13 days tour

Budapest To Istanbul

$ 2,209 .15 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $2,209.15

Budapest To Istanbul

This tour includes:

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventuresโ€™ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only โ€˜Travel-Readyโ€™ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Transport

Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, walking.

Meals

12 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Accommodation

Hotels/pensions (11 nts), guest lodge (1 nt).

Others

Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Cafรฉ and Bar, Budapest Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Budapest orientation walk. Visit to the Balla Gรฉza Winery. Half-day tour of Sighisoara and surrounding countryside villages. โ€™Draculaโ€™s Castleโ€™ (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.

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included.

Others

1. RAMADAN According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Mar 11th - Apr 8th 2024, and Mar 1st - Mar 29th 2025. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who canโ€™t at that time. 2. YOUR CEO It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. 3. LUGGAGE In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times. 4. CUISINE Vegetarians should be aware that the cuisine of this region is predominantly meat-based. Although you will be able to find and enjoy vegetarian food, please be aware that there will not be the variety or range of choices that you would find at home. 5. COMBO TRIP Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. 6. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary. 7. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE: During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.Budapest - Budapest Morning Walking Tour Sighiศ™oara - Clock Tower Visit (Free) - Casa Dracula (Vlad Dracul Restaurant) (10-50RON per person) - The History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie) (5RON per person) - The Church of the Dominican Monastery Visit (Free) BraลŸov - Catherineโ€™s Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) Visit - Schei District Visit - Black Church (Biserica Neagrฤƒ) Visit (8RON per person) Bucharest - Arch of Triumph Visit (Free) - National Village Museum Visit - National History Museum Visit - Palace of the Parliament Visit - Bucharest Bike Tour (20RON per person) - Museum of the Romanian Peasant Arbanasi - Nativity Church Visit (6BGN per person) Sofia - Ladiesโ€™ Market Visit (Free) - St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Visit (Free-6BGN per person) - Vitosha Boulevard Visit (Free) Plovdiv - Plovdiv Old Town Visit (Free) - Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis Visit (3BGN per person) - Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum Visit (5BGN per person) Istanbul - Spice Bazaar Visit (Free) - Blue Mosque Visit (Free) - Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit (25EUR per person) - Topkapi Palace Visit (1500-650TRY per person) - Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here ( https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance ).

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Budapest To Istanbul

  • Day 1 Day 1: Budapest
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Budapest

      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.

      Included Activities:
      - Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Day 2 Day 2: Budapest To Balla Gรฉza Winery (1B, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Budapest To Balla Gรฉza Winery (1B, 1D)

      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 cafรฉ and enjoy a drink and optionally order a bite to eat before we leave Budapest to travel to the Balla Gรฉza Winery for a wine tasting and traditional Romanian dinner. Tonightโ€™s accommodation will be at the wineryโ€™s guesthouse on the property.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 04:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Nem Adom Fel Cafรฉ and Bar
      - Balla Gรฉza Winery Visit
  • Day 3 Day 3: Balla Gรฉza Winery To Sighiศ™oara (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Balla Gรฉza Winery To Sighiศ™oara (1B)

      Enjoy breakfast at the Balla Gรฉza Winery before traveling to the enchanting town of Sighiศ™oara. 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 cuisineโ€”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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 04:30 Hr(s)
  • Day 4 Day 4: Sighiศ™oara/BraลŸov (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Sighiศ™oara/BraลŸov (1B)

      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 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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 01:36 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Sighiศ™oara Region Guided Tour
  • Day 5 Day 5: BraลŸov (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: BraลŸov (1B)

      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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Included Activities:
      - Bran Castle Visit
  • Day 6 Day 6: BraลŸov/Bucharest (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: BraลŸov/Bucharest (1B)

      Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk. Take time to explore the Soviet-esque architecture, the beautiful cathedral, or indulge in Bucharestโ€™s international cuisine.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Train 04:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Orientation With CEO
  • Day 7 Day 7: Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo (1B)

      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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo 03:00 Hr(s)
  • Day 8 Day 8: Veliko Tarnovo (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Veliko Tarnovo (1B)

      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.


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Included Activities:
      - Arbanasi Village Visit
  • Day 9 Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia (1B)

      Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladiesโ€™ 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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Local Bus 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Orientation With CEO
  • Day 10 Day 10: Sofia/Plovdiv (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Sofia/Plovdiv (1B)

      Travel to Plovdiv, Bulgariaโ€™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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Train 02:00 Hr(s)
  • Day 11 Day 11: Plovdiv/Istanbul (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Plovdiv/Istanbul (1B)

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


      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Local bus: Plovdiv to Istanbul 07:00 Hr(s)
  • Day 12 Day 12: Istanbul (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Istanbul (1B)

      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 Topkapฤฑ 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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Included Activities:
      - Istanbul Guided Walking Tour
  • Day 13 Day 13: Istanbul (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Istanbul (1B)

      Depart at any time.
      We highly recommend you book post-accommodation to fully enjoy this vibrant city.

      Your tour might be finished, but the adventureโ€™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 donโ€™t worry if you canโ€™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.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Optional Extras to chose from:
      - Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
+10
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 12 / Max: 90

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required