Explore Eastern Europe

All content by Intrepid

18 days (ex Budapest)

Destinations visited: Turkey, Istanbul, Hungary, Budapest, Romania, Bulgaria, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,735

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Description

Travel across romantic Eastern Europe from Hungary to Turkey and experience the diverse range of cultures and landscapes in between. From beautiful Budapest to the haunted castles of Transylvania, and through stunning mountain scenery to Bulgaria and beyond - be enchanted by medieval monasteries, old-world towns and the warm hospitality of this little-travelled region of Europe.

Highlights

Unwind in beautiful Budapest.
Sample Hungarian wine in Eger.
Experience traditional peasant life in a Maramures village.
Learn spooky stories while travelling through Transylvania.
Get spooked at Dracula's Castle near Brasov.
Delve into a communist past in Bucharest.
Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains.
Explore Byzantine ruins in Plovdiv.
Admire Istanbul's majestic Aya Sofia.

Itinerary

Day 1 Budapest

Get the adventure underway in Budapest and be greeted by elegant palaces and a bubbly nightlife.

Day 2 Eger

Investigate Eger Castle in the lovely Baroque town of the same name. Sample excellent local drops at a wine tasting and perhaps have a singalong with local folk musicians.

Days 3-4 Maramures

Call into the attractive city of Debrecen before hopping across the border into Romania. Gain a firsthand experience of peasant culture in provincial Maramures.

Day 5 Sighisoara

Be spooked by the bloodcurdling myths that surround Transylvania, perhaps enjoying a meal at Casa Dracula or venturing up to the clock tower.

Day 6 Viscri

Arrive in Viscri and learn about the Sock Project, a warming initiative which supports the local community. Dine with a local family and try to pick up a few tidbits of the Romanian language.

Days 7-8 Brasov

Head to medieval Brasov, a town flanked by mountains and city walls that boast a collection of ornate buildings including the impressive 14th-century Biserica Neagra.

Day 9 Bucharest

Travel on to Bucharest, where a guided tour visits the expansive Piata Unirii Square and prodigious 12-storey Palace of Parliament, supposedly the largest civilian administrative building in the world.

Days 10-11 Veliko Tarnovo

Cross the Friendship Bridge into Bulgaria and travel to scenic Veliko Tarnovo. Wander the Tsarevets Fortress that looms impressively over the town, tread the cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter or relax in the cafes or vinarnas and people watch.

Day 12 Sofia

Walk along tree-lined boulevards in the city of Sofia and see the Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church. At night, why not dive into the happening nightlife.

Day 13 Gorno Draglishte

Journey into the Rila Mountains and explore the most important of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries. Join a family as their guests overnight.

Days 14-15 Bansko

Unwind in charming mehanes (stone taverns) in Bansko and feast on local dishes like filet elena or kapama.

Days 16-17 Plovdiv

Travel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second largest city. In free time, check out the underground crypt at Bachkovo Monastery or visit traditional craft workshops. Wander among Byzantine ruins and be sure to visit the ancient Roman Amphitheatre.

Day 18 Istanbul

Arrive in Turkey via overnight train and set off to explore enigmatic Istanbul city. Get happily lost in the Grand Bazaar, visit a Turkish bath, marvel at the awesome Aya Sofia or perhaps take a boat ride up the Bosphorus to cap off the adventure.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nts), Guesthouse (5 nts), Pension (3 nts), Homestay (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Transport

Train, Tram, Taxi, Metro, Bus, Overnight sleeper train

Budget

Allow EUR €450 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,735

Book now

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