From Budapest to Istanbul

Budapest is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe occupying both banks of the Danube River that divides it into two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda is the older and more historical part of the city, with narrow winding streets and medieval buildings, and Pest with its vibrant streets like Váci Utca, the Square of Heroes and, of course, the splendid Parliament building is as exciting. We recommend you to come earlier and enjoy the panorama of the city by taking the river cruise, for instance. On the second day of the tour enjoy an orientation walk in Budapest, and take an overnight train to Sighisoara. It is the citadel in the region of Transylvania, which is also the birthplace of Vlad III Dracula. Visit to traditional countryside villages and travel to Brasov. One of the most exciting places to visit in Brasov is the large Gothic-style Black Church with beautiful square that is the heart of this medieval town. The church houses the richest collection of the Anatolian carpets in Europe. On the next morning visit to the castle of Bran that historically served as the fortified position between the territories of Transylvania and Wallachia, and is commonly called the Dracula's Castle.

Afterwards hit the road to Bucharest. The capital of Rumania is an old and the biggest city in the country that was first mentioned in documents in 1459. Some of the most notable places to visit there are the National Art Museum, the open-air Village Museum and the Palace of Parliament that was built in the 1980s during the reign of Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. With 1100 rooms, 2 underground garages and tunnels, it is the Europa's largest civilian building (area of 270 m x 240 m, heights underground - 92 m, and 86 m above the ground). The historic district, including 19 Orthodox Christian churches, 6 synagogues, 3 Protestant churches and 30,000 residences were demolished to build it. After the fall of regime part of the finishing work of this enormous building was never completed, therefore the building has a lot of empty rooms.

Then cross into Bulgaria and travel to the fascinating town of Veliko Tarnovo. Settled continuously since 4500 BC, Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most ancient and historic places in the world. Don't forget to try local specialties and wines when visiting Bulgaria. Take a hike to Arbanasi hilltop village that once was the summer residence of wealthy Roman elite. The views all around and down to Veliko Tarnovo are amazing. Visit to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, in the final part of the tour to enjoy an orientation walk, including a visit to the chic pedestrianized Vitosha Street with countless shops, cafes and restaurants, and the eclectic Ladies' Market. The Alexander Nevsky cathedral, the National Opera and Ballet, the National Military History Museum or the Museum of Socialist Art are also worth to attend. After that head to Plovdiv to see the remains of Roman cities it is rich in, wander the atmospheric streets of the hilly Old Town, the Ethnographic Museum, which has a great collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes or the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis. Afterwards, why not relax over a coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, for which this area is known? Take an overnight bus to Istanbul and enjoy an orientation walk, including visit to the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya and the Tokapi Palace on the next day.