Istanbul to Vienna

This part of the world has been at the crossroads of civilisations for over 2,000 years and there are reminders everywhere. Thracian tombs and rock carvings, and Roman ruins compete with evidence of the great Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Ancient mosques and churches; palaces, monasteries, medieval castles, fortresses and villages stand next to communist-era mansions, monuments, icons and museums. All embraced by spectacular, varied and unspoilt natural beauty.  

This tour will take you from Istanbul to Vienna passing through Bulgaria and Romania, once rarely-visited destinations. Since the fall of the Iron curtain, and communist dictatorships in 1989, this has all changed. These countries have now emerged from the shadow of communist rule and isolation to offer the visitor a rich tapestry of ruins and archaeological treasures.

This small group tour focusses on how historical influences have shaped five countries. Throughout our tour we will see dramatic reminders of the region’s ancient heritage. We visit magnificent wooden churches and monasteries filled with relics, walk along the cobbled lanes of picturesque villages and admire ancient timber-framed houses. We explore treasure-filled museums and galleries, wander through parks, forests and along beaches. Evenings may be spent ‘watching the world go by’ from cafes and restaurants.

This tour will take you across mountain ranges and through a rural landscape relatively untouched by the modern world. You can look out upon hand-ploughed fields, forests, lakes and the sandy beaches of the Black Sea. These countries also offer a diversity of wildlife, and stunning scenery seen rarely in the rest of Europe.

We will also learn that these countries are not homogeneous societies and offer considerable cultural diversity. Ethnic minorities such as the Roma people (Gypsies) and Germans have a distinct identity.

Think Romania, think Dracula. We visit Bran castle associated with Vlad the Impaler. Although Romania traces its ancestory to the Romans, contemporary fiction associates Transylvania with vampires and other such horrors.

Our program concludes in Vienna, the grand and vibrant Austrian capital. You will be impressed by this global city, today an economic power-house but formerly the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A city with 2,000 years of settlement boasting diverse architectural styles and a range of museums, theatres and cultural attractions. Vienna has been identified as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and you will soon see why.

We will learn that Bulgaria and Romania are not homogeneous societies and offer considerable cultural diversity.  Ethnic minorities such as the Roma people (Gypsies), Magyars and Germans have a distinct nature.

Think Romania, think Dracula. We visit several castles associated with Vlad the Impaler. Although Romania traces its ancestory to the Romans, contemporary fiction associates Transylvania with vampires and other such horrors.  

Our program concludes in Budapest, the vibrant Hungarian capital set on the Danube River. You will be impressed by this global city, today an economic power-house but formerly the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A city with 2,000 years of settlement boasting diverse architectural styles and a range of museums, theatres and cultural institutions. Budapest has been identified as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and you will soon see why.

We will be accompanied throughout the tour by an experienced Tour Leader. Moreover, in all countries, there will be knowledgeable English-speaking local guides to assist in the interpretation and presentation of information.

We travel around the region in comfortable modern coaches and on local trains. We travel at a slow pace with frequent stops.

This program is suited to the active senior, looking for something a little different.

Top 5:

1. Enjoy the majestic atmosphere of Istanbul’s two greatest attractions; the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
2. Descend into a forested valley to 14^th century Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe 300 Monk cells, four levels of spectacular balconies and 1,200 murals.
3. Stroll through Plovdiv village, Europe’s longest continually inhabited urban centre. Walk along cobbled streets flanked by Ottoman-era buildings and soak up the Bohemian atmosphere of a by-gone age.
4. Heard of ‘Dracula’? Visit 14^th century Bran Castle, made famous by notorious Vlad the Impaler. Timidly explore the ‘vampire’ Count’s residence.
5. Admire grand palaces, once home to the Hapsburg monarchy, and explore the treasures of Vienna’s famous Museums’ Quarter

Inclusions/Exclusions

What’s included in our tour

• 24 nights of hotel accommodation
• Twin share accommodation with private facilities
• 24 breakfasts, 3 dinners and 1 lunch
• One folklore show
• Touring in best available air-conditioned coaches
• All transfers and porterage (one bag per person)
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours with English speaking guides including all entrance fees throughout
• Tipping as required
• Services of a Program Leader

What’s not included in our tour

• International airfares and departure taxes
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls and laundry
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Visas are not required for New Zealand or Australian citizens visiting Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any requests for further information about this tour.