Embarking on a captivating 5-day guided tour through the historic cities of Sofia, Plovdiv, and Istanbul promises an unforgettable adventure. With a maximum of 18 participants, this intimate journey takes travelers on a walking exploration of iconic landmarks and immersive cultural experiences. Accommodation, transportation, and daily breakfast are all included, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply seeking an extraordinary getaway, this tour offers a tantalizing glimpse into the rich tapestry of Eastern European and Turkish heritage. What awaits beyond the horizon is a true feast for the senses.
Key Points
- A 5-day guided tour covering the historic cities of Sofia, Plovdiv, and Istanbul, priced starting at €571 per person.
- The tour includes walking tours of the historic centers and iconic landmarks, with transportation provided by air-conditioned bus.
- Participants will experience a small group size of up to 18 people, with English-speaking guides and local guides as needed.
- The tour package includes 4 nights of accommodation in 3 or 4 hotels, daily breakfast, and opportunities for lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with mobility impairments, as it involves significant walking on uneven terrain and long bus transfers.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This 5-day guided tour to Sofia, Plovdiv, and Istanbul is priced from €571.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour covers the highlights of these three captivating destinations, including walking tours of the historic centers. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks like the St. Sophia Church, St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and Topkapi Palace.
The tour also includes transportation by air-conditioned bus, guided tours in English, and all entrance fees. With a maximum of 18 participants, this small group experience promises a more intimate and personalized journey.
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Itinerary Highlights
The 5-day guided tour kicks off with arrival in Sofia, where travelers will enjoy an evening walking tour along Vitoshka Street.
On day two, guests explore Sofia’s historic center on a 3-hour walking tour, visiting landmarks like St. Sophia Church, St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, and Sveta Nedelya Church, before transferring to Plovdiv for an evening walking tour in the Old Town.
The next day, the group takes a bus to Istanbul, stopping for lunch in Edirne. In Istanbul, they’ll go on a 3-hour sightseeing tour by bus and boat, seeing sites like Topkapi Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge.
The final day allows for free time before the transfer to the Istanbul airport.
Accommodation and Meals
The tour includes 4 nights of accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4 hotels across Sofia, Plovdiv, and Istanbul.
Meals during the tour include:
- Breakfast included each day
- Lunch and dinner not specified, but ample opportunities to dine at local restaurants
- Chance to sample regional cuisine and local delicacies
- Vegetarian and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice
- Bottled water provided on the bus during transportation between cities
With a mix of guided tours and free time, travelers can explore the culinary culture of the Balkans and Turkey at their own pace.
Inclusions
Along With the accommodation and meals, this guided tour includes a range of services and amenities to enhance the travel experience.
The package covers individual transfers from the airport to the hotel in Sofia and from the hotel to the airport in Istanbul.
Guided tours in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Istanbul are included, led by an English-speaking guide, as well as local guides where necessary.
Transportation throughout the tour is provided by an air-conditioned bus.
All entrance fees and tickets for the sites visited are included in the price.
The tour also covers tourist insurance, tips, and visas if required, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyParticipant Restrictions
This tour isn’t suitable for everyone. Pregnant women and individuals with mobility impairments shouldn’t join, as it may pose challenges for their well-being.
The tour is limited to 18 participants, ensuring a small group experience. However, there are a few additional restrictions to consider:
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The tour involves a significant amount of walking, sometimes on uneven terrain, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility.
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The bus transfers between cities can be lengthy, up to 6 hours, which may be tiring for some participants.
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The tour’s pace is relatively fast, with limited free time for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
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Participants should be in good general health and able to keep up with the group.
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Individuals with specific dietary requirements or medical conditions should consult the tour operator before booking.
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Meeting Point
Your guide will meet you at the Sofia airport arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. This is where the tour begins, ensuring a seamless start to your 5-day adventure.
Here’s what you can expect at the meeting point:
Item | Description |
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Location | Sofia Airport Arrivals Hall |
Time | Upon arrival |
Identification | Guide holding a sign with your name |
Assistance | Guide will help you with any questions or needs |
From the airport, your guide will transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest up before embarking on your first evening walking tour of Vitoshka Street. Get set for an unforgettable journey through Eastern Europe and Turkey!
Tour Cancellation and Payment
Travelers can cancel their tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Alternatively, they may reserve their spot now and pay nothing today, allowing them to finalize payment at a later time.
The tour’s flexible payment and cancellation policies include:
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the tour
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Book now and pay later – no upfront cost to reserve your spot
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Secure your preferred travel dates without immediate payment
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Convenient option to pay the full balance closer to the tour
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Easy cancellation if your plans change unexpectedly
This hassle-free approach ensures travelers can confidently plan their trip without the burden of immediate financial commitment.
Booking and Reservation
Customers can reserve their spot on this 5-day guided tour to Sofia, Plovdiv, and Istanbul through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their sales team. The tour is available from €571 per person, and customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy by cancelling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. To secure their reservation, customers can pay later and book their spot now without paying anything today.
Reservation Details | |
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Tour Duration | 5 days |
Price | From €571 per person |
Cancellation Policy | Free up to 24 hours |
Payment | Reserve now, pay later |
Group Size | Limited to 18 participants |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Language Proficiency Required for the Tour?
The tour guide provides services in English. No specific language proficiency is required of participants. The tour caters to English-speaking travelers, ensuring they can understand all commentary and information provided during the guided activities.
Can We Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal Option?
Yes, the tour provider can accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free meal requests. Participants should notify the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure appropriate meal options are available during the included breakfasts.
Is There Any Age Restriction for Participants?
There are no specific age restrictions for participants on this tour. However, it may not be suitable for young children or elderly individuals with mobility issues, as the itinerary includes walking tours and transportation by bus.
Can We Extend Our Stay in Any of the Cities?
Yes, travelers can extend their stay in any of the cities on the tour. However, they would need to make their own arrangements for accommodations and transportation beyond the tour itinerary and dates. Additional costs may apply for extended stays.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has a casual, relaxed dress code. Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and sun protection are recommended, as the tour involves both indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions. There are no formal dress requirements.
The Sum Up
This 5-day guided tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the historic and vibrant cities of Sofia, Plovdiv, and Istanbul.
With transportation, accommodations, and local cuisine included, travelers can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of these destinations.
The small group size and flexible cancellation policy make this tour an attractive option for those seeking an adventurous yet comfortable European adventure.
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