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10-Day Turkey and Bulgaria Tour

4.75

(13.420 Reviews)

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Highlights

Sofia landmarks & Rila Monastery, Plovdiv Old Town & Thracian wine region, Edirne Selimiye Mosque & Ottoman heritage, Istanbul Old City icons & Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise & Asian Side exploration

Destinations

Plovdiv, Rila Monastery, Sofia, Edirne, Haskovo, Istanbul

Budget

From €1.540,- p.p excl. flight tickets

Tour Highlights

Embark on a remarkable journey through two of the most diverse and historically rich countries in Southeast Europe – Bulgaria and Turkey. This 10-day guided tour blends cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and authentic local experiences across Sofia, Plovdiv, and Istanbul. Travel in comfort with 4-star accommodation, expert local guides, and curated excursions that take you from ancient Roman cities to grand Ottoman architecture. Whether you’re drawn to Bulgaria’s serene monasteries or Turkey’s bustling bazaars, this itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a deep dive into Balkan culture with seamless transitions and high-quality service.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia

Transfer from airport to centrally located hotel
Free time for evening walk along Vitosha Boulevard
Hotel: Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel or similar
Overnight: Sofia

Day 2: Sofia City Tour

Visit: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Parliament, Roman Ruins (Serdica), National Theater
Optional: Traditional dinner with folklore performance
Overnight: Sofia

Day 3: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Plovdiv

Morning visit to UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery
Continue to Plovdiv – Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city
Evening free in the Kapana Arts District
Hotel: Ramada by Wyndham Plovdiv Trimontium or similar
Overnight: Plovdiv

Day 4: Plovdiv Old Town Tour

Explore the Ancient Roman Theater, Ethnographic Museum, and Old Town architecture
Optional wine tasting at a Thracian Valley winery
Overnight: Plovdiv

Day 5: Plovdiv – Haskovo – Edirne (Turkey)

Scenic drive to the Turkish border with stop in Haskovo (Virgin Mary Monument)
Cross into Turkey and visit Selimiye Mosque in Edirne
Hotel: Margi Hotel Edirne 4* or similar
Overnight: Edirne

Day 6: Edirne – Istanbul

Depart for Istanbul; panoramic orientation drive upon arrival
Free time to explore Taksim Square or Galata Tower area
Hotel: Dosso Dossi Downtown / Sultanhan Hotel
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 7: Istanbul Old City Tour

Visit: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar shopping
Optional: Traditional Turkish Hamam experience
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 8: Bosphorus and Asian Side

Optional Bosphorus Cruise (morning)
Visit Spice Bazaar, cross to Asian Side: Çamlıca Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 9: Free Day in Istanbul

Optional full-day trip to Princes' Islands or relax and explore at your pace
Farewell dinner available as optional add-on
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 10: Departure

Transfer to IST or SAW Airport)

Services

Included

  • 9 nights accommodation in selected 3★ or 4★ hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Private guide/driver for 10 days
  • Rent-a-car for the entire itinerary
  • Airport arrival & departure transfers
  • All land transportation Bulgaria – Turkey
  • Border assistance
  • Tour planning and operational coordination

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Entrance fees (sites, museums, palaces)
  • Optional experiences (Bosphorus cruise, hammam, wine tastings)
  • Local specialist guides where required
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
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