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.
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Our Price From
US$2,239 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
EABI
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
Ibis Styles Budapest Center
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
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.
Accommodation:
Balla Geza Winery
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy a free time this morning to explore Budapest.
- Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar: Stop for a refreshment at Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, whose proceeds help fund a non-profit by the same name, which means "Never Give Up." Most of the employees at this social enterprise café are living with a disability, and the charity advocates for rights for the disabled all over Hungary. Your meal helps this café to invest in the charity's efforts, which also includes supporting rural Roma communities through much-needed social programs.
- Balla Géza Winery Visit: Balla Géza Winery is located in at the foothills of Arad, which was a region known for its wine growing. Since 1999 Balla Géza has been working to bring back the legendary wines from this lost region. Visit the Minis vineyard famous for red wines throughout history. Enjoy a wine tasting with the group and then sit down to a traditional Romanian dinner featuring three different courses. If time allows explore the grounds and then head to the winery's guesthouse where we'll be spending the night. In the morning breakfast is included.
Optional Experiences
- Budapest Morning Walking Tour: Wander through Budapest on an early morning walk that ends at Great Market Hall, the city's largest (and oldest) indoor public market. Visit Gellert Hill to learn about the history of Buda and Pest, divided by the Danube River. On a clear day, capture amazing panoramic shots of the river as it snakes through this ancient city. Continue onto Liberty Square, then take a quick peek at the Gellért Thermal Baths to learn about its place in Hungarian culture. Upon arriving at Great Market Hall, sample local specialties that have been enjoyed in this busy market for over 120 years. Remember to bring your camera (and some cash) for market shopping.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Sighisoara
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Take some time to explore medieval Sighișoara.
Optional Experiences
- 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. (10-50 RON per person)
- 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.
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 guided tour of the 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.
Accommodation:
Central Residence Annapolis Brasov
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Sighișoara Region Guided Tour: Coast over rolling hills and into rural villages, learning about the life and folklore of olden times from our expert local guide.
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.
Accommodation:
Central Residence Annapolis Brasov
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Bran Castle Visit: Visit the picturesque Bran Castle, impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley. This 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore and is an unmissable highlight. Sometimes called "Dracula's Castle", it served as a defense point to protect the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. Rumours abound regarding Dracula's interaction with the castle. You'll have to visit to find out the truth.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
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.
Accommodation:
MyContinental Bucharest
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Concorde
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Get out and explore.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Concorde
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Arbanasi Village Visit: Enjoy a visit to Arbanasi. This hilltop village was the residence of choice for the wealthy Roman elite and is still a country haven for the high-flyers of modern Bulgaria. The views all around and down to Veliko Tarnovo are amazing.
Optional Experiences
- Nativity Church Visit: Visit the 16th-century Church of the Nativity to see the amazing murals.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Budapest Sofia
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
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.
Accommodation:
Clepsydra Residence
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Free Time: Get out and explore.
Optional Experiences
- Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum Visit: Visit the Ethnographic Museum, which has an impressive collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes.
- 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.
Spend time in the morning exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an afternoon bus to Istanbul.
Accommodation:
Hotel Centrum Istanbul
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Don't waste a minute, get out and explore.
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Experiences
- 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: Visit the Ethnographic Museum, which has an impressive collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes.
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.
Accommodation:
Hotel Centrum Istanbul
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Istanbul Guided Walking Tour: Begin the day in Istanbul with a walking tour in the old city, including a visit to the historic Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the magnificent Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya). When you step inside, you'll see why the Hagia Sophia is one of the great churches of the Byzantine Empire; it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest. Be awed by the Blue Mosque's symmetry and internal tile work, and take the chance to learn more about the ceremony behind Islam, as it is a working mosque.
- Free Time: With so much to see and do, don't waste a minute.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
- Spice Bazaar Visit: Visit the atmospheric Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Built in 1660, this is where many of the spices were originally imported. This market was, and still is, the centre of Istanbul's spice trade.
- Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit: Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most important and breathtaking icons of ancient Byzantine architecture. The domes and buttresses of the mosque punctuate the skyline of Turkey's capital and stand tall as a symbol of national pride.
- Topkapi Palace Visit: Take a step back in time with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. Once home to the Ottoman sultans and their harems, it's now a museum hosting a number of collections, ranging from porcelains found in Europe, Asia and China to Ottoman-era weaponry.
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Optional Experiences
- Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise: Go even deeper into Istanbul, discovering diverse and lesser-visited districts with your CEO, and some of the best photography spots in the city! Today we will walk along the ancient Constantinople city walls; see Tekfur Palace(the Blaherne Palace) which has got thick walls adjacent to the landwalls ; stroll through the photogenic Fener (Greek) and Balat (Jewish) districts, known for their colourful wooden houses; enjoy lunch together; and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city skyline. Please note: this is a full day (6+ hours) day excursion. Lunch is included. Your CEO will collect you from the hotel lobby at 9am. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and modest clothing/coverings for shoulders and upper legs for visiting religious sites. There will be a welcome note at the reception with more details from your CEO, so please check on arrival.
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: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Budapest orientation walk
- Visit to the Balla Géza Winery
- Guided tour of Sighisoara 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
- Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- 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.
- 12 breakfasts, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Sunday
03 May 2026
03 May 26
Budapest
Friday
15 May 2026
15 May 26
Istanbul
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
10 May 2026
10 May 26
Budapest
Friday
22 May 2026
22 May 26
Istanbul
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Tuesday
12 May 2026
12 May 26
Budapest
Sunday
24 May 2026
24 May 26
Istanbul
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
17 May 2026
17 May 26
Budapest
Friday
29 May 2026
29 May 26
Istanbul
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
24 May 2026
24 May 26
Budapest
Friday
05 Jun 2026
05 Jun 26
Istanbul
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
31 May 2026
31 May 26
Budapest
Friday
12 Jun 2026
12 Jun 26
Istanbul
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. 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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. 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 the cruise-line and 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 the cruise-line and 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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