From CAD 2,340
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Embark on a spectacular journey from Romania to Bulgaria, ending it all in Istanbul. Absorb Bucharest’s atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia, breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains and meander back in time in the Old Town of Plovdiv. End it all in transcontinental Istanbul, where you can choose to extend your adventure through Turkey. This nine-day trip is a fascinating insight into just how much regions can change as you cross national borders!
Highlights
- Learn about the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest – the capital of Romania that’s often underrated by travellers!
- Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery.
- 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, stopping at a small blue lake surrounded by towering peaks.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2972
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Mini-bus,Public Bus,Private vehicle,Metro,Taxi,Train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: WMSI
Starts: Bucharest, Bulgaria
Finishes: Istanbul, Bulgaria
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6),Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2340 (CAD 260 /day)
Itinerary
Salut! Welcome to Romania. Your adventure begins 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 and it includes 1100 rooms and 4500 chandeliers), or visit his former residence where he lived with his family. Consider an Urban Adventures day tour, like the Bohemian Bucharest tour, for the perfect city introduction. Later, you’ll have a welcome meeting at about 6 pm. Then, why not 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)
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 to the country?
Included Activities:
- Veliko Tarnovo- Orientation Walk
- Veliko Tarnovo- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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. 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)
In the morning, take a public bus to Sofia – Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and parks. You've got the rest of the day to wander, so maybe begin with a browse around the cured meats and cheese of the Central Market Hall, then take a walk through the city and see the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church. You might want to 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.
Optional Activities:
- Sofia - National Art Gallery (10 BGN)
- Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
- Sofia - National History Museum (15 BGN)
- Sofia - The Red Flat (18 BGN)
- Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide from (17 BGN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, journey into the Rila Mountains, where you'll visit the impressive 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)
Drive to Vihren Chalet – the starting point of today’s hike in the Pirin Mountains. You’ll head to a small but picturesque Okoto Lake (2000 m above the sea level) for clear views over the valley with Mt Vihren, the range's highest peak, to the west. If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue to Banderitsko Lake, or opt to stay in Bansko and visit the thermal baths. In the afternoon, board the only operational gauge line in Bulgaria – Rhodope Railway – to Septemvri. 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 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)
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.
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)
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 join your new friends for an optional dinner and bask in the beauty of 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)
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 to book additional accommodation.
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)
Similar Experiences
The Best of Eastern Europe
14 Days from CAD 3,194
Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe
14 Days from CAD 4,199
Majestic Switzerland::Small Groups; From:June-2026
10 Days from CAD 10,250
Zimbabwe & Botswana: Chobe, Hwange & Lake Kariba
10 Days from CAD 11,749
Budapest to Bucharest
10 Days from CAD 2,260
Budapest to Ljubljana
29 Days from CAD 6,785
Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve
8 Days from CAD 3,325
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Elaine - Traveled, October 2023
A great way to discover the stunning scenery and culture of Eastern Europe
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Annette - Traveled, October 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2023
EDWARD - Traveled, September 2023
I had a great time and enjoyed all stops, some more than I expected (Sofia.) Barni was an extremely organized, knowledgeable, and helpful group leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Kevin - Traveled, September 2023
Intrepid is a great way to explore the world. You get to check out countries with like minded fellow travelers with the logistics taken care of and you do the fun stuff.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Paula - Traveled, September 2023
The history and culture learned on this trip are priceless. Lots to visit in so little time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Deb - Traveled, September 2023
Highly recommend Eastern European trip. Petar was our tour leader and was super informative and helpful. He treated us more like a bunch of friends than a tour group. Thank you Petar.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Ahsan - Traveled, August 2023
My Eastern European tour with Intrepid, led by Sasa, was an extraordinary journey. Sasa's impeccable guidance, insightful knowledge, and warm camaraderie made every moment unforgettable. An enriching adventure that exceeded all expectations. Highly recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2023
Lawrence - Traveled, August 2023
We visited interesting places, had a great guide, met lovely local people along the way, as well as having great travel buddies. We felt it was very good value.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Laura - Traveled, June 2023
Great quick trip to see highlights of Bulgaria! Nice variety of nature and culture. And the wine was lovely!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Melanie - Traveled, May 2023
The perfect way to explore more of Bulgaria! I had no idea how stunning this country was and really appreciated being led by a native Bulgarian through picturesque Veliko Tarnovo, historical Sofia, scenic Bansko and ancient Plovdiv with a grand finale in Istanbul. A wonderful itinerary that you should book asap.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2023
Fiona - Traveled, May 2023
If you are interested in travel to lesser known places, this is the trip for you! Bulgaria was an experience I will never forget. Gigi was the perfect leader. Plovdiv was an absolute highlight - We will be back!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2023
Jordan - Traveled, April 2023
Incredible, perfect destinations, great price and well organized. Our guide was incredible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Jude - Traveled, April 2023
This was such a fantastic trip which included so many varied and beautiful parts of Romania/Bulgaria. It is well paced and allowed us to make the most of the time we had in each town/city, so that we could get a feel for local life there. The use of local transport added to the fun of our time together, allowed us to meet local people and also meant that we could take in the beautiful and changing scenery. Our leader, Dusan, was fantastic and made sure that we had a great time together. I highly recommend this trip if you want to explore the lesser known side of Europe.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2023
Simon - Traveled, September 2022
Excellent middle ground between travelling alone and going on the mega-bus tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2022
Bindu - Traveled, September 2022
The trip on the whole, was an eye opener for me - as there is always far more emphasis on Western Europe. My high points were - inclusion of towns that I may not have gone on my own, the use of public transportation, the locally sourced accommodation, the free time that allowed us to investigate on our own and the visits to the non profit organizations. Kudos Intrepid - I am a fan for life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2022
Diana - Traveled, September 2022
We loved Bulgaria! This tour is jam packed with a great itinerary. There are too many highlights to mention them all, Plovdiv is a favorite for me and the hike in the Pirin mountains, We would definitely return to Bulgaria. Thank you Tanya for making this tour so memorable for us! We highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2022
Richard - Traveled, September 2022
Provides an excellent overview of this under-explored Balkan country, combining cities, villages and countryside. Really enjoyed the local homestay and hiking in the mountains.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, September 2022
This was the third country on our trip and we loved it. Such a wonderful mix of things to do and see. Fantastic food and wine to savor. Lovely people. The history is amazing - especially coming from New Zealand where we don't have the depth of history. A wonderful holiday
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2022
Vijay - Traveled, August 2022
Our tour leader Tanya was absolutely amazing and I had a great time on this trip . The only bad thing was excruciatingly long train journeys on the first days
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/31/2022
Jim - Traveled, July 2022
This is a wonderful trip where you learn not just about the national history but some of the local history and customs of Bulgaria as you visit some small towns and villages.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2022
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why book with us?
Best Rate Guarantee
Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate
Best Selection
The best operators from around the world
Trusted Payments
Secure payments with Stripe
Expert Advice
Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience