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Transylvania Tale
15 Days
Budapest to Istanbul
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What our experts say
Owen- Head of Operations
Head to the “Valley of the Beautiful Women” during your time in Eger. It’s a system of taverns with local wine producers selling some of the best wine in Hungary.
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Tour Overview
Turn back time and descend in to the dark ages on this tour of Dracula's country. Medieval castles stand beside heavily fortified towns frozen in time. From ancient Byzantine churches in one town to Ottoman Mosques in the next you will be charmed by the country so raw and real right in front of you.
About this tour
- Group Size: Normally 4-17. Average 10.
- Recommended Age: 18-65
- Physical Rating:
- Accommodation:12 night(s) in hotels, 2 night(s) in a guesthouse
- Transportation:Train, Public Bus, Private Vehicle
- Meals:12 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
- Other:Tucan Travel Tour Leader
- Country:Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey
Included Activities
- Tour of Maramures Region
- Entry to Viscri Fortified Church & Prejmer Fortified Church
- Entry to Dracula's (Bran) Castle
- Entry to Peles Castle
- Entry to Plovdiv Roman Amphitheatre
What should you expect?
This group tour ranges in size from 4 to 17 people, with an overall average of 10 people.
This tour is modular and made up of two sections. This means there will be people leaving and joining in Bucharest.
Europe is cobbled streets, winding staircases and lots of walking. You will need a decent fitness level to fully enjoy this trip.
This trip uses a range of public buses, trains and private vehicles. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage at all times, on and off transport and sometimes up stairs, or along cobbled streets. You MUST ensure you can comfortably carry it, and keep to one piece of luggage and one small bag.
Hotel rooms in Europe tend to be much smaller than in America, Canada or Australia. Double beds are sometimes two single beds pushed together.
We will try to run your tour as close to the itinerary as conditions will allow. On very rare occasions, local events may affect the way your itinerary operates. We ask for your flexibility and understanding in these situations.
This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Budapest
Welcome to Budapest! Hungary's stylish capital is known as the 'City of Spas' for its abundance of natural thermal springs. With a host of historical sights, buzzing nightlife and unique attractions, Budapest is a favourite for many travellers visiting the region.
Straddling the Danube River, the city is comprised of two very different historic cities, Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. Highlights here include Castle Hill, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, the Liberation Monument, the fabulous St Stephen's Basilica and the much photographed Parliament Building. An evening river cruise is an excellent way to see the parliament lit up at night.
You are free to arrive at your leisure and enjoy all Budapest has to offer. We highly recommend booking pre tour accommodation or arriving early in the day so that you can tick off the highlights. There will be a pre departure meeting held tonight at 6pm in your hotel. Please check reception for details.
Optional Excursions
Budapest Parliament Tour – 7250 HUF • Szechenyi Thermal Baths – 6000 HUF • House of Terror – 3000 HUF • Great Synagogue – 4000 HUF • Danube Cruise – 4200 HUF • Hungarian National Museum – 2600 HUF • Memento Park – 1500 HUF • Buda Castle – Free • Fisherman's Bastion – 1000 HUF • Walking Tour – Free • Hop on Hop off Bus – from 6000 HUF
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Flamenco or similar
Day 2 - Eger
This morning we take a short train ride to Eger, located on the hills of the Bukk Mountains, and a real gem within Hungary. With a number of historic sights such as the castle, cathedral, and the northernmost minaret in Europe, Eger is a wonderfully quaint town and the perfect contrast from the bustling capital of Budapest. Best known for its production of the famous "Bulls Blood" red wine, Eger is a large producer of Hungarian wine and you will have ample opportunity to sample some of Hungary's finest. Spend an afternoon exploring the "Valley of the Beautiful Women", a collection of wine cellars where you can sample the unique blends of local wines and speak with the producers.
After a 91 year long Turkish rule in the 15th century, Eger has an abundance of Ottoman influence and beautiful architecture that can be seen as you explore on foot.
Optional Excursions
Eger Castle – 800 HUF • Minaret – 400 HUF • Thermal Baths – 1900 HUF • Wine tasting in the Valley of the Beautiful Women – from 1000 HUF • Basilica – Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Bacchus Panzio or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 3 - Maramures
The day is spent exploring the fascinating Maramures region in North-western Romania, home to many villages where century-old traditions are still part of daily life. We will observe a pottery demonstration, visit a traditional watermill and make a stop at the very peculiar 'Merry Cemetery' of Sapânta, so called because the gravestones are painted in bright colours, hand-carved out of oak and adorned with an image of the deceased and a humorous epitaph in the local vernacular.
This is a full day of exploring the Maramures and we will arrive to the guesthouse around 7pm to enjoy a traditional dinner.
Included Excursions
Tour of Maramures Region
Accommodation
1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Sub Cetate La Matei or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
Day 4 - Sighișoara
This morning we will visit the village of Barsana, where there is a thriving local tradition of woodcarving, with picturesque wooden houses fronted by giant, ornately-carved gates. There is also a monastery that offers great views over the Izei valley, where people still farm using traditional techniques. We also tour some of the beautiful UNESCO listed wooden churches of the region that are well-known for their characteristic high roofs and tall, pointed steeples.
In the afternoon we head to Sighisoara. Located in the historic region of Transylvania, it was once a Saxon settlement established in the 12th century. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the citadel has a very well preserved old town with a clock tower rising 64 meters above the city. Also worth visiting is the Orthodox Cathedral and Cornesti Church.
Optional Excursions
Guided tour of Sighisoara Old Town - from 15 EUR • The Clock Tower - 12 RON • Dracula's House - 5 RON • History Museum - 4 RON • Museum of Medieval Arms - 8 RON • The Torture Chamber Museum - 4 RON • The Church of the Dominican Monastery - Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Casa Wagner or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 5 - Sighișoara
Today you are free to explore and enjoy Sighisoara! You could take a guided tour of the Old Town, check out the unique Torture Museum or visit Dracula's House.
Optional Excursions
Guided tour of Sighisoara Old Town - from 15 EUR • The Clock Tower - 12 RON • Dracula's House - 5 RON • History Museum - 4 RON • Museum of Medieval Arms - 8 RON • The Torture Chamber Museum - 4 RON • The Church of the Dominican Monastery - Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Casa Wagner or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 6 - Brașov
Surrounded on three sides by the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov was a perfect place for a medieval settlement and much of the Old City, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211, has been restored.
You can visit Râșnov Castle, the Brașov Citadel or wander up Rope Street, the narrowest street in Europe. Brașov also provides a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside of the Transylvania region, where the air is fresh and the people friendly.
On our way to Brașov we make stops at two historic and important churches, Viscri and Prejmer fortified churches.
Included Excursions
Entry to Viscri Fortified Church & Prejmer Fortified Church
Optional Excursions
Walking Tour – Free • Ethnographic Museum – 6 RON • Brasov History Museum – 7 RON • Cable Car to the top of Tampa Hill – 18 RON • Black Church – 10 RON • Bear Sanctuary – 30 EUR • Art Museum – 5 RON
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Pensiune Ambient or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 7 - Brașov & Bran Castle
Today we visit the nearby Bran Castle which is known as 'Dracula's Castle' and is (supposedly) said to have been the home of Vlad the Impaler.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy Brașov.
Included Excursions
Entry to Dracula's (Bran) Castle
Optional Excursions
Walking Tour – Free • Ethnographic Museum – 6 RON • Brasov History Museum – 7 RON • Cable Car to the top of Tampa Hill – 18 RON • Black Church – 10 RON • Bear Sanctuary – 30 EUR • Art Museum – 5 RON
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Pensiune Ambient or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 8 - Bucharest
This morning we explore the beautiful Pele's Castle, an impressive structure which is sure to take your breath away!
We then head to Bucharest where you will have free time to explore the area and discover the contrasts of Romania's cultural capital. The architecture here is an eclectic mix of historical, communist period and modern styles and it even has its own Arc de Triomphe. Bucharest also boasts the world's second largest building, the Palace of Parliament, built under the communist regime.
If you'd like to learn more about the traditional way of life of Romanian peasant farmers you can visit the Village Museum, an open air museum with around 300 traditional buildings filled with furniture, pottery and clothing collected from different regions of the country.
