its landmark monuments. Gaze in awe at the colorful grandeur of the Green Mosque, and then learn of the city as an Ottoman-era silk powerhouse on a trip to Bursa Silk Market and the Koza Han building. After lunch, ride to the top of Mt Olympus (Snow Hill) by cable car and some impressive city views.
Ottoman Empire was one of the largest empires in the history. Bursa was its first capital. The city that is settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludag is known as "Yesil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") from its beautiful parks and gardens located throughout the city. This fourth largest city of Turkey is also known for its peaches, chestnuts, and silk industry.
Departure by ferry-boat via Yalova, enjoying the lovely countryside view. Drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital and lunch of famous "Kebap of Alexander The Great". Climb to Uludag, the legendary Mount Olympos, by Teleferik (Cable Car), visit to Ulucami (Grand Mosque), the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, the old Silk Market in the Covered Bazaar. Late evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels.
The city is frequently cited as "Green Bursa" in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region. The city is synonymous with the mountain Uludağ which towers behind the city core and which is also a famous ski resort. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city's main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology, and a rather orderly urban growth are further principal elements that complete Bursa's overall picture.
This eight-day, private tour is a great combination of guided trips to Slovenian towns and cities, such as Ljubljana, the greenest capital in Europe; the alpine town of Bled; and medieval Piran, a city with a strong Venetian influence. Additionally, you will also get the chance to see beautiful alpine glacier lakes, gorgeous mountains, emerald rivers, some of the biggest caves in the world and the blue Adriatic.
Join us as we explore the best that Slovenia has to offer while enjoying opportunities to hike or bike through its beautiful landscape. Start your trip from Ljubljana. Visit the famous Postojna Caves and soak up the beauty of Lake Bled. Drive to the heart of Triglav National Park, where Bohinj Lake is located, and ascend to the top of Mt Vogel to enjoy the scenery. You also have the option to go rafting in the Soca River or experience one of most remarkable ziplines in Europe.
With our knowledgeable guides by your side, you will get the chance to meet the locals and learn more about their customs, traditions and way of living. For more details, please scroll down.
Explore Turkey like never during this private, guided, 13-day tour. Take in the sights and sounds of Istanbul with your tour guide during two full-day tours before heading for Cappadocia, the land of fairy chimneys and ancient churches.
Uncover the myths and legends surrounding Christianity in Ephesus. See its ancient ruins, including the House of the Virgin Mary. Continue to Pergamon, yet another historic destination and home to one of the Seven Churches of Asia according to the Book of Revelation. See the calcium terraces of Pamukkale before heading for the coastal city of Bodrum, the final destination in the itinerary.
Unlike most other Turkey tours, this trip includes a visit to Prince's Islands in Istanbul. Domestic flights are included in the tour price. Please note that we can also customize the itinerary as per your requirements.
This trip will give you the pleasure of exploring some of the most amazing destinations Europe in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Start your journey from Prague where you get to explore the city on a guided tour and enjoy a boat tour on the Vltava River. Then reach Munich and visit the futuristic BMW Welt which has fascinating architecture for multi-use exhibitions of BMW cars. Ahead in your journey to Austria arrive in Innsbruck and visit the Swarovski Museum, the renowned home of crystals. Then cross the border to Switzerland and enjoy an evening in the historic center next to the lake in Zurich. Next, take in the fantastic scenery while you ride up in a cable car in Grindelwald and explore the beautiful Lucern. later continued to Burglen and visited the chapel of the XVI century before reaching Milan in Italy. Next, you will discover the famous city of Pisa and take a little tourist train to the beautiful art complexes of Piazza Dei Miracoli and the well-known Leaning Tower. On your next stop you will reach the Italian Capital of Rome where you will visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the notorious Roman Coliseum among other highlights. Your adventure will continue with a walking tour of magnificent Florence through the historic center, taking in places such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Plaza della Signoria. Your journey will end in Romantic Venice, where you will discover the marvelous St. Mark´s Square and the world-famous Murano Glass Factory.
Get ready to see some of Europe's most extravagant castles and powerful palaces with this multi-country tour from Italy to Germany! Your journey will begin in Rome, the ancient capital of Italy. Uncover thousands of years of history as you visit the Imperial Forums and St. Peter’s Basilica. From there you will travel to Florence, the Birthplace of the Renaissance, and the perfect place to see the famous works of iconic Italian artists. Take a boat across the Grand Canal in Venice, the City of Canals, where you will discover St. Mark’s Square. Cross the border into Austria to visit Innsbruck, home to the Swarovski Crystal Museum, and drive across the mountains to the beautiful ski village of Kitzbuhel. Your next couple of stops will be in Salzburg, known for its historic city center and the legendary birthplace of Mozart, and Traunsee Lake, from where you will head on a cruise to Gmunden, known for its spectacular Alpine scenery. Next, travel to Vienna to visit the Schonbrunn Palace, the former home of the Hapsburgs. Cross the border into Hungary with a trip to Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube” home to an astounding 123 thermal baths. Explore Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, known for its rich culture and incredible art scene. Travel to Prague, the Czech capital, where you will head on a scenic boat tour on the Vltava River and see the Prague Castle – the largest ancient castle in the world! Drive through Bavaria, perhaps the most beautiful region in Germany, to visit Lauf, known for its busy market and Wenzelschloss Castle. Your next stop will be in Wurzburg, a famous university city situated on the banks of the Maine River. Finally, you will explore Frankfurt, known for its futuristic skyline, where your tour of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague will come to an end!
If you are ready to see some of the most breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary castles, and fascinating cities in the UK, this 10-day small-group tour of Scotland is for you! Your journey will begin in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, known for its medieval streets, ancient buildings, and bustling atmosphere. Visit Edinburgh Castle, where you will uncover thousands of years of history and take in the incredible views of the city. From there you will travel to Stirling, where you will visit the Wallace Monument, built in honor of the 13th-century hero William Wallace, and see the Blair Castle in Pitlochry before you explore Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Explore Fort Augustus, a charming town in Northern Scotland, from where you will board your boat to Loch Ness Lake. Learn about the legend of the Loch Ness Monster as you sail along the misty waters of the lake and see if you can spot the great creature. Next, you will explore the medieval ruins of the Urquhart Castle, which was once one of the largest castles in Scotland, before you drive to Fort William, the Gateway to Ben Nevis — the highest mountain peak in the UK. Head on a stroll around Lake Lamond, one of the most popular lakes in Scotland, before you make your way to Glasgow, known for its incredible music scene and fascinating festivals and events. Your small-group tour of Scotland will come to an end in this fascinating city!
The trip was wonderful! We were impressed by the way the trip was planned. Great hotels and service by the representatives we dealt with. Our transportation vehicles and drivers were all very nice and had prompt pickups. Very thorough explanations of how things will work when we arrived in Athens.