Trip Style
Classic
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
EABI
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 13 Day Budapest to Istanbul. From pastoral countryside to forbidding forests and fairytale villages, this tour from Budapest to Istanbul is definitely the road less travelled, but absolutely a worthy adventure to take. Over 13 days, you’ll explore the weathered architecture of Budapest, grand Ottoman palaces, “Dracula’s Castle” in Transylvania, and much more. With an intriguing combination of cultural colour and exploration, you'll come away with a real feel for this lesser-explored corner of Europe.
Itinerary
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city. Stay: Ibis Styles Budapest Center
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. Stay: Balla Geza Winery (B/D)
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. Stay: Hotel Sighisoara (B)
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. Stay: Central Residence Annapolis Brasov (B)
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. Stay: Central Residence Annapolis Brasov (B)
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. Stay: ibis Styles Bucharest City Center (B)
Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city. Stay: Hotel Tarnava (B)
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. Stay: Hotel Tarnava (B)
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. Stay: Hotel Budapest Sofia (B)
Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area. Stay: Hotel Puldin COOP (B)
Spend time in the morning exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an afternoon bus to Istanbul. Stay: Hotel Centrum Istanbul (B)
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. Stay: Hotel Centrum Istanbul (B)
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. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Budapest orientation walk
- Visit to the Balla Géza Winery
- Half-day tour of Sighisoara and surrounding countryside villages
- 'Dracula's Castle' (Bran)
- Bucharest orientation tour
- Hike to Arbanasi village
- Sofia orientation walk
- Istanbul city tour with local guide
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels/pensions (11 Nights), guest lodge (1 Night)
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- 12 breakfasts, 1 dinner
- Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
G Adventures Earth (2023-24)
We’ve been the leaders in small-group adventure travel since 1990. How’d we get here? By listening to our travellers and giving them what they want: flexible itineraries, freedom to explore, smaller groups, safety and peace of mind, and locally based guides who show you your destination in a way you’d miss travelling any other way. Check out how we’re l...moreeading the world when it comes to travel.
Availability
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06 Apr 2025
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29 Jun 2025
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11 Jul 2025
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25 Aug 2025
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31 Aug 2025
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12 Sep 2025
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02 Sep 2025
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14 Sep 2025
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Tuesday
16 Sep 2025
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28 Sep 2025
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30 Sep 2025
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12 May 2026
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24 May 2026
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26 Jul 2026
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25 Oct 2026
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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