Included Excursions
Entry to Peles Castle
Optional Excursions
Palace of the Parliament Tour – 40 RON • Walking Tour – Free • Stavropoleos Church – Free • Village Museum – 15 RON • National Museum of Art of Romania – 15 RON • Bucharest Municipal Museum – 10 RON • Alternative Walking Tour of Bucharest – 19 EUR • Bike Tour – From 20 EUR
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Capitol or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 9 - Veliko Tarnovo
We head across the border into the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo, famous as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Built on three hills, the city offers some great views of the surrounding churches and old imperial residences rising amidst the meanders of the Yantra River. On Tsarevets Hill are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cathedral, and also a number of interesting cultural institutions such as the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and the Constituent Assembly.
Optional Excursions
Tsaravet's Fortress - 6 BGN • Archaeological Museum - 6 BGN • Old Town Walking Tour - Free • Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and the Constituent Assembly - 6 BGN
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Anhea or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 10 - Sofia
This morning we will depart for our next destination, Sofia! Bulgaria's capital Sofia offers a wealth of cultural entertainment, including Byzantine churches, museums full of ancient archaeological treasures, towering monuments and numerous mineral baths adjacent to the magnificent Mount Vitosha. Laid back and cosmopolitan, Sofia offers a thriving and diverse street life, including open-air cafes, busy markets such as the famous Ladies' Market, rattling trams and buskers all adding to the ambience.
Optional Excursions
Ethnographic Museum - 3 BGN • National Art Gallery - 6 BGN • Alexander Nevski Cathedral and Crypt - 6 BGN • National Museum of History - 10 BGN • Walking Tour - Free • City Bike Tour - 5 EUR • St George Church - Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at St George Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 11 - Sofia
Today you are free to explore Sofia. At the foothills of Mount Vitosha about 8 kilometres from the city centre you can visit the 900 year-old Boyana Church, considered among the masterpieces of medieval European painting, which features murals and frescoes dating back to 1259 AD, medieval architecture and monumental art. Also at the base of Mt. Vitosha is the splendid National History Museum, with antiques dating back to the Thracian period.
Sofia also offers many beautiful gardens to relax in, such as Boris Gardens and the South Park, which starts just behind the Palace of Culture.
Optional Excursions
Ethnographic Museum - 3 BGN • National Art Gallery - 6 BGN • Alexander Nevski Cathedral and Crypt - 6 BGN • National Museum of History - 10 BGN • Walking Tour - Free • City Bike Tour - 5 EUR • St George Church - Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at St George Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 12 - Plovdiv
Enjoy breakfast in Sofia before taking a public bus to Plovdiv. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe going back 8000 years.
The town is small and easy to walk around. Places to see include the Roman Amphitheatre, St Marina church and a mosque leftover from the Ottoman Empire. Each step you take in this town opens up another piece of history. While the seven tall hill that used to overlook the town have been reduced to just three, it is possible to walk the hills and the best time to do this is at sunset.
Please note: Breakfast tomorrow morning is not included in the hotel at Plovdiv. Your Tour Leader will point out local cafes or restaurants where you can have breakfast.
Included Excursions
Entry to Plovdiv Roman Amphitheatre
Optional Excursions
Ethnographic Museum - 6 BGN • Wine Tasting Half Day Tour - From 29 EUR • The Wonderful Bridges, Bachkovo Monastery & Asens' Fortress Day Tour - From 25 EUR • Dzhumaya Mosque - Free • Archaeological Museum - 5 BGN
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Stay Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 13 - Plovdiv
Today you are free to enjoy Plovdiv. The city was awarded the title of 2019 European Capital of Culture and is the first in Bulgaria to have the honour!
While strolling the charming streets is a lovely way to pass the time, you could also opt for a day trip to indulge in some local wine tastings and to see the local countryside.
Please note: Breakfast tomorrow morning is not included in the hotel at Plovdiv. Your Tour Leader will point out local cafes or restaurants where you can have breakfast.
