10 Oct 2026
Twin share
£3,920pp
Single from £4,635
Escorted tour
Budapest to Istanbul: Transylvania, Bulgaria & Rila – 19 Days
Eger, Maramureș, Transylvania, Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, the Valley of Roses, Rila Monastery and Plovdiv, in a small group of up to 12.
19 days
From £3,290
Tour overview
This 19-day small-group journey crosses four countries from Budapest to Istanbul, through the villages and medieval towns of Romania and the mountains and old towns of Bulgaria. Groups have no more than 12 travellers aged 15 and over, with a local leader throughout. You travel mostly by local train and bus, with some long travel days, and stay in hotels, with family-run pensions in Maramureș and a homestay in Viscri. Breakfast is included most days, with three dinners, including a home-cooked meal in Viscri. The trip is land-only, starting in Budapest and ending in Istanbul.
The first part follows a rich route through Hungary and Romania: a wine tasting in Eger's Valley of the Beautiful Women, two nights in Maramureș with its wooden churches, the Bârsana Monastery and the painted crosses of the Merry Cemetery at Săpânța, and the walled town of Sighișoara. A night in the Saxon village of Viscri, with its fortified church, is followed by Bran Castle and two nights in Brașov, then two nights in Bucharest with a walking tour and a free day.
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Crossing the Danube into Bulgaria, you spend two nights in Veliko Tarnovo, a former royal capital spread over hills above a river gorge, with the Tsarevets Fortress and a cheese and wine workshop. On the way to Sofia you visit the Kazanlak Valley, known as the Valley of Roses, with a family rose distillery, an ethnographic village and Thracian tombs. After a free day in Sofia, you head into the Rila Mountains to Rila Monastery, the largest and holiest in Bulgaria, and on to Bansko.
A hike in the Pirin Mountains to a glacial lake, weather permitting, is followed by a ride on the Rhodope narrow-gauge railway and two nights in Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its Roman theatre and painted houses. Finally, you travel the old road to Istanbul by bus for a last night in the city on two continents.
The physical rating is medium, with plenty of walking, a mountain hike and long travel days. This trip suits curious, independent-minded travellers who want to explore the Balkans slowly using local transport.
Trip highlights
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The wooden churches and Merry Cemetery of Maramureș (Day 4)
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A Viscri homestay, Bran Castle and Brașov (Days 6–8)
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Veliko Tarnovo and the Tsarevets Fortress (Days 11–12)
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A rose distillery in the Valley of Roses (Day 13)
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Rila Monastery and a Pirin Mountains hike (Days 15–16)
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Plovdiv's Roman theatre and the road to Istanbul (Days 17–18)
Your route
17 stops from Budapest to Istanbul
- Budapest Day 1
- Eger Day 2
- Debrecen Day 3
- Maramures Days 3–4
- Sapanta Day 4
- Sighisoara Day 5
- Viscri Day 6
- Bran Castle Day 7
- Brasov Days 7–8
- Bucharest Days 9–10
- Veliko Tarnovo Days 11–12
- Kazanlak Day 13
- Sofia Days 13–14
- Rila Monastery Day 15
- Bansko Day 15
- Plovdiv Days 16–17
- Istanbul Day 18
Why choose this tour
Goes beyond the usual Romania route to include Bulgaria's mountains, monasteries and old towns, ending in Istanbul. Travels by local train and bus, with homestays and workshops that bring you close to local life.
Best suited to
- Travellers who enjoy slow, overland journeys
- Anyone curious about the Balkans and Eastern Europe
- Walkers who like a mountain hike
- Budget-conscious travellers who want a long trip
Day-by-day itinerary
19 days from Budapest, Hungary to Istanbul, Turkey
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Day 1 · Budapest Arrive in Budapest
Welcome to Budapest, a city of grand boulevards on the Danube. Meet your leader and group at the welcome meeting in the evening.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 2 · Eger, Valley of the Beautiful Women Train to Eger
Take the train to Eger, a Baroque town ringed by vineyards, and sample Bull's Blood wine in the cellars of the Valley of the Beautiful Women.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 3 · Debrecen, Maramureș Debrecen to Maramureș
Stop in Debrecen to see its main square and Great Church, then cross into Romania's Maramureș region, one of the last places in Europe where traditional peasant life endures.
- Hotel
- Family-run pension
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 4 · Săpânța, Bârsana Monastery Maramureș
Tour Maramureș with a local guide, visiting UNESCO-listed wooden churches, the tall timber Bârsana Monastery and the painted crosses of the Merry Cemetery at Săpânța.
- Hotel
- Family-run pension
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 5 · Sighișoara Sighișoara
Drive to Sighișoara, a walled medieval town and birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, for an orientation walk through its towers and lanes.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Viscri Viscri homestay
After free time in Sighișoara, drive to the Saxon village of Viscri, visit its fortified church and share a home-cooked dinner with your host family.
- Hotel
- Village homestay
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 7 · Bran Castle, Brașov Bran Castle and Brașov
Explore Bran Castle, perched on a cliff and linked with Bram Stoker's Dracula, then continue to Brașov at the foot of the Carpathians.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 8 · Brașov, Black Church Free day in Brașov
A free day in Brașov, a medieval trading town known by its German name of Kronstadt, with the Gothic Black Church and the Council Square.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 9 · Bucharest Train to Bucharest
Take the train to Bucharest, a lively capital of grand boulevards and the vast Palace of the Parliament, for a walking tour with a local guide.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 10 · Bucharest Free day in Bucharest
A free day to explore Bucharest's markets, museums, parks and the former Ceaușescu residence at your own pace.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 11 · Danube, Veliko Tarnovo Into Bulgaria: Veliko Tarnovo
Cross the Friendship Bridge over the Danube into Bulgaria and travel to Veliko Tarnovo, a former royal capital spread over hills above a river gorge, for an orientation walk and a cheese and wine workshop.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 12 · Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo Tsarevets Fortress
Visit the Tsarevets Fortress, the 7th-century citadel overlooking the town, with the rest of the day free to wander the old town and its craft workshops.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 13 · Kazanlak Valley, Sofia Valley of Roses to Sofia
Travel to Sofia through the Kazanlak Valley, the Valley of Roses, visiting a family rose distillery, an ethnographic village and Thracian tombs.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 14 · Sofia, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Free day in Sofia
A free day in Bulgaria's capital: browse the Central Market Hall, see the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or visit the National History Museum.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 15 · Rila Monastery, Bansko Rila Monastery to Bansko
Head into the Rila Mountains to Rila Monastery, the largest and holiest in Bulgaria, founded in 927 and covered in colourful murals. Continue to the mountain town of Bansko.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 16 · Pirin Mountains, Okoto Lake, Rhodope narrow-gauge railway, Plovdiv Pirin Mountains to Plovdiv
Weather permitting, hike from Vihren Chalet to Okoto Lake in the Pirin Mountains for views across the valley. Later, ride the Rhodope narrow-gauge railway on the way to Plovdiv.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 17 · Plovdiv Roman Theatre, Plovdiv Old Town Plovdiv
Join a local guide to see Plovdiv's highlights, including the Roman theatre, rediscovered after a landslide in the 1970s and still used today, and the painted houses of the old town.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 18 · Istanbul The road to Istanbul
A long day by bus along the old Tsarigrad Road, the road to Istanbul, arriving in the evening in the city that straddles Europe and Asia.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 19 · Istanbul Trip ends in Istanbul
The trip ends after breakfast. Extra nights in Istanbul are recommended and can be arranged when you book.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Budapest (1 night) Hotel
- Eger (1 night) Hotel
- Maramureș (2 nights) Family-run pension
- Sighișoara (1 night) Hotel
- Viscri (1 night) Village homestay
- Brașov (2 nights) Hotel
- Bucharest (2 nights) Hotel
- Veliko Tarnovo (2 nights) Hotel
- Sofia (2 nights) Hotel
- Bansko (1 night) Hotel
- Plovdiv (2 nights) Hotel
- Istanbul (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 18 nights in hotels, pensions and a village homestay
- Meals 15 breakfasts and 3 dinners, including a home-cooked dinner in Viscri
