Embark on a 20-day adventure through Eastern Europe and Turkey, where every moment is steeped in history and wonder. Wander through Budapest's grand architecture, uncover the mysteries of "Dracula’s Castle" in Transylvania, and step back in time in the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus. Get lost in the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where "fairy chimneys" rise from the earth, and savour a home-cooked meal with a local family. From cultural gems to natural marvels, this journey across two continents is truly magic.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalık
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch, Selçuk
Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, Çavuşin. 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. Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit. Troy entrance and guided visit. Ephesus entrance and visit. Orientation walk in the old Kemeralti bazaar in Izmir. Tour the Mevlana Museum. Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia. Kaymakli underground city exploration. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
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, Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Troy, Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia, Enjoy dinner in a local family home
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, ferry, train, plane, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels/pensions (17 nts), Guest lodge (1 nt), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 nt).
Itinerary
Budapest
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.
Budapest to Balla Géza Winery
Enjoy a morning free to explore Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. After check out we visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a drink and optionally order a bite to eat before we leave Budapest to travel to the Balla Géza Winery for a wine tasting and traditional Romanian dinner. Tonight’s accommodation will be at the winery’s guesthouse on the property.
Balla Géza Winery to Sighișoara
Enjoy breakfast at the Balla Géza Winery before traveling to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. 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.
Sighișoara/Braşov
With a local guide, venture into the Romanian countryside to visit traditional villages. Get a true sense of life in this less-visited region. Visit charming Brasov. 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.
Braşov
Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place. 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.
Braşov/Bucharest
Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk. Take time to explore the Soviet-esque architecture, the beautiful cathedral, or indulge in Bucharest's international cuisine.
Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo
Enjoy some free time to explore more of Bucharest in the morning before travelling to Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in the world, Veliko Tarnovo. Wander the medieval town, visit the museums, or sample your first taste of Bulgarian cuisine. Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.
Veliko Tarnovo
Enjoy the morning in the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo.
Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia
Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies' Market. 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.
Sofia/Plovdiv
Travel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. Visit the hilly old town, museums, or the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis, one of the many Roman ruins found here. Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area.
Plovdiv/Istanbul
Spend time in the morning exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an afternoon bus to Istanbul.
Istanbul
Enjoy a city tour with a local Turkish guide. Opt to visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya), and the Topkapı Palace. 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.
Istanbul
Take advantage of a free day in Istanbul to explore this incredible city and choose from a number of available optional activities. In the evening, head out for an optional group dinner and take a walk through the old square to see some of Istanbul's iconic monuments lit up at night.
Istanbul/Çanakkale
Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale. Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.
It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.
Çanakkale/Selçuk
Set off from Çanakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik and stop by the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft coop before travelling south to the town of Selçuk for the night. Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights.
Selçuk/İzmir
Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selçuk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia. Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selçuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train.
Konya/Cappadocia
Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening. Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area.
Cappadocia
Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family. Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.
Cappadocia/Istanbul
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group. Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.
Istanbul
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
