Budapest to Istanbul Adventure

Begin your adventure in Budapest, capital of Hungary, where the Danube divides the city into historic Buda and lively Pest. Known for its thermal baths, ornate architecture, and cafe tradition dating to the 19th century, the city is a wonderful place to start our journey. Around 6pm, say sziasztok (hello in Hungarian) to your tour leader and fellow travellers when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and hear more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Hungarian welcome by arranging a group dinner together. Want more time in Budapest? Speak to your sales representative about booking extra nights before the tour.

Join a local guide for a walking tour of Budapest’s highlights, the perfect way to get your bearings and hear the stories of the city. This afternoon is free for you to pick your adventure. You might choose to relax in one of the city’s thermal baths, stroll along the Danube promenade, or visit the impressive Hungarian Parliament building.

Bid farewell to Budapest, transferring to Eger. En route, we take a detour to visit the World Heritage village of Hollókő, known for its well-preserved wooden architecture and rich Palóc culture. Explore the cobbled streets and visit the 13th-century hilltop castle, which offers lovely views of the countryside. Continue to Eger after, celebrated for its baroque architecture and bold red wine known as egri bikavér or bull’s blood. Settle in for the night and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque town.

Today brings the perfect opportunity to try Hungary’s most celebrated sweet wine, tokaji. Visit a cellar in the Tokaj wine region, known for its golden, dessert-style wines once prized by kings and emperors. Enjoy a tasting along with a light snack before continuing the journey. In the afternoon, cross the border into Romania and step back in time as you enter the enchanting Maramureș region. This rural corner of northern Romania is known for its rolling green hills, wooden churches with tall spires, and a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. You’ll see traditional villages, horse-drawn carts still in daily use, and locals in hand-embroidered clothing, a rare glimpse into old-world Europe.

Gain a deep understanding of rural Romanian culture and its remarkable resilience on an exploration of the Maramureș region. Visit wooden churches and explore villages where each community showcases its unique style of dress, customs, and craftsmanship. A highlight of today is Săpânța, home to the Merry Cemetery, where vibrant, poetic tombstones tell stories of the departed with humour and heart.

Embark on a scenic journey through the heart of Transylvania today, as we drive to Brasov. En route, we stop in Sighișoara to explore the World Heritage-listed historic centre, home to cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and a 14th-century clock tower. We have time for lunch and the opportunity to soak in the town’s unique atmosphere and learn about its history as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, inspiration for the Dracula legend. After, continue the journey to Brașov, a city at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, known for its medieval walls, gothic Black Church, and lively old town.

We’re off to Peleș Castle today, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved royal residences in Romania. In the Carpathian Mountains, this neo-renaissance masterpiece was built in the late 19th century and features intricate architecture, lavish interiors, and beautiful gardens. Continue to Bucharest, capital of Romania, after our exploration. Known as the Little Paris of Eastern Europe, it’s a mix of grand boulevards, leafy parks and historic churches.