Optional Excursions
Ethnographic Museum - 6 BGN • Wine Tasting Half Day Tour - From 29 EUR • The Wonderful Bridges, Bachkovo Monastery & Asens' Fortress Day Tour - From 25 EUR • Dzhumaya Mosque - Free • Archaeological Museum - 5 BGN
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Stay Hotel or similar
Day 14 - Istanbul or Sofia
Late morning we leave for Turkey, arriving into Istanbul in the early evening. Istanbul is an enchanting fusion of East and West. Narrow alleys are flanked by wooden Ottoman houses while a nearby funky restaurant and bar strip in the down-town area pumps out Turkish pop. There are many great places to explore including, but not limited to, the Blue Mosque, St Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque, also known as the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, is nearly 400 years old and still an active mosque that non-Muslims can visit for free outside of the five daily prayers. St Sophia (Hagia Sophia) was built 1,500 years ago and was the largest enclosed space in the world. The Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) is the oldest and largest closed bazaar in the world, housing around 3000 shops within 61 alleyways. It used to be the city's main trading centre of ceramics, jewellery and leather goods.
We will arrive in the evening to sample some of Turkey's most delicious cuisine. As we arrive late we recommend you book additional nights accommodation in order to fully explore the city and any of the optional excursions listed below.
Please note: For those who do not wish to travel into Turkey, there is the option to end in Sofia, Bulgaria instead. From Plovdiv you will return to Sofia by bus where there will be one night's accommodation instead. This option must be pre-booked with your Adventure Specialist in advance. This makes no difference to the cost of your tour.
Optional Excursions
Hagia Sophia - 40 TRY • Topkapı Palace - 40 TRY • Basilica Cistern - 20 TRY • Blue Mosque - Free • Grand Bazaar - Free • Bosphorus Boat Tour - 25 TRY • Turkish Bath - From 20 TRY • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - 25 TRY • Whirling Dervish Show - 90 TRY • Walking Tour – Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Centrum or similar
Day 15 - Depart Istanbul
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
The Grand Bazaar is shut by the time we arrive on Saturday and is also closed on Sundays. If this is a personal must see please consider booking an extra night.
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Booking Tip
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Available
US$ 1,624
+ Local Payment of €230
Your Savings:
35% off
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+ Local Payment of €230
Your Savings:
US$875
Available
US$ 1,624
+ Local Payment of €230
Your Savings:
35% off
US$1,624
+ Local Payment of €230
Your Savings:
US$875
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Your Savings:
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Your Savings:
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Your Savings:
25% off
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Your Savings:
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Essential Information
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
- Airport transfers and pre and post tour accommodation
Joining your tour in Budapest
Your joining hotel is:
Hotel Flamenco
Tas vezér u. 3-7
1113, Budapest
Hungary
Arriving in Budapest
On arrival at Ferihegi International Airport in Budapest we recommend that you obtain some local currency, the Hungarian forint. There are international ATMs inside the airport, as well as money exchange offices offering a good rate. The rate will always vary slightly depending on where you go and it may be worth changing a small amount of money at the airport for your transport, then finding a bank or money exchange within the town centre.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included in the tour price and must be booked separately in advance through Tucan Travel. If you have booked an airport/hotel transfer with us, please look out for someone with a sign which has your name, Tucan Travel, or both after exiting the customs hall.
If you have booked an arrival transfer with us and you are going to be delayed by more than two hours, you must advise us of the delay at least six hours before arrival. If we are advised in time, we will make every effort to reschedule your transfer and your driver will be asked to wait for two hours after your new expected arrival time. However, if we are not made aware of any change, the driver will only wait for two hours after the original scheduled arrival time and after this point it will be up to you to arrange transport to your hotel at your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency contact address below if you are likely to be delayed.
Making your own way
If you would prefer to make your own way to and from your joining hotel, the Zona taxi company is the only one authorised to run taxis from the stand outside the airport. The fares are fixed by zone and a taxi to the hotel will cost €20-30.
The Airport Minibus service, a shared taxi operation that collects passengers going in the same direction, will take you to or from anywhere in Budapest for HUF 2990 (approximately €10 per person).
The state railway operates a service to the Nyugati Railway Station in central Budapest from a station outside Terminal 1. From Terminal 2 the The 200E bus runs past the station at Terminal 1. This stop is called ‘Ferihegy vasútállomás’. Tickets can be bought from the information desk or vending machines inside the terminal. Tickets cost 365 forints (€1.30)
The bus no. 200E connects to the metro system at Köbánya-Kispest metro station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Tickets can be bought at newspaper vendors inside the airport for 300-400 forints. A separate ticket will be need for the metro and can be bought at the terminal.
Accommodation on tour
This tour uses a variety of hotels, guesthouses and apartments. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the "About this Tour" section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.
Alternative Accommodation
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Twin Share
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room. If you wish to book a double bed, please advice your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
I'd like my own room
If you are a solo traveller, a private room is available on most occasions at an extra cost. This must be booked in advance.
Check-in Time
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
Transport
This tour uses a mixture of public transport and private minivans. The mode of transport is chosen based on schedule and timings, comfort, group size, location and reliability. Transport in Europe is some of the best in the world, with modern coaches and comfortable trains. Some transport will be equipped with WIFI and media facilities, while others will be more basic.
It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. Upon arrival to each city, we might be using trams, metros, subways or walking to the hotel.
Approximate travel times on this trip
The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your Europe tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day.
- Budapest to Eger - 2.5 hours by train
- Eger to Maramures - Full day trip
- Maramures to Sighișoara - 4 hours by private vehicle
- Sighișoara to Brașov - 5 hours in a private vehicle including stops at Viscri and Prejmer Fortified Churches
- Brasov to Bucharest - 3 hours by private vehicle
- Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo - 3.5 hours by private vehicle
- Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia - 3.5 hours by local bus
- Sofia to Plovdiv - 2 hours by local bus
- Plovdiv to Istanbul - 7.5 hours by tourist bus
Public Transport in Europe
We will be making use of metros, buses and trams on this tour. When reaching the hotel or an included excursion, the ticket will be included in your tour cost however you will likely use these modes of transport in your own time too. Tickets are purchased from kiosks near/in the stations and you must validate your ticket in the yellow machines inside the transport. If you do not validate your ticket and an inspector comes on board you are likely to be fined.
Boat Trips and water based activities
This tour includes various locations where boat trips and other water based activities are either included in the tour or available to book as an optional excursion. It is your responsibility to wear life jackets and taking part in these activities is at your own risk.
Luggage and Packing
Luggage
You will be carrying your own luggage on tour. Please limit this to one piece per person plus one day bag.
It is important to bring luggage you can carry and lift comfortably, potentially up several flights of stairs in hotels where elevators are not available and between bus/train stations and hotels.
Packing List
Please consider which season you are travelling in and pack appropriately. All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer.
Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential. There can either be comfortable trainers or walking shoes. You will find you walk a lot in Europe, sometimes on uneven and cobbled streets.
In general, Europe is not as conservative as other regions, and you do not have to worry about keeping your legs or shoulders covered on a day to day basis. However, when visiting religious sites, you will need to cover up. We recommend having long trousers or a sarong to cover up for this.
Clothing
- A lightweight and waterproof jacket
- Jeans/trousers
- Underwear and pyjamas
- T-shirts/tops/shirts
- Shorts/dresses/skirts - depending on season
- Trainers or walking shoes
- Sandals
- Jumper/cardigan/fleece
- Swimwear/sarong/coverup
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Camera and charger
- Worldwide adaptor
- Portable battery pack
- Ipad/tablet/e-reader (great for long journeys!)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small medical kit with paracetamol/plasters
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Insect repellent and bite cream
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash - ideally in bar form
- Antiperspirant/deodorant
Other
- One small day bag
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Cloth bag for shopping
- Ear plugs and sleep mask
Documents
- Passport
- Visas
- Insurance
- Printed copy of your passport
- Printed copy of your emergency contacts numbers
Laundry
Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
Meals and Dietary Requirements
On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the "about your tour" section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In the majority of European cities, there is a huge choice of both local and international restaurants.
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.
Food in Europe differs between countries. In Eastern and Central Europe, the standard diet is mostly meat based. Vegetarians will have options but may find themselves more limited than back home. Vegans and those on a gluten free diet will find it more challenging and you might need to pick up your own supplies at a supermarket.
Money and Budget
Currency
This tour uses a total of 4 different currencies. It is worth bearing in mind that many of the below countries may accept euro but they will give you change in their local currency.
Below are the 4 currencies used on this tour:
- Hungarian Forint
- Romanian Lei
- Bulgarian Lev
- Turkish Lira
Local Payment
The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.
The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.
The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
Cards
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in Europe will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.
Spending Money
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities. In general, Eastern Europe is much cheaper than Western Europe.
Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.
