Flights not included
Now from
$1190
Was from
$1590
Days
10
Explore the highlights of Eastern Europe with EurotourClub on a journey through iconic capitals and cultural gems.

Eastern Europe Highlights Express

Discover your new favourite places on an express journey through Eastern Europe’s ancient cities with EurotourClub. Travel from Romania to Istanbul, experiencing Bucharest’s vibrant atmosphere, Sofia’s historic landmarks, and a short alpine hike in the Pirin Mountains. Explore Plovdiv’s Old Town, visit Veliko Tarnovo’s Tsarevets Fortress, and learn about traditional rose oil production in Kazanlak Valley on this fast-paced cultural adventure across changing landscapes.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Journey across multiple countries in one trip
    Travel from Romania through Bulgaria and finish in Istanbul, experiencing how culture, architecture, and landscapes change across borders.
  • Authentic evening in Bucharest
    Soak up the atmosphere of Romania’s capital and experience its lively night-time city vibe.
  • Hands-on cultural experience in Kazanlak Valley
    Visit a family rose distillery and learn how Bulgaria’s famous rose oil is traditionally produced and turned into perfume.
  • Local food & wine experience in Veliko Tarnovo
    Enjoy Bulgarian cheeses and wines prepared by a local chef in a family-owned setting in the Old Town.
  • Scenic rail journey on a historic narrow-gauge train
    Ride Bulgaria’s last operational narrow-gauge railway from Bansko to Plovdiv with stunning window-seat views.
  • Alpine hike in the Pirin Mountains
    Breathe fresh mountain air on a short hike to a glacial blue lake surrounded by peaks, with views of Mt Vihren.
Travel from the USA on a 10-day journey through Eastern Europe with EurotourClub, from Romania to Istanbul. Experience Bucharest’s vibrant atmosphere, explore Sofia’s historic landmarks, and hike in the Pirin Mountains. Discover Plovdiv’s Old Town, visit Veliko Tarnovo’s Tsarevets Fortress, and learn about traditional rose oil production in Kazanlak Valley before finishing in Istanbul, where rich history, culture, and East-meets-West energy create the perfect finale.
Itinerary
Bucharest
Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo
Sofia
Sofia
Bansko
Plovdiv
Plovdiv
Istanbul
Istanbul
Tour program
  • Salut! Welcome to Romania and Bucharest.
    Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 PM in the capital, home to one of Europe’s largest squares and the impressive Palace of Parliament—the second largest building in the world. If you arrive early, you might visit the palace or explore the former residence of Nicolae Ceaușescu. You can also join an Urban Adventures tour, such as Bohemian Bucharest, for a great introduction to the city. After the meeting, head out with your group to try some traditional Romanian cuisine.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel (1 night)
  • Meals
    There are no meals included on this day.
  • Optional activities
    • Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
    • Bucharest - Village Museum - RON40
    • Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence - RON75
    • Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON15
    • Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest - EUR75
  • Special information
    It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting, as we’ll be collecting your insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you’re going to be late, please inform your travel agent or hotel reception. You can also check reception or look for a note in the lobby for details on the meeting location.
  • Cross the Friendship Bridge into Bulgaria and continue to Veliko Tarnovo, a historic town with ancient roots and a rich imperial past shaped by Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman influences.
    On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk through the city, finishing in the Old Town at a family-run venue. Here, a local chef will host an interactive tasting experience featuring traditional Bulgarian cheeses, cured meats, truffle cheese, and local wines—an ideal introduction to the region’s culinary heritage.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel (1 night)
  • Meals
    • Breakfast
  •  Included activities
    • Veliko Tarnovo- Orientation Walk
    • Veliko Tarnovo- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop
  • Special information
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
  • This morning, visit the impressive Tsarevets Fortress overlooking Veliko Tarnovo. Dating back to the 7th century, this historic citadel offers a fascinating glimpse into Bulgaria’s medieval past and is a great place to explore.
    The rest of the day is free to discover the City of Tsars at your own pace—wander through the Old Quarter with its Renaissance-style houses and artisan workshops, or relax in a local café or traditional vinarna (wine bar).
  • Accommodation
    Hotel (1 night)
  • Meals
    There are no meals included on this day.
  •  Included activities
    • Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
  • Optional activities
    • Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum - BGN6
  • In the morning, travel by transfer to Sofia, Bulgaria’s vibrant capital known for its wide boulevards, green parks, and relaxed cosmopolitan feel. Along the way, stop in the Kazanlak Valley, the famous Valley of Roses, where Damascena roses are grown for the production of high-quality rose oil used in perfumes worldwide.
