Romania, Bulgaria & Turkey Discovery

Embark on a spectacular journey from Romania and through Bulgaria to Turkey, discovering the architectural grandeur and quaint cultural enclaves that make this such an intriguing part of the world. Absorb Bucharest’s austere atmosphere on a guided walking tour, compare age-old places of worship in Sofia, breathe in crisp alpine air on a hike in the Pirin Mountains, bask in the glory of transcontinental Istanbul and travel to the Aegean Sea to soak up sun, salt and history in Kusadasi with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Catch the overnight train to Central Anatolia and the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons dot the skyline and dwellings are cut into the cliffs - this 16-day trip is a fascinating study in just how much regions can change as you cross national borders.

Activities

• Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
• Rila - Monastery Visit
• Pirin Mountains - Hike
• Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
• Edirne - Selimiye Mosque
• Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
• Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards
• Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
• Troy - Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
• Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
• Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
• Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
• Cappadocia - Zemi Valley walk
• Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
• Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
• Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
• Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.
• Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a Gozleme making demonstration and a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.