Tipping
Tipping is a big part of European culture, and while it is much more prominent in Western Europe it is still expected in most of the Eastern Europe countries. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Free Walking Tours
Free walking tours are found in almost every destination throughout Europe, especially in the larger cities where you will find a few companies offering the same tour. These are marketed as free walking tours and are designed to provide travellers with local, in depth knowledge of the city. However all free walking tours are tip based (they have to make money somehow, after all!) and so if you wish to join a free walking tour you need to budget in a tip at the end. Depending on how much you enjoyed the tour, anything from 5EUR to 20EUR is appropriate. Leaving a free walking tour that was considered a good tour without tipping is very disrespectful and will only give travellers a bad reputation.
Budget
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund. With so much on offer your budget in Europe can vary a lot, but we suggest a bare minimum of 25EUR per day in Eastern Europe and the Balkans and a minimum of 35EUR per day in Central Europe, Slovenia and Croatia.
Backup Funds
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
Health and Safety
Emergency Contact
If you require urgent assistance prior to meeting your tour please call (+44) 788 7498 617.
Safety in Europe
Europe is generally very safe, even more so in a group. There are a few precautions which you should always take.
- Do not travel with valuables. While phones and cameras are inevitable, leave the expensive jewellery and watches at home.
- Make sure your handbag/daypack has a zip and is closed at all times.
- When in crowded areas and on metros keep your bag on your front.
- Do not walk alone after dark.
- Only use registered taxis and if possible have the hotel phone one for you.
- Do not take out large sums of cash at once and avoid keeping it all in the same place. Only take what you need for the day and leave the rest in a safe. Ideally, take more than one credit/debit card in case one is lost or stolen.
Scams in Europe
Unfortunately there are many common scams occurring regularly across Europe. While these are normally harmless to your personal safety, they can leave you losing money. The most common are people approaching you seemingly offering a gift, to then turn around and ask for money, children distracting you while someone goes through your bag, people pretending to be stranded/lost/mugged and asking you for money or people asking you to sign a fake charity petition, while someone else dips into your pocket. Pickpocket gangs often work in teams, so while one bumps into you and fumbles around apologising, another might be searching for a wallet. These scams are easily avoided by keeping your bag zipped at all times and on your front in crowds, and using your common sense when someone approaches you.
Traffic and crossing the road
Traffic is Europe can be hectic. You should always look both ways before crossing the road, depending on the country they might drive on the other side of the road. Rules on jaywalking can vary between countries, so we suggest always using pedestrian and zebra crossings.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.
Age Restrictions
Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours.
Responsible Travel
As a global tour operator, we understand the importance of running sustainable tours that have as low an impact on the environment as possible. Please read our comprehensive guide here before you travel.
Physical Rating
Physical rating on your tour
The about this tour section will advise you on the physical rating of your chosen tour. This is scored from 1 to 5.
- Relaxing: Sit back and relax on this trip! There are no physically demanding excursions included. You will have to carry your own bags.
- Easy: Some easy physical activities are required on this trip though you won't need to prepare in advance. There may also be more strenuous optional excursions available which may require advanced preparation depending on your level of fitness. You will have to carry your bags, enjoy short walking tours in the heat or at altitude or perhaps travel on cramped public transport.
- Moderate: This trip will get your heart racing with tough one-day or easy multi-day hikes included. A good level of fitness is required to get the most out of the trip. You will have to carry your own bags and travel on cramped public transport.
- Serious: Preparing in advance for this trip will allow you to get the most out of it. Tough multi-day hikes at altitude, having to carry your own bags and travel on public transport all feature but this rating may relate to the length of your tour and the mental endurance needed to get to the end.
- Heart-pumping: Our most difficult physical rating. This trip will get your body moving and heart pumping. Prepare to be challenged both physically and mentally.
Availability & Departures
You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.
Gallery
Extra Services
Budapest Arrival Transfer per vehicle (max 3 persons)
From US$71.00
I'd Like My Own Room
From US$489.00
Single Room (pre tour)
From US$222.00
Twin Room (pre tour per person)
From US$111.00
Double Room (pre tour per person)
From US$111.00
Single Room (post tour)
From US$89.00
Twin Room (post tour per person)
From US$52.00
Double Room (post tour per person)
From US$52.00