Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey - 20 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travellers, with an average group size of 12.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  The tour includes stays in hotels/pensions for 17 nights, a guest lodge for 1 night, and an overnight sleeper train for 1 night. Generally, you can expect small, family-run hotels or pensions, which may vary in standard and may not always have elevators or air-conditioning. Fans can be requested.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners. While breakfasts are typically provided, other meals are usually not included, offering flexibility to explore local cuisine. Your CEO can recommend local eating venues.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  The physical rating for this tour is 2.

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  This tour is categorized as "Classic" style travel.

• What are the age requirements for this tour?

  Travellers must be 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12. The maximum recommended age is 100.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travellers?

  There is no single supplement for solo travellers as accommodation is designed for shared twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex. An optional "My Own Room" supplement is available for most nights, except for the overnight train on Night 16. Single rooms in European hotels may be smaller.

• What are some of the main highlights of this tour?

  Highlights include exploring the cities of Budapest and Istanbul, visiting 'Dracula's Castle' in Transylvania, uncovering the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus, hiking through Cappadocia's "fairy chimneys", and enjoying a home-cooked meal with a local family. The tour also includes a visit to Balla Géza Winery, guided tours of Romanian villages and Gallipoli battlefields, and exploration of Kaymakli underground city.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  There are many optional activities available, including a Budapest Morning Walking Tour, a visit to Casa Dracula in Sighișoara, visiting the Black Church in Brașov, a Bucharest Bike Tour, exploring Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride, and a Turkish Bath experience. Costs vary per activity and are not included in the tour price.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the tour?

  The tour utilizes various modes of transportation including train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, ferry, plane (internal flight included), and walking. Be prepared for some long travel days by public transport and the need to carry your own luggage over short distances and up stairs as elevators are rare in European hotels.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  When visiting mosques and religious monuments, modest dress is required, covering shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. In general, it's recommended for both men and women to wear loose-fitting clothes with shoulders covered, especially outside of major cities, to show respect for local customs.

• What currencies are used, and how should I manage money during the tour?

  You will need local currencies: Hungarian Forint (HUF), Romanian New Lei (RON), Bulgarian Lev (BGN, converting to Euro (EUR) on June 30, 2026), and Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are available in main cities for Visa and Mastercard. It's advisable to carry both card types and some cash for emergencies. Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars are easily exchanged.

• How much spending money will I need for this trip?

  Spending money requirements vary for each traveller based on personal habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping. Please consider your individual spending preferences when planning your budget.

• Should I bring an emergency fund?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances that might alter the planned route.

• What are the guidelines for tipping on this tour?

  It is customary to leave a small tip for service providers like waiters (€1-2). Tipping local guides is recommended, typically €3-5 per person per day. Tipping your CEO is also appreciated, with a guideline of €6-8 per person per day, or €30-40 per person per week.

• Are there any health considerations or recommendations for this tour?

  Inoculations may be required, so consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical information before departure. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, and any personal medical requirements. Tour leaders are prohibited from administering medication.

• Is travel insurance required for this tour?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and must include a minimum of USD 200,000 coverage for repatriation and emergency rescue. It is also strongly recommended to cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for this trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so consult your local embassy or consulate, or travel agent for the most up-to-date information. Travel to the Schengen area is simplified by the Schengen visa, and ETIAS travel authorization may be required for visa-exempt nationals starting in 2025.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  The tour will be led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who will assist with travel logistics, offer suggestions for activities and dining, and introduce you to local experiences. While CEOs provide general knowledge, local licensed guides will be used for specific historical and cultural insights in certain cities.

• Are laundry facilities available during the tour?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. It is advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times when you may need to do your own laundry.

• What should I know if my trip falls during Ramadan?

  If your trip occurs during Ramadan (e.g., Mar 11-Apr 8, 2024, or Mar 1-Mar 29, 2025), there might be some limitations to services. It's important to show increased cultural sensitivity by wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover knees and shoulders, and by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those fasting.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community. Specific resources and tools like Equaldex are recommended to help address any safety and security concerns and to provide useful travel information.

• What should I know about safety and security during the tour?

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice, use a money belt, leave valuable jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety reasons and will accompany included activities. For free time activities, use good judgment. While cities are generally safe during the day, at night it's best to travel in small groups and use taxis. Avoid protests, and only participate in water-based activities with a guide; swimming is at your own risk.

• What is Planeterra and how does this tour support it?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting community-owned businesses. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor. You can support this initiative through the Dollar-a-day Program to make an impact on the communities visited.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, if required, all local flights are included in the cost of your tours unless otherwise noted. This tour includes internal flights within Turkey, with specific baggage allowances of 15 kg (33 lbs) for check-in and 8 kg (17.5 lbs) for carry-on.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include discovering the rich and varied culture of Eastern Europe, visiting 'Dracula's Castle' and charming Slavic villages, exploring the spectacular cities of Budapest and Istanbul, touring the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Troy, hiking through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia, and enjoying dinner in a local family home.

• What countries will this tour visit?

  This tour will visit Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions for 17 nights, a guest lodge for 1 night, and an overnight sleeper train for 1 night. Accommodation typically offers clean, safe, simple rooms in central locations, though European hotels may not always have elevators or air-conditioning, and single rooms can be smaller.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners. Generally, meals are not included when there are choices available, offering flexibility. Your CEO can suggest local dining options.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation on this trip will involve a combination of train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, ferry, plane, and walking. Be prepared for some long travel days and for carrying your luggage short distances.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip without an extra cost. If you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive a single room for all night stops, except for the overnight train.

• What are the age requirements for this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What currency should I use, and what should I know about money exchange?

  You will need local currency in each country: Hungarian Forint (HUF), Romanian New Lei (RON), Bulgarian Lev (BGN - note, Euro will be introduced in Bulgaria by June 30, 2026), and Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are available in main cities and accept Visa/Mastercard. Cash (Euros, British Pounds, US Dollars are easy to exchange) is recommended when ATMs are not accessible, but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. Credit cards are generally less useful for everyday purchases.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until your CEO has sighted proof of medical coverage, with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage coverage are strongly recommended.

• What is the local dress code I should be aware of?

  When visiting mosques and other religious monuments, you should dress modestly, covering your shoulders and not wearing short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and tourist centers, local dress is often more conservative, and loose-fitting clothes with covered shoulders are recommended as a matter of respect.

• Are there any specific health considerations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required, so consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. Leaders are prohibited from administering drugs. Assess your ability to cope with the travel style, referring to physical and culture shock ratings.

• What is the role of the Group Leader (CEO) on this tour?

  Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will manage the trip, providing information, suggestions for activities and eating, and introducing you to local friends. They have broad general knowledge of the countries visited. Local guides are also used for specific historical and cultural insights in particular cities.

• What are some of the optional activities available on this tour?

  Optional activities include a Budapest Morning Walking Tour, a visit to Casa Dracula in Sighișoara, visiting the Black Church in Brașov, a Bucharest Bike Tour, visiting Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, exploring the Grand Bazaar or Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride, and much more. It is recommended to book popular optional activities in advance during high season.

• What is the emergency fund recommendation?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances that might require a change to the planned route.

• How much spending money should I budget for this trip?

  Spending money requirements vary per traveler depending on habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping. Please consider your own spending habits when planning your budget.

• What is the tipping custom on this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Europe for service providers (waiters €1-2). For local guides, a recommendation is €3-5 per day. At the end of the trip, if you are satisfied with your CEO's service, tipping is appreciated; a guideline is €6-8 per person, per day, or €30-40 per person, per week.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour.

• Are local flights included in the tour price?

  Yes, all required local flights are included in the cost of your tour, unless otherwise noted. This tour includes an internal flight in Turkey. Domestic flights in Turkey have a check-in allowance of 15 kg (33 lbs) and a carry-on allowance of 8 kg (17.5 lbs).

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. You may also need to do your own laundry at times, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.

• What important cultural notes should I be aware of, especially regarding Ramadan?

  If your tour falls during Ramadan (approx. March 11 - April 8, 2024, or March 1 - March 29, 2025), there may be some limitations or disruptions. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity; wear loose-fitting clothes covering knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those fasting.

• What should I know about safety and security on my 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 offer safety deposit boxes. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis at night. Be aware of protests and demonstrations, and avoid them. Water-based activities should only be undertaken with a guide.

• Are there any special considerations for LGBTQ+ travelers?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. Resources are available on their LGBTQ+ page to help ensure comfort and safety throughout the trip, including the Equaldex tool for destination information.

• What is Planeterra and how does it relate to this tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that connects local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses, such as the Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar in Budapest and the Çöp(m)adam handicraft coop in Ayvalık, which are included in this tour. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, with 100% of donations supporting these projects.