Romania, Bulgaria & Turkey Discovery





Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe and Turkey, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the grand architecture of Bucharest to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, this multi-day tour offers an immersive experience like no other. Traverse the picturesque towns of Bulgaria, explore the vibrant streets of Istanbul, and marvel at the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable experiences, this tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Included
12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS:
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME:
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES:
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel (14 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)
hotel: 14 night(s), sleeper-train: 1 night(s);
TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
LONG TRAVEL DAYS:
As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.
Train , Public Bus , Private vehicle , Metro , Taxi , Chairlift , Overnight Train , Plane
Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
Rila - Monastery Visit
Pirin Mountains - Hike
Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
Plovdiv-Private Transfer from Plovdiv Train Station to Plovdiv Hotel
Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Istanbul- Private Transfer from Istanbul Bus Station to Istanbul Hotel
Plovdiv- Private Transfer from Plovdiv Hotel to Plovdiv Bus Station
Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards
Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
Troy - Archaeological site visit
Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
Konya - Mevlana Museum
Cappadocia - Valley walk
Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Bucharest
- Bucharest - Arrival day
- More
- Therme Bucharest
- Palace of the Parliament
- The House of Ceaușescu
- More
Welcome to the vibrant capital of Romania, Bucharest! Known for its grand architecture and rich history, this city offers a perfect blend of the old and new. Begin your adventure with a welcome meeting at 6 PM, where you'll meet your fellow travelers and tour leader. Afterward, explore the city's culinary delights with your group, perhaps sampling traditional Romanian dishes.
Day 2 – Day 2: Journey to Veliko Tarnovo
- Veliko Tarnovo
- Bucharest
- More
Embark on a scenic train journey across the Friendship Bridge into Bulgaria, arriving in the picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo. With a history dating back to 4500 BC, this town is a treasure trove of ancient stories and architectural wonders. Spend the day exploring its rich past, from the Neolithic era to the Byzantine Empire, and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.
Day 3 – Day 3: Explore Veliko Tarnovo
- Veliko Tarnovo
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- Tsarevets Fortress
- Holy Forty Martyrs Church
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Start your day with a visit to the imposing Tsarevets Fortress, a symbol of Veliko Tarnovo's historical significance. Wander through the ruins and imagine the grandeur of the past. Spend the rest of the day exploring the charming Old Quarter, with its Renaissance houses and artisan workshops. Relax in a local café or wine bar, soaking in the town's unique atmosphere.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discover Sofia
- Sofia
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- Sofia Synagogue
- Boyana Church
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Travel to Sofia, Bulgaria's cosmopolitan capital, known for its tree-lined boulevards and vibrant cultural scene. Spend the day exploring the city's highlights, from the bustling Central Market Hall to the iconic gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church. Dive into the city's rich history at the National History Museum or admire the art at the National Art Gallery.
Day 5 – Day 5: Rila Monastery and Bansko
- Bansko
- Sofia
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- Church of St. Anthony
- Rila Monastery
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Venture into the Rila Mountains to visit the awe-inspiring Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at its stunning murals and historic architecture. Continue to Bansko, a charming town nestled at the base of the Pirin Mountains. Explore its cobbled streets, visit the Church of Sveta Troitsa, and indulge in local culinary delights at a traditional tavern.
Day 6 – Day 6: Hiking in the Pirin Mountains
- Plovdiv
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- Вековен чинар
- Bezbog Lake
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Embark on a moderate hike from Vihren Chalet to the picturesque Okoto Lake, enjoying breathtaking views of the valley and Mt Vihren. For those seeking more adventure, continue to Banderitsko Lake. In the afternoon, board the scenic Rhodope railway to Plovdiv, a city rich in history and culture. Savor the local cuisine, known for its grilled meats and vegetables.
Day 7 – Day 7: Uncover Plovdiv's Treasures
- Plovdiv
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- Nebet Tepe
- Roman aqueduct
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Join a local guide for a tour of Plovdiv's main sights, including the ancient Roman Theatre and the hilltop fortress of Nebet Tepe. Enjoy panoramic views of the city before visiting the 15th-century Dzhumaya Mosque. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring this charming city at your own pace.
Day 8 – Day 8: Journey to Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
Embark on a long journey from Europe to Asia, traveling along the historic Tsarigrad Road to Istanbul. Arrive in this vibrant metropolis, where East meets West, and enjoy some free time to settle in. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for an optional dinner and savor the flavors of a traditional Turkish kebab.
Day 9 – Day 9: Explore Istanbul's Old City
- Istanbul
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- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Hagia Irene
- Grand Bazaar
- More
Join your expert leader for a guided tour of Istanbul's Old City. Visit the ancient Hippodrome, marvel at the stunning Blue Mosque, and wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar. Discover the architectural masterpiece of Suleymaniye Cami. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Turkish dinner with your new friends.
Day 10 – Day 10: Gallipoli and Canakkale
- Çanakkale
- Istanbul
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- Akbas cemetary
- Namazgah(Azepler Camii)
- More
Travel to Canakkale, stopping along the way to explore the historic Gallipoli Peninsula. Learn about the significant events that took place here during World War I, visiting ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites. Enjoy the scenic views across the Dardanelles Strait before spending the night in Canakkale.
Day 11 – Day 11: Discover Troy and Selcuk
- Selçuk
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- İsa Bey Mosque
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Visit the legendary city of Troy, where history and mythology intertwine. Explore the ancient city walls and capture a photo with a replica Trojan Horse. Continue to Selcuk, where you'll explore historical sites like the Isa Bey Mosque and the Grand Fortress. Visit the picturesque village of Sirince and sample locally produced fruit wines.
Day 12 – Day 12: Ancient Wonders of Ephesus
- Selçuk
- Izmir
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- El Heykeli
- Library of Celsus
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Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman sites in the world. Discover its fascinating history with a local guide, visiting highlights like the Library of Celsus and the well-preserved theatre. After lunch, transfer to Izmir for an overnight train journey to Konya.
Day 13 – Day 13: Konya to Cappadocia
- Konya
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- Mevlâna Museum
- Özkonak
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Arrive in Konya, a city steeped in Sufi tradition. Visit the Mevlana Museum before traveling to Cappadocia. En route, explore one of the region's fascinating underground cities. Arrive in the Cappadocian town of Ugrup and enjoy a sunset valley walk before settling into your unique cave hotel.
Day 14 – Day 14: Discover the Magic of Cappadocia
Day 14: Discover the Magic of Cappadocia
- Zelve Open Air Museum
- Kizilcukur Valley
- More
Experience the magic of Cappadocia with an optional hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Later, enjoy a guided walk through the Valley of Love, exploring fairy chimneys and rock-cut homes. Visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum and enjoy a special home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Day 15 – Day 15: Return to Istanbul
- Istanbul
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- İstanbul Boğazı
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Fly back to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, explore one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods, where traditional tradesmen coexist with chic cafes and galleries. Savor a local favorite, balik ekmek, and enjoy a farewell cay overlooking the Bosphorus.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Istanbul
- Istanbul - Departure day
- More
Your Turkish adventure concludes after breakfast. If you wish to extend your stay in Istanbul, additional accommodation can be arranged. Reflect on the incredible journey you've experienced, from the historical wonders of Ephesus to the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia.
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