Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul

Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul 33 Days

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Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul
Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul
Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul
Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul
Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul
Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul
Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul
Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul
Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul
Explore the Heart of Eastern Europe from St Petersburg to Istanbul

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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 33 Days
Comfort: Moderate%
Language: English
Rating: 0%
Trip ID: 128194
Start Location: Novaya Gollandiya, Russia
End Location: Sultanahmet, Turkey

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Primary Activities: Walking Tour, Sightseeing
Other Activities: Local Culture & Cuisine, Castles & Fortresses, Culinary, Historical Sites, Hot Springs, sightseeing, wine tasting, ruins, museums, cooking, churches, Local Food

Join us on a journey to discover the splendours of St Petersburg, the iconic Kremlin in Moscow and ancient Novgorod, the birthplace of history and religion in Russia. Travel onwards through Ukraine by train and head to Kyiv, elegantly situated along the glorious Dnipro River. Take time out to explore the majestic Carpathian Mountains before crossing stunning countryside to arrive in romantic and cosmopolitan Budapest.

Continue this epic Eastern European adventure past the haunted castles of Transylvania and across stunning mountains to Bulgaria and beyond. Be enchanted by medieval monasteries, old-world towns and the warm hospitality of this region before ending the journey in magnificent Istanbul.

Trip Information:

Start: St Petersburg, Russia

Finish: Istanbul, Turkey

Group size: Min 1 , Max 12

Ages: Min 12

Included activities:

Bike Trip, Budapest, Boat tour or walking tour (seasonal), Chernobyl Museum, Guided Tour of Bucharest, Guided tour of Mamures, Guided tour of Plodiv, Guided walk in the Carpathians, Kremlin & Armoury, Kyiv Orientation walk, Lenin's Mausoleum, Lviv walking tour, Public Banya, Vennik, Novgorod, Red Square, Rila Monastery, Walking Tour & Kremlin, Wine tasting

Notes:

1.This trip finishes in Istanbul on day 33 at 1pm

Itinerary

Day 1-2: Arrive in St Petersburg and uncover a magnificent city: Zdrastvutye! Welcome to Russia.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Please have two copies of your passport, visa and migration cards ready. One will be collected by your leader, the other is for you to keep on you at all times whilst on this trip. Truly one of Europe's finest cities, built of baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty, St Petersburg was built by the Russian tsar Peter the Great and his legacy will clearly be felt as you explore its enigmatic streets and visit its showcase cathedrals and museums.

If you arrive early, we recommend you visit St Isaac's Cathedral and climb to the colonnade from where you will have magnificent views over the city. Why not walk along Nevsky Prospekt - St Petersburg's main thoroughfare - maybe popping into one of the many bakeries or pancake shops along the way, or head down to Aleksandr Nevsky Lavra where Russia's great musicians and writers like Tchaikovsky and Dostoyevsky are laid to rest in the cemetery.

In the summer months, we take a night-time boat tour of the canals and waterways with a local guide to see the illuminated architecture from a unique perspective and to witness the spectacular opening of the bridges over the Neva River. In midsummer it will still be light as the sun barely sets during White Nights. Outside of these months we'll have a boat tour of the city's canals and waterways during the day (weather permitting). Please note that should the boat trip be unavailable or for trips during winter this activity will be replaced with a guided walking tour of the city centre.

For many the highlight of St Petersburg is the Hermitage Museum, one of the world's premier art collections housed in the former Imperial Winter Palace. Please note that in high season (May-Sep) there can be very long queues to enter the Hermitage.

The Hermitage is closed on Monday's, and for this trip we depart on Tuesday in the afternoon. If you wish to take a long visit to the Hermitage it is worth doing on Sunday. Visit the Kunstkamera where Peter the Great's ghoulish collection of oddities is on show. The city is surrounded by the summer residences of Russian tsars. Peterhof Palace is considered to be one of the best - take a trip out to discover for yourself (approx 30 mins by bus).

