Budapest to Istanbul Adventure

Begin your adventure in Budapest, capital of Hungary, where the Danube divides the city into historic Buda and lively Pest. Known for its thermal baths, ornate architecture, and cafe tradition dating to the 19th century, the city is a wonderful place to start our journey. Around 6pm, say sziasztok (hello in Hungarian) to your tour leader and fellow travellers when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and hear more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Hungarian welcome by arranging a group dinner together. Want more time in Budapest? Speak to your sales representative about booking extra nights before the tour.

Join a local guide for a walking tour of Budapest's highlights, the perfect way to get your bearings and hear the stories of the city.

This afternoon is free for you to pick your adventure. You might choose to relax in one of the city's thermal baths, stroll along the Danube promenade, or visit the impressive Hungarian Parliament building.

Leave Budapest behind this morning and travel east to the historic town of Eger, celebrated for its Baroque architecture and bold red wine, egri bikavér (bull's blood). Visit the impressive Eger Castle, which played a key role in the town's defence against Ottoman forces in the 16th century, before enjoying free time to explore Eger's historic streets and stop for lunch. Continue to the renowned Tokaj wine region, famous for its golden sweet wines, once prized by kings and emperors. Visit a local wine cellar to sample tokaji, accompanied by a cheese platter. We then cross the border into Romania and continue to the elegant city of Oradea, where the evening is free to spend at your leisure.

Begin the day with a short orientation walk through Oradea, followed by some free time to admire the city's ornate architecture. We continue through Transylvania, stopping for lunch en route before exploring the impressive Turda Salt Mine, a former working mine with vast illuminated chambers and a subterranean lake. Continue to the medieval town of Sighișoara, home to one of Europe's best-preserved inhabited citadels.

On arrival, we take an orientation walk through its colourful, cobbled streets, discovering the town's medieval heritage and its connections to Vlad the Impaler, whose legend helped inspire the fictional Count Dracula.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Sighișoara, with free time to explore its Unesco World Heritage-listed historic centre, where colourful buildings and cobbled streets lead to the 14th-century Clock Tower.

In the afternoon, travel through the Transylvanian countryside, discovering the region's Saxon heritage with stops at Saschiz, known for its fortified church, and Rupea, home to a medieval hilltop fortress. Continue to Brașov, a historic city at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, known for its medieval walls, Gothic Black Church and lively old town.

On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the city's highlights.

Today is yours to explore Brașov at your own pace. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, admire the Gothic Black Church and colourful buildings surrounding Council Square, or settle into a café and watch the world go by. Alternatively, you may wish to venture beyond the city to visit Bran Castle, associated with the Dracula legend, or enjoy the mountain scenery of the surrounding Carpathians.

Today, we visit Peleș Castle, a magnificent royal residence set in the Carpathian Mountains near Sinaia. Built in the late 19th century, the castle is renowned for its Neo-Renaissance architecture, richly decorated interiors and beautiful mountain setting. After exploring the castle, continue to Bucharest, Romania's capital, once nicknamed the ‘Little Paris' for its grand boulevards and elegant architecture. Join a local expert for a guided walking tour, tracing the city's development from a medieval trading settlement to a modern capital. Discover its contrasting architectural styles, from Belle Époque buildings to imposing communist-era landmarks, with highlights including the imposing Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore Bucharest independently.

Today is yours to explore Bucharest at your own pace. Wander through the lively streets of the Old Town, browse the city's museums and galleries, or relax in one of its leafy parks. You might also enjoy discovering the city's quieter corners, from hidden courtyards and local markets to cafés tucked away along its historic streets. Whether you're interested in history, culture or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there's plenty to discover in Romania's capital.

Travel south across the Danube this morning, the natural border between Romania and Bulgaria. Our destination is Veliko Tarnovo, the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the winding Yantra River, this city is known for its medieval architecture and rich history.

On arrival, enjoy a short orientation walk to discover its historic streets and viewpoints, followed by free time for lunch and independent exploration.

In the afternoon, continue to Sofia, the eclectic capital of Bulgaria, where Roman ruins, historic churches and grand boulevards sit alongside lively cafés and colourful street art.

This morning, journey into the Rila Mountains to visit Unesco World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria's most important religious and cultural sites. Founded in the 10th century and surrounded by forested peaks, the monastery is renowned for its colourful frescoes, distinctive architecture and centuries of spiritual history. We then return to Sofia for a guided tour of the Bulgarian capital. Your local guide will introduce you to the city's key landmarks, revealing the Roman, Ottoman and communist-era influences that have shaped its history.

Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. You might stroll through the leafy Borisova Gradina park, admire the colourful Russian Church or discover the ancient Roman remains around Serdika Metro Station. Alternatively, settle into a café and watch the city go by.

Enjoy some free time in Sofia this morning before travelling to Plovdiv, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, where ancient ruins sit alongside historic streets and lively squares.

On arrival, join an expert local guide for a walking tour that reveals the city's layers of history, from its Roman past to its Ottoman heritage. Highlights include the remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre of Philippopolis, built in the first century AD, and the remains of the Roman Stadium. We also visit the historic Dzhumaya Mosque, the Nebet Tepe archaeological site and the Ancient Library.

It's time to cross borders again as we head to Istanbul, Turkey. Sit back and relax as the landscape changes and you draw closer to the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe and Asia meet. This transcontinental city is a cultural explorer's dream, with ancient bazaars, grand mosques, and vibrant street life to discover.

This evening, consider venturing to a lokanta to dine on delicious Turkish dishes, such as meze, kebabs, or sweet baklava.

Head into the city for a sightseeing tour with a local guide, stopping at the city highlights, including the Sultanahmet area, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapı Palace. Viewing these landmarks from the outside, we gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul from someone who knows it intimately. After, enjoy free time to explore bustling bazaars or browse local shops for unique souvenirs.

In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner with the group to celebrate the memories we've made together.

You've enjoyed insider access to four capital cities, explored World Heritage sites, and even visited the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, but now it's time to begin your return journey home. Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.