Budapest to Istanbul
13 days, 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.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visa Requirements
Alternative Trips
13 days
Budapest to Istanbul
Special Offers
Creating ripples that change lives
The Ripple Score is an honest evaluation of how often we use local businesses and services to create each tour. With this score you can see the percentage of our local expenses that stay in the communities you visit. Learn more
Ripple Score
98
More from Budapest to Istanbul
Itinerary
Day 2Budapest/Sighișoara
Enjoy an orientation walk of Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. Opt to spend free time visiting Buda Castle, wandering the streets of Pest, or soaking in a thermal bath.
This evening, visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a farewell drink, before boarding an overnight train to Sibiu.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Sighișoara
Head to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
Day 4Sighișoara/Braşov
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Braşov
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Braşov/Bucharest
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Veliko Tarnovo
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:
BreakfastDay 9Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia
Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies' Market.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Sofia/Plovdiv
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Plovdiv/Istanbul
Spend the day exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an evening bus to Istanbul.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Istanbul
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.
Day 13Istanbul
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Budapest orientation walk
- 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
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels/pensions (10 nts), overnight train (1 nt), overnight train/bus (1 nt).
Meals
10 breakfasts
Allow USD310-405 for meals not included.
Transportation
Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, walking.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Alternative Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise - From $589.00
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 Istanbul's best Roman mosaics and frescoes at the Kariye Mosque (formerly the Chora Church); 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.
My Own Room - From $4319.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure - with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour - for any group, big or small (even just one traveller).