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Budapest to Sofia Adventure - 10 Days

From £1,322£132 per daySave 21%

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female57%
  • Male43%

Average age

52
12 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Budapest
  • Sofia

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

10

Highlights

  • Begin your Eastern European adventure in the stunning city of Budapest, immersing yourself in its unique charm before journeying to the scenic Balla Géza Winery for an authentic Romanian dinner and an exquisite wine tasting.
  • Step back in time within the enchanting medieval walled citadel of Sighișoara, exploring its cultural treasures and ancient streets, perhaps even dining at the legendary Casa Dracula, before discovering picturesque fortified churches in the surrounding countryside.
  • Uncover the baroque beauty of Brasov, Romania's best-preserved medieval city. Marvel at a magnificent 14th-century castle dramatically set on a rock outcrop, soaking in the gorgeous countryside and its rich history and folklore.
  • Experience the vibrant and contrasting character of Bucharest, Romania's capital. From grand Soviet-esque architecture and a beautiful cathedral to a blossoming international culinary scene, enjoy an orientation walk through this dynamic city.
  • Journey to Veliko Tarnovo, one of the world's oldest cities, where medieval charm abounds. Explore the imposing Tsarevets Fortress and ascend to the hilltop village of Arbanasi for breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the historic landscape.
  • Conclude your unforgettable tour in Sofia, a captivating blend of Western grandeur and Soviet legacy. Admire its iconic gold-domed churches and indulge in the city's vibrant, trendy dining scene, offering a delightful array of Bulgarian and international cuisine.
  • Begin your adventure amidst the imperial grandeur of Budapest, where an insightful orientation walk introduces you to this captivating city, followed by a meaningful visit to the Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, a G for Good Moment supporting social enterprise.
  • Delve into Romania's heartland with an exclusive wine tasting and traditional dinner at the Balla Géza Winery, where you'll spend a night immersed in the local viticulture, before uncovering the enchanting medieval walled citadel of Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Explore the mystical allure of Transylvania with a half-day guided tour of Sighișoara and its surrounding countryside, uncovering ancient medieval villages and formidable fortified churches, then transfer to Brasov, Romania's best-preserved medieval city, before soaking in the history and folklore of a dramatic 14th-century castle.
  • Experience the dynamic capital of Bucharest on an orientation tour, a city that beautifully blends Soviet-era architecture with elegant boulevards and a vibrant international culinary scene, offering a fascinating glimpse into Romania's past and present.
  • Journey to Veliko Tarnovo, one of the oldest cities in the world, and immerse yourself in its medieval charm. Marvel at the imposing Tsarevets Fortress and ascend to the picturesque hilltop village of Arbanasi for breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient landscapes.
  • Conclude your Eastern European odyssey in Sofia, Bulgaria's vibrant capital, where Western grandeur harmoniously meets Soviet history. Enjoy an orientation walk showcasing its gold-domed churches and architectural contrasts, culminating in opportunities to savor its burgeoning and diverse culinary delights.
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Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.

What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

This 10-day tour will leave you wondering why you waited to explore Europe's roads less travelled. Travel from Budapest to Sofia and experience Eastern Europe’s charm firsthand. Head out on an orientation walk of Budapest. Discover Romania’s countryside while visiting Sighișoara or marvel at the baroque architecture of Brasov. (Better yet, enjoy the contrast by seeing them both.) You'll also have time to sample Bulgarian cuisine that'll give you the energy you need to cycle your way through Veliko Tarnovo, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Budapest

    Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

    We recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully explore this breathtaking city.

  • Day 2

    Budapest to Balla Géza Winery

    Enjoy a morning free to explore Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. After check out we visit a the tour operator-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a drink and optionally order a bite to eat before we leave Budapest to travel to the Balla Géza Winery for a wine tasting and traditional Romanian dinner. Tonight’s accommodation will be at the winery’s guesthouse on the property.

  • Day 3

    Balla Géza Winery to Sighi?oara

    Enjoy breakfast at the Balla Géza Winery before traveling to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Explore the medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars.

    Sample some Romanian cuisine—the Casa Dracula (original home of Vlad, the model for Count Dracula) is now a restaurant specializing in hearty meat and game dishes of the region.

  • Day 4

    Sighi?oara/Brasov

    With a local guide, venture into the Romanian countryside to visit traditional villages. Get a true sense of life in this less-visited region. Visit charming Brasov. Enjoy a guided tour of the nearby countryside. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches.

    In the early evening, transfer to the city of Brasov, the best preserved medieval city in Romania.

  • Day 5

    Brasov

    Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place. Impressively situated on a rock outcrop and dominating the valley, this 14th century castle is steeped in history and folklore. Soak in the gorgeous countryside as you learn about the creepier side of Romania.

  • Day 6

    Brasov/Bucharest

    Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk. Take time to explore the Soviet-esque architecture, the beautiful cathedral, or indulge in Bucharest's international cuisine.

  • Day 7

    Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo

    Enjoy some free time to explore more of Bucharest in the morning before travelling to Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in the world, Veliko Tarnovo. Wander the medieval town, visit the museums, or sample your first taste of Bulgarian cuisine. Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.

  • Day 8

    Veliko Tarnovo

    Enjoy the morning in the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo.

  • Day 9

    Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia

    Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies' Market. A mix of western grandeur and Soviet bulk, Sofia boasts a gold-domed church and delicious international dining.

    Sample modern takes on Bulgarian and international food, with some great trendy dining opportunities.

  • Day 10

    Sofia

    Depart at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotels/pensions (8 nts), Guest lodge (1 nt).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 9, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 1

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Aug 2026

    from £1,732
  • Sep 2026

    from £1,322
  • Oct 2026

    from £1,322
  • Nov 2026

    from £1,534
  • Dec 2026

    from £1,534
  • Jan 2027

    from £1,633
  • Feb 2027

    from £1,633
  • Mar 2027

    from £1,633
  • Apr 2027

    from £1,712
  • May 2027

    from £1,712
  • Jun 2027

    from £1,712
  • Jul 2027

    from £1,781
  • Aug 2027

    from £1,781
  • Sep 2027

    from £1,712
  • Oct 2027

    from £1,712
  • Nov 2027

    from £1,633
  • Dec 2027

    from £1,633
  • Jan 2028

    from £1,633
  • Feb 2028

    from £1,633
  • Mar 2028

    from £1,633
  • Apr 2028

    from £1,633
  • May 2028

    from £1,633
  • Jun 2028

    from £1,633
  • Jul 2028

    from £1,633
  • Aug 2028

    from £1,633
  • Sep 2028

    from £1,633
  • Oct 2028

    from £1,633
  • Nov 2028

    from £1,633
  • Dec 2028

    from £1,633
  • Save 1%
    Sunday 20 Sep 2026to Tuesday 29 Sep 2026
    🔥1 space of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,669£1,652
    Private Room from +£564
  • Save 21%
    Sunday 27 Sep 2026to Tuesday 6 Oct 2026
    4 spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,669£1,322
    Best offer
    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Private Room from +£563
  • Save 21%
    Tuesday 29 Sep 2026to Thursday 8 Oct 2026
    6+ spaces of 16 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,669£1,322
    Best offer
    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Private Room from +£563

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.49 out of 5)
Based on 177 reviews
  • It was a great trip made even better with our CEO, Flavia. An incredibly interesting part of the world to explore. Pretty much perfect. I just find them a bit busy but that also means you get to see a lot.

    Linda Oct, 2024 Verified
  • I love that the CEO's plan everything so it is an easy vacation.

    Jodi Oct, 2024 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What countries will I visit on this tour?

    You will travel through Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
  • What are the main highlights or experiences of this tour?

    Highlights include discovering Eastern Europe's culture, visiting Dracula's castle and charming Slavic villages, and exploring the spectacular cities of Budapest and Sofia. You will also enjoy a visit to the Balla Géza Winery for a wine tasting and traditional Romanian dinner, and explore the medieval town of Sighișoara and the hilltop village of Arbanasi.
  • What type of accommodation is provided during the trip?

    Accommodation will be in hotels/pensions for 8 nights and a guest lodge for 1 night. Please note that European hotels can have older buildings, smaller rooms, and may occasionally have shared bathrooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed, but standing or desk fans will be provided upon request on hot nights.
  • What meals are included in the tour price?

    The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
  • What kind of transportation is used on this tour?

    Intercity transport is primarily by local bus, supplemented by private vehicles, metro, and walking. Be prepared for potential delays with public transport and the need to carry your luggage short distances (up to 25 minutes walk) between transport and hotels.
  • What is the group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.
  • Is there a tour leader on this trip?

    Yes, a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will lead the group throughout the tour.
  • What currencies will I need in the countries visited?

    You will need Hungarian Forint (HUF) in Hungary, Romanian New Lei (RON) in Romania, and Euro (EUR) in Bulgaria. ATMs are found in main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It is advisable to carry some cash for times when ATMs are not accessible, though carrying cash only is a high safety risk.
  • Are there any optional activities available on this trip?

    Yes, there are various optional activities and visits in Budapest, Sighișoara, Braşov, Bucharest, Arbanasi, and Sofia. These may include walking tours, museum visits, and castle explorations, some of which may incur an additional cost.
  • Is travel insurance required for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must include a minimum of USD 200,000 for medical coverage, repatriation, and emergency rescue.
  • What is the minimum age to join this trip?

    Travelers must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.
  • Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

    No, solo travelers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex without an additional cost. A 'My Own Room' option is available for an extra charge.
  • What is the physical rating for this tour?

    The tour has a physical rating of 2, indicating a moderate activity level.
  • What is Planeterra and how is it involved with this tour?

    Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local communities earn income from tourism. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of donations go directly to their projects. This tour includes a visit to a tour operator-supported social enterprise café in Budapest.
  • What should I know about safety and security during the trip?

    It is recommended to check your government's travel advice, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels provide safety deposit boxes. Your CEO has the authority to amend the itinerary for safety concerns. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis for night excursions. Avoid protests and demonstrations. Water-based activities are at your own risk and should be accompanied by a guide. Resources for LGBTQ+ travelers are also available.
  • Are international flights included in this trip?

    No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.
  • Can I do laundry during the trip?

    Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do personal laundry.
  • What is the recommended amount for tipping?

    Tipping is customary in Europe; generally 10% of the bill for wait staff, and €1 or €2 for other service providers. For local guides, a recommendation would range from €6-8 per day, and for the Chief Experience Officer (CEO), €6-8 per person per day can be used as a guideline.
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