Explore Eastern Europe
Trip Details
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, 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 Budapest
Be greeted by elegant palaces and a vibrant nightlife in this city on the Danube.
Day 2 Eger
Explore Eger Castle or sample some excellent local wines, including a drop known as 'Bull's Blood'.
Days 3-4 Maramures
Call into the town of Debrecen then cross the border into Romania to experience peasant culture in the rural villages of Maramures.
Day 5 Sighisoara
Be spooked by the bloodcurdling myths that surround the land of Transylvania.
Day 6 Viscri
Enjoy dinner with a local family and perhaps sample schnapps.
Days 7-8 Brasov
Flanked by mountains and city walls, this medieval town boasts a bevy of ornate buildings including the Biserica Neagra, or Black Church.
Day 9 Sinaia
Once a quiet monastery settlement, Sinaia quickly became a booming resort town with the construction of King Carol I's summer residence, the Peles Castle.
Days 10-11 Veliko Tarnovo
Drop into Bucharest before crossing the Friendship Bridge into Bulgaria. Head to the picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo.
Day 12 Sofia
Walk along tree-lined boulevards and see the Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church.
Day 13 Gorno Draglishte
Journey into the Rila Mountains and join a family as guests for the night.
Days 14-15 Bansko
Unwind in charming stone taverns - known as mehanes - and indulge with local cuisine.
Days 16-17 Plovdiv
Wander among Byzantine ruins and be sure to see the ancient Roman Amphitheatre.
Day 18 Istanbul
Whether happily lost in the Grand Bazaar or reflecting in the awesome Aya Sofya, Istanbul is sure to delight.