Budapest to Istanbul & Cappadocia via Tirana 12 Days of Discovery

Start your adventure in Budapest, where you’ll meet your guide and head into Romania. After crossing the border at Arad, enjoy a brief walking tour of this culturally rich Transylvanian town. Discover Arad’s architectural gems, such as the City Hall Palace, the Palace of Culture, the neo-Gothic Red Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the neoclassical State Theatre. You can also stop for lunch at a local restaurant if time permits. In the afternoon, continue to Timisoara, a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture influenced by Turkish and Austro-Hungarian styles. Timisoara was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Overnight at a hotel in Timisoara.
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Accommodation:
3/4 Star Hotel
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
City Tours in Arad and Timisoara
Route:
Budapest – Arad 265km; Arad – Timisoara 58km
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After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Corvin Castle, one of Europe’s largest Gothic castles, rich with history and legends. Next, head to Alba Iulia, a city steeped in history. Explore its Old Town, where Romania’s unification treaty was signed in 1918. In the afternoon, arrive in Sibiu, a city known for its charming Old Town and cultural significance. Join a guided walking tour to learn about Sibiu’s history and see why it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Overnight at a hotel in Sibiu.
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Accommodation:
3/4 Star Hotel
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Entrance to Corvin Castle is included, City Tour in Alba Iulia and Sibiu
Route:
Timisoara – Alba Iulia 220km; Alba Iulia – Sibiu 77km
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Start your day with a visit to Sighisoara, a fairy-tale town and the birthplace of Vlad Dracula in 1431. Explore the medieval streets and historic sites on a guided walking tour. In the afternoon, travel to Brasov, one of Romania’s most beloved cities. Take a walking tour of the Old Town, where you’ll see the famous Black Church and the historic city gates. Overnight at a hotel in Brasov.
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Accommodation:
3/4 Star Hotel
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Sighisoara City Tour
Route:
Sibiu – Sighisoara 91km; Sighisoara – Brasov 117km
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In the morning, visit Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle. Learn about the history of Vlad Dracula as you explore this 14th-century fortress. Later, head to Sinaia to visit the stunning Peles Castle, a 19th-century royal residence that remains beautifully preserved. Continue your journey to Bucharest, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
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Accommodation:
3/4 Star Hotel
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Bran Castle, Peles Castle
Route:
Brasov– Sinaia 48km; Sinaia – Bucharest 136km
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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.
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Accommodation:
Peakture Hotel Bucharest
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Bucharest city tour with Licensed local guide.
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After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll head off on a comfortable transfer to another city of Balkan countries Sofia , Bulgarian’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 Sofia , 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:
Best Western Terminus Hotel, Sofia
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the driver on the route.
Route:
Bucharest – Velika Tarnovo 180km Velika Tarnova-Sofia 219km
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After a hearty breakfast, delve into Sofia’s rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of its major landmarks. 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. Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to another country of Balkan, capital city of North Macedonia Skopje, the bustling capital of North Macedonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour, discovering highlights such as the ancient Kale Fortress overlooking the city, the iconic Stone Bridge spanning the Vardar River, the lively Macedonia Square with its grand statue of Alexander the Great, and the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Spend a relaxing evening at a comfortable Skopje hotel, reflecting on your day’s adventures.
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Accommodation:
Doa Hotel, Skopje
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Panoramic City Tour, Aleksander Nevski Cathedral
Route:
Sofia-Skopje 244km
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Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out for Tirana. Along the way, consider a picturesque stop at Matka Canyon, a natural wonder renowned for its dramatic landscapes and serene lake (optional 25 euros per person). Continue to the city of Prizren, visiting another Balkan country Kosovo. Prizren is a charming city in Kosovo known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Explore notable sites such as Prizren Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, the elegant Sinan Pasha Mosque, the tranquil White Drin River, and the bustling Sadrvan Square. Take some time to shop for local handicrafts and savor traditional cuisine before proceeding to Tirana, the lively capital city of another Balkan country, Albania. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city.
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Accommodation:
Albanopolis Hotel, Tirana
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Sadrvan Square, Sinan Pasha Mosque
Route:
Skopje – Prizren 105km Prizren – Tirana 180km
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Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before setting out on a captivating panoramic tour of Tirana. Discover the vibrant heart of the city with highlights including Skanderbeg Square, the impressive Skanderbeg Statue, the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the historic Clock Tower. After exploring Tirana, transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul (included, with variable times). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. Detailed information about this part of your trip will be provided in the afternoon.
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Accommodation:
Dosso Dossi Hotel or Recital Hotel Istanbul
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Flight:
Istanbul flight ticket is included.
Airport transfers:
Self Transfer to airport!
Istanbul Airport to hotel transfer is included.
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After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, pick up for half day city tour a visiting famous places like Spice Bazaar and Rustem Pasha Mosque. Cruise along from the Rumeli Hisarı Fortress along the Bosphorus Strait, take some photos, relax and watch the panoramic view of Istanbul.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) was built between 1597 and 1664, also it is the second oldest covered bazaar in the city. You can find exotic aromas and various spices. It contains fruit vegetable, flower and fish shops inside.
Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and splits the European and Asian sides of Turkey. This romantic cruise along the Bosphorus will allow you to admire the Dolmabahce Palace, the Beylerbeyi Palace the Ciragan Palace. Ancient wooden villas and bridges and all the wonderful and unique maritime landscapes.
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Accommodation:
Dosso Dossi Hotel or Recital Hotel Istanbul
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Lunch:
Will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.
Visit:
Istanbul city tour with licensed tour guide.
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Early in the morning, transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Cappadocia (North of Cappadocia). Discover the region’s natural wonders including Devrent Valley, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Monk Valley, Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, and Uchisar Castle. After the tour, check into your cave hotel for an overnight stay.
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Accommodation:
Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Visit:
City Tour in Cappadocia
Flight:
Included
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After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, enjoy a second-day tour of Cappadocia, visiting Kizilcukur, Cavusin Village, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ortahisar, and Catalkaya.
For an additional experience, join an early morning hot air balloon ride(optional) at 05:30 am.
After the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight back to Istanbul, arriving at 20:50.
End of services.
See you on your next adventure with Ajdinis Travel.
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Meal:
Daily Breakfast
Visit:
City Tour in Cappadocia
Flight:
Included
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