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9-Nights Budapest to Sofia Adventure - Classic from $1,799

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1532749

Budapest to Sofia Adventure
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 Sighi?oara 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.

Highlights
Discover the rich and varied culture of Eastern Europe, visit Dracula's castle and charming Slavic villages, explore the spectacular cities of Budapest and Sofia

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

Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.

Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12

Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 1 dinner

What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Budapest orientation walk. Half-day tour of Sighisoara and surrounding countryside villages. 'Dracula's Castle' (Bran). Bucharest orientation tour. Arbanasi village visit. Sofia orientation walk. Visit to the Balla Géza Winery. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


9 nights from $1,799 per person

Itinerary
Click here for Full Itinerary Details
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Itinerary Details

G Adventures: Budapest to Sofia Adventure

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 G Adventures-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 Sighi?oara. 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 half-day guided tour of Sighisoara and 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.

Featured Destinations
Veliko Tarnovo
The former medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo is easily recognized as a historical and cultural center of contemporary Bulgaria. The cities museums are rich in artifacts and historical monuments and monasteries dot the landscape. The most visited spot in Veliko Tarnovo is the Arbanasi village. The St. Virgin Mary convent lies on one end of the village, the St Nikola monastery on the other. Exploring the village will be a memorable experience.
Sighisoara
Sighisoara, situated in the Transylvania province of Romania, is famous for its architecture dating from 14th century. Visitors walk from the city to the medieval citadel and enter throwgh the 60-meter-tall clock tower (built in 1360). The ocher-colored house "Casa Vlad Dracula", where the Vlad the Impaler was born, better known as Vlad III Dracula, once lived, is now a cozy restaurant with Gothic-style furniture, good soups, and traditional Romanian dishes. Visit the museums, the Church on trop of the Hill (14th century), and the Monastery Church (15th century) both built in the Gothic style. The town of Sighisoara is the most enchanting of all Transylvanian towns. Its medieval buildings, gilded roofs and towers have been unspoiled by war or modern industry. The Citadel, built by the Saxons in the 12th Century, rises above the town and is preserved as a museum.
Arad
Arad is situated north of Timisoara. It has a huge citadel (still used by the military) and lovely architecture (many buildings were erected in the 1800s during the last decades of Hapsburg rule). You will notice a lot of Western influences, and the inhabitants are usually fluent in Hungarian and German, too. If you go, stop by the museum in the Palace of Culture to see the exhibit about Hapsburg political intrigue.
Sofia
Sofia is capital of Bulgaria with a motto “Ever growing, never aging". Influences of many different cultures can be spotted through the city. Alexander Nevski Memorial Church has a gold dome considered one of the finest pieces of architecture in the Balkans. Other points of interest include 4th-6th century Church of St. Sofia; Boyana Church, a good example of 11th century East European Medieval art; and 15th century Dragalevtsi monastery. The National Palace of Culture is the Balkans' biggest congress center. Vassil Levski monument is where the main architect of the campaign to free Bulgaria from oppression of the Ottoman Empire was hanged by Turks in 1873. The National History Museum, Archaeological Museum and National Natural History Museum are there. There are many areas around downtown for nightlife. Sofia sits near Mount Vitosha and during the winter months this is a prime skiing spot.
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in Romania and is located in the southern part of the country. Referred to as the ‘Paris of the Balkans’, Bucharest has ornate buildings, wide boulevards and gardens fashioned after French architecture and city planning. In the name of progress and modernization, North Korean style buildings began being erected – many of which still stand unfinished today. Sights to see in Bucharest range from the stately to the heavenly. The Palace of Parliament should not be missed while in Bucharest – and it’s hard not to. It’s the second largest building in the world behind the Pentagon. Containing over 1,000 rooms, restaurants, conference areas and an art gallery, it houses the Romanian Parliament. There are several museums in the city, such as the National Art Museum and the Village Museum - an open–air museum containing over 300 houses, churches and mills from all over Romania and displays of some of the best folk architecture in the region. The Antim Monastery and Patriarchate Church are among Bucharest's outstanding religious structures.
Brasov
Brasov is a medieval city located in central Romania, originally founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 and settled by the Saxons as a walled citadel. The city was located at an influential intersection linking trade routes of the Ottoman Empire and Europe. It is part of the Transylvania region, and is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. A wealth of historical attractions can be visited, including Bran Castle, attracting many fans of Dracula, the Black Church (Biserica Neagra), the largest gothic church in Romania, and Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania.
Budapest
Caught between eastern and western Europe, Budapest has a character uniquely its own. It's also the last cheap, civilised city in Europe. Budapest can seem like one big sight, with each phase in its history, from the Ottoman period until the Communist days and from renaissance to revolution, leaving its mark on the city. For the tourist, a trip to Hungary's capital is dominated by the majestic sights of Buda. In the summer, there are open-air festivals at Szeged, Diosgyor Castle in Miskolc, Gyor and Pecs. Visit the former Royal Palace complex, the Matyas templom and the Belvaros. Margaret Island is a giant recreational park and feels pleasantly separated from the city bustle. Hungarian National Gallery houses Hungarian art since the birth of the nation. Although Esztergom is Hungary's most sacred city, home of the Archbishop and the nation's biggest church, it has a real-life edge. The first-time visitor to Szeged is invariably struck by its space and grandeur. One's immediate impressions of Hungary's third largest provincial city are of greenery and plazas, of broad.

