Eastern Europe Express

Intrepid Travel · 10 days

4.4

20 Reviews

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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on an express journey from Romania to Bulgaria, finishing in Istanbul. Absorb Bucharest’s atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia and breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains.

Highlights

Journey through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, where you'll visit the Rila Monastery. Meet local monks at you wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site and largest and holiest of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries.
Indulge in local Bulgarian cheese and wines with a local chef in Veliko Tarnovo, at their family-owned spot in the Old Town.
Take a trip on the last operational narrow-gauge line in Bulgaria, from Bansko to Plovdiv. Grab a window seat if you can, the scenery is worth it!
Breathe the crisp mountain air on a short hike in the Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria. Stop at the small blue lake surrounded by towering peaks – you might even be able to see the range’s highest peak, Mt Vihren.
Visit Kazanlak Valley, also known as the Valley of Roses. Known for growing the Damascena rose, learn how the rose oil is distilled and created into a perfume during your visit to a family rose distillery in Sofia.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private Mini-bus,Public Bus,Metro,Taxi,Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bucharest, Bulgaria

Finishes

Istanbul, Bulgaria

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Bucharest

Salut! Welcome to Romania. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Bucharest – home to one of Europe's biggest squares and the Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. If you arrive early, maybe take a tour of the palace (former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu ordered the construction of this 12-storied building or visit his former residence where he lived with his family). Consider an Urban Adventures daytrip, like the Bohemian Bucharest tour, for the perfect city introduction. After your meeting, maybe seek out some traditional Romanian fare with the group.

Optional Activities:

Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour (60 RON)
Bucharest - Village Museum (30 RON)
Bucharest - Bike Tour (25 EUR)
Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence (65 RON)
Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum (10 RON)
Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest (75 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Veliko Tarnovo

Travel across the Friendship Bridge into Bulgaria and on to the town of Veliko Tarnovo – founded in 4500 BC by the Neolithic people, the Romans later built the first fortress walls. In the 6th century, a Byzantine capital was established on Tsarevets Hill by Emperor Justinian. After the foundation of the second Bulgarian empire, it became the second most important city in the region (after Constantinople) and trade and culture flourished for the next 200 years. In 1393, the town fell to the Turks who held the city until the Russians liberated it in 1877. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk, finishing in the Old Town at a family-owned establishment. Here, a local chef will invite you to an authentic and interactive experience that will showcase the rich history of Bulgarian cheese and wine making. The menu includes tasty items such as truffle cheese, cold cuts and locally produced premium wine – what could be a better introduction?

Included Activities:

Veliko Tarnovo- Orientation Walk
Veliko Tarnovo- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Veliko Tarnovo

This morning, visit Veliko Tarnovo's imposing Tsarevets Fortress, which overlooks the city. This once-magnificent fortress was built in the 7th century, and the ruined citadel is the perfect spot to wander. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the City of Tsars. Maybe wander through the Old Quarter, with its preserved Renaissance houses and handicraft workshops or relax in one of the town's cafes or vinarnas (wine bars).

Included Activities:

Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress

Optional Activities:

Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum (6 BGN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Sofia

In the morning, hop on a transfer to Sofia – Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and parks. Along the way, stop at Kazanlak Valley, also known as the Valley of Roses. This valley is famous for the growing of the Damascena rose, which is used to produce rose oil – a key ingredient in the perfume industry. After, wander through Etno Village – an open-air museum showcasing Bulgarian culture and crafts from the 18th and 19th centuries. From here, visit the Family Rose Distillery and learn about the distillation process and history of rose oil production. Your last stop is at Thracian Tombs – a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved murals from the Hellenistic period, depicting burial rituals and Thracian culture. Later, continue to Sofia, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Included Activities:

Kazanlak Valley - Tracian tombs
Kazanlak Valley - Family Rose distillery
Kazanlak Valley - Etno Village visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Sofia

Today is a free day for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe browse around the cured meats and cheese at the Central Market Hall, then walk through the city and see the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church. This afternoon, maybe sate your cultural curiosity at the National History Museum, discover artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum or spend a couple of hours staring at the local artworks in the National Art Gallery.

