Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: London & Finishing: London

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 - Starting: London & Finishing: Paris

Board the famous Eurostar train for the journey through the Chunnel to Paris. Enjoy an orientation walk and free time to visit the Eiffel Tower, dozens of museums, Luxembourg Garden, wander the banks of the Seine or sip wine and eat cheese at a sidewalk café like a local.

Day 3 - Starting: Paris & Finishing: Paris

The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Rodin Museum are all worth a visit. Stop by Notre Dame or Sacre Coeur to add some spirituality to your day. Shop on the Champs-Élysées or explore the Left Bank.

Day 4 - Starting: Paris & Finishing: Lausanne

Take a morning TGV train to Lausanne, Switzerland. Spend the afternoon in this charming town.

Day 5 - Starting: Lausanne & Finishing: Zermatt

Board another train for the journey to Zermatt, a tiny village in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy the afternoon in the car-free centre or hiking in the nearby mountains.

Day 6 - Starting: Zermatt & Finishing: Chur

Board the Glacier Express for a slow and stunning ride through the Alps. Pass meadows, rushing streams, bridges, villages and massive mountains as the train heads towards Chur. Arrive in the evening after a full day of soaking in the scenery.

Day 7 - Starting: Chur & Finishing: Munich

Take a full day to reach Munich, in the heart of Bavaria. Arrive in time for an optional evening out at a local brewery with a few steins of beer and some typical German fare.

Day 8 - Starting: Munich & Finishing: Munich

Explore the city or head further afield to visit Füssen and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

Day 9 - Starting: Munich & Finishing: Salzburg

Visit the concentration camp of Dachau, right outside the city centre. Learn of the atrocities of war and the triumph of the human spirit. Return to the city for a short train ride to Salzburg, Austria. This charming city is brimming with history and character. Known for the nearby salt mines, Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg has plenty to pack into a day and a half.

Day 10 - Starting: Salzburg & Finishing: Salzburg

Make the most of a free day in Salzburg. Opt to visit the salt mines or take the famous Sound of Music tour.

Day 11 - Starting: Salzburg & Finishing: Vienna

Continue by train to Vienna. Opt to visit the famous opera house, join a city tour or visit world-class museums.

Day 12 - Starting: Vienna & Finishing: Budapest

Journey by train to Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube'. The city, split into Buda and Pest by the river, retains its eastern charm with Buda Castle and Turkish-style thermal baths. Depending on arrival time, opt to visit some city sights or soak in one of the famous baths.

Day 13 - Starting: Budapest & Finishing: Budapest

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Day 14 - Starting: Budapest & Finishing: Sibiu

Continue exploring Budapest before an overnight train to Sibiu.

Day 15 - Starting: Sibiu & Finishing: Sighișoara

Explore Sighisoara's medieval walled citadel with its cultural attractions and great restaurants and bars. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the area. Take in the beautiful rolling scenery and visit medieval villages and fortified churches. 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 16 - Starting: Sighișoara & Finishing: Braşov

Enjoy charming Brasov. Opt to explore the 'Black Church' or enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafés. Walk in the medieval centre, one of the best preserved in Romania.

Day 17 - Starting: Braşov & Finishing: Braşov

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 18 - Starting: Braşov & Finishing: 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 19 - Starting: Bucharest & Finishing: Veliko Tarnovo

Enjoy this charming town and opt to visit the Tsarevets Fortress just outside the city.

Day 20 - Starting: Veliko Tarnovo & Finishing: Veliko Tarnovo

Hike to the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo. Opt to go mountain biking or view the murals at the Church of the Nativity.

Day 21 - Starting: Veliko Tarnovo & Finishing: Sofia

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 22 - Starting: Sofia & Finishing: Plovdiv

Opt to relax over coffee and a Bulgarian baklava, a specialty of the area.

Day 23 - Starting: Plovdiv & Finishing: Istanbul

Spend the day exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an overnight train to Istanbul.

