St Petersburg to Istanbul
Trip Details
Join us on a journey to discover the splendours of St Petersburg, the iconic Kremlin in Moscow and ancient Novgorod, the birthplace of Russian history and religion. Onwards through Ukraine by train, travel to Kyiv, elegantly situated along the glorious Dnipro River. Take time out to explore the majestic Carpathian Mountains before crossing stunning countryside to arrive in romantic and cosmopolitan Budapest. Continue the adventure past the haunted castles of Transylvania and across stunning mountains to Bulgaria and beyond. Be enchanted by medieval monasteries, Old World towns and the warm hospitality of this region, before ending the journey in magnificent Istanbul.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 St Petersburg
Be dazzled by this city's multitude of opulent palaces.
Days 3-4 Novgorod
Head to the banks of the Volkhov River and explore the graceful kremlin with a local guide.
Days 5-6 Moscow
Grab some pirozhki, Russian pastries, to fuel explorations of the Kremlin.
Days 7-9 Kyiv
Stop by the Chernobyl Museum to gain insight into Ukraine's tragic history.
Days 10-11 Carpathian Mountains
Stay with a local family and join in with the cooking of Ukrainian delicacies. Perhaps appreciate the immense natural beauty of this region with a hike in the hills.
Days 12-13 Lviv
Be captivated by the crumbling facades of Lviv's old town.
Days 14-15 Budapest
Since Communism collapsed, Budapest has experienced a renaissance. Head out on a cycling tour to uncover all this wonderful city has to offer.
Day 16 Eger
Sip on Egri Bikaver - a local red wine - during an optional trip to the evocatively named, Valley of the Beautiful Women.
Days 17-18 Maramures
Discover one of the last peasant cultures in Europe on a visit to rural villages in Maramures, the heart and soul of Romania.
Day 19 Sighisoara
Uncover the myths of Transylvania.
Day 20 Viscri
Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Days 21-22 Brasov
Be sure to sample the nightlife at some of the bars in this medieval town.
Day 23 Sinaia
Once a quiet monastery settlement, Sinaia quickly became a booming resort town with the construction of King Carol Is summer residence, the Peles Castle.
Days 24-25 Veliko Tarnovo
Explore the imposing fort which overlooks this picturesque town.
Day 26 Sofia
Marvel at the gold-domed Aleksander Nevski Church.
Day 27 Gorno Draglishte
Be a guest of a local family during a stay in the Rila Mountains.
Days 28-29 Bansko
Stretch legs on a invigorating hike through alpine scenery.
Days 30-31 Plovdiv
Wander among impressive Byzantine ruins.
Day 32 Istanbul
Finish up among the many mosques and bevy of bazaars of Istanbul.
