Budapest to Istanbul Adventure Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Classic, Guided Group
Destination: Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Turkey
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
14 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: ASR

Trip Overview

Join the best tour leader on Europe’s up-and-coming culture trail: Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey

The journey from Budapest to Istanbul is fast becoming one of Europe’s great cultural adventures, encompassing the unique traditions and lifestyles of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. For this highlights-packed trip, we explore deeper than anyone else, spending more time in the traditional towns and villages of Hungary, which are too often bypassed, and exploring the great cities of Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest and Istanbul with the expert knowledge of our tour leader and plenty of other adventures along the way.

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Suitability: This cultural adventure takes you through four countries, with a busy itinerary designed to cover a wide range of highlights. Some days involve long drives, while sightseeing walks may include uphill sections, cobbled streets, uneven ground and steps. Comfortable walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness and mobility are recommended to enjoy the trip fully.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Budapest
End City: Istanbul

Land Only Itinerary

Begin your adventure in Budapest, capital of Hungary, where the Danube divides the city into historic Buda and lively Pest. Known for its thermal baths, ornate architecture, and cafe tradition dating to the 19th century, the city is a wonderful place to start our journey.

Around 6pm, say sziasztok (hello in Hungarian) to your tour leader and fellow travellers when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and hear more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Hungarian welcome by arranging a group dinner together.

Want more time in Budapest? Speak to your sales representative about booking extra nights before the tour.

Accommodation: Hotel Dormero (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

Join a local guide for a walking tour of Budapest’s highlights, the perfect way to get your bearings and hear the stories of the city.

This afternoon is free for you to pick your adventure. You might choose to relax in one of the city’s thermal baths, stroll along the Danube promenade, or visit the impressive Hungarian Parliament building.

Accommodation: Hotel Dormero (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Leave Budapest behind this morning and travel east to the historic town of Eger, celebrated for its Baroque architecture and bold red wine, egri bikavér (bull’s blood). Visit the impressive Eger Castle, which played a key role in the town’s defence against Ottoman forces in the 16th century, before enjoying free time to explore Eger’s historic streets and stop for lunch.

Continue to the renowned Tokaj wine region, famous for its golden sweet wines, once prized by kings and emperors. Visit a local wine cellar to sample tokaji, accompanied by a cheese platter.

We then cross the border into Romania and continue to the elegant city of Oradea, where the evening is free to spend at your leisure.

Accommodation: Continental Forum Oradea (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Begin the day with a short orientation walk through Oradea, followed by some free time to admire the city’s ornate architecture. We continue through Transylvania, stopping for lunch en route before exploring the impressive Turda Salt Mine, a former working mine with vast illuminated chambers and a subterranean lake.

Continue to the medieval town of Sighișoara, home to one of Europe’s best-preserved inhabited citadels. On arrival, we take an orientation walk through its colourful, cobbled streets, discovering the town’s medieval heritage and its connections to Vlad the Impaler, whose legend helped inspire the fictional Count Dracula.

Accommodation: Hotel Imperial (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Sighișoara, with free time to explore its Unesco World Heritage-listed historic centre, where colourful buildings and cobbled streets lead to the 14th-century Clock Tower.

In the afternoon, travel through the Transylvanian countryside, discovering the region’s Saxon heritage with stops at Saschiz, known for its fortified church, and Rupea, home to a medieval hilltop fortress.

Continue to Brașov, a historic city at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, known for its medieval walls, Gothic Black Church and lively old town. On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the city’s highlights.

Accommodation: Hotel Atria (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is yours to explore Brașov at your own pace. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, admire the Gothic Black Church and colourful buildings surrounding Council Square, or settle into a café and watch the world go by. Alternatively, you may wish to venture beyond the city to visit Bran Castle, associated with the Dracula legend, or enjoy the mountain scenery of the surrounding Carpathians.

Accommodation: Hotel Atria (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, we visit Peleș Castle, a magnificent royal residence set in the Carpathian Mountains near Sinaia. Built in the late 19th century, the castle is renowned for its Neo-Renaissance architecture, richly decorated interiors and beautiful mountain setting.

After exploring the castle, continue to Bucharest, Romania’s capital, once nicknamed the ‘Little Paris’ for its grand boulevards and elegant architecture. Join a local expert for a guided walking tour, tracing the city’s development from a medieval trading settlement to a modern capital. Discover its contrasting architectural styles, from Belle Époque buildings to imposing communist-era landmarks, with highlights including the imposing Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world.

After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore Bucharest independently.

Accommodation: Hotel Central by Zeus (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is yours to explore Bucharest at your own pace. Wander through the lively streets of the Old Town, browse the city’s museums and galleries, or relax in one of its leafy parks. You might also enjoy discovering the city’s quieter corners, from hidden courtyards and local markets to cafés tucked away along its historic streets.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there’s plenty to discover in Romania’s capital.

Accommodation: Hotel Central by Zeus (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Travel south across the Danube this morning, the natural border between Romania and Bulgaria. Our destination is Veliko Tarnovo, the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the winding Yantra River, this city is known for its medieval architecture and rich history. On arrival, enjoy a short orientation walk to discover its historic streets and viewpoints, followed by free time for lunch and independent exploration.