Excursions

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours

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Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours

This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:

  • Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
  • State Opera (outside)
  • St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
  • Parliament Buidling (outside)
  • Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
  • Matthias Church (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
  • Transfer in a private car
  • Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
  • Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
  • Meals
  • Gratuities and personal expenses
  • Entrances other than stated above

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours

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Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours

This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.

Highlights:

  • Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
  • Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
  • Matthias Church (inside visit)
  • Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
  • Parliament Building (inside visit)
Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can operate: Full Day

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:
  • Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
  • Transfer in a private car
  • Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
  • Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament
Not included:
  • Meals
  • Gratuities and personal expenses
  • Entrances other than stated above

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours

  Close

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours

During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:

  • Budapest's Castle Hill
  • Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
  • Holy Trinity Square
  • Hess András Square
  • Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
  • Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
  • Transfer in a private car
  • Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
  • Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
  • Meals
  • Gratuities and personal expenses
  • Entrances other than stated above

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
09/14/2025 - 09/23/2025
from $1,889 per person
09/16/2025 - 09/25/2025
from $1,889 per person
09/21/2025 - 09/30/2025
from $1,889 per person
09/28/2025 - 10/07/2025
from $1,889 per person
09/30/2025 - 10/09/2025
from $1,889 per person
10/05/2025 - 10/14/2025
from $1,799 per person
10/12/2025 - 10/21/2025
from $1,799 per person
10/19/2025 - 10/28/2025
from $1,799 per person
10/26/2025 - 11/04/2025
from $1,799 per person
11/09/2025 - 11/18/2025
from $1,799 per person
01/11/2026 - 01/20/2026
from $1,999 per person
02/22/2026 - 03/03/2026
from $1,999 per person
03/22/2026 - 03/31/2026
from $1,999 per person
03/29/2026 - 04/07/2026
from $1,999 per person
04/05/2026 - 04/14/2026
from $1,999 per person
04/19/2026 - 04/28/2026
from $1,999 per person
04/26/2026 - 05/05/2026
from $1,999 per person
05/03/2026 - 05/12/2026
from $2,099 per person
05/10/2026 - 05/19/2026
from $2,099 per person
05/12/2026 - 05/21/2026
from $2,099 per person
05/17/2026 - 05/26/2026
from $2,099 per person
05/24/2026 - 06/02/2026
from $2,099 per person
05/31/2026 - 06/09/2026
from $2,099 per person
06/07/2026 - 06/16/2026
from $2,099 per person
06/09/2026 - 06/18/2026
from $2,099 per person
06/14/2026 - 06/23/2026
from $2,099 per person
06/21/2026 - 06/30/2026
from $2,099 per person
06/23/2026 - 07/02/2026
from $2,099 per person
06/28/2026 - 07/07/2026
from $2,099 per person
07/05/2026 - 07/14/2026
from $2,199 per person
07/12/2026 - 07/21/2026
from $2,199 per person
07/19/2026 - 07/28/2026
from $2,199 per person
07/26/2026 - 08/04/2026
from $2,199 per person
08/02/2026 - 08/11/2026
from $2,199 per person
08/16/2026 - 08/25/2026
from $2,199 per person
08/23/2026 - 09/01/2026
from $2,199 per person
08/30/2026 - 09/08/2026
from $2,199 per person
09/01/2026 - 09/10/2026
from $2,099 per person
09/06/2026 - 09/15/2026
from $2,099 per person
09/13/2026 - 09/22/2026
from $2,099 per person
09/15/2026 - 09/24/2026
from $2,099 per person
09/20/2026 - 09/29/2026
from $2,099 per person
09/27/2026 - 10/06/2026
from $2,099 per person
09/29/2026 - 10/08/2026
from $2,099 per person
10/04/2026 - 10/13/2026
from $1,999 per person
10/11/2026 - 10/20/2026
from $1,999 per person
10/13/2026 - 10/22/2026
from $1,999 per person
10/18/2026 - 10/27/2026
from $1,999 per person
10/25/2026 - 11/03/2026
from $1,999 per person
11/01/2026 - 11/10/2026
from $1,999 per person
11/08/2026 - 11/17/2026
from $1,999 per person
11/29/2026 - 12/08/2026
from $1,999 per person
12/13/2026 - 12/22/2026
from $1,999 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $1,799 per person
Length
9 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Moderate
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
Remarks
Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change.  Please click here for a description of the travel style options provided by G Adventures. 

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
 

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1532749

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