Bucharest: 6-Day Central Balkans Guided Tour to Istanbul

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Bucharest: 6-Day Central Balkans Guided Tour to Istanbul

Tours Culture & history Sightseeing Tours History & heritage

Explore Bucharest, Peles, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, and Istanbul on a 6-day trip spanning 3 countries. Travel in an air-conditioned bus, take a walking tour in each town, and stay in 3 or 4-star hotels.

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Highlights

Discover Bucharest, Peles castle and Dracula's castle
Touch the colorful Plovdiv and Medieval Veliko Tarnovo
Enjoy in magic Istanbul

Description

Day 1 – Arriving in Bucharest and begin adventure. Arrival at Bucharest airport. Individual transfer and accommodation at your hotel. Late walking tour of the Old Town. Pick up from your hotel. Cărturești Carusel - In a nutshell, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores... 6 floors and an amazing setting. There's more here (visit inside). Leisure time, with the option of dining at a local restaurant. Transfer to the hotel at a predetermined time. Some free time. Overnight stay. Day 2 – Discover Romanian treasures Breakfast is served at the hotel. Departure by bus to Peles Castle. Departure for Bran Castle (Dracula). Dracula – as he is perceived today – is a fictitious character whose name derives from the appellation given to Vlad Tepes, the ruler of Wallachia from 1456-1462 and 1476. Evening panoramic bus tour of Bucharest, including the Romanian Parliament (Ceausescu Palace), Victory Square, the Romanian Triumphal Arch, and Revolution Square. Return to your hotel room. Spare time. Overnight stay. Day 3 – Explore Veliko Tarnovo – Medieval Bulgarian capital Breakfast is served at the hotel. Departure by bus to Bulgarian border. Pick up from your hotel. Cross Danube river and arrive in Veliko Tarnovo. (Transfer 190 km – approx. 3 hours) Short walking tour. Departure, we head further south, to Plovdiv city. (Transfer 180 km – approx. 3,5 hours) We cross Stara Planina (The Balkan), At the top we have a coffee break. Your tour guide will tell you an interesting story about this place. Arriving in Plovdiv and check in at your hotel. Short evening walking tour in Old Town. Spare time for dinner and relax. Overnight stay. Day 4 – Go to Istanbul.. Breakfast is served at the hotel. Departure by bus to Istanbul. (Transfer 440 km – approx. 6 hours) During the trip, your tour guide will tell you about the most interesting moments of the historical relations between Bulgaria and Turkey, filled with dramatic events. Short stop for lunch and a short rest in Edirne (Turkey). Arrive in Istanbul. Check in in your hotel. Spare time to relax and dinner opportunity. Evening Istanbul is at your disposal! Overnight. Day 5 - The treasures of Istanbul Breakfast is served at the hotel. Morning - Istanbul sightseeing city tour journey by bus and boat – total 3 hours. Pick up from your hotel. Discover Istanbul on this 90-minute bus tour and a 90-minute Bosphorus cruise. Plus, learn its history through its top sites (and hidden ones too): Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden Tower, Galata Tower, and more. Cruise along for 90-minutes over the Asian and European shores. Enjoy the picturesque skyline as you pass historical sites, palaces, fortresses, and the Bosphorus bridges, becoming fully enchanted by the scenery. Transfer back to your hotel. Half day spare time to relax, shopping and discover Istanbul myself. Overnight stay. Day 6 - Coming home Check out and transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight.

Includes

5 nights with breakfast in Bucharest (2), Plovdiv (1), Istanbul (2) - 3* or 4* hotels Individual transfers airport - hotel in Bucharest/ hotel – airport in Istanbul Guided tours in Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, and Istanbul Transportation by air-conditioned bus along the entire route Tour guide Local tour guides - where necessary All entrance fees and tickets for the sites visited

Important Information

The walking tours are conducted even if it rains. However, if the weather is extreme, we reserve the right to make changes to the program to maintain the quality of the product for the better experience of our guests Please check before booking whether Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey do not require entry visas for tourists from your country. Before traveling you should obtain a visa if required. Valid international passport. The departure day - breakfast at the hotel is available if your flight is not too early in the morning. Please note that not all hotels provide a packed breakfast for early departure guests We recommend get for the travel: Umbrella or raincoat Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen Hat with sun visor Sunglasses Travel insurance including medical expenses in case of illness or accident The electrical networks of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey have the same standard - 230V. If you are arriving from another continent or the UK, you will need travel adapters.