Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 20-day journey through Eastern Europe and Turkey, where history and culture intertwine to create a mesmerizing tapestry of experiences. From the enchanting streets of Budapest to the ancient ruins of Troy, this multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided excursions and free exploration. Discover medieval towns, savor local cuisines, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this tour promises an enriching adventure filled with unforgettable memories.
Included
19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, ferry, train, plane, walking.
Hotels/pensions (17 nts), Guest lodge (1 nt), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 nt).
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
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- Tragor Ignác Múzeum Memento Mori/Ars Memorandi Kiállítóhely
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Arrive at your leisure in the captivating city of Budapest. As the sun sets, join your fellow travelers for a warm welcome meeting with your CEO and group. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hungary's capital.
Day 2 – Day 2: Budapest to Balla Géza Winery
- Budapest
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- Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
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Spend a leisurely morning exploring Budapest's charming streets. Later, visit the Nem Adom Fel Café, a social enterprise, for a refreshing drink. Depart for the Balla Géza Winery in Romania, where you'll indulge in a wine tasting and savor a traditional dinner. Overnight at the winery's guesthouse.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discover Sighișoara
- Sighișoara
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- Status Quo Synagogue
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After breakfast at the winery, journey to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Wander through its cobblestone streets and marvel at the medieval architecture. Explore the walled citadel and enjoy local Romanian cuisine at Casa Dracula.
Day 4 – Day 4: Sighișoara to Brasov
- Brasov
- Sighișoara
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- Status Quo Synagogue
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Embark on a guided tour of the Sighișoara region, visiting traditional villages and fortified churches. In the evening, transfer to Brasov, Romania's best-preserved medieval city, and soak in its historical charm.
Day 5 – Day 5: Explore Bran Castle
- Brasov
- Bran
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- Bran Castle
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Visit the iconic Bran Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop and steeped in history and folklore. Learn about its intriguing past while enjoying the breathtaking Romanian countryside.
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Bucharest
- Brasov
- Bucharest
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- Bucharest Fountains
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Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk of Romania's capital. Discover its Soviet-esque architecture and vibrant culture, with time to explore its diverse culinary scene.
Day 7 – Day 7: Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo
- Bucharest
- Veliko Tarnovo
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After a morning in Bucharest, travel to Veliko Tarnovo, one of the world's oldest cities. Explore its medieval charm and visit the Tsarevets Fortress for a glimpse into Bulgaria's rich history.
Day 8 – Day 8: Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
- Veliko Tarnovo
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- Maryan Winery
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Spend the morning in Veliko Tarnovo before visiting the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Enjoy panoramic views over the city and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Day 9 – Day 9: Discover Sofia
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Sofia
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- Eagles' Bridge
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Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of Bulgaria's capital. Explore the eclectic Ladies' Market and enjoy the city's blend of Western and Soviet influences.
Day 10 – Day 10: Sofia to Plovdiv
- Sofia
- Plovdiv
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- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
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Journey to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. Visit the ancient Theatre of Philippopolis and explore the hilly old town, rich in history and culture.
Day 11 – Day 11: Plovdiv to Istanbul
- Plovdiv
- Istanbul
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Spend the morning exploring Plovdiv before boarding a bus to Istanbul. Arrive in this vibrant city that bridges two continents and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
Day 12 – Day 12: Explore Istanbul
- Istanbul
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- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Hagia Irene
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapı Palace
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Embark on a guided city tour of Istanbul, visiting iconic sites like the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace. Spend the afternoon exploring this eclectic city at your own pace.
Day 13 – Day 13: Free Day in Istanbul
- Istanbul
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Enjoy a free day in Istanbul to delve deeper into its rich history and vibrant culture. Opt for a walking tour or a Bosphorus cruise, and savor the city's culinary delights.
Day 14 – Day 14: Istanbul to Çanakkale via Gallipoli
- Istanbul
- Çanakkale
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- Gallipoli Mevlevihane
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Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the battlefields, ANZAC Cove, and war cemeteries. Continue to the harbor town of Çanakkale for an evening stroll along the waterfront.
Day 15 – Day 15: Çanakkale to Selçuk via Troy
- Çanakkale
- Selçuk
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- Clock Mosque
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Visit the ancient city of Troy and the Çöp(m)adam handicraft coop. Continue south to Selçuk, where you'll spend the night, ready to explore more historical wonders.
Day 16 – Day 16: Explore Ephesus and Izmir
- Izmir
- Selçuk
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- El Heykeli
- Kemeraltı
- Milet Museum
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Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Participate in a Turkish pide demonstration before heading to Izmir for an orientation walk of the Kemeralti Old Bazaar.
Day 17 – Day 17: Izmir to Cappadocia via Konya
- Konya
- Izmir
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- Mevlâna Museum
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Disembark the train in Konya and visit the Mevlana Museum. Continue to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where you'll enjoy a sunset view and an optional group dinner.
Day 18 – Day 18: Explore Cappadocia
Day 18: Explore Cappadocia
- Twin Fairy Chimneys
- Kaymaklı Underground City
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Embark on a full day of exploration in Cappadocia. Hike through the iconic fairy chimneys, visit the Kaymakli underground city, and enjoy a traditional dinner with a local family.
Day 19 – Day 19: Return to Istanbul
- Istanbul
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Fly back to Istanbul for a final day of exploration. Enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere, indulge in street food, or relax at a café before an optional farewell dinner.
Day 20 – Day 20: Departure from Istanbul
- Istanbul - Departure day
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Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and depart at your convenience. Reflect on the unforgettable memories made during this extraordinary journey across Eastern Europe and Turkey.
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