Eastern Europe Explorer

Itinerary

Day 1 Budapest

Be greeted by elegant palaces, beautiful bridges and a vibrant nightlife in Hungary's capital, which straddles a gentle curve in the Danube River.

Day 2 Eger

Check out the 13th century Eger Castle or sample the excellent local wine - be sure to try the famed 'Bull's Blood'.

Days 3-4 Maramures

Enjoy the fountains and colourful buildings in Debrecen's Deri Square then experience the wooden churches and ancient traditions of Romanian peasant culture in rural villages.

Day 5 Sighisoara

Be spooked by the blood-curdling myths that surround the land of Transylvania - and keep an eye out for Count Dracula.

Day 6 Viscri

Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family - they're far friendlier than the Wallachian prince that once terrorised these lands.

Days 7-8 Sibiu

Take a walk through the impressive main square and up 192 steps for a fantastic view over the red-tiled rooftops below.

Day 9 Brasov

Flanked by mountains and city walls, this medieval town boasts a bevy of ornate buildings including the gothic Biserica Neagra, or Black Church.

Days 10-11 Sinaia

Look out from the turrets of Dracula's Castle or imagine life inside a fortress at Rasnov.

Day 12 Bucharest

Check out the Centru Civic, an embodiment of Communist state power, or visit one of Europe's largest squares.

Days 13-14 Veliko Tarnovo

Cross the friendship bridge into Bulgaria and wander through the romantic Renaissance streets of Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 15 Sofia

Walk along the tree-lined boulevards and take in sights such as the impressive gold-domed Aleksander Nevski Church.

Days 16-17 Bansko

Unwind in charming historic stone taverns, known as mehanes, and indulge in the delicious local cuisine.

Days 18-19 Plovdiv

Wander among Byzantine ruins before checking out the impressive ancient Roman amphitheatre.

Days 20-22 Istanbul

Whether you get lost in the Grand Bazaar or in the awesome Aya Sofya, Istanbul promises adventure.