Budapest to Istanbul &Cappadocia via Tirana 12 Days of Discovery

Enjoy the Adventure

Experience an unforgettable 9-day journey from Budapest to Istanbul, where history, culture, and stunning landscapes await. Begin in Budapest, exploring the architectural wonders of Arad before heading to Timisoara, a vibrant city celebrated for its rich heritage.
Discover Romania’s cultural treasures, including Corvin Castle and the medieval charm of Sibiu and Sighisoara, before delving into the legends of Bran Castle. Enjoy the bustling capital of Bucharest, where modernity meets history.
Continue to Istanbul vibtant city,Enjoy guided tour at Istanbul and Cappadocia, comfortable accommodations, and seamless transport throughout your journey, with 3 flights included.

Itenirary

Day 1: Budapest – Arad – Timisoara

 

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 centrally located hotel in Timisoara.

Day 2: Timisoara – Corvin Castle – Alba Iulia – Sibiu

 

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 centrally located hotel in Sibiu.

Day 3: Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brasov

 

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 centrally located hotel in Brasov.

Day 4: Brasov – Bran Castle – Peles Castle – Bucharest

 

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.

Day 5: Bucharest

 

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then join a guided tour to explore Bucharest’s most iconic sights. You’ll visit Revolution Square, the impressive Romanian Athenaeum, and the charming Villa Crosse Passage, among other highlights. Stroll through the historic Old Town and see the historic Manuc’s Inn and Old Princely Court. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy your evening in Bucharest, reflecting on your journey.

Day 6: Journey to Sofia

 

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, meet with your guide for a welcome briefing and get ready for the adventures ahead.

Day 7: Sofia to Skopje

 

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 a visit to the National Art Gallery, housed in the former royal palace, and the Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance. Following your Sofia tour, embark on a journey to 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.

Day 8: Skopje to Tirana via Matka Canyon and Prizren

 

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). Continue to Prizren, a charming city in Kosovo known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy a guided city tour of Prizren, exploring 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 of Albania. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in this dynamic city.

Day 9: Tirana – Istanbul by flight

 

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.

Day 10 : Istanbul

 

After breakfast start your day 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.

Day 11: Istanbul to Cappadocia (by Flight)

 

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.

Day 12: Cappadocia to Istanbul (by Flight)

 

Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride: For an additional experience, join an early morning hot air balloon ride at 05:30 am. 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. After the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. End of services.

Included

Accommodation:
Stay in 4 or 3-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.
Guide:
Professional Guide: A guided tour in Sibiu, Sighisoara, Bucharest,Sofia, Istanbul and Cappadocia covering iconic landmarks and historical sites with local guide. Professional and knowledgeable guides accompanying you from Day 7 in Sofia through to Day 9 in Tirana, ensuring an insightful and enriching experience throughout your 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.
Transport:
Transportation: 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.
Flight:
Day 9 Tirana -Istanbul Day 11 Istanbul -Capadocia, Day 12 Capadocia- Istanbul

Excluded

Insurance:
Not included, yet highly recommended.
Optional:
Canyon Matka in Skopje 25eu, Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride price is variable in Cappadocia.
Important reminder:
Entrance fees to museums, historical sites, airport transfers, city taxes in Greece, 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.

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