Included Activities
Boat Tour

Optional Activities
Aleksandr Nevsky Lavra & Cemeteries, St Petersburg - RUB150.00
Canal tour, St Petersburg - RUB600.00
Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg - RUB400.00
Kunstkamera Museum, St Petersburg - RUB200.00
Mariinsky Theatre cost from, St Petersburg - Free
Museum of the Siege of Leningrad, St Petersburg - RUB80.00
Peterhof Musuem, St Petersburg - RUB360.00
Peterhof Palace, St Petersburg - RUB150.00
Peterhof park and fountains, St Petersburg - RUB450.00
Saviour on the Spilt Blood Church, St Petersburg - RUB250.00
St Isaacs Cathedral Colonnade, St Petersburg - RUB150.00
St Isaacs Cathedral, St Petersburg - RUB250.00
The Peter and Paul Fortress including cathedral and museum, St Petersburg - RUB370.00

Meals Included
2 Breakfasts

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 3-4: Join a local family for a traditional tea party in Novgorod: Take the metro to the main bus station and catch a local bus to Novgorod (approx 4 hrs). Novgorod is Russia's oldest city and is still home to numerous well-preserved architectural monuments hinting at the glories of the past. As the former capital of ancient Russia, it's often seen as the cradle of modern Russian civilisation.

Explore the city's sights on foot with our local guide. The city's foremost sight is the graceful Kremlin on the banks of the Volkhov River. Inside there are parks, museums and cathedrals as well as the amazing Millennium Monument, which tells the story of 1,000 years of Russian history. On the opposite bank of the river are quiet shady streets, the graceful ruins of Yaroslav's Court and other echoes of medieval times.

In your free time here you might like to check out the Yurev Monastery on the shores of Lake Ilmen, visit the Wooden Architecture Museum just outside of town or catch a music performance at the Philharmonic Hall. In the summer you can also relax on the little riverside beach or take a boat trip on the Volkhov River for glimpses of the quiet countryside surrounding Novgorod.

Join your leader and plenty of friendly locals for a refreshing steam and wash at the public banya (bath house).
Board our train for Moscow (approx 7 hrs). Trains on this journey are simple but comfortable. There's a toilet/bathroom at the end of each carriage with a small sink and cold water. An attendant is assigned to every carriage to look after our comfort and safety although service standards can vary greatly. Each compartment has four bunks with luggage storage space inside. Bedding is provided, although some travellers still prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. There's hot water available for making drinks or instant meals, tea and coffee. Sometimes snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board and most trains also have a dining car although with a limited menu. We travel 2nd class (four berths per compartment) on this trip. Trains are generally heated but most do not offer air conditioning. The train can become very hot even in winter and the train attendants will not allow the windows to be opened, please pack clothing appropriate for the warmer conditions on these train journeys.

In some cases, particularly in peak travel season, due to high demand for tickets on this route we aren't always able to get all of our tickets together. It's likely that at least some members of the group will be sharing compartments with other travellers, either foreign or local, particularly if your group does not divide evenly into four.

A brief word about drinking on the train: Social drinking is common on trains in Russia and can be an enjoyable way to meet local people as well as interact with your fellow Intrepid travellers. In order to make sure that your experience of train travel with us is a positive and safe one there are a few things we'd like you to keep in mind before setting out on your train journey.

While alcohol is often available for purchase on the train, sirits (including vodka) should only be consumed in the dining car. Train security guards keep a very close eye on drunken behaviour and have the legal right to fine or have any passengers who are intoxicated removed from the train without warning. Should this happen there's very little we can do to assist you in continuing your journey with the rest of the group.

While we certainly want all our Intrepid travellers to have a great holiday it's important that you show due respect for your fellow group members and keep in mind that many of your local companions use the train as a means of transport to get home or to work. It's most appreciated if foreign travellers are respectful of this, particularly in the mornings and evenings or when other passengers are sleeping.

Included Activities
Public Banya, Vennik, Novgorod
Walking Tour & Kremlin

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Days 5-7: Wander through grand halls, peek at imperial treasures of Moscow: The great city of Moscow has survived centuries of revolution and seen Russia through some of its most turbulent years, from the days of the tsars through the communist era to the growing pains of democracy. Beneath its modern veneer - a sign of Russia's recent embrace of capitalism - Moscow is a fascinating, historic city with a wealth of sights to see.

Head to iconic Red Square. Visit Lenin inside his mausoleum. Please note that on occasion Lenin's Mausoleum and Red Square may be closed to the public during regular opening hours without prior warning. Enter the Kremlin grounds which house the oldest and most important churches in the country, where many Tsars and Tsarinas are laid to rest. Also head inside the Armoury Museum which houses a glittering imperial collection of regalia and items once belonging to the world's richest monarchy, including Faberge eggs and ambassadorial gifts.