    Continue to Etno Village, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Bulgarian life and crafts from the 18th and 19th centuries, followed by a visit to a family-run rose distillery to learn about the production process. Your journey also includes the Thracian Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkably preserved Hellenistic murals. Later, arrive in Sofia for your two-night stay.
  • Accommodation
    Hostel (1 night)
  • Meals
    There are no meals included on this day.
  • Included activities
    • Kazanlak Valley - Tracian tombs
    • Kazanlak Valley - Family Rose distillery
    • Kazanlak Valley - Etno Village visit
  • Special information
    Your travel time today will be approximately 5-6 hours.
  • Today is a free day to explore Sofia at your own pace. Start by browsing the Central Market Hall, where you’ll find a great selection of local cheeses and cured meats. Then take a walk through the city to see the iconic gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
    This afternoon, you might visit the National History Museum, explore ancient treasures at the Archaeological Museum, or enjoy the collections at the National Art Gallery.
  • Accommodation
    • Hotel (1 night)
  • Meals
    • Breakfast
  • Included activities
    • Sofia - Orientation Walk
  • Optional activities
    • Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
    • Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide from - BGN17
    • Sofia - National History Museum - BGN15
    • Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
    • Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
  • Today, travel into the Rila Mountains to visit the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest and most important Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Founded in 927, the complex is a masterpiece of architecture and art, featuring detailed frescoes, the 14th-century Hrelyo Tower, and the striking five-domed Church of the Nativity.
    Continue on to Bansko, a charming town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains known for its cultural heritage and traditional stone houses turned taverns. Explore the old quarter, including the Church of Sveta Troitsa and the Rilski Convent, before enjoying a local dinner with specialties like kapama or filet Elena, paired with regional Melnik wine.
  • Accommodation
    • Hotel (1 night)
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included activities
    • Rila - Monastery Visit
  • Optional activities
    • Bansko - Spa Visit - BGN40
  • Special information
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
  • Drive to Vihren Chalet, the starting point of today’s hike in the Pirin Mountains. Set off to Okoto Lake for sweeping valley views, with the chance to spot Mt Vihren, the highest peak in the range. You can continue on to Banderitsko Lake or choose to relax in Bansko’s thermal baths.
    Later, board Bulgaria’s last operational narrow-gauge railway, the Rhodope Railway, for a scenic journey to Plovdiv. Located on the Maritsa River, this historic city was once a key crossroads of ancient trade routes. In the evening, explore the lively streets and sample local grilled meats and vegetable skewers.
  • Accommodation
    • Hotel (1 night)
  • Meals
    • Breakfast
  • Included activities
    • Pirin Mountains - Hike (weather dependent)
    • Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
  • Special information
    Today’s travel time is approximately 7 hours.
    Your hike is around 2 km (about 1 hour) with an elevation gain of 102 m. For today’s trek, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support due to the rocky terrain.
    Please note that in case of poor weather conditions, the Pirin Mountains hike may be cancelled and replaced with a visit to the local thermal spa instead.
  • This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour of Plovdiv’s main sights, starting with the impressive Roman Theatre, rediscovered in the 1970s after a landslide. Built in the 2nd century BC under Emperor Trajan, it once held around 6,000 spectators and is still used for performances today.
    Continue up to Nebet Tepe, the remains of an ancient hilltop fortress offering panoramic views over the city. Then head back down to visit the 15th-century Dzhumaya Mosque, which remains an active place of worship.
    The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace—wander the creative Kapana district with its street art and cafés, or visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about Bulgarian culture and traditions.
  • Accommodation
    • Hotel (1 night)
  • Meals
    • Breakfast
  • Included activities
    • Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Optional activities
    • Plovdiv - Bachkovo Monastery - BGN16
    • Plovdiv - Hisarya Hot Springs - BGN50
  • Get ready for a full day of travel as you make your way from Europe into Asia. Find a window seat if you can and enjoy the changing landscapes, or settle in with a good book. You’ll be traveling like the locals on a bus along the historic Tsarigrad Road, also known as the Road to Istanbul.
    Upon arrival in Istanbul—a city shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history—you’ll have free time to settle in. In the evening, consider heading out with your group for dinner and trying a classic Turkish kebab.
  • Accommodation
    • Hotel (1 night)
  • Meals
    • Breakfast
  • Special information
    Today’s travel time is approximately 8 hours.

