Budapest to Istanbul
Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
From AUD $3178 Was AUD $3739
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Budapest to Istanbul
Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
13 days
Small Group
Budget
Light
English
Experience Overview
From pastoral countryside to forbidding forests and fairytale villages, this tour from Budapest to Istanbul is definitely the road less travelled, but absolutely a worthy adventure to take.
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Budapest orientation walk
- Visit to the Balla Géza Winery
- Guided tour of Sighisoara countryside villages
- 'Dracula's Castle' (Bran)
- Bucharest orientation tour
- Hike to Arbanasi village
- Sofia orientation walk
- Istanbul city tour with local guide
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels/pensions (11 nts), guest lodge (1 nt).
- 12 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Transport
- Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Highlights
- Discover the rich and varied culture of Eastern Europe
- Visit 'Dracula's Castle' and charming Slavic villages
- Explore the spectacular cities of Budapest and Istanbul
Trip Details
13 days
Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, walking.
English
Budapest, Hungary
Istanbul, Turkey
Budget
Classic, Budget
Light
Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Ibis Styles Budapest Center
Day 2: Budapest to Balla Géza Winery
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free time this morning to explore Budapest.Activity - Stop for a refreshment at Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, whose proceeds help fund a non-profit by the same name, which means "Never Give Up." Most of the employees at this social enterprise café are living with a disability, and the charity advocates for rights for the disabled all over Hungary. Your meal helps this café to invest in the charity's efforts, which also includes supporting rural Roma communities through much-needed social programs.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Balla Géza Winery is located in at the foothills of Arad, which was a region known for its wine growing. Since 1999 Balla Géza has been working to bring back the legendary wines from this lost region. Visit the Minis vineyard famous for red wines throughout history. Enjoy a wine tasting with the group and then sit down to a traditional Romanian dinner featuring three different courses. If time allows explore the grounds and then head to the winery's guesthouse where we'll be spending the night. In the morning breakfast is included.Accommodation - Balla Geza Winery
Day 3: Balla Géza Winery to Sighișoara
Explore the medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars.
Sample some Romanian cuisine—the Casa Dracula (original home of Vlad, the model for Count Dracula) is now a restaurant specializing in hearty meat and game dishes of the region.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Take some time to explore medieval Sighișoara.Accommodation - Hotel Sighisoara
Day 4: Sighișoara/Braşov
Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches.
In the early evening, transfer to the city of Brasov, the best preserved medieval city in Romania.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Coast over rolling hills and into rural villages, learning about the life and folklore of olden times from our expert local guide.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Central Residence Annapolis Brasov
Day 5: Braşov
Impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley, this 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore. Soak in the gorgeous countryside as you learn about the creepier side of Romania.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the picturesque Bran Castle, impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley. This 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore and is an unmissable highlight. Sometimes called "Dracula's Castle", it served as a defense point to protect the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. Rumours abound regarding Dracula's interaction with the castle. You'll have to visit to find out the truth.Accommodation - Central Residence Annapolis Brasov
Day 6: Braşov/Bucharest
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Accommodation - MyContinental Bucharest
Day 7: Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo
Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Concorde
Day 8: Veliko Tarnovo
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a visit to Arbanasi. This hilltop village was the residence of choice for the wealthy Roman elite and is still a country haven for the high-flyers of modern Bulgaria. The views all around and down to Veliko Tarnovo are amazing.Accommodation - Hotel Concorde
Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia
A mix of western grandeur and Soviet bulk, Sofia boasts a gold-domed church and delicious international dining.
Sample modern takes on Bulgarian and international food, with some great trendy dining opportunities.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hotel Budapest Sofia
Day 10: Sofia/Plovdiv
Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Free_time - Get out and explore.Accommodation - Clepsydra Residence
Day 11: Plovdiv/Istanbul
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Don't waste a minute, get out and explore.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hotel Centrum Istanbul
Day 12: Istanbul
After getting the lay of the land with a local guide, spend some free time visiting all you can in this eclectic city straddling two continents.
In the evening, there are plenty of cool little bars and restaurants to celebrate the end of an amazing journey over a raki or two.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Begin the day in Istanbul with a walking tour in the old city, including a visit to the historic Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the magnificent Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya). When you step inside, you'll see why the Hagia Sophia is one of the great churches of the Byzantine Empire; it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest. Be awed by the Blue Mosque's symmetry and internal tile work, and take the chance to learn more about the ceremony behind Islam, as it is a working mosque.Free_time - With so much to see and do, don't waste a minute.Accommodation - Hotel Centrum Istanbul
Day 13: Istanbul
We highly recommend you book post-accommodation to fully enjoy this vibrant city.
Your tour might be finished, but the adventure's far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.
And don't worry if you can't decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.
Meals included: Breakfast
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
From
AUD $3739
Duration: 13 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Light
From pastoral countryside to forbidding forests and fairytale villages, this tour from Budapest to Istanbul is definitely the road less travelled, but absolutely a worthy adventure to take.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Jun 2026
Customer Reviews
07/15/2024
Expectations well met.
07/14/2024
Though there were some things I felt it could be improved, overall, I had enjoyed my experience for this trip. I met alot of wonderful tour group members, and have kept in touch with them. Also, I am SOOOO HAPPY I paid more for my own room.
Tour Operator
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
07/15/2024
Expectations well met.
07/14/2024
Though there were some things I felt it could be improved, overall, I had enjoyed my experience for this trip. I met alot of wonderful tour group members, and have kept in touch with them. Also, I am SOOOO HAPPY I paid more for my own room.
07/06/2024
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience! There were minor glitches in a very demanding itinerary when many things could have gone wrong, but didn’t. I’m so grateful to Christina for her hard work.
07/01/2024
After my first roommie decided to leave the tour, it was a shame that our CEO assigned me to someone who didn't want to share a room with a person who snored. I asked for a change since the new roommate was disrespectful,.
06/30/2024
Well organised tour. I found a nice Museum in Bucharest, but otherwise we could have spent the time better elsewhere in Bulgaria. I particularly liked the Romania segment, and I took the opportunity to spend extra time in the entry and exit cities
06/29/2024
Enjoyed the trip, good company and a very good CEO, but experience diminished by long "luggage drags" from/to public transport and hotels
06/29/2024
Great, we are in our seventies, and the group ranged from 27 to 74. We all go on fine, great trip great leader
06/24/2024
G-Adventures had created a great niche travel opportunity. Good Show!
06/22/2024
Great trip. Highly recommended.
06/19/2024
The tour was orginised exceptually well with all of the logistic challanges, great personallty of our guide Faliva who made to toue memerable
06/18/2024
I would do it AGAIN !!!!!
06/12/2024
I will definitely travel with G again ! it was exactly as described and the guide was exceptional
06/09/2024
A great trip where I learned a lot about an area I knew little about all while having a great time with great people. Flavia is excellent CEO.
06/09/2024
GAdventue is a great way to see different countries. Always have a great time.
06/06/2024
It was enjoyable made so by Alina who was a great guide.
06/06/2024
This was a good experience you need to be physically active
06/04/2024
Such a fantastic way to get an in-depth travel experience. Loved every minute
06/01/2024
Superb trip from start to finish. An impressive odyssey of cities, cultures and languages. Our guide Alina was enthusiastic and communicated clearly and repeatedly our upcoming itinerary and travel schedules. She obviously enjoys her work.
06/01/2024
We really enjoyed the group atmosphere of this travel experience. Our CEO did a good job of keeping us on track and on time. She also did a good job of bringing the group together socially. We enjoyed the pace of the tour as well.
05/27/2024
I enjoyed this tour because the CEO and the people on it were great. It was great to see Romania, Bulgaria and Istanbul. The accommodation however has me questioning the value for money provided by Gadventures.
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