Budapest to Istanbul Tour with 7 Reviews by G Adventures

13 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Budapest, Hungary

Ends

Istanbul, Turkey

Highlights

Discover the rich and varied culture of Eastern Europe.

visit 'Dracula's Castle' and charming Slavic villages.

explore the spectacular cities of Budapest and Istanbul

Itinerary

Set out on an easy-paced adventure from Budapest to Istanbul with this 13-day guided tour, perfect for experienced travelers eager to explore a less-traveled corner of Europe. This trip winds through Hungary, Romania, and Turkey, with highlights including the historic architecture of Budapest, the legendary "Dracula’s Castle" in Transylvania, and the opulence of Ottoman palaces in Istanbul.

Enjoy a blend of cultural exploration and leisurely sightseeing, all while immersing yourself in the region’s diverse landscapes and storied past. Accommodations, transport, and select meals are included, making your journey seamless and comfortable.

The tour’s standout feature is its off-the-beaten-path route, bringing you face to face with both iconic sites and hidden gems. For those seeking a trip that delivers authentic experiences and a real sense of discovery, this package offers an enriching way to uncover Eastern Europe’s unique allure.

day 1 - Budapest

Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.

Accomodation:Ibis Styles Budapest Center (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Budapest to Balla Géza Winery

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Balla Geza Winery (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 293 km

Included Activities:Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Balla Géza Winery Visit

Optional Activities:Budapest Morning Walking Tour

day 3 - Balla Géza Winery to Sighișoara

Enjoy breakfast at the Balla Géza Winery before traveling to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Sighisoara (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.5 hr Distance : 317 km

Optional Activities:Clock Tower Visit Enjoy a visit to the Clock Tower, also known as the Council Tower -- it's Sighisoara's main point of attraction. It was built in the second half of the 14th century and expanded in the 16th century. After a fire in 1676 when the town's gunpowder deposits located in the Tailors' Tower exploded, Austrian artists rebuilt the roof of the tower in its present baroque style and, in 1894, colourful tiles were added. , Casa Dracula (Vlad Dracul Restaurant) You will not be digging your canine teeth into any humans at the Casa Dracula. Once the original home for Vlad the Impaler, who was the model for Count Dracula, it is now a restaurant specialising in the hearty meat and game dishes of the region., The History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie) Explore the Renaissance furniture, medical instruments, fine arts, and more in this museum located inside the Clock Tower -- it's been around since 1899!, The Church of the Dominican Monastery Visit Enjoy a visit to the Church of the Dominican Monastery. Built in the late Gothic style, it was last repaired in 1929, quite some time after it was first attested in a document back in 1298.

day 4 - Sighișoara/Braşov

With a local guide, venture into the Romanian countryside to visit traditional villages. Get a true sense of life in this less-visited region. Visit charming Brasov.
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Sighisoara and 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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Central Residence Annapolis Brasov (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.6 hr Distance : 115 km

Included Activity:Sighișoara Region Guided Tour Duration : 5.0 hr - 6.0 hr

day 5 - Braşov

Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.
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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Central Residence Annapolis Brasov (or similar)

Included Activity:Bran Castle Visit Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr

Optional Activities:Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) Visit Get ready to go back in history with a visit to Catherine's Gate, built in 1559 and the only original gate to have survived from medieval times., Schei District Visit During the Saxon rule of Brasov, from the 13th to the 17th century, Romanians were forbidden from owning property inside the citadel walls and so they settled in the southwestern Schei district. Walk up Strada Prundului to Piata Unirii and the beautiful St. Nicholas Church; then, wander around the small curving streets that gradually slope upwards against the hill. Continue to the southern end of Schei and you'll end up on the gravel road to the impressive Solomon's Rocks (Pietrele lui Solomon), a popular picnic area for locals during the weekend but relatively quiet all other times., Black Church (Biserica Neagră) Visit The Black Church is the biggest church between Vienna and Istanbul. It's a famous landmark of the town of Brasov, is Romania's leading Gothic church, and has the largest church bell in the country, weighing a hefty 7 tons (6,350 kg)! Explore its beautiful interior, including stained glass windows and its collection of 119 Turkish carpets, the largest in Europe.

day 6 - Braşov/Bucharest

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:MyContinental Bucharest (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 4.0 hr

Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Arch of Triumph Visit Enjoy a visit to the Arch of Triumph to marvel at the exterior of this historic monument. The arch was initially built to celebrate Romania's independence so troops could march under it on their return to the city in 1878. The current arch was built in 1936, it replaced the wooden and quickly built structures that stood before. , National Village Museum Visit Check out examples of Romanian rural architecture at this outdoor museum that's literally a park 10 hectares large. It boasts rural homes built in the styles throughout Romania as well as churches, outhouses, and mills -- you'll really feel like you're walking through a Romanian village. To give an even more authentic feel to things, many structures are filled with furniture and pieces from the eras they replicate., National History Museum Visit Boasting more than 650,000 items, the museum, inaugurated in 1972, gives visitors a true understanding of Romanian culture. Housed in the former historic monument once known as the Palace of the Post, it is situated in the old historical centre of Bucharest., Palace of the Parliament Visit Enjoy a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, which contains both chambers of the Romanian parliament as well as the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC). It's the world's largest civilian building with an administrative function, according to the World Records Academy; it's also the most expensive administrative building., Bucharest Bike Tour You can always cover more land on a bike! Get out an explore on two wheels., Museum of the Romanian Peasant Visit the Museum of the Romanian Peasant for a interesting look inside the rural culture of Romania. The museum displays a collection of costumes, artifacts of Romanian peasant life, and religious icons.

day 7 - Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo

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.
Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Concorde (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr

day 8 - Veliko Tarnovo

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Concorde (or similar)

Included Activity:Arbanasi Village Visit

Optional Activities:Nativity Church Visit Visit the 16th-century Church of the Nativity to see the amazing murals.

day 9 - Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia

Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies' Market.
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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Budapest Sofia (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr

Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Ladies' Market Visit Enjoy a visit to the eclectic Ladies' Market - Sofia’s biggest market for fresh produce, meats, fish, cheeses and spices., St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Visit Don't miss the stunning gold-domed Alexander Nevsky church, honouring the Russian liberators whose contribution saw the end of Ottoman rule in Bulgaria., Vitosha Boulevard Visit Enjoy a stroll down Sofia's chic pedestrian area, Vitosha Boulevard.

day 10 - Sofia/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.
Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Puldin COOP (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 2.0 hr

Optional Activities:Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum Visit Closed on Mondays., Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis Visit Go back nearly 2,000 years and tread in the steps of Roman legionnaires by visiting the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis., Plovdiv Old Town Visit Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns on earth, dating back as far as 4000 BC. Wander the atmospheric streets of the hilly area and view the colourful buildings. Opt to visit cafés or restaurants in this living museum.

day 11 - Plovdiv/Istanbul

Spend time in the morning exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an afternoon bus to Istanbul.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)

Transport:Local Bus Duration : 7.0 hr

Optional Activities:Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis Visit Go back nearly 2,000 years and tread in the steps of Roman legionnaires by visiting the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis., Plovdiv Old Town Visit Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns on earth, dating back as far as 4000 BC. Wander the atmospheric streets of the hilly area and view the colourful buildings. Opt to visit cafés or restaurants in this living museum., Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum Visit Closed on Mondays.

day 12 - Istanbul

Enjoy a city tour with a local Turkish guide. Opt to visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya), and the Topkapı Palace.
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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)

Included Activity:Istanbul Guided Walking Tour Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 5 km

Optional Activities:Spice Bazaar Visit , Blue Mosque Visit Explore the fabulous Blue Mosque, admiring the beautiful symmetry and internal tile work of the building. As it is a working mosque, take the chance to learn more about the ceremony behind Islam, the religion of about 98 per cent of today's Turks. Head to the front of the Blue Mosque, to see the ancient Hippodrome. It was once the scene of chariot races, and now houses monuments from various moments in Istanbul’s history. , Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit , Topkapi Palace Visit

day 13 - Istanbul

Depart at any time.
We highly recommend you book post-accommodation to fully enjoy this vibrant city.

Your tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.

And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.

Meal:Breakfast

Optional Activities:Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels/pensions (11 nts), guest lodge (1 nt).

Meals

12 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD280-365 for meals not included.

Transport

Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, BudapestYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupBudapest orientation walkVisit to the Balla Géza WineryHalf-day tour of Sighisoara and surrounding countryside villages'Dracula's Castle' (Bran)Bucharest orientation tourHike to Arbanasi villageSofia orientation walkIstanbul city tour with local guide

What's Excluded

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