1.800.266.3476

19-Nights Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey - Classic

Europe
19-Nights Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey - Classic
Europe
G Adventures
Vacation Offer ID 1562077
Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.
Overview

G Adventures

Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey
Embark on a 20-day adventure through Eastern Europe and Turkey, where every moment is steeped in history and wonder. Wander through Budapest's grand architecture, uncover the mysteries of "Dracula’s Castle" in Transylvania, and step back in time in the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus. Get lost in the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where "fairy chimneys" rise from the earth, and savour a home-cooked meal with a local family. From cultural gems to natural marvels, this journey across two continents is truly magic.

Highlights
Discover the rich and varied culture of Eastern Europe, Visit 'Dracula's Castle' and charming Slavic villages, explore the spectacular cities of Budapest and Istanbul, Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Troy, Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia, Enjoy dinner in a local family home

Accommodation
Hotels/pensions (17 nts), Guest lodge (1 nt), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 nt).

Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12

Meals Included
19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalik Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch, Selçuk Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, Çavusin. Budapest orientation walk. Visit to the Balla Géza Winery. Half-day tour of Sighisoara and surrounding countryside villages. 'Dracula's Castle' (Bran). Bucharest orientation tour. Hike to Arbanasi village. Sofia orientation walk. Istanbul city tour with local guide. Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit. Troy entrance and guided visit. Ephesus entrance and visit. Orientation walk in the old Kemeralti bazaar in Izmir. Tour the Mevlana Museum. Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia. Kaymakli underground city exploration. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Featured Destinations

Selcuk

Selcuk

Selcuk is a small turkish farming town located in western Turkey. It was also the capital of the Emirate of Aydin under the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century.The town is one of the most visited in the Country for its close proximity to Ephesus. In Selcuk you will be central to the famous Ancient City of Ephesus as well as the beautiful historical Celsus Library and the Cathedral of St.John.
Destination Guide
Canakkale

Canakkale

On the Asian shore, guarding the Dardanelles, is the quiet Turkish port town of Canakkale. History enthusiasts will want to venture to legendary Troy. Canakkale's Archaeological Museum boasts exhibits originally belonging to Frank Calvert, aide to the discoverer of the lost city, Heinrich Schliemann. Visit the vast memorial at Galipoli Peninsula, site of the notorious World War I campaign. Be sure to sample the culinary delights of a meze, a spectacular array of Turkish hors d'oeuvres.
Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo

The former medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo is easily recognized as a historical and cultural center of contemporary Bulgaria. The cities museums are rich in artifacts and historical monuments and monasteries dot the landscape. The most visited spot in Veliko Tarnovo is the Arbanasi village. The St. Virgin Mary convent lies on one end of the village, the St Nikola monastery on the other. Exploring the village will be a memorable experience.
Sighisoara

Sighisoara

Sighisoara, situated in the Transylvania province of Romania, is famous for its architecture dating from 14th century. Visitors walk from the city to the medieval citadel and enter throwgh the 60-meter-tall clock tower (built in 1360). The ocher-colored house "Casa Vlad Dracula", where the Vlad the Impaler was born, better known as Vlad III Dracula, once lived, is now a cozy restaurant with Gothic-style furniture, good soups, and traditional Romanian dishes. Visit the museums, the Church on trop of the Hill (14th century), and the Monastery Church (15th century) both built in the Gothic style. The town of Sighisoara is the most enchanting of all Transylvanian towns. Its medieval buildings, gilded roofs and towers have been unspoiled by war or modern industry. The Citadel, built by the Saxons in the 12th Century, rises above the town and is preserved as a museum.
Destination Guide
Arad

Arad

Arad is situated north of Timisoara. It has a huge citadel (still used by the military) and lovely architecture (many buildings were erected in the 1800s during the last decades of Hapsburg rule). You will notice a lot of Western influences, and the inhabitants are usually fluent in Hungarian and German, too. If you go, stop by the museum in the Palace of Culture to see the exhibit about Hapsburg political intrigue.
Destination Guide
Cappadocia