In the afternoon, continue to Sofia, the eclectic capital of Bulgaria, where Roman ruins, historic churches and grand boulevards sit alongside lively cafés and colourful street art.

Accommodation: Art Hotel 158 (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, journey into the Rila Mountains to visit Unesco World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s most important religious and cultural sites. Founded in the 10th century and surrounded by forested peaks, the monastery is renowned for its colourful frescoes, distinctive architecture and centuries of spiritual history.

We then return to Sofia for a guided tour of the Bulgarian capital. Your local guide will introduce you to the city’s key landmarks, revealing the Roman, Ottoman and communist-era influences that have shaped its history.

Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. You might stroll through the leafy Borisova Gradina park, admire the colourful Russian Church or discover the ancient Roman remains around Serdika Metro Station. Alternatively, settle into a café and watch the city go by.

Accommodation: Art Hotel 158 (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy some free time in Sofia this morning before travelling to Plovdiv, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, where ancient ruins sit alongside historic streets and lively squares.

On arrival, join an expert local guide for a walking tour that reveals the city’s layers of history, from its Roman past to its Ottoman heritage. Highlights include the remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre of Philippopolis, built in the first century AD, and the remains of the Roman Stadium. We also visit the historic Dzhumaya Mosque, the Nebet Tepe archaeological site and the Ancient Library.

Accommodation: Hotel Hello (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s time to cross borders again as we head to Istanbul, Turkey. Sit back and relax as the landscape changes and you draw closer to the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe and Asia meet.

This transcontinental city is a cultural explorer’s dream, with ancient bazaars, grand mosques, and vibrant street life to discover. This evening, consider venturing to a lokanta to dine on delicious Turkish dishes, such as meze, kebabs, or sweet baklava.

Accommodation: Hotel Manesol Galata (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Head into the city for a sightseeing tour with a local guide, stopping at the city highlights, including the Sultanahmet area, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapı Palace. Viewing these landmarks from the outside, we gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul from someone who knows it intimately.

After, enjoy free time to explore bustling bazaars or browse local shops for unique souvenirs. In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner with the group to celebrate the memories we’ve made together.

Accommodation: Hotel Manesol Galata (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

You’ve enjoyed insider access to four capital cities, explored World Heritage sites, and even visited the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.

Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort.

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Single supplement from USD 1325

Food & Drink

The included meals are noted on the daily itinerary.

Vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, but there may not be the same variety as you have at home. Please advise us upon booking.

The leader will accompany the group to a restaurant each evening but will provide recommendations if you wish to explore separately.

Transport

We use an air-conditioned minibus for all transfers.

Weather & Seasonality

The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during midsummer. Temperatures are usually between 15C-25C (54F-77F), but can be hotter at the height of summer, and rainfall, although relatively low, is possible throughout the year.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Dormero, Budapest, Dessewffy u., 1066
Phone: +36 1 400 8972
Recommended arrival time: We have a welcome meeting at 6pm, followed by a welcome dinner
Airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Budapest
Location end: Istanbul

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Waterproof jacket
Warm layers
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle

Reading List

Hungary, Romania and Turkey’s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Bulgaria’s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Practical Info & Visa

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
USA: travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

Vaccinations and Health

There are no required vaccinations Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. However, you may want to consider certain vaccinations. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Methanol: The FCDO warns travellers to be cautious of methanol poisoning when travelling in destinations visited on the trip.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Hungary’s time zone: UTC +02:00

Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey’s time zone: UTC +03:00

Electricity

Hungary's electricity:

Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Bulgaria's electricity:

Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Romania's electricity:

Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Turkey's electricity:

Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Hungary's currency: Hungarian forint (HUF)

Bulgaria's currency: Euro (EUR)

Romania's currency: Romanian leu (RON)

Turkey's currency: Turkish lira (TRY)

ATM Availability

In every town, you can withdraw the local currency from an ATM, but we recommend you bring some spending money in cash from home. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For a standard meal, allow the equivalent of €20 per lunch and €30 for dinners not included, plus a little more to cover snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc.

Optional activities

This is a busy itinerary, which does not allow much time for optional activities. However, there may be time in Budapest, Bucharest, and Istanbul.

Budapest: Options include museum visits, a Danube boat tour, or relaxing soak in the thermal baths. Expect to pay around €10-€25.
Bucharest: Options include visiting the Palace of Parliament, House of Ceausescu, and various museums. Expect to pay around €20.
Istanbul: Entrance fees can cost up to €40. Expect a long wait to buy your ticket, plus another to enter the activity.

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the tour leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline for the trip, we recommend €40-€45 per group member. It is also customary to tip the driver, we recommend approximately €30-€35 per group member. This can be handed to your tour leader at the end of the trip.

For restaurants and cafes, the standard tip is 10%.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Important Information

Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.

How To Book

Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:

Check availability: our website shows real-time availability of our guided group tours, or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space on any guided group tour to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.

After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.

Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.

Where complimentary transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.

Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.

Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

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