Eastern Europe Express
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monday, May 20, 2024 | Tuesday, May 28, 2024 | $1,547 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, May 27, 2024 | Tuesday, Jun 04, 2024 | $1,504 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jun 03, 2024 | Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 | $1,492 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jun 10, 2024 | Tuesday, Jun 18, 2024 | $1,560 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jun 17, 2024 | Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024 | $1,547 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jun 24, 2024 | Tuesday, Jul 02, 2024 | $1,547 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Jun 28, 2024 | Saturday, Jul 06, 2024 | $1,436 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jul 01, 2024 | Tuesday, Jul 09, 2024 | $1,492 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jul 15, 2024 | Tuesday, Jul 23, 2024 | $1,504 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jul 29, 2024 | Tuesday, Aug 06, 2024 | $1,504 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Aug 05, 2024 | Tuesday, Aug 13, 2024 | $1,492 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Aug 12, 2024 | Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024 | $1,492 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Aug 19, 2024 | Tuesday, Aug 27, 2024 | $1,504 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Aug 26, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 03, 2024 | $1,504 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 02, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024 | $1,700 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 06, 2024 | Saturday, Sep 14, 2024 | $1,560 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 09, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024 | $1,547 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 16, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024 | $1,624 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 23, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 01, 2024 | $1,560 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 27, 2024 | Saturday, Oct 05, 2024 | $1,560 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 30, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 08, 2024 | $1,547 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 07, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 15, 2024 | $1,492 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 14, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024 | $1,449 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 21, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024 | $1,436 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 28, 2024 | Tuesday, Nov 05, 2024 | $1,436 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Apr 14, 2025 | Tuesday, Apr 22, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Apr 21, 2025 | Tuesday, Apr 29, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Apr 28, 2025 | Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, May 05, 2025 | Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, May 12, 2025 | Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, May 19, 2025 | Tuesday, May 27, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, May 26, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jun 02, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jun 09, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 17, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jun 16, 2025 | Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jun 23, 2025 | Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025 | Tuesday, Jul 08, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jul 07, 2025 | Tuesday, Jul 15, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jul 14, 2025 | Tuesday, Jul 22, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Jul 21, 2025 | Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Aug 04, 2025 | Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Aug 11, 2025 | Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Aug 15, 2025 | Saturday, Aug 23, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Aug 18, 2025 | Tuesday, Aug 26, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Aug 25, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 02, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 01, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 09, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 05, 2025 | Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 08, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Friday, Sep 12, 2025 | Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 15, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 22, 2025 | Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Sep 29, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 | $1,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025 | $1,840 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 13, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 20, 2025 | Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 27, 2025 | Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 | $1,770 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Embark on a spectacular journey from Romania and through Bulgaria to Istanbul, 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, and meander back in time in the Old Town of Plovdiv. and bask in the glory of transcontinental Istanbul. Relatively short in terms of distance travelled, this nine-day trip is a fascinating study in just how much regions can change as you cross national borders.
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Day 1
BucharestSalut! Welcome to Romania. Bucharest, Romania's capital city, likes big things. It's home to one of Europe's biggest squares and its Palace of Parliament is the second largest building in the world. It's worth arriving into the city a few days early to explore. Perhaps take a tour of the Palace of Parliament (former dictator Nicolae Ceau?escu ordered the construction of this 12-storied monster, a building of staggering scale and opulence that includes 1,100 rooms and 4,500 chandeliers), or visit his former luxurious residence where he lived with the family. You might even like to partake in one of our Urban Adventure day trips, such as the "Bohemian Bucharest tour".  Our adventure begins with a important welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, why not seek out some traditional Romanian fare with the group.
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Day 2
Veliko TarnovoTravel by train across the friendship bridge into Bulgaria and on to the picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo. 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.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Veliko TarnovoThis morning join your leader for a visit to Veliko Tarnovo's 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. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the City of Tsars. 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).
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Day 4
SofiaIn a morning, take a public bus (3 hrs approximately) to Sofia. Bulgaria's capital is a cosmopolitan city with wide tree-lined boulevards and pleasant parks. You've got the rest of the day to wander, so maybe begin with a browse around the cured meats and cheese of the Central Market Hall, then take a walk through the city and see the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Church. You might want to sate your cultural curiosity at the National History Museum, discover artefacts from the many empires of old that have occupied the city at the National Archaeological Museum, or get cultural at the National Art Gallery.
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Day 5
BanskoToday journey into the Rila Mountains, where you'll visit the impressive Rila Monastery. Tucked away in a valley, this World Heritage-listed site is the largest and holiest of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries. It was founded in 927 to keep Bulgarian spiritual and social life alive during Turkish rule. The entire monastery complex is a work of art in itself – check out stunning murals, the 14th-century Hrelyo Tower, the five-domed Birth of the Blessed Virgin Church and the original 19th-century monastery kitchen. Then onto Bansko. Set at the base of the majestic Pirin Mountains, Bansko is home to more than 150 cultural monuments. Down its cobbled streets, many of its stone houses have been transformed into charming ‘mehanes’ (taverns). Wander through pl. Vazrazhdane and check out the frescoes of the Church of Sveta Troitsa, or the paintings in the Rilski Convent. In the evening, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in some local cuisine. Try filet elena (spicy cured meat) or kapama (simmered meat, rice and sauerkraut), washing it down with some delicious melnik (dark red wine).
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
PlovdivIn the morning, drive to Vihren Chalet (45 mins approximately) from where you start the moderate hike in the Pirin Mountains to a small but picturesque lake Okoto (2000m above the sea level). Enjoy the clear views over the stunning valley with Mt Vihren, the range's highest peak, visible to the west. Total walking distance is 2 km with 102 m elevation gain and it takes about one hour depending on fitness and trail conditions. Those who want to challenge it a bit more can continue to Banderitsko lake, your leader willl help with suggesting the route. If you don't wish to hike can stay in Bansko and visit it's thermal baths. In the afternoon board scenic and only operational narrow gauge line in Bulgaria - Rhodope railway from Bansko to Septemvri from where continue by another to Plovdiv. Situated on the Maritsa River, Plovdiv was once the meeting point of two ancient transportation routes. In the evening, make sure you indulge in the local cuisine, famed for its grilled meats and vegetables on skewers.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
PlovdivThis morning, join a local guide for a tour of the main sights and some insight into the town's history. The most remarkable sight is the ancient Roman theatre, accidentally ‘discovered’ after a landslide exposed the site in the early 1970s. Built in the 2nd century BC during the reign of Trajanus, the theatre seats about 6,000 people and is now back in use. From here, wander up to the site of the former hilltop fortress of Nebet Tepe, where you can enjoy excellent views of the city. Head back down to visit the 15th-century Dzhumaya Mosque, still in use today. Enjoy a free afternoon in this charming city.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
IstanbulGet ready for a long day of travel that takes you from Europe to Asia today. Grab a window seat if you can and watch the scenery pass you by, or get stuck into a good book. You'll be travelling how the locals do, on a bus along the Tsarigrad Road. Also named the Road to Istanbul, this was one of the most important roads in the Middle Ages, widely used by travelling merchants. Arrive in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have called home. You'll have some free time to settle in, then in the evening, maybe join your new friends for an optional dinner and bask in the beauty of a real Turkish kebab.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
IstanbulAll good things come to an end, and this morning your adventure officially comes to a close. If you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul we are able to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
- Veliko Tarnovo - Tsarevets Fortress
- Rila - Monastery Visit
- Pirin Mountains - Hike
- Rhodope Narrow-Gauge Railway
- Plovdiv-Private Transfer from Plovdiv Train Station to Plovdiv Hotel
- Plovdiv - Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Istanbul- Private Transfer from Istanbul Bus Station to Istanbul Hotel
- Plovdiv- Private Transfer from Plovdiv Hotel to Plovdiv Bus Station
Meals
6 Breakfast(s) Included
Style: Original
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
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Our tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, fun, energetic, and made our week run very smoothly. The trip itself was fantastic! We saw a lot and the islands are absolutely beautiful. Great food, great new friends made on the tour, and would absolutely book with Intrepid again.
Intrepid tour is great company. Will use this company again.
The trip was both both educational and exciting. I very much enjoyed the sights and culture.
The itinerary was just as I expected! The guide was very good as were the accomodations
Intrepid did such a great job. I never had to worry about where I was supposed to be and it felt so good not to worry about a thing but just to enjoy myself. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about culture and history.
Taiwan people very friendly. Accommodation were centrally located and easily accessible. Did extra activities then in brochure which was greatly.
Larus our tour guide did an excellent job and was very attentive to our needs. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.
Our guide Tarang chandola was exceptional. Courteous, knowledgeable, organized, polite, professional and went above and beyond taking care of our needs and requests offen anticipating what that might be. He made sure we all had the best possible time and offered suggestions to meet the needs of everyone on the tour. This made the trip even more enjoyable.
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