Highlights of Eastern Europe & Turkey

What's Included

• Accommodation
  Hotels/pensions (17 nts), Guest lodge (1 nt), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 nt).

• G for Good Moment

  Experience the Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar in Budapest and the Cop(m)adam Visit in Ayvalik.

• Welcome Moment

  Meet your CEO and group for a welcome moment.

• Foodie Moment

  Enjoy a Pide Demonstration and Lunch in Selcuk.

• Local Living Moment

  Have dinner with a local family in Cavusin.

• Budapest Orientation Walk

  Participate in an orientation walk in Budapest.

• Balla Géza Winery Visit

  Visit the Balla Géza Winery for a wine tasting experience.

• Sighisoara Tour

  Enjoy a half-day tour of Sighisoara and surrounding countryside villages.

• Dracula's Castle Visit

  Visit 'Dracula's Castle' (Bran) in Romania.

• Bucharest Orientation Tour

  Take part in an orientation tour of Bucharest.

• Hike to Arbanasi Village

  Hike to the historic Arbanasi village.

• Sofia Orientation Walk

  Join an orientation walk in Sofia.

• Istanbul City Tour

  Explore Istanbul with a local guide.

• Gallipoli Battlefields Visit

  Visit the Gallipoli battlefields with entrance and guided visit included.

• Troy Visit

  Explore the ancient city of Troy with entrance and guided visit included.

• Ephesus Visit

  Visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus.

• Kemeralti Bazaar Walk

  Enjoy an orientation walk in the old Kemeralti bazaar in Izmir.

• Mevlana Museum Tour

  Tour the Mevlana Museum in Konya.

• Cappadocia Hike

  Hike through the 'fairy chimneys' of Cappadocia.

• Kaymakli Underground City

  Explore the Kaymakli underground city.

• Internal Flight

  An internal flight is included in the itinerary.

• Transport

  All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.

What's Not Included

• Meals Not Included

  Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.

• Personal Expenses

  Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food and drinks, and optional activities are not included.

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

• International Flights

  International flights to and from the starting and ending points are not included.

• Visa Fees

  Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including hotels and pensions for 17 nights, a guest lodge for 1 night, and an overnight sleeper train for 1 night, offering a blend of comfort and local charm throughout your journey.

Transport

Train, public bus, private vehicle, metro, ferry, train, plane, walking.

Meals Included

19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Group Size

Max 16, avg 12

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.



Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.



For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less

Mode of Transport

Travel seamlessly across Eastern Europe and Turkey using a mix of trains, public buses, private vehicles, metro, ferries, and planes, with plenty of walking to explore the vibrant cities and stunning landscapes.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Local Dress

While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn't wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative and as a matter of respect we ask that both men and women are aware of this and recommend loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered. Ask your CEO for more specific advice. ...more ...less

Important Notes

1. RAMADAN

According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Mar 11th - Apr 8th 2024, and Mar 1st - Mar 29th 2025. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.



2. YOUR CEO

It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.



3. LUGGAGE

In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.



4. CUISINE

Vegetarians should be aware that the cuisine of this region is predominantly meat-based. Although you will be able to find and enjoy vegetarian food, please be aware that there will not be the variety or range of choices that you would find at home.



5. COMBO TRIP

Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.



6. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:

Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.



7. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:

During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour. ...more ...less

Group Leader

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less

About Accommodation

On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.



Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception. ...more ...less

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less