Day 24 - Starting: Istanbul & Finishing: Istanbul

After getting the lay of the land with a local guide, spend some free time visiting all you can in this eclectic city straddling two continents. In the evening, there are plenty of cool little bars and restaurants to celebrate the end of an amazing journey over a raki or two.

Day 25 - Starting: Istanbul & Finishing: Istanbul

We highly recommend you book post-accommodation to fully enjoy this vibrant city.

More Information

What’s Included

Eurostar ride through the Chunnel. Paris orientation walk. TGV train. Lausanne orientation walk. Zermatt stay. The Glacier Express train with lunch onboard. Dachau tour (Munich). Salzburg orientation walk. Vienna orientation walk. Budapest orientation walk. Romanian villages and countryside tour (half-day, from Sighisoara). ‘Dracula’s Castle’ (Bran). Bucharest orientation tour. Hike to Arbanasi village. Sofia orientation walk. Istanbul city tour with local guide. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Travel across Europe by train, explore tiny villages and big capital cities, soak in gorgeous Alpine scenery from the window of the Glacier Express, sample cuisine across different countries, get spooked at ‘Dracula’s Castle’.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Important Notes

1. RAMADAN
Depending on the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between June 18th and July 17th, 2015. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan in Muslim areas, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can’t at that time.

2. YOUR CEO
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.

3. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.

4. CUISINE
Vegetarians should be aware that the cuisine on the eastern portion of this trip on is predominantly meat-based. Although you will be able to find and enjoy vegetarian food, please be aware that there will not be the variety or range of choices that you would find at home.

5. PLOVDIV TO ISTANBUL TRAIN
The train from Plovdiv to Istanbul will occasionally be out of service. As we can never predict exactly when this will happen, we substitute an overnight bus on that last leg when necessary.

6. COMBO
Please note that this is a combo of 2 G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or travel companions may depart the tour in Budapest. Likewise, new travellers may join the tour in Budapest and continue on for the duration.

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport

Train, public bus, metro, walking.

About our Transportation

Intercity transport on this trip will be by train unless otherwise noted. The train systems in Europe are generally good, with seat reservations and toilet/snack facilities on longer journeys. You will notice trains run according to the schedule more stringently in some regions and not-so-stringently in others. Pack a book, some music and your sense of adventure.

Please note that you MUST be comfortable carrying your own luggage as there will be a lot of up and down stairs on this trip due to the nature of station layouts in Europe (very few are equipped with escalators or elevators). Between public transport and hotels you may be required to carry your luggage short distances (up to 15 mins walk), in larger cities you may travel by metro or city bus, and occasionally the group will take taxis to and from hotels.

Solo Travellers

Accommodation

Hotels/pensions (22 nts), overnight train (2 nts).

About Accommodation

It is important to note that accommodation in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but houses of the rich, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather “thin” walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head.

On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.

Staff can occasionally demonstrate less than perfect customer service. As accommodation is in short supply, especially during the summer months, hotels can charge a premium and there is sometimes little motivation to improve facilities.

In one or two locations on the Budapest to Istanbul portion we use accommodation with shared bathrooms.

Joining Hotel

Kings Cross Inn
9-11 Euston Road
London
UK
2078339510

Joining Instructions

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us), please make your way to the joining hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon). Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

If you have pre-arranged an arrival transfer, look for the driver holding a G Adventures sign in the arrivals hall. Please approach them, and ask them who they are supposed to be picking up (do not tell them your name, they should have this information already). Once they give you the correct name, have your passport ready to show them and you will be on your way!

Arrival Complications

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures UK office (manned UK 8am – 8pm)
+44 (0) 2072439878

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from within UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from within Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from within Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from within New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

For absolute emergencies after office hours please contact +44 7817 262559
If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

What to Take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We highly recommend using a backpack or light sports bag, whichever you find easiest to carry, plus a small daypack. Luggage space on public transport is limited. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them between transport and hotels (max. 15-20 mins walking), hopping on and off trains and public buses and up and down stairs.

Checklist

Suggested Items:
-Weather-appropriate clothing
•Light fleece top
•Light windproof/waterproof jacket
•Small towel and swimwear
•Sun hat
•Sturdy walking shoes or boots with good grip
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Money belt
-First-aid kit
-Rehydration powder
-Insect Repellent

-Day pack
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-Personal Entertainment
-Binoculars
-Waterproof backpack cover

Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•EUR cash
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your CEO where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Spending Money

Money Exchange

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work – check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros and cards is best.

Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

For this trip you will be in regions using the British Pound (GBP), Euro (EUR), Swiss Francs (CHF), Hungarian Forint (HUF), Romanian New Leu (RON), Bulgarian Lev (BGN) and the Turkish Lira (TRY).

Emergency Fund

Tipping

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2 for snacks or 10% of a meal bill). Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €20-25 per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

Your local guide or CEO will recommend different optional activities, feel free to ask him/her for more information.

Paris:
Eiffel Tower – €8-€13
Louvre Museum – €9
Musee d’Orsay – €8
Palace of Versailles – €13.5
Palace of Versailles Gardens – free
Arc de Triomphe – €9
Catacombs – €7
Notre Dame towers -€8
Centre Pompidou – €12
Napoleon’s Tomb – €8
Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie – €7.5
Picasso Museum – €6.5
Rodin Museum – €6
Da Vinci Code walking tour – €20
Bike Tour – €24

All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Health

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Safety and Security

Trip Specific Safety

Always keep an eye on your belongings especially in major cities, bus and train terminals.

Medical Form

A Couple of Rules

Travel Insurance

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Feedback

Newsletter

Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Max Pax

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Eiffel Tower Visit -
• Luxembourg Garden Visit -
• Walk Along the Seine River -

Day 3 Optional Activities

• Musée Rodin Visit -
• Champs-Élysées Visit -
• Sacre Coeur Visit -
• The Louvre Visit -
• Musée d'Orsay Visit -
• Eiffel Tower Visit -
• Luxembourg Garden Visit -
• Walk Along the Seine River -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne Visit -

Day 5 Optional Activities

• Hiking -

Day 7 Optional Activities

• Hofbräuhaus Visit -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Neuschwanstein Castle Visit -
• Füssen Visit -

Day 9 Optional Activities

• Salzburg Old Town Visit -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• Salzburg Salt Mines Visit -
• Sound of Music Tour -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Vienna State Opera House Visit -
• Belvedere Gallery Visit -

Day 12 Optional Activities

• Buda Castle Visit -
• Thermal Baths Visit -

Day 13 Optional Activities

• Buda Castle Visit -
• Thermal Baths Visit -
• Budapest Bike Tour -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Buda Castle Visit -
• Budapest Bike Tour -
• Thermal Baths Visit -

Day 15 Optional Activities

• Clock Tower Visit -
• The Church of the Dominican Monastery Visit -
• The History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie) -
• Casa Dracula (Vlad Dracul Restaurant) -

Day 16 Optional Activities

• Black Church (Biserica Neagră) Visit -

Day 17 Optional Activities

• Brasov History Museum -
• Tampa Mountain Visit -
• Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) Visit -
• Schei District Visit -
• Art Museum (Muzeul de Arta) -

Day 18 Optional Activities

• National Village Museum Visit -
• Arch of Triumph Visit -
• National History Museum Visit -
• Palace of the Parliament Visit -

Day 19 Optional Activities

• Tsarevets Fortress Visit -

Day 20 Optional Activities

• Nativity Church Visit -
• Mountain Biking -

Day 21 Optional Activities

• Vitosha Boulevard Visit -
• St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Visit -
• Ladies' Market Visit -

Day 22 Optional Activities

• Plovdiv Old Town Visit -
• Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum Visit -
• Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis Visit -

Day 23 Optional Activities

• Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis Visit -
• Plovdiv Old Town Visit -
• Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum Visit -

Day 24 Optional Activities

• Blue Mosque Visit -
• Aya Sofya Visit -
• Topkapi Palace Visit -
• Spice Bazaar Visit -

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