Hungary, Romania, Turkey · Castles & Palaces

9-Day Budapest to Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour via Romania

9 Days Round trip from Budapest Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Corvin Castle, one of Europe's largest Gothic castles
  • 02 Explore the medieval streets of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad Dracula
  • 03 Discover Bran Castle and the beautifully preserved royal residence of Peles Castle
  • 04 Experience Istanbul's iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar
  • 05 Explore Cappadocia's valleys, open-air museums, Uchisar Castle, and Derinkuyu Underground City

Experience an unforgettable 9-day journey from Budapest to Istanbul and Cappadocia, where history, culture, and stunning landscapes await. Travel through Romania's cultural treasures, from Arad and Timisoara to Corvin Castle, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Bran Castle, Peles Castle, and Bucharest. Continue to Istanbul to explore its iconic landmarks before discovering the extraordinary valleys, open-air museums, underground city, and cave-hotel atmosphere of Cappadocia. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided city tours, and seamless transportation throughout the journey, with 3 flights included.

Continue to Istanbul to explore its iconic landmarks before discovering the extraordinary valleys, open-air museums, underground city, and cave-hotel atmosphere of Cappadocia.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Alba Iulia, Arad, Brasov, Bucharest, Budapest, Istanbul, Kayseri, Cappadocia, Sibiu, Timisoara, Sighisoara, Sinaia
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Budapest to Arad and Timisoara

  • Start your adventure in Budapest, where you'll meet your guide and head into Romania. After crossing the border at Arad, enjoy a brief walking tour of this culturally rich Transylvanian town.
  • Discover Arad's architectural gems, such as the City Hall Palace, the Palace of Culture, the neo-Gothic Red Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the neoclassical State Theatre.
  • You can also stop for lunch at a local restaurant if time permits. In the afternoon, continue to Timisoara, a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture influenced by Turkish and Austro-Hungarian styles. Timisoara was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Overnight at a hotel in Timisoara.

Accommodation: 3/4 Star Hotel

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: City Tours in Arad and Timisoara

Route: Budapest - Arad 265 km; Arad - Timisoara 58 km

2
Day 02

Timisoara, Corvin Castle, Alba Iulia and Sibiu

  • After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Corvin Castle, one of Europe's largest Gothic castles, rich with history and legends. Next, head to Alba Iulia, a city steeped in history.
  • Explore its Old Town, where Romania's unification treaty was signed in 1918. In the afternoon, arrive in Sibiu, a city known for its charming Old Town and cultural significance.
  • Join a guided walking tour to learn about Sibiu's history and see why it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Overnight at a hotel in Sibiu.

Accommodation: 3/4 Star Hotel

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Entrance to Corvin Castle is included, City Tour in Alba Iulia and Sibiu

Route: Timisoara - Alba Iulia 220 km; Alba Iulia - Sibiu 77 km

3
Day 03

Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov

  • Start your day with a visit to Sighisoara, a fairy-tale town and the birthplace of Vlad Dracula in 1431.
  • Explore the medieval streets and historic sites on a guided walking tour. In the afternoon, travel to Brasov, one of Romania's most beloved cities.
  • Take a walking tour of the Old Town, where you'll see the famous Black Church and the historic city gates. Overnight at a hotel in Brasov.

Accommodation: 3/4 Star Hotel

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Sighisoara City Tour

Route: Sibiu - Sighisoara 91 km; Sighisoara - Brasov 117 km

4
Day 04

Brasov, Bran Castle, Peles Castle and Bucharest

  • In the morning, visit Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula's Castle.
  • Learn about the history of Vlad Dracula as you explore this 14th-century fortress. Later, head to Sinaia to visit the stunning Peles Castle, a 19th-century royal residence that remains beautifully preserved. Continue your journey to Bucharest, where you'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Accommodation: 3/4 Star Hotel

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Bran Castle, Peles Castle

Route: Brasov - Sinaia 48 km; Sinaia - Bucharest 136 km

5
Day 05

Bucharest City Tour

  • Start with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then set out on a guided tour of Bucharest's highlights. Explore iconic sites like Revolution Square, the Romanian Atheneum, and the charming Old Town.
  • Take in landmarks such as Manuc's Inn and the Old Princely Court. After your tour, relax and reflect on the day's discoveries before spending another night in Bucharest.

Accommodation: Peakture Hotel Bucharest or similar

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Bucharest city tour with licensed local guide.

6
Day 06

Flight from Bucharest to Istanbul

  • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Istanbul (included, with variable times). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. Detailed information about this part of your trip will be provided in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Dosso Dossi Hotel or Recital Hotel Istanbul or similar

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Flight: Included

7
Day 07

Istanbul Highlights Tour

  • After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, pick up for a half-day guided city tour of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, explore the stunning Sultan Ahmet Blue Mosque, and discover the historic Hippodrome. Experience the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. Conclude your day by enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul.

Accommodation: Dosso Dossi Hotel or Recital Hotel Istanbul

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visits: Istanbul city tour with licensed tour guide.

8
Day 08

Flight to Cappadocia and North Cappadocia Tour

  • Early in the morning, transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Cappadocia (North of Cappadocia). Discover the region's natural wonders, including Devrent Valley, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Monk Valley, Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, and Uchisar Castle. After the tour, check into your cave hotel for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Cave Hotel, Cappadoccia

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Visit: City Tour in Cappadocia

Flight: Included

9
Day 09

South Cappadocia Tour and Return to Istanbul

  • After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, enjoy a second-day tour of Cappadocia, visiting Kizilcukur, Cavusin Village, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ortahisar, and Catalkaya.
  • For an additional experience, join an early morning hot air balloon ride (optional) at 05:30 am.
  • After the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight back to Istanbul, arriving at 20:50.
  • End of services.
  • See you on your next adventure with Ajdinis Travel.

Meals: Daily Breakfast

Visit: City Tour in Cappadocia

Flight: Included

Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, Devrent Valley, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Where this trip takes you

Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, Devrent Valley, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Budapest 12 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation
  • Stay in 4- or 3-star hotels and enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout the expedition in double or twin rooms.
  • Bed and breakfast service: start each day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your explorations.
  • Flights
  • Flights included.
  • Guide
  • Professional guide.
  • A guided tour of Sibiu, Sighisoara, Bucharest, Istanbul, and Cappadocia, covering iconic landmarks and historical sites with a local guide.
  • Entrance tickets to Corvin Castle and Bran Castle are included.
  • Meals
  • Daily breakfast provided at the hotels.
  • Additional services
  • Immerse in culture.
  • Engage with the local culture through visits to historic sites, museums, and old town areas.
  • Free time for exploration.
  • Personalized exploration: enjoy free time in each location for self-guided exploration, shopping, and savoring local cuisine.
  • Flexibility: strike the perfect balance between structured tours and independent discovery.
  • Transportation: luxurious bus journey for the specified routes, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
  • Coordination with the Ajdinis Group for specific parts of the journey, enhancing the overall experience.

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Not included, yet highly recommended.
  • Optional
  • The optional hot air balloon ride price is variable in Cappadocia.
  • Additional services
  • Important reminder

Entrance fees to museums, historical sites, airport transfers, city taxes in Greece, and any other items not specified in the program are not included in the tour price. These expenses must be covered directly by the guests.

Know before you go

  • We customize our vehicle selection according to group size and needs. Sedans are deployed for smaller groups of up to 3 people, while minivans accommodate groups of up to 8 individuals. For larger groups exceeding 8 passengers, we rely on Sprinter vans.
  • This special approach has been designed to ensure the comfort and efficiency of all passengers, regardless of group size, providing a seamless travel experience for everyone onboard.
  • For this tour, please inform us before booking if you are arriving on an international flight, as you may need to arrange pre-accommodation.
  • If you are already in Budapest on the first day of the tour, kindly provide us with your pick-up location so we can coordinate the tour start accordingly.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Budapest, Hungary
Tour start
Budapest, Hungary
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Budapest.

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Starting from

EUR 2,395 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room €2,395.00 — €3,435.00
Double Sharing €2,395.00

When

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