Bucharest: 6-Day Central Balkans Guided Tour to Istanbul

Embarking on a captivating 6-day journey through the Central Balkans, travelers can explore the rich history and vibrant cultures of Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. From Bucharest’s Old Town to the breathtaking Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, this guided tour promises an unforgettable experience. Along the way, visitors will uncover iconic sites like Peles and Bran Castles, enjoy the scenic beauty of Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv, and enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout. With hassle-free logistics, this tour offers a seamless opportunity to discover the captivating essence of the Balkans. What awaits beyond this initial glimpse may just leave you eager to embark on this remarkable journey.

Key Points

• A 6-day guided tour from Bucharest to Istanbul, covering major attractions in Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey, starting from $833.94 per person.
• Includes 5 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels with breakfast, visits to Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and a Bosphorus cruise, with flexible cancellation policy.
• Highlights include walking tours in Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, and Plovdiv, as well as a panoramic bus tour of Bucharest and a stop in Edirne.
• Provides individual airport transfers, air-conditioned bus transportation, and all site entrance fees for a hassle-free experience.
• Recommended to check visa requirements and suitability for pregnant women or wheelchair users, with clear instructions for the meeting point and booking process.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

This 6-day guided tour from Bucharest to Istanbul offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of historical and cultural highlights across Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye, with prices starting from $833.94 per person.

The itinerary includes guided tours in Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, and Istanbul, and 5 nights of accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels with breakfast.

Travelers can enjoy activities like visiting Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and a Bosphorus cruise.

The tour includes all entrance fees, transportation by air-conditioned bus, and individual airport transfers in Bucharest and Istanbul.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible and convenient option for exploring the Central Balkans region.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s 6-day itinerary takes travelers on an immersive journey through Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye, showcasing the region’s historical and cultural highlights. On the first day, guests enjoy a walking tour of Bucharest’s Old Town and visit the renowned Cărturești Carusel bookstore. Day 2 features visits to the magnificent Peleș Castle and the iconic Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’, followed by an evening panoramic bus tour of Bucharest.

Day	Destination	Activities
3	Veliko Tarnovo	Short walking tour; continue to Plovdiv for evening tour
4	Edirne, Istanbul	Depart for Istanbul with a stop in Edirne; evening free time in Istanbul
5	Istanbul	Sightseeing tour by bus and boat; visit top sites and enjoy Bosphorus cruise
6	Istanbul	Check out and transfer to Istanbul airport

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour includes 5 nights of accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels across Bucharest, Plovdiv, and Istanbul, with breakfast provided each morning.

Travelers are also covered for individual airport transfers in Bucharest and Istanbul, as well as air-conditioned bus transportation throughout the tour. All entrance fees for the sites visited are included in the package.

The tour’s transportation and inclusions offer several benefits:

• Hassle-free travel with pre-arranged transportation and transfers

• Access to top attractions without additional costs for entry fees

• Comfortable accommodations to recharge between daily excursions

• Flexibility to focus on the sightseeing experience rather than logistics

Important Information and Recommendations

Travelers should bring their passport, travel insurance, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella or raincoat for this tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. While the tours typically run regardless of the weather, extreme conditions may require changes to the program.

Visitors should check the entry visa requirements for Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey before booking.

This guided tour from Bucharest to Istanbul covers a wealth of history and culture across the Balkans.

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Booking and Meeting Details

Often, travelers can reserve the Bucharest to Istanbul guided tour with a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option.

The meeting point for this tour is the arrivals hall, where you will find a nameplate. Before booking, it’s recommended to check the availability for the desired participants and dates.

The booking process is straightforward:

• Travelers can easily reserve their spot on the tour and pay later, providing more flexibility.

• The arrivals hall is the designated meeting point, where a nameplate will help participants identify the tour group.

• Checking availability beforehand ensures the desired tour dates and participants can be accommodated.

This streamlined booking approach and clear meeting instructions make planning the Bucharest to Istanbul guided tour a hassle-free experience.

Arrival and Orientation in Bucharest

Upon arrival in Bucharest, the first stop on the guided tour is a walking exploration of the city’s historic Old Town. Participants will marvel at the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere as they stroll through this bustling center, stopping to visit the renowned Cărturești Carusel, a famous bookstore housed in a beautiful historic building.

The guided tour allows travelers to enjoy Bucharest’s rich history and culture, setting the stage for the journey ahead. With a local expert leading the way, guests gain insider knowledge and insights that enrich their understanding of the Romanian capital.

This introductory experience in Bucharest sets the tone for the entire Central Balkans adventure, preparing participants for the discoveries that await them in the days to come.

Exploring Romania’s Castles and Sights

On the second day, the tour takes participants to two of Romania’s most iconic castles – Peles Castle and Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.

Peles Castle, a stunning Neo-Renaissance palace nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, impresses with its grand architecture and lavish interiors, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Romanian royal family.

Bran Castle, on the other hand, captivates visitors with its Gothic charm and associations with Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire, Dracula, providing an intriguing exploration of Romanian folklore and history.

The day concludes with an evening panoramic bus tour of Bucharest, allowing travelers to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

• Peles Castle: A Neo-Renaissance marvel with opulent interiors

• Bran Castle: Gothic charm and Dracula connections

• Bucharest evening panoramic bus tour

Traversing Bulgaria and Arriving in Istanbul

The tour then travels to the historic Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo, where travelers embark on a brief walking tour to explore its well-preserved medieval architecture. Afterward, the group continues onward to the vibrant city of Plovdiv, where an evening tour showcases its charming Old Town and Roman ruins.

Destination	Duration	Highlights
Veliko Tarnovo	1/2 day	Medieval architecture, walking tour
Plovdiv	1 evening	Charming Old Town, Roman ruins, evening tour
Edirne (Turkey)	Stopover	Scenic drive, crossing into Turkey
Istanbul	1.5 days	Sightseeing tour, Bosphorus cruise, free time

The journey then takes the group across the border into Turkey, with a stop in the historic city of Edirne before arriving in the bustling metropolis of Istanbul for the final portion of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?

Yes, the tour can likely be customized to fit your interests. Many tour providers offer the flexibility to adjust the itinerary or activities based on traveler preferences, within reason. It’s best to inquire with the tour operator about customization options.

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring for Meals and Activities?

The amount of spending money needed depends on one’s personal preferences and dining habits, but a reasonable estimate is $30-50 per day for meals and incidentals. Some activities may have additional fees not included in the tour price.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Days?

Yes, most tour operators allow travelers to extend the tour or add extra days. This provides more flexibility to explore the destinations in depth or visit additional sites. Fees may apply for customized tour arrangements.

Can I Get a Discount if Booking as a Group?

Yes, the tour operator typically offers group discounts. Travelers can inquire about group pricing when booking, as the per-person cost may be reduced for groups of 4 or more. Group size and availability may affect the exact discount offered.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Plans?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if travelers need to change their plans. This allows them to cancel without penalty in case of unexpected circumstances.

Recap

This 6-day Central Balkans guided tour from Bucharest to Istanbul offers an immersive experience through the rich history and culture of Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

Travelers will explore iconic sites, enjoy scenic cruises, and experience the vibrant cities along the way, all with comfortable accommodations and hassle-free logistics.

It’s an unforgettable journey through the captivating Balkans region.

You can check if your dates are available here: