It arrives in Istanbul just one day before the last day of the tour. Do you know the approximate time of arrival in Istanbul? There would be no time to explore the city the next day (flight leaving) and I can't extend my tour.

The border crossing from Bulgaria to Turkey is very popular and long queues are unavoidable. We don't advise planning any activities in Istanbul that day, as your arrival time may vary.

Is there any extra single supplement? Is the price shown, $4,100 for 1 person, for a 4-star hotel lodging, or what level? Is there another price for adding on a 1-day Istanbul tour at the end?

The price for this trip is USD $4,100 for 1 person in twin shared accommodations. You will be paired with another solo of the same gender. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 6. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. If you would like to add on the single supplement the additional cost would be USD $1,025. This trip is an "Original" style trip, these are our classic small group adventures and the foundation for the whole Intrepid experience. Local homestay experiences are featured on many of these itineraries and you can expect 3- 3.5 star accommodations on average. We are not able to arrange a 1-day custom tour of Istanbul but we do offer a few different options. 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.

I am looking at the Eastern European Explorer tour but wanted to not do the last days to Istanbul. Is it possible to leave the tour at Plovdiv? Is there any discount for doing this?

If you wish to sign off the trip in Plovdiv you are more than welcome too. Just let the leader know and they will provide you with a sign off form. However, since you are choosing to do this we are not able to discount the trip for any of the unused days as its all bundled together as a package.

Is it correct that carrying bags is the responsibility of the client?

On this trip its best that you pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travelers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. On a group tour or travelling on your own in Eastern Europe, I would say that 2 large suitaces will be very difficult as there will always be times where you will need to wheel your bags around.

Will I be able to get my own room? What about the 10% discount? I live in South Africa with a weak currency so every bit counts.

A single supplement for ZAR 15,480 is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 6. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. The trip is currently on sale for ZAR 60,746 after the discount.

what number of people on the tour?

Currently for our 2024 departures we do not have any one booked just yet! But from 2023 numbers the trip is quite popular and averaging 9-12 travelers in the summer months!

From

US $4,910 per person

Eastern Europe Explorer

19 days

•

From Budapest to Istanbul

3.5

6 traveler reviews

View all
There were several long travel days, but it was great to have private transport. The homestays were comfortable, and the food was delicious!
KJ, traveled in September
4.0
View all

From

US $4,910 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Operator: Intrepid Travel
Explorer: Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 12
Ages 15+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Budapest
Optional Activities
- Visit Statue Park - Transport and Entry
- Faust Wine Cellar Tasting
- Szechenyi Thermal Baths
- Parliament Tour
- Hungarian State Opera House Tour
Day 2
Budapest to Eger
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Wine Sampling at the Valley of the Beautiful Women
Optional Activities
- Eger Castle
- Minaret climb
- Astronomy Museum, Camera Obscura, and Panoramic terrace in the Lyceum building
- Town Under The Town
Landmarks
Eger Castle
Minorite Church
Day 3
Eger - Debrecen - Maramures
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Home-cooked dinner with local family)
Included Activities
- Home-cooked dinner with local family
Landmarks
Deri Square
Great Church
Day 4
Maramures
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided group tour of the region
- Merry Cemetery in Sapanta
- Village museum in Sighetu
Landmarks
Merry Cemetery
Sighetu Village Museum
Day 5
Maramures to Sighisoara
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Traditional Romanian dinner at local restaurants
Landmarks
Sighisoara Old Town
Clock Tower
Day 6
Sighisoara to Viscri
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Home-cooked dinner with fresh produce, homemade wines and schnapps)
Included Activities
- Visit to Viscri fortified church
- Home-cooked dinner prepared by local family
Optional Activities
- Church of the Dominican Monastery
- Covered Stairway
- Church on the Hill
- The Clock Tower
- Prince Charles House
- Blacksmith demonstration
Landmarks
Viscri Fortified Church
Day 7
Viscri to Brasov
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Bran Castle tour
Optional Activities
- Walking Tour with Local Guide
- The Black Church
- Rasnov Fortress
Landmarks
Bran Castle
Black Church
Day 8
Brasov
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Black Church visit
- Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Mt Tampa cable car
Landmarks
Black Church
Mt Tampa
Day 9
Brasov to Bucharest
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour with local leader
Optional Activities
- Bike Tour
- Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Tour
- Village Museum
- Palace of Parliament Tour
- Romanian Athenaeum
- Former Ceausescu Residence
Landmarks
Palace of Parliament
Day 10
Bucharest
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Tour
- Former Ceausescu Residence
- Palace of Parliament Tour
- Bike Tour
- Village Museum
- Romanian Athenaeum
Day 11
Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation walk
- Local Cheese and Wine Workshop
Optional Activities
- Archeological Museum
Landmarks
Tsarevets Hill
Day 12
Veliko Tarnovo
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tsarevets Fortress visit
Optional Activities
- Archeological Museum
Landmarks
Tsarevets Fortress
Day 13
Veliko Tarnovo - Kazanlak Valley - Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Etno Village visit
- Family Rose Distillery visit
- Thracian Tombs visit
- Orientation walk
Landmarks
Kazanlak Valley
Thracian Tombs
Etno Village
Day 14
Sofia
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- The Red Flat
- Walking Tour with Local Guide
- National History Museum
- National Art Gallery
- Alexander Nevski Church visit
Landmarks
Alexander Nevski Church
Central Market Hall
Day 15
Sofia to Bansko
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Rila Monastery visit
Optional Activities
- Spa Visit
Landmarks
Rila Monastery
Church of Sveta Troitsa
Day 16
Bansko to Plovdiv
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Pirin Mountains hike (weather dependent)
- Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
Optional Activities
- Banderitsko Lake visit
- Thermal baths in Bansko
- Bachkovo Monastery
- Hisarya Hot Springs
Landmarks
Okoto Lake
Mt Vihren
Day 17
Plovdiv
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities
- Ethnographic Museum
- Bachkovo Monastery
- Hisarya Hot Springs
Landmarks
Roman Theatre
Nebet Tepe
Dzhumaya Mosque
Day 18
Plovdiv to Istanbul
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Dinner with group
Day 19
Istanbul
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hagia Sophia
- Archaeology Museum
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
- Galata Tower
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat)
Landmarks
Hagia Sophia
Galata Tower

Landmarks
Eger Castle
Minorite Church

Landmarks
Deri Square
Great Church

Landmarks
Merry Cemetery
Sighetu Village Museum

Landmarks
Sighisoara Old Town
Clock Tower

Landmarks
Viscri Fortified Church

Landmarks
Bran Castle
Black Church

Landmarks
Black Church
Mt Tampa

Landmarks
Palace of Parliament

Landmarks
Tsarevets Hill

Landmarks
Tsarevets Fortress

Landmarks
Kazanlak Valley
Thracian Tombs
Etno Village

Landmarks
Alexander Nevski Church
Central Market Hall

Landmarks
Rila Monastery
Church of Sveta Troitsa

Landmarks
Okoto Lake
Mt Vihren

Landmarks
Roman Theatre
Nebet Tepe
Dzhumaya Mosque

Landmarks
Hagia Sophia
Galata Tower

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

4.5

(11,994 reviews)

Number of tours

874

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

7 hours

Response rate

84%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Other

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

3.5

Overall rating based on 6 Reviews

Itinerary
4.0
Transport
3.2
Guide
4.0
Accommodation
3.0
Food
4.0
Tour Operator
4.5

N
Nan
September 21st, 2024
1
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Traveled in August 2024
Reply from: Intrepid Travel
I am so sorry to hear that you had a disappointing experience on your recent tour. We would love the opportunity to address the poor rating you have designated to your tour time, please reach out to our customer care team at customercare@intrepidtravel.com should you care to discuss your experience.
Show more
M
Michael
September 21st, 2024
1
Bad hotels some no AC or elevators dragging luggage up 2-3 flights of stairs. Dragging luggage through city streets...
Show more
Traveled in August 2024
Reply from: Intrepid Travel
Hi Michael, thank you for your feedback. I am very sorry to hear that the accommodations on this trip did not meet your expectations of an original level tour. The customer care team would be happy to speak with you to discuss the issues further, as we rely on passenger feedback to continually improve our product. If you are interested, please email customercare@intrepidtravel.com to discuss your experience.
Show more
Judith
August 20th, 2021
5
Amazing tour!!!! The tour leader was one of the most fun leaders I have seen. She had so much energy and warmness....
Amazing tour!!!! The tour leader was one of the most fun leaders I have seen. She had so much energy and warmness. Many of the destinations on this tour were not the typical tourist type places, but that was refreshing. I especially enjoyed Sarajevo. In fact the whole tour was worth it because of this unexpected beautiful city. I would love to have spent more time there. Kotor was also especially beautiful! I highly recommend a hike to the mountains for a view over the town and a swim in the lake. If you decide to visit these countries I strongly recommend researching about the history before hand. A small group of people on the day trip in Sarajevo did not listen to the guide and missed out through not understanding the places visited. I felt bad for the guide as he did an amazing job to explain the difficult very recent history of the country. I read the book ‘The Cellist of Sarajevo’ before I visited, which helped add more context to my historical knowledge of the region.Show more
Traveled in September 2018
Reply from: Intrepid Travel
Hi Judith! Thanks so much for taking the time to review your recent Intrepid trip. We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Eastern Europe and that your Tour Leader was able to make it that much more special. Your recommendations are so appreciated as they'll be very helpful for future travelers. We can't wait to show you some more beautiful places around the world that "aren't your typical tourist type places", we pride ourselves on showing our customers authentic locations. Until then - stay Intrepid!
Show more
KJ
September 22nd, 2019
4
Now is the time to explore Eastern Europe. There were several long travel days, but it was great to have private...
Show more
Traveled in August 2019
T
Todd
August 14th, 2019
5
Excellent tour! Got a taste of a lot of places (although it would be nice to spend a second night at some of the...
Excellent tour! Got a taste of a lot of places (although it would be nice to spend a second night at some of the spots, just to get a real feel for the place), and had a variety of experiences. The night out in the village was one of the highlights; the ladies were awesome! Loved and hated the bear sanctuary, for reasons that hopefully are obvious; keep that on the tour for sure, and add the roller coaster type ride as a possible extra activity while you're there. Was not impressed with the walking tour guide in Plovdiv; finding a replacement wouldn't be a bad idea, if she's a regular for the tour. The first supper wasn't the best place to be, in my opinion, but the last one definitely made up for it. Casper.... is amazing. Totally Dutch; honest and helpful, practical and resourceful. Excellent leader, and always looking out for everyone. Awesome job.Show more
Traveled in July 2019
Angela
July 4th, 2019
5
Great tour, especially if you want to see Romania and Bulgaria. All the homestays were great with lovely hosts. The...
Show more
Traveled in June 2019

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

From Saturday
4 Apr, 2026
To Wednesday
22 Apr, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US $4,990 per person
Multiple Room Types
From Saturday
11 Apr, 2026
To Wednesday
29 Apr, 2026
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US $5,420 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
From Saturday
18 Apr, 2026
To Wednesday
6 May, 2026
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,760 per person
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From Saturday
25 Apr, 2026
To Wednesday
13 May, 2026
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,930 per person
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From Saturday
2 May, 2026
To Wednesday
20 May, 2026
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $6,030 per person
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3 Other Unavailable Departures
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
9 May, 2026
To Wednesday
27 May, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $6,060 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
16 May, 2026
To Wednesday
3 Jun, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,860 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
23 May, 2026
To Wednesday
10 Jun, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,795 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
6 Jun, 2026
To Wednesday
24 Jun, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,795 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
13 Jun, 2026
To Wednesday
1 Jul, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,095 per person
Multiple Room Types

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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C
Christine
Asked on January 15th, 2026
It arrives in Istanbul just one day before the last day of the tour. Do you know the approximate time of arrival in Istanbul? There would be no time to explore the city the next day (flight leaving) and I can't extend my tour.
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written January 2026
  The border crossing from Bulgaria to Turkey is very popular and long queues are unavoidable. We don't advise planning any activities in Istanbul that day, as your arrival time may vary.
D
Diana
Asked on December 13th, 2024
Is there any extra single supplement? Is the price shown, $4,100 for 1 person, for a 4-star hotel lodging, or what level? Is there another price for adding on a 1-day Istanbul tour at the end?
Accommodation
Price / Availability
Single supplement
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written December 2024
  The price for this trip is USD $4,100 for 1 person in twin shared accommodations. You will be paired with another solo of the same gender. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 6. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. If you would like to add on the single supplement the additional cost would be USD $1,025. This trip is an "Original" style trip, these are our classic small group adventures and the foundation for the whole Intrepid experience. Local homestay experiences are featured on many of these itineraries and you can expect 3- 3.5 star accommodations on average. We are not able to arrange a 1-day custom tour of Istanbul but we do offer a few different options. 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.
A
Adriana
Asked on June 19th, 2024
I am looking at the Eastern European Explorer tour but wanted to not do the last days to Istanbul. Is it possible to leave the tour at Plovdiv? Is there any discount for doing this?
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written June 2024
  If you wish to sign off the trip in Plovdiv you are more than welcome too. Just let the leader know and they will provide you with a sign off form. However, since you are choosing to do this we are not able to discount the trip for any of the unused days as its all bundled together as a package.
K
Keith
Asked on June 3rd, 2024
Is it correct that carrying bags is the responsibility of the client?
Transport
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written June 2024
  On this trip its best that you pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travelers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. On a group tour or travelling on your own in Eastern Europe, I would say that 2 large suitaces will be very difficult as there will always be times where you will need to wheel your bags around.
- K
  Keith
  Traveler•Written June 2024
  Its not a vacation when one carries own luggage. Try for another tour.
C
Chelsea
Asked on May 12th, 2024
Will I be able to get my own room? What about the 10% discount? I live in South Africa with a weak currency so every bit counts.
Price / Availability
Single supplement
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written May 2024
  A single supplement for ZAR 15,480 is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 6. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. The trip is currently on sale for ZAR 60,746 after the discount.
K
Keith
Asked on April 20th, 2023
what number of people on the tour?
Group size
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written April 2023
  Currently for our 2024 departures we do not have any one booked just yet! But from 2023 numbers the trip is quite popular and averaging 9-12 travelers in the summer months!

From

US $4,910 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 71623

Currencies
лв.
Bulgarian Lev
Bulgaria
Ft
Forint
Hungary
$
US Dollar
€
Euro
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.
Type C
Hungary
Type E
Hungary
Type F
Hungary
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Bulgaria.Hungary.Turkey.Romania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bulgaria.Romania. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Bulgaria.Hungary.Turkey.Romania. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Hungary. Ideally 6 months before travel.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Turkey.Romania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before May 14th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 14th, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Intrepid Travel. Please familiarize yourself with the Intrepid Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Eastern Europe Explorer

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

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Optional Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

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Sustainability Initiatives

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

Travel Insurance

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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