As Moscow's premier tourist attractions, tickets for the Kremlin and Armoury are in high demand. In order to control the number of tour groups entering these sights at one time the Moscow Tourism Administration has set strict quotas. For this reason some groups may visit Red Square in the morning and return later in the day to enter the Kremlin and Armoury rather than visiting all the sights together. The amount of time guides can spend with their groups is also restricted to 90 minutes in each area, with any exceptions possibly resulting in the guide losing their license, so while we appreciate that some travellers would like to spend longer in the Armoury Museum we ask for your understanding that the guide is under pressure to keep to the schedule.

The Diamond Fund isn't included, but after the Kremlin and Armoury there is time to visit. Entrance tickets cost RUB500 and can be purchased in the ticket office at the Armoury. The Diamond Fund is open for visitors from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm. Thursday it is closed.

Intrepid's aims when researching and contracting accommodation is to find properties that are well maintained, clean and as centrally located as possible. In an expensive destination such as Moscow there is a balance to be reached in choosing a centrally located, clean property and still maintaining a value priced trip. The hotel we stay in is simple and is located centrally in the embassy sector of Moscow. It will only take 20 minutes walking to get to Red Square.

Some ideas for your free time here include:
Relive the nation's turbulent past at Victory Park.
Step inside the colourful St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square. Legend has it that tsar, Ivan the Terrible, had the two architects blinded so that they couldn't build anything as beautiful.
Travel back to the beginnings of Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery.

Board an overnight train to Ukraine and its capital Kyiv (approx 12 hrs). Please be aware that the standard of trains in Ukraine tends to be lower than in Russia, although their basic layout and carriage classes are the same or very similar.

We go through border crossing formalities overnight and need to be awake for these to fill in some forms, show our passports and possibly open our luggage for inspection. After everything is completed it's lights out and back to sleep until we arrive in Kyiv the next morning.

Included Activities
Kremlin & Armoury
Lenin's Mausoleum
Red Square

Optional Activities
Izmailovo Vernisazh Markets, Moscow - RUB10.00
Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow - RUB200.00
Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, Moscow - RUB400.00
Russian State Historical Museum, Moscow - RUB250.00
St Basils Cathedral, Moscow - RUB150.00
Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow - RUB360.00
Victory Park Museum Entrance, Moscow - RUB200.00

Meals Included
2 Breakfasts

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Days 8-10: Roam the cobbled streets of Kyiv: The capital city of Ukraine and its largest cultural centre with a population of about three million, Kyiv lies on hilly territory by the Dnipro River and features beautiful landscapes, parks and gardens. It's often called the 'mother of Slavic cities.' The golden age of Kyiv was between the 11th and 12th centuries, when it was a powerful state and the centre of trading routes between the Baltic and Mediterranean seas. For centuries Kyiv has been occupied and invaded, but has survived to become a new independent travel destination which many travellers are yet to discover.

Join your leader for an orientation walk. The best view of the city is definitely from the top of the bell tower at the Cathedral of St Sophia just a short walk away. From here it's also a lovely walk to Andrew's Descent, a sloping cobbled street lined with craft stalls.

Visit the Chernobyl Museum with a local guide - a chilling but highly worthwhile experience that will help us understand more about this terrible event in Ukraine's recent history.

In your free time here you can visit the unique and award-winning Museum of One Street, head out to the Caves Monastery with its mummified monks or say hello to Kyiv's tallest landmark - the remarkable Rodina Mat statue. If you would like to explore further afield, you could take a trip to the nearby village of Pirogovo, which is home to an outdoor Architectural Museum featuring houses from different areas of Ukraine and providing an insight into daily life over the centuries. On one of your nights here, why not spoil yourself with an evening at the ballet or opera, or at one of Kyiv's many classical music concerts?

Board our next overnight train to the Western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk (approx 13 hrs). At 12.00 or 16.00 daily you can join free walking tour. The meeting point is at the post office on Maidan square near to Kozatskiy Hotel.

Included Activities
Chernobyl Museum
Kyiv Orientation walk

Optional Activities
Motherland Monument, Kiev - UAH200.00
St Sofia Cathedral Bell tower, Kiev - UAH8.00
St.Michaels Golden-Domed Cathedral, Kiev - Free
St.Sofia Cathedral, Kiev - UAH3.00
WWII Museum, Kiev - UAH10.00

Meals Included
1 Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Days 11-12: Travel deep into the stunning Carpathian Mountains: Arrive in Ivano-Frankivsk, the gateway to the Carpathians, and transfer by local bus to Kolomiya (approx 1 hr). The tranquil town of Kolomiya is one of the oldest cities in Ukraine. Check out the town's two top attractions - the Hutsul Museum with its great insight into local culture and traditions, and the Pysanka (decorated Easter egg) Museum.

Stay with our local friends in their guesthouse. Our host mother Irina will lead us in a cooking class where we learn to make (and eat!) some traditional Ukrainian favourites. The Carpathian Mountains are located near the borders of Romania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine. Considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in Eastern Europe, it's a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from near and far.

Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful countryside, admiring the lovingly decorated Hutsul houses with their private chapels and ornate wells. There's an option to take a picnic lunch and hike to the high pastures where shepherds tend their flocks in summer. Or instead walk to a nearby church and take a swim in the river. Head to the mountain village of Sheshory by private transport (approx 1 hr). Return to Kolomiya in the early evening. Dinner will be prepared by our guesthouse hosts and you can be assured of a hearty home-cooked meal.

Included Activities
Guided walk in the Carpathians

Meals Included
2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch

Accommodation
Guesthouse (2 nts)
Days 13-14: Continue the adventure in historical Lviv: Leave the Carpathians and transfer by bus to Lviv. (approx 5 hours) Historical Lviv is at the crossroads of Central Europe and the influence of many empires and religions is evident in its elegant architecture and many places of worship.

Meet our local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town, taking in the grand Opera House, Armenian Church, Roman Catholic Cathedral, Jewish Quarter and Rynok Square as well as other historical sites. Afterwards you'll no doubt be ready for coffee and cake in one of the Lviv's renowned Viennese-style cafes.

Other options for your time here are hiking to High Castle Hill for views of city, visiting Europe's oldest still functioning brewery, or wandering through the ornate gothic monuments of the Lychakivsky Cemetery. Board an overnight train to Budapest (approx 14 hrs). As we arrive in Budapest mid-morning we recommend bringing some food with you for breakfast on the train.

The set-up of this train is a little different than our previous ones with a triple bunk in each 2nd class compartment. This results in there being very little luggage space so if you have large bags they may have to travel on the bunk with you.

During the trip we cross the border into Hungary. Immigration and customs inspection happens on the train and we need to be awake for this. But once it's all done you can sleep tight knowing you'll soon be in beautiful Budapest.

Included Activities
Lviv walking tour

Optional Activities
City Hall tower, Lviv - UAH10.00
High Castle walk, Lviv - Free
Lychakivsky Cemetery, Lviv - UAH20.00
National Art Gallery, Lviv - UAH10.00
Open-air Wooden Architecture Museum, Lviv - UAH20.00
The National Museum, Lviv - UAH35.00

Meals Included
1 Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Days 15-16: See how the grand architecture and beautiful boulevards of Budapest: Since the collapse of Communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe.

Head out to see what this inspiring city has to offer by bike on a cycling tour with a local guide (approx 3 hrs). We ride at a relaxed pace around the city centre with plenty of stops at some of the key sights and plenty of stories from our guide to bring what we see alive.

Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is the perfect city to enjoy from the water. From here you'll see the magnificent buildings that line the banks of the Danube River and the bridges linking Buda to Pest. Take one of the tourist boat trips to see the sights, walk across the magnificent Chain Bridge or catch a funicular to the castle for a spectacular view of the Parliament Building.

For art or history buffs, Budapest has many museums to occupy you for at least a few days. If you have extra time, head out to Statue Park to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city streets after the fall of the Iron Curtain. We definitely recommend staying a few more days to make the most of all there is to see and do here.

If you're interested in communist history, try the locally-guided 'Hammer & Sickle' tour. There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Included Activities
Bike Trip, Budapest

Optional Activities
Bike ride, Budapest - HUF5000.00
Great Synagogue, Budapest - HUF2250.00
Hammer and Sickle Tour, Budapest - HUF7000.00
House of Terror, Budapest - HUF2000.00
Hungarian National Museum, Budapest - HUF1100.00
Hungarian State Opera House Tour, Budapest - HUF2900.00
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest - HUF1200.00
Parliament tour, Budapest - HUF2520.00
Thermal bath from, Budapest - HUF2500.00
Transport and entry to Statue Park, Budapest - HUF5000.00

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Day 17: Investigate Eger Castle in the lovely Baroque town of the same name: Take a train east to Eger (approx 3 hrs). The beautifully preserved Baroque town of Eger is surrounded by ranges of hills and is home to some of the most famous vineyards in Eastern Europe, producing such renowned brands of wines as the Egri Bikaver (also known as 'Bull's Blood').

Explore the 13th-century castle, which established Eger's reputation as a patriotic town when 2000 soldiers (including the women) withstood a month-long siege and successfully defended the fortress from 150,000 Turkish troops, hence thwarting the Ottoman Empire's advancement into Western Europe. Also check out the stunning 19th-century cathedral and the Minorite church in Dobo Square.

Visit the wine cellars of the seductively-named Valley of the Beautiful Women to sample some of the town's famous 'Bull's Blood' red wine and perhaps even sing with the local folk musicians.

Included Activities
Wine tasting

Optional Activities
Eger Castle, Eger - HUF900.00
Minaret, Eger - HUF200.00

Meals Included
1 Breakfast

Accommodation
Pension (1 nt)
Days 18-19: Gain a firsthand experience of peasant culture in provincial Maramures: Travel by bus to visit the pleasant town of Debrecen (approx. 3hrs). While there, you'll have time to explore Deri Square with its fountains and colourful buildings. Continue on by train and private vehicle to Romania (approx 6 hrs). Time in Romania is an hour ahead of Hungary so don't forget to re-set your watch.

Please note that Romanian visas are not available at the border. Should you require one, please organise this before you commence this tour.

The region of Maramures ('mah-ra-moo-resh') is a land that seems frozen in time. It's often said that Maramures contains Romania's heart and soul. It's a region of tradition, customs, rich folklore and ancient superstitions that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. One of the last peasant cultures in Europe continues to thrive here with traditional music, costumes and ancient festivals continuing to flourish. Each village has its own colours for outfits and their own style of straw or felt hats. Maramures is particularly famed for its wooden churches, many of which are World Heritage-listed sites. Set out to explore the region - visiting the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, the village museum in Sighetu and various other traditional villages.

Included Activities
Guided tour of Mamures

Accommodation
Pension (2 nts)
Day 20: Enjoying a meal at Casa Dracula, Sighisoara: Travelling through the pastoral fields to Sighisoara (approx 9 hrs) and cross into the magical land of Transylvania - the name alone conjures up images of haunted castles, gothic churches, werewolves and vampires. Its connection with the famous Count Dracula, itself a literary myth, is a small part of what makes Transylvania an enchanting, romantic and exciting destination.

The medieval masterpiece of Sighisoara ('Sig-he-shwara') is likely to seduce visitors' hearts more than any other place in Romania. Another World Heritage site, the town was first settled by the Romans but flourished under the Saxons from the 12th century.

There is the option of enjoying a meal at Casa Dracula, a restaurant in the house where the Wallachian prince, Vlad Tepes, whom many identify as the source of inspiration for the literary Dracula, was born. The more energetic are free to take a walk around the town which includes a 64m-high clock tower that dominates the citadel and cobblestone side streets.

Optional Activities
Casa Dracula restaurant from, Sighişoara - ALL10.00

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Day 21: Arrive in Viscri and learn about the Sock Project: Our next stop is less than an hour away, but it seems that we are in a different world. Viscri is a small Saxon/Roma town which was originally inhabited by the Saxons from the Luxemburg area. Visit the fortified church and museum, and learn about the Sock Project which supports the Roma community.

Stay in a very special place in this Transylvanian village. The rooms are in different houses and have shared facilities with our host families. We have dinner with the families to sample the fresh produce, home-made wines and schnapps. This is a fantastic and unique opportunity for local interaction and indulgence.

Optional Activities
Cow Milking, Viscri - RON10.00
Unesco Church, Viscri - RON4.00
Viscri Horse Riding, Viscri - RON50.00

Accommodation
Homestay (1 nt)
Days 22-23: Head to medieval Brasov: Take a short train trip to the 13th-century Saxon city of Brasov (approx 2 hrs). Also known by its German name of Kronstadt, the city of Brasov was a major medieval trading centre with ornate churches and townhouses, protected on three sides by mountains and the massive walls that still remain.

Explore the city's main attraction - the gothic Black Church. This Protestant church was completed in 1477 and took its name from its fire-blackened the walls in 1689. The original statues from the exterior of the apse are now inside and some 120 Turkish rugs hang from the churches balconies (gifts from merchants who went on shopping sprees in Ottoman lands). For those looking for a little nightlife action, the city has plenty of funky bars and restaurants to enjoy.

Optional Activities
Bran Castle Including Photo Fee, Brasov - RON22.00
Guided walk, Brasov - RON60.00
Rasnov Fortress, Brasov - RON15.00
The Black Church, Brasov - RON7.00

Accommodation
Guesthouse (2 nts)
Day 24: Travel on to Bucharest: Head south to Bucharest (approx 3 hrs) Take a guided tour of Romania's beautiful capital city. Bucharest likes big things and we'll stop by the huge Piata Unirii, one of Europe's largest squares. Also see the 'Ceausima', the enormous 12-storey Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world (behind the Pentagon).

Included Activities
Guided Tour of Bucharest

Optional Activities
Museum of the Romanian Peasant, Bucharest - RON6.00
Palace of Parliament Tour, Bucharest - RON15.00

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 25-26: Cross the Friendship Bridge into Bulgaria and travel to scenic Veliko Tarnovo: Travel by train across the friendship bridge into Bulgaria and the picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo (approx 6 hrs). Veliko Tarnovo's history is incredible. Founded in 4500 BC by the Neolithic people, the Romans later built the first fortress walls and in the 6th century, a Byzantine capital was established on Tsarevets Hill by Emperor Justinian. After the foundation of the second Bulgarian empire in 1185, it became the second most important and beautiful 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. Because of its importance during the second Bulgarian empire, the city was chosen as the place where the Bulgarian constitution was written in 1879 and where the official proclamation of Bulgaria as an independent state was made in 1908.

Explore the City of Tsars and the imposing Tsarevets Fortress which overlooks the city. This once-magnificent fortress was first built in the 7th century and the ruined citadel is a delight to wander through. Wander through the Old Quarter with its preserved Renaissance houses and handicraft workshops before relaxing in one of the town's cafes or 'vinarnas' (wine bars).

Optional Activities
Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo - BGN4.00

Accommodation
Guesthouse (2 nts)
Day 27: Walk along tree-lined boulevards in the city of Sofia: Travel by bus to Sofia (approx 3 hrs). Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, is an ever-growing and cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and pleasant parks. Enjoy a walk through the city and pass some of its most striking buildings, perhaps none more impressive than the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church which dates back to 1912 and was built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgarian independence during the Russo-Turkey war (1877-1878).

Other impressive buildings include St Nikolai Russian Church, Sveta Nedelya Cathedral and Banya Bashi Mosque, a reminder of years of Turkish rule. At night, the city comes alive with interesting bars and nightclubs.

Optional Activities
Aleksander Nevski Church, Sofia - Free
National Art Gallery, Sofia - BGN4.00
National History Museum, Sofia - BGN10.00

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Day 28: Join a family as their guests overnight in Gorno Draglishte: Take a short bus ride to Rila. Transfer to the small mountain village of Gorno Draglishte. Explore the most important of the orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria.This World Heritage-listed site is the largest, holiest and most impressive of Bulgaria's monasteries, hidden away in a narrow and forested valley. Founded in 927 by Ivan Rilski, a leader of a monastic colony of hermits, the monastery helped keep Bulgarian spiritual and social life alive during centuries of Turkish rule. The monastery's most treasured historic and artistic monuments include the 14th century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin church and the original monastery kitchen from the 19th century.

Stay at our local friend's guesthouse. Here we have the chance to learn all about traditional weaving and some of the regional Bulgarian cuisine. Our guesthouse accommodation is simple and not all rooms have en suite, but the atmosphere is welcoming and warm.

Included Activities
Rila Monastery

Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 nt)
Days 29-30: Unwind in charming mehanes in Bansko: Travel to the small town of Bansko. Set at the bottom of the majestic Pirin Mountains, Bansko is home to more than 150 cultural monuments and many of its stone houses have been transformed into charming 'mehanes' (taverns).

In the evening, we have an opportunity to indulge in some local cuisine. Try some filet elena (spicy cured meat) or kapama (simmered meat, rice and sauerkraut), and wash it down with some delicious melnik (dark red wine).

