9 Days | Explore from Eastern Europe's Romania and Bulgaria to Turkey
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.
Trip overview
- Start
- Bucharest, Romania
- Finish
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- WMSI
- 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.
- 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
6 breakfasts
Train, Public Bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi
Hotel (8 nights)
- 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
- 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
Dates and availability
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.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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