20 Day Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey

Fully Guided Adventure Small Group

Our Price From 4,721 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 606 Per Person

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Trip Length

20 Days

Trip Starts

Budapest

Trip Finishes

Istanbul

20 Day Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey Itinerary (G Adventures)

Countries Explored: Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey

Trip Operator

G Adventures

103 Reviews

Trip Style

Classic

Departures

Mar 2025 to Nov 2026

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Leisurely

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

EABT

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 20 Day Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey. Embark on a 20-day adventure through Eastern Europe and Turkey, where every moment is steeped in history and wonder. Wander through Budapest's grand architecture, uncover the mysteries of "Dracula’s Castle" in Transylvania, and step back in time in the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus. Get lost in the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where "fairy chimneys" rise from the earth, and savour a home-cooked meal with a local family. From cultural gems to natural marvels, this journey across two continents...read more

Itinerary

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.

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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (B)

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

Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area. (B)

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

Take advantage of a free day in Istanbul to explore this incredible city and choose from a number of available optional activities. In the evening, head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night. (B)

Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story. It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly. (B)

Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights. (B)

Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selçuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train. (B/L)

Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area. (B)

Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region. (B/D)

Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping. (B)

Depart at any time. (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.
Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Troy.
Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia.
Enjoy dinner in a local family home.

Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalık
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch, Selçuk
Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, Çavuşin
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
Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
Troy entrance and guided visit
Ephesus entrance and visit
Orientation walk in the old Kemeralti bazaar in Izmir
Tour the Mevlana Museum
Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia
Kaymakli underground city exploration
Internal flight
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Hotels/pensions (17 Nights), Guest lodge (1 Night), Overnight Sleeper Train (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

19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, ferry, train, plane, 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...more

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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.

Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Budapest

Day 2: Budapest to Balla Géza Winery

Day 3: Balla Géza Winery to Sighișoara

Day 4: Sighișoara - Braşov

Day 5: Braşov

Day 6: Braşov - Bucharest

Day 7: Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo

Day 8: Veliko Tarnovo

Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo - Sofia

Day 10: Sofia - Plovdiv

Day 11: Plovdiv - Istanbul

Day 12: Istanbul

Day 13: Istanbul

Day 14: Istanbul - Çanakkale

Day 15: Çanakkale - Selçuk

Day 16: Selçuk - İzmir

Day 17: Konya - Cappadocia

Day 18: Cappadocia

Day 19: Cappadocia - Istanbul

Day 20: Istanbul

Trip Inclusions Expand All

Journey Highlights

Trip Inclusions

Accommodation

Your Tour Guides

Meals Included

Transport

Trip Notes

Brochure

G Adventures Earth (2023-24)

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