- Transport local trains and buses, private vehicles where needed and the Rhodope narrow-gauge railway
- Romania and Hungary Eger wine sampling, a Maramureș day tour, Săpânța, Bârsana Monastery, Viscri's fortified church, Bran Castle and a Bucharest walking tour
- Bulgaria Veliko Tarnovo and the Tsarevets Fortress, a cheese and wine workshop, Thracian tombs, a rose distillery, Sofia, Rila Monastery, a Pirin hike and a Plovdiv walking tour
- Local leader throughout
Not included
- International flights to Budapest and from Istanbul
- Airport transfers
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities, such as thermal baths and museums
- Single supplement (not available in Viscri), tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want flights included — they are not
- You want most meals included — mainly breakfasts and three dinners
- You dislike long travel days — some days involve many hours by bus or train
- You need air-conditioning everywhere — some properties lack it
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £3,290 per person, twin share, tour only. 31 upcoming departures.
31 Oct 2026
Twin share
£3,290pp
Single from £4,005
03 Apr 2027
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£3,455pp
Single from £4,170
10 Apr 2027
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£3,455pp
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17 Apr 2027
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£3,455pp
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24 Apr 2027
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£3,560pp
Single from £4,275
01 May 2027
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£3,660pp
Single from £4,375
08 May 2027
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£3,660pp
Single from £4,375
15 May 2027
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£3,730pp
Single from £4,445
22 May 2027
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£3,730pp
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29 May 2027
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£3,455pp
Single from £4,170
05 Jun 2027
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£3,660pp
Single from £4,375
09 Jun 2027
Twin share
£3,455pp
Single from £4,170
12 Jun 2027
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£3,560pp
Single from £4,275
19 Jun 2027
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£3,455pp
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26 Jun 2027
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£3,560pp
Single from £4,275
10 Jul 2027
Twin share
£3,455pp
Single from £4,170
17 Jul 2027
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£3,455pp
Single from £4,170
31 Jul 2027
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£3,455pp
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14 Aug 2027
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£3,455pp
Single from £4,170
21 Aug 2027
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£3,455pp
Single from £4,170
25 Aug 2027
Twin share
£3,560pp
Single from £4,275
28 Aug 2027
Twin share
£3,660pp
Single from £4,375
04 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,730pp
Single from £4,445
11 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,730pp
Single from £4,445
15 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,730pp
Single from £4,445
18 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,730pp
Single from £4,445
25 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,660pp
Single from £4,375
02 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,660pp
Single from £4,375
09 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,560pp
Single from £4,275
16 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,455pp
Single from £4,170
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
How do we travel?
Mostly by local trains and buses, as local people do, with private vehicles in some rural areas and a ride on the Rhodope narrow-gauge railway. Some travel days are long.
How is this different from the Budapest to Bucharest trip?
The first nine days follow the same route through Hungary and Romania. This trip then continues through Bulgaria to Istanbul for another ten days.
How active is the trip?
The physical rating is medium. Expect plenty of walking on cobbled streets and a weather-dependent hike in the Pirin Mountains.
What meals are included?
15 breakfasts and 3 dinners, including two dinners in Maramureș and a home-cooked dinner in Viscri. A cheese and wine workshop is included in Veliko Tarnovo.
What is the Viscri homestay like?
A night with a local family in a traditional Saxon village house, simple and comfortable, with shared rooms and a home-cooked dinner.
Are flights included?
No. You fly into Budapest and out of Istanbul.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary