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From
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Eastern Europe Express

10 days
•
From Bucharest to Istanbul
4.2
15 reviews
  • Medieval fortress with church on a green hill.
  • Close-up of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its gold and green domes.
  • Historical building with a central dome and decorative fountain.
  • Ancient fortress on a hill surrounded by greenery.
    View all

  • The itinerary was excellent to travel through Bulgaria. Being a group of only 9 made it easy to get around.

    Eastern Europe Express reviewer 1
    Marion, traveled in November
    3.5
  • Hiker resting by a mountain lake with a scenic view.
  • Mountain stream flowing through a lush, rocky landscape.
  • Intricate frescoes under a decorated archway.
  • Triumphal arch in a landscaped urban area.
  • Palace of the Parliament building with a clear blue sky.
    View all
From
US $2,120 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

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Platinum Operator
Intrepid Travel
City & Culture
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
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

  1. Day 1

    Bucharest

    Bucharest

    Optional Activities

    • Palace of Parliament Tour
    • Village Museum
    • Bike Tour
    • Former Ceausescu Residence
    • Romanian Athenaeum
    • Urban Adventures Bohemian Bucharest
    Landmarks
    Palace of Parliament
    Former Ceausescu Residence
    Itinerary Image 1
  2. Day 2

    Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo

    Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo
    Meals
    Dinner (Local Cheese and Wine Workshop - Traditional Bulgarian cheese and wine tasting with truffle cheese, cold cuts and locally produced wine)

    Included Activities

    • Orientation Walk
    • Local Cheese and Wine Workshop

    Optional Activities

    • Archeological Museum
    Landmarks
    Tsarevets Hill
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  3. Day 3

    Veliko Tarnovo

    Veliko Tarnovo
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Tsarevets Fortress
    Landmarks
    Tsarevets Fortress
  4. Day 4

    Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia

    Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Etno Village visit
    • Family Rose Distillery
    • Thracian Tombs
    Landmarks
    Kazanlak Valley
    Etno Village
    Family Rose Distillery
    Thracian Tombs
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  5. Day 5

    Sofia

    Sofia
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • National Art Gallery
    • National History Museum
    • National Archaeological Museum
    • Alexander Nevski Church
    • Walking Tour with Local Guide
    Landmarks
    Alexander Nevski Church
    Central Market Hall
    National History Museum
    National Archaeological Museum
    National Art Gallery
  6. Day 6

    Sofia to Bansko

    Sofia to Bansko
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Rila Monastery Visit

    Optional Activities

    • Spa Visit
    Landmarks
    Rila Monastery
    Church of Sveta Troitsa
    Rilski Convent
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  7. Day 7

    Bansko to Plovdiv

    Bansko to Plovdiv
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Pirin Mountains Hike (weather dependent)
    • Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway

    Optional Activities

    • Banderitsko Lake
    • Thermal baths in Bansko
    Landmarks
    Vihren Chalet
    Okoto Lake
    Mt Vihren
    Banderitsko Lake
  8. Day 8

    Plovdiv

    Plovdiv
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Plovdiv Walking Tour with Local Guide

    Optional Activities

    • Bachkovo Monastery
    • Hisarya Hot Springs
    • Kapana Creative District
    • Ethnographic Museum
    Landmarks
    Roman Theatre
    Nebet Tepe
    Dzhumaya Mosque
    Kapana Creative District
    Ethnographic Museum
  9. Day 9

    Plovdiv to Istanbul

    Plovdiv to 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
  10. Day 10

    Istanbul

    Istanbul

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.5(12,086 reviews)
Response time
7 hours
Response rate
88%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.2
Overall rating based on 15 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.4
  • Transport
    3.9
  • Guide
    4.3
  • Accommodation
    4.1
  • Food
    3.7
  • Tour Operator
    4.5

Sort by

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Sort by

Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • K
    March 24th, 2021
    I enjoyed the trip and we saw some really interesting places which I wouldn't normally have visited. I was a bit...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2019
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Thanks so much for your feedback and we are glad that you enjoyed your trip with us overall. We are sorry to hear that you didn't have the experience that you were hoping for with your Tour Leader. We take our customer's feedback very seriously and use it as training opportunity for the future. If you are yet to submit your feedback directly with us, we would appreciate you contacting us at ask@intrepidtravel.com with your booking details and we can pass this onto the appropriate team. Thanks and stay safe.
    Show more
  • M
    November 1st, 2019
    The itinerary was excellent to travel through Bulgaria. We enjoyed the local guides as our tour leader was not a...
    Show more
    Traveled in September 2019
  • S
    October 16th, 2019
    Great group and interesting sites. Loved the countries visited but missed not having local guides . Had to google...
    Show more
    Traveled in October 2019
  • R
    October 16th, 2019
    Good group - good sights, interesting food. Need more local guide options to really appreciate sights.
    Traveled in October 2019
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    Excellent itinerary.The trip goes to places that I wouldn't have on my own (such as Veliko Tarnovo and Gorno...
    Show more
    Traveled in June 2019
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    We’ve traveled before with Intrepid & Peregrine & all our tours have been fabulous!! Our guide Phillip was awesome &...
    Show more
    Traveled in June 2019
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    A fun trip with an excellent tour leader and a varied small group. Plenty of free time and some amazing locations
    Traveled in June 2019
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    Intrepid is the right balance of group activities and independence for me, and travels to a well-considered mix of...
    Show more
    Traveled in May 2019
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    Definitely geared towards young, active walkers/hikers
    Traveled in May 2019
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    Great trip, well paced itinerary and socially and environmentally conscious travel ethos.Knowledgeable local guides...
    Show more
    Traveled in May 2019

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Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends in2d2h18m58s
  • From Monday
    3 Aug, 2026
    To Wednesday
    12 Aug, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US $2,150 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    24 Aug, 2026
    To Wednesday
    2 Sep, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,505 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    7 Sep, 2026
    To Wednesday
    16 Sep, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,315 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    14 Sep, 2026
    To Wednesday
    23 Sep, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,525 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    21 Sep, 2026
    To Wednesday
    30 Sep, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,315 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    25 Sep, 2026
    To Sunday
    4 Oct, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,360 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    5 Oct, 2026
    To Wednesday
    14 Oct, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,350 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Monday
    19 Oct, 2026
    To Wednesday
    28 Oct, 2026
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,500 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    26 Oct, 2026
    To Wednesday
    4 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,430 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    9 Nov, 2026
    To Wednesday
    18 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,120 per person
    Multiple Room Types

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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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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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • H

    Hannes

    Asked on December 24th, 2024

    What should I do if I haven't received confirmation of my booking?

    Payments
    Travel Support
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written December 2024

      If you have not received a booking confirmation, please contact customer support immediately to ensure your booking is processed.

  • F

    Fabiola

    Asked on December 16th, 2024

    Where does the Eastern Europe Express tour start and finish?

    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written December 2024

      The Eastern Europe Express tour starts in Bucharest, Romania and concludes in Istanbul, Turkey.

  • M

    Maureen

    Asked on November 26th, 2024

    What is the cost of a single supplement?

    Single supplement
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written November 2024

      The cost for a single supplement is generally set by the tour operator and varies depending on the specific tour and departure date.

  • L

    Liz

    Asked on November 16th, 2024

    What size are the groups on the Eastern Europe Express tour?

    Group size
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written November 2024

      The group size can range from a minimum of one to a maximum of twelve participants.

  • D

    Diana

    Asked on August 16th, 2024

    How can I get more detailed information about the trip itinerary?

    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written August 2024

      Detailed trip information is available through our Essential Trip Information, which includes comprehensive details about itinerary, accommodation, transport, and more.

  • T

    Teresa

    Asked on August 3rd, 2024

    Is there a single supplement

    Single supplement
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written August 2024

      A single supplement is bookable at an additional cost of $435, subject to availability

  • L

    Lida

    Asked on July 13th, 2024

    Are there any specific requirements for passports and visas for the Eastern Europe Express tour?

    Visa
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written July 2024

      Passport and visa requirements can depend on the traveler's nationality. It’s essential to verify specific requirements before travel.

  • U

    Ungurean

    Asked on July 10th, 2024

    Can I end the tour early and return from Sophia instead of continuing to Istanbul?

    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written July 2024

      Ending the tour early is possible, but it will not affect the overall cost of the tour.

  • P

    Peter

    Asked on June 27th, 2024

    What happens if the Eastern Europe Express tour dates need to be changed after booking?

    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written June 2024

      You can change your booking without fees if you notify us at least 56 days in advance, allowing you to select new dates or switch to a different tour.

  • F

    Felix

    Asked on June 12th, 2024

    What arrangements are made for group safety during the Eastern Europe Express tour?

    Travel Support
    • Intrepid TravelOperator•Written June 2024

      Safety is a primary concern, and all tours are accompanied by experienced tour leaders. Group tours like Eastern Europe Express adhere to strict safety protocols.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 7 hours.
From
US $2,120 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

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 71624

  • Currencies
    лв.
    Bulgarian Lev
    Bulgaria
    $
    US Dollar
    €
    Euro
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Bulgaria.Turkey.Romania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Bulgaria.Romania. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Bulgaria.Turkey.Romania. Ideally 2 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 September 10th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after September 10th, 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
  • 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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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec