12 Days Turkey and Bulgaria Special Tour
|12 Days, 13 Destinations |Starts from Istanbul
Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits

Duration
12 days

Max Group Size
30

Tour Code
12DTBST

Tour Type
Request as private tour

Departure Type
Scheduled

Age Requirement
11 - 99 Ages

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In
English

Physical level
relax

Tour route map

Istanbul

Pickup Time:

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Sofia

Dropoff Time:

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Activities

Combined CountryDiscoveryExplorerFamilyHistoricalHuntingIn-depth CulturalMuseumPhotographySightseeingSolo TravelSee Itinerary

Tour Overview

First class service and guided transportation through the historical and picturesque sites of Turkey, and historical sites to visit in Bulgaria

Highlights

  • Embarking on a journey from Istanbul to Sofia, with stops at various fascinating destinations in Turkey and Bulgaria, promises an enriching exploration of historical sites, natural wonders, and vibrant cultures.
  • Istanbul: Explore the historic sites of Istanbul including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace. Wander through the vibrant streets of the Grand Bazaar and experience the flavors of Turkish cuisine. Enjoy a Bosphorus cruise to admire the city's skyline and iconic landmarks from the water.
  • Kusadası and Ephesus: Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
  • Pamukkale: Marvel at the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its well-preserved ruins and Roman baths. Take a dip in the thermal pools of Pamukkale and enjoy the therapeutic properties of the mineral waters.
  • Cappadocia: Marvel at the unique landscapes of Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys and rock-cut churches. Explore the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscape of Cappadocia at sunrise.
  • Bulgaria Sofia: Explore the capital city of Bulgaria and visit landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Sofia's National Palace of Culture. Wander through the streets of Sofia's historic center and discover its diverse architectural styles.
  • Plovdiv: Discover the charming city of Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Explore the Old Town with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and ancient Roman ruins. Visit the Roman Theater of Plovdiv, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world.
  • Veliko Tarnovo: Explore the medieval capital of Bulgaria and visit the historic Tsarevets Fortress. Wander through the picturesque streets of Veliko Tarnovo's Old Town and admire its medieval architecture.
  • Arbanassi: Visit the charming village of Arbanassi and explore its well-preserved traditional houses and churches. Discover the unique architectural style of the Church of the Nativity, known for its elaborate frescoes.
  • This tour offers an unforgettable journey through the historical and cultural treasures of Turkey and Bulgaria, from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the medieval charm of Veliko Tarnovo.

Itinerary

Upon our arrival at Istanbul International Airport, your guide will meet, assist and transfer you to the hotel. Istanbul’s original name is Byzantium then Constantinople. It is a most fascinating city, which actually crosses two continents Europe and Asia. It is a city of amalgamation of bazaars, minarets, mosques, churches, palaces, and restaurants catering to every one’s taste, museums, customs and twelve million people. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast and Lunch included)

After breakfast, we have Istanbul City Tour. Our first visit will be HIPPODROME. Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Than we will visit SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE. Across from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Our next visit will be HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is simply the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years, it was once the largest church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Today it is a mosque. Lunch break at 13:00 pm. After the lunch, TravelShop Group will take you to the ASIL EFENDI which is a unique atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping. Here you will find; Exotic Spices and Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all naturel olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.

 

Please Note: Please do not forget to carry headscarf with you for the visit of religious places as Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

After breakfast enjoy BOSPORUS BY BOAT; a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will see the magnificent sights of the following attractions from your boat. See Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Ciragan Palace, 300 meters of its marble facade faces the shore. At Ortakoy a great variety of artists, gather every sunday to display their work along the street. Ortakoy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries. RUMELI FORTRESS (view from boat), Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul was completed in only four months to control and protect the infamous Bosporus passage. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world. BEYLERBEYI PALACE (view from boat), is the summer residence of Ottoman sultans exists in its original renovated glory featuring original antique furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian side of Istanbul. Lunch break at the Turkish restaurant. After the lunch we will then take you to the GRAND SPICE BAZAAR, which is a unique atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping. Here you will find; Exotic Spices and Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all naturel olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores. After the tour transfer to Istanbul Airport for domestic flight to Izmir. Transfer from airport and check in to your hotel in Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

After breakfast between 08:30 am, departure from hotel fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world en - route, visiting the Temple of Artemis, Curetes street, famous Roman baths, Celsus Library and Grand theatre. Lunch break around 13:00 pm. After the lunch, we will visit a place, which continues to perform one of the oldest arts of Turkey; a carpet-weaving centre. After lunch, we will do a Turkish Village Tour. Sirince’s construction style today belongs to Anatolian Greeks. The houses on the slope are all Orginal with their white paints. Sirince Village also has a fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in Turkey - especially fruit wines. We will see the vineyards and it is time to learn how to make fruit wine. In the evening, you will be tested about your knowledge of making fruit wine. On the way, we will visit one of the famous leather production centers of the region, where you will have the opportunity to get a good factory rate. On this guided tour, you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

We depart for Pamukkale at 08:00 am. Upon arrival to Pamukkale we have a lunch break until 13:30 pm. Afterwards we shall visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ruins of Hierapolis, then walk around this natural phenomenon and have the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs. Denizli/Pamukkale means seaside in Turkish and is located on the Buyuk Menderes River. It is a growing industrial town, known for its textile industry and outlet shopping. You will visit one of the famous textile factories of Pamukkale. This tour will end approximately 18.30 and you will be back to your hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast and Dinner included)

After breakfast, we depart for İzmir Airport for our domestic flight to Cappadocia. Transfer from Kayseri airport to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cappadocia. Dinner and Overnight in Cappadocia.


Please Note: If you wish to join our optional activity of Cappadocia Hor Air Ballooning for tomorrow, please contact with your guide and register because it will take place early the next morning.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

After breakfast at 09:30 depart for Cappadocia Tour. We will drive you to Ozkonak Underground City, one of the best preserved Underground cities in Cappadocia. After Underground City tour, you visit Goreme Open Air Museum, the Heart of Cappadocia. Goreme Open Air Museum is famous for frescoes dating to 10th century describing the life of Jesus Christ and monks. Next stop is Cavusin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses. After Cavusin you go to the restaurant in Avanos to have lunch. After lunch, you visit a pottery work shop, to see how to make potteries. Then you go to Love Valley. Love Valley Cappadocia is a hidden valley with scenic formations to say the least. Despite the resemblance to man hood, these amazing rock formations are far from man-made. Next stop is Devrent Valley, which is also called Imagination Valley, where you can see natural rock formations looking like animals. Last stop is Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which is the symbol of Cappadocia. This tour will end approximately at 18.00 and you will be returned back to your hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Breakfast included)

Today, we depart for Kayseri airport for our domestic flight to Istanbul and then fly to Bulgaria Sofia. Arrive Sofia Airport and meet and greet with our office's English speaking representative who will transfer you to your Hotel. Guided sightseeing tour of Sofia including a visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral - one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction; St. George Rotunda and St. Sophia Church, built by the Roman emperor Justinian in the 6th century, National Theatre, former Royal Palace, the Presidency, etc. Free time in the city center and main shopping area around Vitosha Boulevard. Optional evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances. Overnight in Sofia.

(Breakfast included)

Departure for Plovdiv after breakfast. Sightseeing tour of Plovdiv including visit to the Old town - Ethnographic Museum, Roman Stadium, St. Constantine and Helena Church, etc. Visit to the Roman Theatre, which was built in the 2nd century AD under the rule of the Roman emperor Trajan and is nowadays considered to be the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria. Drive to the village of Bachkovo. Visit to Bachkovo Monastery, which dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most important and well preserved Bulgarian monasteries. The monastery is known and appreciated for the unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian culture, united by the common faith. Upon request visit of Todoroff wine cellar in the village of Brestovitsa for a tour and wine-tasting. Drive back to Plovdiv. Overnight in Plovdiv.

(Breakfast included)

Departure for Stara Zagora upon breakfast. Sightseeing tour in Stara Zagora – the Ancient Forum Augusta Trayana and the History Museum. Drive to Kazanlak. Visit to Kazanlak Thracian Tomb, which dates back to the 4th century BC and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its murals and paintings are Bulgaria’s best-preserved artistic masterpieces from the Hellenistic period. Departure for Veliko Tarnovo via Shipka Pass. On the way stop for a visit of Etara open-air museum near the town of Gabrovo. The museum represents Bulgarian customs, culture and craftsmanship. The park features typical Bulgarian Revival houses and tourists are able to see how locals use original old instruments in crafts such as woodcarving, pottery, coppersmith, needlework, etc. Arrival in Veliko Tarnovo in the evening. Overnight in Veliko Tarnovo.

(Breakfast included)

Sightseeing tour of Veliko Tarnovo - visit to the historical Tsarevets Hill, which served as a primary fortress of the capital town during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Drive to the village of Arbanassi, famous for its well-preserved 17th and 18th century churches and the typical Revival architecture of its houses. Drive back to Veliko Tarnovo and departure for Sofia. Overnight in Sofia.

(Breakfast included)

If time permits - shopping tour in the city center. Transfer to the airport for your departure. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Booking.

Trip includes

Included

2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Istanbul - Pullman Hotel or 5 Star La Quinta by Wyndham Istanbul

3 nights’ hotel accommodation in Kusadasi - Comfort Ada Class Hotel

2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Cappadocia - Antique House Cave or Sura Hotel

2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Sofia - Ramada Sofia Hotel

1 night hotel accommodation in Plovdiv - Imperial Hotel

1 night hotel accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo - Tarnovo Gurko Hotel

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group.

If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost

Professional English - speaking tour guides

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

11 open buffet breakfasts

5 dinners

All Tour and airport transfers Included

Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

Guided Istanbul City Tour

Guided Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise

Guided Ephesus Tour

Guided Sirince Village Tour and Wine tasting

Guided Pamukkale Tour

Guided Cappadocia Tour

Guided Sightseeing Tour of Sofia

Guided Sightseeing Tour of Plovdiv

Guided Sightseeing Tour of Stara Zagora

Guided Sightseeing Tour of Kazanlak

Guided Sightseeing Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi

All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary

Excluded

International flights Istanbul to Sofia

Domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir

Domestic flight from Denizli to Kayseri / Nevsehir

Domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul

Please Note: Domestic flight price for adult travelers is approximately

Euros: 50,00 for one way and for under 2 years old, approximately Euros: 20,00 as an insurance policy.

Insurance: All types

City Tax

Turkey entry visa

Bulgaria entry visa

Visit of Todoroff wine cellar in the village of Brestovitsa for a tour and wine-tasting.

Evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry

Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section.

Hotel room taxes

Tipping

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By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

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Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

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