And if you have the time, you could stretch your legs with a hike up the mountains, home to some crystal-clear lakes, jagged peaks and pine-forested alpine scenery.

Optional Activities
Belitsa Bear Sanctuary, Bansko - Free

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 31-32: Check out the underground crypt at Plovdiv: Travel by train to Plovdiv (approx 5 hrs). Situated on the Maritsa River, Plovdiv was once the meeting point of two ancient transportation routes. A picturesque town with many parks, gardens, museums and archaeological monuments, its Old Town features many 18th and 19th-century baroque houses dating from the national revival period. These charming homes sit alongside museums, mosques, galleries and Byzantine ruins.

Join a local guide for a tour of the main sights and some insight into the history of this fascinating town. The most remarkable sight is the magnificent ancient Roman amphitheatre. Built during the 2nd century BC during the reign of Trajanus, the theatre seats about 6000 people. From here, wander up the cobblestone street to the site of Nebet Tepe, a former hilltop fortress, for excellent views of the city before heading downhill to the 15th-century Dzhumaya Mosque, still in use today.

Be sure to take the time to wander about the workshops of the traditional masters of old Bulgarian arts and crafts on Strumna Street - coppersmiths, farriers and potters are all represented. Another alternative is to travel 30 km south to the foot of the Rhodope mountains to one of the oldest and richest Bulgarian monasteries - Bachkovo Monastery. It was established in 1083 by the brothers Bakouriani who were military commanders in the army of the Byzantine emperor Alexis Comnenus. The church in the yard of the monastery was built in 1604 while the icon of the holy virgin dates back to 1310. The icons, frescoes and the monastery crypt are especially interesting

You could also visit the many mineral hot springs surrounding the Plovdiv region. Thirteen bath-treatment resorts offering 2000 beds function all year round. One of the most well-known spa towns is Hissarya, famous for its 22 mineral springs.

Take an overnight train to Istanbul (approx 14 hrs). Please note that for our overnight train journey we use very small 3 berth cabins. We choose to travel overnight so you can make the most of your time in Plovdiv and Istanbul rather than spend all day on a train limiting your time to see the wonderful sights of these cities. This train can be fully booked which means there's no room to spread out as we are assigned specific berths. Please take note of the luggage suggestions in the 'What To Take' section of these notes since there's limited room for large suitcases. Please also note that when we arrive at the Turkish border early in the morning, we'll be required to get off the train for a short while to get our passports stamped and to purchase visas for those passengers who need one.

Included Activities
Guided tour of Plodiv

Optional Activities
Bachkovo Monastery, Plovdiv - BGN16.00
Hot Spings Hissarya, Plovdiv - BGN50.00

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Day 33: Explore enigmatic Istanbul city. Departure: Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, so it will come as no surprise that this vast metropolis is home to a beguiling mix of different cultures and traditions, blending the influences of both east and west. Originally founded by Greek settlers over 2000 years ago, Istanbul originally went by the name of Byzantium, then Constantinople when the Romans made it the capital of their eastern empire. Today, intriguing Istanbul is a bustling mega-city with a population of over 12 million people and a rich history waiting to be explored.

There's so much to explore in this sprawling city of 16 million people you might consider staying on ; admire the marvellous Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace; stand in wonder of the awesome Aya Sofya and shop till you drop in the worlds biggest undercover market, the Grand Bazaar. This is a land of Turkish baths, whirling dervishes and superb cuisine.

This is a departure day and there are no activities planned. For your comfort and convenience a day room is provided on this day until 12 noon, for luggage storage and an opportunity to have a shower and freshen up. Once settled consider joining the rest of the group in a farewell breakfast. Otherwise you are free to depart any time after our arrival.

We recommend not booking flights any earlier than 3pm to allow for any train arrival delays, time to transfer to the airport and check-in time required at the airport.

Optional Activities
Ancient Cistern, Istanbul - TRY10.00
Aya Sofia, Istanbul - TRY20.00
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul - Free
Istanbul - Bosphorus boat cruise, Istanbul - TRY10.00
Istanbul - Galata Tower, Istanbul - TRY12.00
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (incl. harem), Istanbul - TRY35.00
Spice Market, Istanbul - Free
Turkish baths, Istanbul - TRY30.00

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

17 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Trip Excludes

Trip ID#: 128194

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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