Cappadocia

The underground cities of Cappadocia give you an idea of the sensation of what living in a labyrinth felt like. Derinkuyu is one of the 40 subterranean settlements in this area. It was at one time the home for up to 20,000 people. Its 18 stories descend into the Anatolian plateau south of Goreme. The ventilation shafts, circular and descending from the surface to the lower levels, and the massive circular doors remind you of the motivation for moving underground in the first place – to guarantee a degree of protection. There are eight floors of tunnels open to the visitor. Not for the claustrophobic.
Destination Guide
Istanbul

Istanbul

This centuries old capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the East and West. Visitors can explore remnants of Byzantine Constantinople in the Sultanahmet district, where you will have the chance to see ancient splendors, such as the Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. At night the city boast a lively nightclub scene and excellent Turkish dining options that may include cultural entertainment and dancing. Istanbul also features splendid shopping malls, boutiques, and hand crafted items can be found all over the city.

 

 

Destination Guide
Plovdiv

Plovdiv

Situated on the Maritsa River, Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria. Older than Rome, Athens, Carthage or Constantinople, it is almost a contemporary of Troy. Set upon ancient crossroads, the city has hints of both East and West civilizations that add spice to her people and stimulate a unique cultural identity. Look closely around the city to see glimpses of Thracian, Macedonian, Byzantium, and Ottoman influences. Visitors take days to wander around the towns many parks, gardens, museums and historical monuments. The Ancient Theatre (which is a Roman theatre), is one of the most remarkable sites and maybe while you’re visiting you will be able to catch a performance in the theatre. This city is the place to be in Bulgaria, most times rivaling the capital Sofia.
Destination Guide
Sofia

Sofia

Sofia is capital of Bulgaria with a motto “Ever growing, never aging". Influences of many different cultures can be spotted through the city. Alexander Nevski Memorial Church has a gold dome considered one of the finest pieces of architecture in the Balkans. Other points of interest include 4th-6th century Church of St. Sofia; Boyana Church, a good example of 11th century East European Medieval art; and 15th century Dragalevtsi monastery. The National Palace of Culture is the Balkans' biggest congress center. Vassil Levski monument is where the main architect of the campaign to free Bulgaria from oppression of the Ottoman Empire was hanged by Turks in 1873. The National History Museum, Archaeological Museum and National Natural History Museum are there. There are many areas around downtown for nightlife. Sofia sits near Mount Vitosha and during the winter months this is a prime skiing spot.
Destination Guide
Bucharest

Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city in Romania and is located in the southern part of the country. Referred to as the ‘Paris of the Balkans’, Bucharest has ornate buildings, wide boulevards and gardens fashioned after French architecture and city planning. In the name of progress and modernization, North Korean style buildings began being erected – many of which still stand unfinished today. Sights to see in Bucharest range from the stately to the heavenly. The Palace of Parliament should not be missed while in Bucharest – and it’s hard not to. It’s the second largest building in the world behind the Pentagon. Containing over 1,000 rooms, restaurants, conference areas and an art gallery, it houses the Romanian Parliament. There are several museums in the city, such as the National Art Museum and the Village Museum - an open–air museum containing over 300 houses, churches and mills from all over Romania and displays of some of the best folk architecture in the region. The Antim Monastery and Patriarchate Church are among Bucharest's outstanding religious structures.
Destination Guide
Brasov

Brasov

Brasov is a medieval city located in central Romania, originally founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 and settled by the Saxons as a walled citadel. The city was located at an influential intersection linking trade routes of the Ottoman Empire and Europe. It is part of the Transylvania region, and is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. A wealth of historical attractions can be visited, including Bran Castle, attracting many fans of Dracula, the Black Church (Biserica Neagra), the largest gothic church in Romania, and Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania.
Destination Guide
Budapest

Budapest

Caught between eastern and western Europe, Budapest has a character uniquely its own. It's also the last cheap, civilised city in Europe. Budapest can seem like one big sight, with each phase in its history, from the Ottoman period until the Communist days and from renaissance to revolution, leaving its mark on the city. For the tourist, a trip to Hungary's capital is dominated by the majestic sights of Buda. In the summer, there are open-air festivals at Szeged, Diosgyor Castle in Miskolc, Gyor and Pecs. Visit the former Royal Palace complex, the Matyas templom and the Belvaros. Margaret Island is a giant recreational park and feels pleasantly separated from the city bustle. Hungarian National Gallery houses Hungarian art since the birth of the nation. Although Esztergom is Hungary's most sacred city, home of the Archbishop and the nation's biggest church, it has a real-life edge. The first-time visitor to Szeged is invariably struck by its space and grandeur. One's immediate impressions of Hungary's third largest provincial city are of greenery and plazas, of broad.
Destination Guide

View Full Itinerary

Valid Date Ranges

April 2025
04/06/2025 04/25/2025 $3,484 per person
04/20/2025 05/09/2025 $3,484 per person
May 2025
05/04/2025 05/23/2025 $3,869 per person
05/11/2025 05/30/2025 $3,869 per person
05/18/2025 06/06/2025 $3,869 per person
05/25/2025 06/13/2025 $3,869 per person
June 2025
06/01/2025 06/20/2025 $3,869 per person
06/08/2025 06/27/2025 $3,869 per person
06/15/2025 07/04/2025 $3,869 per person
06/29/2025 07/18/2025 $3,869 per person
July 2025
07/06/2025 07/25/2025 $3,869 per person
07/20/2025 08/08/2025 $3,869 per person
07/27/2025 08/15/2025 $3,869 per person
August 2025
08/03/2025 08/22/2025 $3,869 per person
08/17/2025 09/05/2025 $3,869 per person
08/24/2025 09/12/2025 $3,869 per person
08/31/2025 09/19/2025 $3,869 per person
September 2025
09/07/2025 09/26/2025 $4,299 per person
09/14/2025 10/03/2025 $4,299 per person
09/21/2025 10/10/2025 $4,299 per person
09/28/2025 10/17/2025 $4,299 per person
October 2025
10/05/2025 10/24/2025 $4,099 per person
10/19/2025 11/07/2025 $4,099 per person
March 2026
03/22/2026 04/10/2026 $4,099 per person
03/29/2026 04/17/2026 $4,099 per person
April 2026
04/05/2026 04/24/2026 $4,099 per person
04/19/2026 05/08/2026 $4,099 per person
04/26/2026 05/15/2026 $4,099 per person
May 2026
05/03/2026 05/22/2026 $4,099 per person
05/10/2026 05/29/2026 $4,099 per person
05/17/2026 06/05/2026 $4,099 per person
05/24/2026 06/12/2026 $4,099 per person
05/31/2026 06/19/2026 $4,099 per person
June 2026
06/07/2026 06/26/2026 $4,099 per person
06/14/2026 07/03/2026 $4,099 per person
06/21/2026 07/10/2026 $4,099 per person
06/28/2026 07/17/2026 $4,099 per person
July 2026
07/05/2026 07/24/2026 $4,099 per person
07/12/2026 07/31/2026 $4,099 per person
07/19/2026 08/07/2026 $4,099 per person
07/26/2026 08/14/2026 $4,099 per person
August 2026
08/02/2026 08/21/2026 $4,099 per person
08/16/2026 09/04/2026 $4,099 per person
08/23/2026 09/11/2026 $4,099 per person
08/30/2026 09/18/2026 $4,099 per person
September 2026
09/06/2026 09/25/2026 $4,099 per person
09/13/2026 10/02/2026 $4,099 per person
09/20/2026 10/09/2026 $4,099 per person
09/27/2026 10/16/2026 $4,099 per person
October 2026
10/04/2026 10/23/2026 $4,099 per person
10/11/2026 10/30/2026 $4,099 per person
10/18/2026 11/06/2026 $4,099 per person
10/25/2026 11/13/2026 $4,099 per person
November 2026
11/08/2026 11/27/2026 $4,099 per person
Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change. Local Flights
If required all local flights are included in the cost of your tours unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent. From Budapest airport (BUD), you can reach the city centre in a few ways. You can take Airport Shuttle Bus 100E to the Deák Ferenc tér central metro station. To arrange an arrival or departure transfer, we recommend you book through our preferred transfer provider - HolidayTaxis We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following details before booking: - Flight number?- Flight Arrival Time and Date - Flight Departure Time and Date - Passenger's Name - Number of Passengers - Email - Valid Mobile Telephone Number - Drop off and/or Pick Up Address Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next...

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.