Included Activities:

Sofia - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

Sofia - The Red Flat (18 BGN)
Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide from (17 BGN)
Sofia - National History Museum (15 BGN)
Sofia - National Art Gallery (10 BGN)
Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Bansko

Today, journey into the Rila Mountains, where you'll visit the Rila Monastery. Tucked away in a valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest and holiest of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries. Founded in 927, the entire complex is a work of art in itself. Check out murals, the 14th-century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church and the original 19th-century monastery kitchen. Then, carry on to Bansko. Set at the base of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko is home to more than 150 cultural monuments and many of its stone houses have been transformed into mehanes (taverns). Wander through Vazrazhdane and check out the frescoes of the Church of Sveta Troitsa or the paintings in the Rilski Convent. Tonight, indulge in some local cuisine and try filet elena (spicy cured meat) or kapama (simmered meat, rice and sauerkraut), washing it down with some delicious melnik (dark red wine).

Included Activities:

Rila - Monastery Visit

Optional Activities:

Bansko - Spa Visit (40 BGN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Plovdiv

Drive to Vihren Chalet – the starting point of today’s hike in the Pirin Mountains. You’ll head to the small but picturesque Okoto Lake for panoramic views over the valley – you might even be able to see the range’s highest peak, Mt Vihren. From here, maybe continue to Banderitsko Lake or opt to stay in Bansko and visit the thermal baths. This afternoon, board the only operational gauge line in Bulgaria – Rhodope Railway. After the scenic ride, you’ll continue to Plovdiv – on the Maritsa River, this city was once the meeting point of two ancient transportation routes. In the evening, maybe wander the bustling city streets and try some of the local grilled meats and vegetables on skewers.

Included Activities:

Pirin Mountains - Hike
Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
Plovdiv-Private Transfer from Plovdiv Train Station to Plovdiv Hotel

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Plovdiv

This morning, join a local guide for a tour of the main sights of Plovdiv. The most remarkable being the ancient Roman theatre, accidentally discovered after a landslide exposed the site in the early 1970s. Built in the 2nd century BC during the reign of Trajanus, the theatre seats about 6000 people and is now back in use! From here, wander up to the site of the former hilltop fortress of Nebet Tepe, where you can enjoy excellent views of the city. Head back down to visit the 15th-century Dzhumaya Mosque, which is still in use today. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace – maybe explore the street art and cafes of the Kapana Creative District or learn about Bulgarian culture and traditions at the Ethnographic Museum.

Included Activities:

Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide

Optional Activities:

Plovdiv - Bachkovo Monastery (16 BGN)
Plovdiv - Hisarya Hot Springs (50 BGN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Istanbul

Get ready for a long day of travel today that takes you from Europe to Asia. Grab a window seat if you can and watch the scenery pass you by or get stuck into a good book. You'll be travelling how the locals do – on a bus along the Tsarigrad Road, also named the Road to Istanbul. When you arrive in the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have called home, you'll have some free time to settle in. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group and indulge in a real Turkish kebab (yum!)

Included Activities:

Istanbul- Private Transfer from Istanbul Bus Station to Istanbul Hotel
Plovdiv- Private Transfer from Plovdiv Hotel to Plovdiv Bus Station

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Istanbul

With no further activities planned, your adventure officially comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul, and it’s recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Istanbul - Hagia Sophia (25 EUR)
Istanbul - Archaeology Museum (340 TRY)
Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (390 TRY)
Istanbul - Galata Tower (650 TRY)
Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) (200 TRY)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
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.

Important Information

Meals

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 willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

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.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

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.

Visas

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.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,970

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Apr 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Elaine

Traveled, October 2023

11/01/2023

A great way to discover the stunning scenery and culture of Eastern Europe

4.5

Annette

Traveled, October 2023

10/31/2023

The tour of Bulgaria introduced us to different aspects of the country, its history and its culture. We saw some amazing places. In particular the 5 hour scenic train journey from Bansko was over way too soon with the autumn colours dancing before my eyes. Just marvelous.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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