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Athens to Istanbul thru Bucharest – Discovering Ancient Wonders – 1 FLIGHT INCLUDED
Experience the highlights of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey on this 9-day adventure. Start in Athens, exploring its ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon. Journey through Delphi and Meteora, known for their archaeological wonders and stunning monasteries. Continue to Thessaloniki and Sofia, soaking in their rich histories. Conclude in Bucharest, with an optional excursion to Transylvania’s Bran (Dracula) Castle, Brasov, and Peles Castle. Enjoy guided tour at Istanbul and Cappadocia, comfortable accommodations, and seamless transport throughout your journey, Athens to Istanbul through Bucharest Discovering Ancient Wonders with 1 flights included.
Athens to Istanbul thru Bucharest – Discovering Ancient Wonders – 1 FLIGHT INCLUDED
Tour Overview
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Athens

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, a private transfer to the hotel is provided where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. (In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry because our driver will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays). After checking in, enjoy some leisure time to explore Athens at your own pace. Wander through the city’s charming streets or relax and soak in the local ambiance before retiring for a restful overnight stay in the heart of Athens.
Accommodation: Athens One Smart Hotel or similar.
Day 2: Explore Athens

Start your morning exploring the magnificent Acropolis of Athens on a guided walking tour. With your licensed local guide, you’ll visit famous landmarks such as the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Feel the history come alive as you walk through this ancient site. From the top of the Acropolis, enjoy stunning views of Athens and take amazing photos of the city below.
Your tour continues with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, where your guide will share fascinating stories and details about ancient Greek civilization.
Please note:
You’ll need to go to the meeting point on your own in the morning.
The tour lasts about 4 hours, and the Acropolis entrance ticket is included.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore Athens at your own pace.
Accommodation: Athens One Smart Hotel or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Athens City tour with Licensed local Guide
Day 3: Athens – Delphi – Meteora (Kalabaka)

In the morning, private transport will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the meeting point. Board your comfortable, air-conditioned bus and travel northwest toward Delphi, enjoying the beautiful Greek countryside along the way.
Arriving around noon, you’ll explore the archaeological site of Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—once believed to be the center of the ancient world and famous for its oracle. After lunch, continue your journey through Central Greece, passing the towns of Lamia (with a short stop) and Trikala, before crossing the fertile Thessalian Plain to reach Kalambaka in the evening.
Kalambaka is a lovely town located at the foot of the Meteora rock formations, known for their incredible monasteries perched high on the cliffs. Before checking in at your hotel, you’ll have a short stop to shop for local souvenirs.
Accommodation: Alexiou Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at hotel.
Included: Licensed Guided tour at Delphi
Delphi Entrance ticket is included.
Route: Athens to Delphi 213km-Delphi Meteora 220km (Notice: This day is the longest journey of our tour)
Day 4: Meteora (Kalabaka) to Thessaloniki

Start your day with breakfast before visiting the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore these cliff-top Byzantine marvels. Meet your Ajdinis Guide at Kalabaka and join the group to continue your journey to Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Discover landmarks such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius, then unwind with a comfortable overnight stay in Thessaloniki.
Accommodation: Hotel Egnatia or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Included: Monastery entrance ticket is included (Note: To enter in the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required. Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.)
Route: Meteora-Thessaloniki 228km
Day 5: Thessaloniki to Sofia via Rila Monastery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey towards to the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia. En route, make a significant stop at the Rila Monastery, an architectural and spiritual gem nestled in the Rila Mountains. As Bulgaria’s largest and most celebrated Eastern Orthodox monastery, Rila Monastery is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stunning architecture, and serene mountain setting. Explore the monastery’s rich history and artistic treasures before continuing your journey.
Upon arrival in Sofia, visit the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a monumental symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and the historic St. Sofia Basilica, one of the city’s oldest churches, Continue your exploration with National Art Gallery, Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance.
With the guide decision, the Sofia city tour can be postponed the next day morning!
In the evening, check in to your comfortable hotel and unwind after a day of exploration with an overnight stay in this vibrant city.
Accommodation: Best Western Terminus Hotel or simlar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Included:
Rila Monastery ticket is included. Guided City Tour.
Route:
Thessaloniki-Rila Monastery 232km; Rila Monastery-Sofia 117km
Day 6: Sofia - Veliko Tarnovo - Bucharest

After a satisfying breakfast, 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 another beautiful Balkan city In the town known as the capital of the former Bulgarian Empire –Veliko Tarnovo.
Once you arrive at 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 by Phoenicia or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Route: Sofia-Veliko Tarnovo 219km, Veliko Tarnova-Bucharest 180km
Day 7: Enchanting Transylvania Experience

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.
Enjoy the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of Transylvania before heading back to Bucharest to wrap up your incredible trip.
Make sure to sign up for these tours in advance if you’re interested.
Accommodation: Hotel Lido by Phoenicia or similar.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Bran Castle and Peles Caste tickets are included. Licensed tour guide.
Route: 377km
Day 8: Bucharest Highlights and Farewell with flight to Istanbul

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, board a flight (included, with variable departure times) to Istanbul, Turkey. Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to explore the city at your own pace.
Accommodation: Armagrandi Spina Hotel or similar
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Bucharest city tour with licensed guide
Flight: Istanbul flight ticket is included.
Airport transfers: Self Transfer to airport!
Istanbul Airport to hotel transfer is included.
Day 9: Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Trip

Istanbul city tour included Boat Trip
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.
End of the service.
Meal: Daily Breakfast
Visit: Istanbul city tour with licensed tour guide and Bosphor Boat Trip
What's Included
What's Not Included
Map of the Route
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking.
























