Journey from Istanbul to Bucharest via Sofia

7 Days

4.8

Discover the history, culture, and landscapes of the Balkans on this captivating 7-day adventure from Istanbul to Sofia. Begin in Istanbul, where East meets West. Explore its world-famous landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

From Istanbul, fly to Sofia, Bulgaria, a city that blends Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and Ottoman influences. Continue your journey to Skopje, North Macedonia, known for its lively squares and historical monuments, before traveling to Prizren, Kosovo, a charming town filled with Ottoman-era bridges and mosques.

Next, head into Tirana, Albania, where colorful architecture and bustling markets showcase the city’s modern charm. Journey onward to Ohrid, North Macedonia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its serene lake, ancient churches, and cobblestone streets.

Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Kastoria, Greece, a lakeside town surrounded by mountains, before marveling at the extraordinary Meteora monasteries, perched high on towering rock formations. Conclude your adventure in Thessaloniki, a vibrant port city with a rich Byzantine and Ottoman past, before returning to Sofia.

This tour blends history, culture, and stunning scenery—creating an unforgettable Balkan experience.

Tour Overview

Duration

7 Days

Hotel Rating

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Bucharest

Age

13+

Tour Guide

English

Counties

Cities

Meals Included

Breakfast Included

Size of Group

3 – 12

Tour ID

I104 – 307534

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

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Arrive in Istanbul and private transfer to the hotel (In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry our driver will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays) where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. Check-in and enjoy some free time to explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

Accommodation: Armagrandi Spina Hotel or similar

Day 2: Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Trip

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After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a half-day city tour. You’ll experience the historical fabric of this city, which has hosted various civilizations throughout its history, learn about its cultural characteristics, historical significance, and popular stories from our guide, and enjoy street food while visiting key sites like Hagia Sophia, the Sultanahmet Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar in the Old City. After exploring the Old City, a delightful boat trip awaits you along the Bosphorus, where the Asian and European continents meet.

Accommodation: Armagrandi Spina Hotel or similar
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Istanbul city tour with licensed tour guide and Bosphor Boat Trip

Day 3 Istanbul to Sofia (by flight)

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After breakfast, organized transfer to the airport for your flight to Sofia, Bulgaria (flight included, with varying times). Upon arrival in Sofia, organized transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city. In the evening, join a welcome meeting with your guide to learn more about the upcoming journey. Overnight in Sofia.

Accommodation: Best Western Terminus Hotel or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast

Day 4: Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo - Bucharest (Transfer)

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Morning pick up you from Sofia city centre located hotel or meet you at disgned point and we’ll begin our adventure at Sofia. This tour will take you to some of the city’s most remarkable landmarks, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Basilica, the National Art Gallery Building, and the Presidential Palace. Following the tour, you’ll head off on a comfortable transfer to another city of Balkan countries Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital. On your way will have lunch the town known as the capital of the former Bulgarian Empire – Veliko Tarnovo. Once you arrive in Bucharest, check into your hotel and then enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. It’s a great opportunity to start soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before settling in for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel Lido phoenica Bucharest or similar
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Route: Sofia-Veliko Tarnovo 219km, Velika Tarnovo-Bucharest 180km

Day 5: Enchanting Transylvania Experience

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Following breakfast, set out on full-day trip(optional-150eur, per person) to the enchanting region of Transylvania. Optional tour includes visits to Bran (Dracula) Castle, the medieval town of Brașov, and the stunning Peles Castle. Enjoy the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of Transylvania. Make sure to sign up for these tours in advance if you’re interested.

Accommodation: Hotel Lido phoenica Bucharest or similar
Meal: Daily Breakfast

Day 6: Bucharest Highlights and Farewell

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Start with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then set out on a guided tour of Bucharest’s highlights. Explore iconic sites like Revolution Square, the Romanian Atheneum, and the charming Old Town. Take in landmarks such as Manuc’s Inn and the Old Princely Court. After your tour, relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries before spending another night in Bucharest.

Accommodation: Hotel Lido phoenica Bucharest or similar
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Bucharest city tour with Licensed local guide.

Day 7: Bucharest

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After breakfast, check out from the hotel, transfer to the airport.

Meal: Daily Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation:

Stay in 4 star hotels: Enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout the expedition in double or twin rooms. Bed and Breakfast Service: Start each day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your explorations.

Flights:

Istanbul – Sofia flight is included

Guide:

Professional Guide: A guided tour in Istanbul, Sofia, Bucharest covering iconic landmarks and historical sites with local guide. Professional and knowledgeable guides accompanying the group throughout the journey.

Meals:

Daily breakfast provided at the hotels.

Additional Services:

Immerse in Culture: Engage with the local culture through visits to historic sites, museums, and old town areas. Free Time for Exploration: Personalized Exploration: Enjoy free time in each location for self-guided exploration, shopping, and savoring local cuisine. Flexibility: Strike the perfect balance between structured tours and independent discovery.Important reminder: Entrance fees to museums and historical sites, airport transfers and any other items not explicitly specified in the program are not included in the tour price and must be covered directly by the guests. Please note that Romania applies a local city/tourist tax for hotel stays. The tax is approximately €2 (10 RON) per person, per night, depending on the city and is payable directly at the hotel.

Transport:

Luxurious bus journey for the specified routes, ensuring a pleasant travel experience. Coordination with the Ajdinis Group for specific parts of the journey, enhancing the overall experience. We customize our vehicle selection according to group size and needs. Sedans are deployed for smaller groups of up to 3 people, while minivans accommodate groups of up to 8 individuals. For larger groups exceeding 8 passengers, we rely on Sprinter vans. This special approach has been designed to ensure the comfort and efficiency of all passengers, regardless of group size, providing a seamless travel experience for everyone onboard.

What's Not Included

Insurance:

Not included, yet highly reccommended.

Optional:

Enhance your experience with optional excursions, such as the Full Day Transylvania Tour(150eu).

Additional Services:

Important reminder: Entrance fees to museums, historical sites, airport transfers at the start and end of the tour that are not mentioned, are not included. City taxes, and any other items not specified in the program are not included in the tour price. These expenses must be covered directly by the guests.