    Please note that the border crossing from Bulgaria into Turkey is very busy during summer, and long waiting times are common. For this reason, we recommend not planning any activities in Istanbul today, as arrival times may vary.
  • With no further activities planned, your journey officially comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Istanbul, we highly recommend it—simply contact your booking agent in advance to arrange it.
  • Meals
    • Breakfast
  • Optional activities
    • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
    • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY340
    • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY390
    • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY650
    • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
Find your new favourite spot on an express adventure through Eastern Europe’s ancient sites
Inclusions and activities
  • Destination
    Turkey,
    Romania,
    Bulgaria
  • Meals
    7 breakfasts
  • Transport
    Private Mini-bus, Public Bus, Metro, Taxi, Train
  • Accommodation
    Hotel (11 nights), Hostel (3 nights)
  • Included activities
    • Veliko Tarnovo- Orientation Walk
    • Veliko Tarnovo- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop
    • Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
    • Kazanlak Valley - Tracian tombs
    • Kazanlak Valley - Family Rose distillery
    • Kazanlak Valley - Etno Village visit
    • Sofia - Orientation Walk
    • Rila - Monastery Visit
    • Pirin Mountains - Hike (weather dependent)
    • Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
    • Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Optional activities
    • Bucharest - Palace of Parliament Tour - RON60
    • Bucharest - Village Museum - RON40
    • Bucharest - Former Ceausescu Residence - RON75
    • Bucharest - Romanian Athenaeum - RON15
    • Bucharest - Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest - EUR75
    • Veliko Tarnovo - Archeological Museum - BGN6
    • Sofia - The Red Flat - BGN18
    • Sofia - Walking Tour with Local Guide from - BGN17
    • Sofia - National History Museum - BGN15
    • Sofia - National Art Gallery - BGN10
    • Sofia - Aleksander Nevski Church - Free
    • Bansko - Spa Visit - BGN40
    • Plovdiv - Bachkovo Monastery - BGN16
    • Plovdiv - Hisarya Hot Springs - BGN50
    • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
    • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY340
    • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY390
    • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY650
    • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
Planning a group trip? Contact our manager at info@eurotourclub.com — we’ll help you organize every detail for a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Trip moments from our travelers
Before you book you should know
Is this trip right for you?
Please pack light and keep your luggage small, as you’ll be travelling on public transport with limited storage space. You should be able to lift your bag into overhead racks, walk with it over cobblestone streets, and carry it up and down stairs.
Summer temperatures can be extreme in some regions, often exceeding 40°C, so bring sun protection, wear light layers, and stay well hydrated. When planning your trip, carefully consider the season and your comfort level in different weather conditions.
Hotels in Europe commonly offer twin beds rather than double beds, which can usually be moved together or apart.
As this trip includes visits to Orthodox churches, please dress respectfully by covering your shoulders, chest, and legs. Bringing a light scarf is recommended for convenience.
If you’d like to continue exploring the region, consider our Eastern Europe Explorer (WMSEC) or Journey through Central Europe & Romania (AMSCC), which are designed to connect seamlessly with this itinerary.
Visa information
Visa details are provided through Sherpa, a third-party service. The “Add connection” feature only shows transit visa requirements, not full entry visas. Additional service fees apply if you purchase a visa via Sherpa.
Accommodation
Accommodation (9 nights hotel)
The accommodation listed in your day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may occasionally change. In some cases, alternative properties of a similar standard may be used due to availability.
We always request that rooms are prepared for your arrival, especially if you reach the hotel before standard check-in time. However, this is not always possible, meaning you may need to wait before accessing your room. In such cases, you can store your luggage and explore the destination, and on some trips, shared day rooms may be available until all rooms are ready.
Joining point
My Continental Bucharest
Calea Griviței 143B
Bucharest 010708, Romania
+40 372 121 721
About the Hotel
My Continental Bucharest is a modern 3-star hotel conveniently located near Gara de Nord, the city’s main transport hub. It offers around 250 practical, comfortable rooms designed for a convenient city stay close to public transport connections.
Getting There from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
You can take the R train from the airport to Bucharest North (Gara de Nord), which takes approximately 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to the hotel.
If you have a pre-booked transfer, your driver will meet you in front of Segafredo Coffee Shop at the airport, holding a sign with your name. The driver will wait for up to 1 hour after your flight arrival.
If you experience delays, flight changes, or cannot locate your driver, please contact the emergency numbers:
+40 757 488 853
+40 744 673 300
Dates and prices
Lock in your trip with a $500 flexible deposit
  • Starting
    Wednesday 8 Oct 2025
  • Ending
    Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
  • Prices from
    $1500 $1800
  • Sunday 12 Oct 2025
  • Sunday 19 Oct 2025
  • $1800
  • Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
  • Wednesday 22 Oct 2025
  • $1800
  • Sunday 19 Oct 2025
  • Sunday 26 Oct 2025
  • $1500 $1800
  • Wednesday 22 Oct 2025
  • Wednesday 29 Oct 2025
  • $1500 $1800
Starting Wednesday 8 Oct 2025
Ending Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Starting Sunday 12 Oct 2025
Ending Sunday 19 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Starting Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
Ending Wednesday 22 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Starting Sunday 19 Oct 2025
Ending Sunday 26 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800

Important notes

  1. A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your booking agent for more details.
  2. Time in Bucharest at the start and Istanbul at the end of the trip is limited, so if you’d like to explore these cities in more depth, we recommend arriving a day or two early and/or extending your stay.
  3. Due to the border crossing into Turkey, full name and passport details are required at the time of booking to arrange transfers. Please note that fees may apply for any changes or updates made within 60 days of departure.
Reviews
Got questions about our trips?
Lets talk
(959)-500-5669
(786)-917‑8661
Let's chat on WhatsAPP wa.me/17869178661
Or just email us info@eurotourclub.com

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