Jewels of Romania, Bulgaria & Turkey

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply

• 19 nights of 3 to 5-star hotel accommodation
• 2 nights in a traditional Romanian family-run guesthouse

• Enjoy 24 meals including a traditional Romanian welcome dinner

• English-speaking tour leader and guides
• All entrance fees and local taxes
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location (see checkout for details)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary (see checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)
• Guaranteed Airline: Fly with a guaranteed airline (see checkout for details)

Today depart for Bucharest, Romania.

Please note: Some flights may depart early morning on Day 2 and arrive on Day 2.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival in Bucharest, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Central or similar, Bucharest

Meals included: None

Today you'll enjoy a full-day city tour of Bucharest, starting with a panoramic drive around the main sights such as the Arch of Triumph, Victoria Square and Victoria Avenue. You'll then enjoy a guided visit to the Village Museum before having lunch (not included) and taking a guided tour through the beautiful old town area where sights such as Manuc’s Inn and the Princely Court are located. Afterwards, you'll transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before a traditional welcome dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Central or similar, Bucharest

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, check out and depart Bucharest, headed for the Transylvanian city of Brasov. On your approximately 270-kilometre travel day, you'll stop at Sinaia where you'll visit the magnificent Peles Castle which is the former summer residence of the Romanian Royal family as well as the Sinaia Monastery. You'll then continue to the beautiful city of Brasov which is ringed by the stunning Carpathian Mountains.

Upon arrival, visit one of the most famous sights in all of Romania, Bran Castle which is also known as Dracula’s Castle. Here you'll join your local guide for a tour of the castle before spending time in the shopping area next to the castle where you can pick up local souvenirs and taste locally made products, such as plum brandy (palinka) and various types of hams and cheese. Afterwards enjoy a guided tour of Brasov, beginning with a walk in the Old Town area, where you can see the Black Church and the Council Square.

Overnight: Hotel Coroana Brasovului or similar, Brasov

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll head for the Transylvanian city of Sibiu which was once an important craft, cultural and trading centre of the German communities in Transylvania. Today parts of the old fortifications remain and many of the medieval houses within the walls are historical monuments. Enjoy a walking tour of the three main squares in the old town before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximate 150-kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel My Continental or similar, Sibiu

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you'll check out of the hotel and travel towards northern Romania to the city of Sighisoara which is located on the Tarnava Mare River and is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. On the way, you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Biertan Fortified Church. Upon arrival in Sighisoara, enjoy a guided walking tour in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Old Town area where you can admire the narrow cobblestone paved streets that are bordered by colourful houses, the different churches around and the Covered Stairway or the Stag House.

Overnight: Hotel Casa Wagner or similar, Sighisoara

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you'll enjoy a scenic drive through the Carpathian mountains on an approximately 275 kilometre travel day. Along the way, you'll enjoy the Red Lake which was created following the collapse of a slope due to an 1838 earthquake, as well as the impressive Bicaz Gorges. The 8-kilometres of ravines, often in serpentines with rock on one side and a sheer drop on the other, make for one of the most spectacular drives. In the afternoon you'll check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Best Western Bucovina or similar, Gura Humorulu area

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a full day spent exploring the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed monasteries of Voronet and Sucevita. This Voronet Monastery is also known as the ‘the Sistine Chapel of the East’ due to its splendid frescoes however it was built in just a couple of months in 1488 by Stephen the Great, the most popular prince of Moldavia. This was a common practice of the prince who promoted an architecture known as the Moldavian style and many of the churches built this way are still preserved to this day in the regions of Moldavia and Bucovina. You'll find exquisite testimonies of the painters’ talent as the distinct ‘Voronet blue’ colour is unique in the world due to its composition being almost impossible to replicate today.

Afterwards, you'll travel onwards to a local black pottery workshop in the nearby village of Marginea where you will discover the ancient art of egg painting. Painted Easter eggs are art objects in Romania, a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, using dazzling combinations of symbols and colours.

Overnight: Hotel Best Western Bucovina or similar, Gura Humorulu area

Meals included: Breakfast

Leaving lower Bukovina, you will move on to the upper Bistrita River where you will have a chance to experience the traditional knitting that's on the ‘pui’ (local houses in Ciocanesti). Afterwards, you'll head to the beautiful region of Maramures which is known as ‘the land of the timber’. Maramures hosts several villages known for their 18th-century oak churches with shingled roofs and carved wood gates to local households that boast ancient motifs and picturesque patterns. Upon arrival in the small village of Vadu Izei, check into a traditional family-run Romanian guesthouse where you will stay for the next two days. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 245-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Pensiunea Casa Ancuța or similar, Vadu Izei Area

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today you'll have the chance to visit a local market, the brightly-coloured Sapanta Merry Cemetery and discover more of the region’s iconic wooden architecture after an approximately 245-kilometre travel day. You'll then have the opportunity to make a comparison between the heritage wooden churches of Ieud and Poienile Izei, respectively the newer Barsana Monastery that is complete with its great layout and symbiosis with the natural background.

Overnight: Pensiunea Casa Ancuța or similar, Vadu Izei Area

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Crossing back into Transylvania on an approximately 170-kilometre you can enjoy a visit to the town of Baia Mare, located along the Săsar River in northwestern Romania. Here you can stop by the old city centre and see the 14th-century Gothic-style clock tower before finishing the day in Cluj-Napoca, a city in north-western Romania and the historic capital of the Transylvanian region.

Cluj is a vibrant cultural and education centre with a dynamic economy as the city has the highest ratio of students to the total number of residents due to its seven state and three private universities. Here you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city, among the historic monuments you will see the house in which King Matthias I Corvinus of Hungary was born and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Michael, while the pedestrian area and the wide Eroilor Avenue are bordered by interesting heritage buildings.

Overnight: Hotel Capitolina or similar, Cluj-Napoca

Meals included: Breakfast

Following the foothills of the Western Carpathians on an approximately 110-kilometre travel day, you'll make a stop in Rimetea which is a traditional and greatly preserved village of ethnic Hungarians, beautifully located at the foot of the dramatic Piatra Secuiului cliffs. Having admired the fine and perfectly aligned houses here, you will then carry on to Alba Iulia.

This is one of the oldest settlements in Romania however the site was originally selected by the Romans for a military camp. From 1542 to 1690, Alba Iulia was the capital of the Transylvanian Principality but the city now hosts an impeccably restored 18th-century fortress you will enjoy walking across. In the afternoon, wander around another great Transylvanian jewel, the magnificent Gothic-Renaissance Hunyadi Castle. This is one of the largest castles in Europe, built in 1446 it has three large areas including the Knight's Hall, the Diet Hall and the circular stairway that will have you standing in awe.

Overnight: Hotel Sarmis or similar, Deva

Meals included: Breakfast

Heading south of Deva, in the Hunedoara region between the mountains, you'll enjoy a scenic drive and see the dramatic Jiu Gorges before arriving in the town of Targu Jiu which was formerly a Roman settlement. Here you can admire the masterpieces of the famous sculptor Constantin Brancusi, considered one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century and a pioneer of modernism, he is often referred to as the patriarch of modern sculpture. Take a few moments to see his great 'Column of the Infinity' and his monumental 'Gate of the Kiss' which was built to honour soldiers, as well as the 'Table of Silence' which you can draw comparisons to the Last Supper.

Afterwards, you'll continue your journey as you cross the vast Danubian Plains and the River Danube into Bulgaria on an approximately 330-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Dunav or similar, Vidin

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you'll stop by the city of Vidin, near the site of an old Celtic settlement called Dunonia which was founded back in the 3rd century BC and fortified by the Romans. You'll continue your journey towards the stunning Belogradchik Fortress, built at the foot of the finger-like cliffs off Belogradchik during the time when the region was part of the Roman Empire. The rock formations in the area served as a natural protection as the yard is surrounded by rocks up to 70 metres high. While reconstructed today, Belogradchik Fortress is one of the most amazing places to be in the country (entrance included).

In the late afternoon, you'll arrive in Bulgaria's capital city of Sofia before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 220-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Zoo Hotel Sofia or similar, Bulgaria

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning enjoy a half-day guided tour of Sofia which includes a panoramic sightseeing drive, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Boyana Church and a walk that will explore the major sights Sofia has to offer. You'll have the chance to see the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, Parliament, the Russian church, the Presidential Palace, St. George’s Rotonda and visit the Archaeology Museum in Sofia (entrance included) before enjoying the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Zoo Hotel Sofia or similar, Sofia

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a day trip today from Sofia to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery. Founded by the 10th-century patron saint of the Bulgarians, John of Rila, it’s considered one of Bulgaria’s holiest sites. This architectural masterpiece played an essential role in Bulgarian cultural preservation throughout the Middle Ages and well into the 19th century when exquisite restoration work produced frescoes and icons by prominent masters. You'll then return to Sofia in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 115-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Zoo Hotel Sofia or similar, Sofia

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll head to Veliko Tarnovo, a medieval capital and the cultural centre of the Second Bulgarian Empire. On the way, you'll stop at the traditional village of Arbanasi for a walking tour to discover this small medieval place that was an architectural gem of the 1600s and 1700s, brought to prominence by the patronage of an Ottoman sultan. This is where rich and powerful merchants of the past lived out their lives so you can catch a glimpse of the Konstantsalieva House, home to one of the wealthiest merchants of the 18th century and discover the Nativity Church which was built at a time when Christian architecture in Bulgaria was heavily restricted by the Ottomans. You'll then continue your journey to the old picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo after an approximately 240-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Meridian Bolyasrki or similar, Veliko Tarnovo

Meals included: Breakfast

Take part in a guided tour of the Old Town area where you’ll find delightful handicraft shops offering demonstrations of icon painting, woodcarving, textile arts and traditional metalworking. You can take the opportunity to savour a cup of Turkish coffee brewed over hot sand (not included), just as it was done in times long past, or visit the Tsarevets Fortress.

In the afternoon enjoy a scenic journey that will take you over the Shipka Pass to the area known as 'The Valley of Roses'. Upon arrival at one of the oldest cities in Europe, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure after an approximately 225-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Alliance or similar, Plovdiv

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll enjoy a guided tour of Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria. You will have the chance to visit the town's landmarks and uncover its rich history, starting with a walk in the Old Town which is an architectural reserve with lovely examples of Bulgarian Renaissance architecture. You'll then visit Kîyumdzioglu House which houses the city’s Ethnographic museum before walking to the Roman Amphitheatre which is beautifully preserved and still used as the cultural heart of Plovdiv. Continue with a walk down to the 14th-century Djumaya Mosque and past the Roman Stadium in the middle of a charming pedestrian street where more examples of 19th and 20th-century houses, parks and fountains as well as lively cafes and cosy restaurants await.

In the afternoon, travel towards the coast to the peninsular UNESCO historic town of Nessebar. Situated on a rocky peninsula on the Black Sea, the more than 3,000-year-old site of Nessebar has an abundance of historic churches, buildings and a complex fortress wall. Upon arrival check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure after an approximately 280-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Capri or similar, Nessebar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour along the cobbled streets of the old town in Nessebar which is lined with ruins such as Byzantine-era fortifications and baths. Afterwards head to Sozopol, a town founded in the 7th century BC by Greek colonists. The town established itself as a trade and naval centre in the following centuries and became one of the largest and richest Greek colonies in the Black Sea region. Nowadays, you can admire its typical wooden houses, the Greek and Roman relics, as well as the medieval fortification ruins. You'll then drive over the Strandzha forested hills and arrive in Istanbul, Turkey, after an approximately 385-kilometre travel day.

Optional Activity: Bosphorus Cruise & Show - $150 AUD Per Person

Join a Bosphorus Cruise with oriental dance shows, dinner and unlimited local drinks including alcoholic beverages. You will enjoy cruising between Europe and Asia on the water with magnificent panoramic scenery of the Bosphorus lit up at night. You will also enjoy transportation with a professional guide escort from and to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel La Quinta or similar, Istanbul

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you will be picked up from the hotel for a day tour of old Istanbul city. The first stop will be the ancient Hippodrome which was the scene of chariot races before visiting the 16th century Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, otherwise known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Your next visit will be to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque which was previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, it's the greatest surviving example of Byzantine Architecture and for over a thousand years was once the largest church in the world.

Afterwards, you'll head for the Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries which houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain. Here you'll also find robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury and the Holy Mantle enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. After lunch, you will be taken to the Grand Spice Bazaar where you'll find exotic spices and herbs, Turkish baklava, Turkish delights, Turkish coffee, nuts and fruits, ceramic handicrafts, evil eyes totems, all-natural olive oil, soaps and many other souvenirs.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Please note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour is on one of these days, a visit to the Underground Cistern will take place instead of the Topkapi Palace Museum.

Overnight: La Quinta Hotel or similar, Istanbul

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy a free day at leisure to explore Istanbul before choosing to take part in an optional farewell dinner.

Optional Activity: Farewell Dinner at Famous Kumkapi District Downtown - $150 AUD Per Person

Join a farewell party at the most lively district of Kumkapi which is full of live entertainment and great traditional Turkish cuisine. Enjoy fresh seafood served with classic Turkish raki while local singers entertain you with their clarinets and drums. This also includes drinks and transportation with a professional guide escort to and from the hotel.

Overnight: La Quinta Hotel or similar, Istanbul

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, be transferred to the airport for your return flight home after this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 days later.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.
 
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
 
On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.
 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.
 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with. We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
 
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 
 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 9th October 2024.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $2,200 applies.
Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.
 
Departure Dates
2024
May: 2, *30
August: *7
September: *4
October: 9
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Surcharges
Please note:
• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $450 per person.
 

Departure Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, *Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Auckland

 
Departure City Surcharges
*Brisbane: $100 per person
*Adelaide: $200 per person
*Auckland: $400 per person
 
International Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Airlines: Qatar, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Lufthansa, Etihad, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia and airline partners (subject to availability).
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.
 
Missed Flights
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.
 
Guaranteed Airline Surcharge
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Qatar: $300 per person 
• Emirates: $500 per person
• Singapore Airlines: $800 per person
Please note:
• Guaranteed airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased guaranteed airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the guaranteed airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Guaranteed airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.
 
Arrive Early Options
Bucharest, Romania - $300 per person.
High season dates range up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season arrive early can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024
1st June 2024 - 14th August 2024
23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
 
Stay Behind Options
Istanbul, Turkey - $300 per person.
High season dates: up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season stay behind can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024
1st June 2024 - 14th August 2024
23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
 
Stopover Packages
* Doha
Twin share: $1000 per person/one way
Solo Traveller: $1500 one way
* Dubai
Twin share: $1000 per person/one way
Solo Traveller: $1500 one way
* Singapore
Twin share: $1200 per person/one way
Solo Traveller: $1800 one way
Includes:
• 2 nights in 4-star accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Return airport transfers
Please note:
• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used.
• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind.
• Stopover packages are subject to availability.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased guaranteed airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the guaranteed airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
- Singapore Taylor Swift Concert: 01 - 10 March 2024
- Doha MotoGP: 06 - 12 March 2024
- Singapore Grand Prix: 18 - 24 September 2024
- Doha Grand Prix: 28 November - 02 December 2024
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (for Dubai): 04 December - 10 December 2024
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

Accommodation Used

3 & 5-Star Properties (Self-Rated)

• Bucharest, Romania: Hotel Central 

• Brasov, Romania: Hotel Coroana Brasovului

• Sibiu, Romania: Hotel My Continental

• Sighisoara, Romania: Hotel Casa Wagner

• Gura Humorului Area, Romania: Best Western Bucovina

• Sighetu Marmatiei Area, Romania: Pensiunea Casa Ancuța

• Cluj-Napoca, Romania: Hotel Capitolina

• Deva, Romania: Hotel Sarmis 

• Vidin, Bulgaria: Hotel Dunav

• Sofia, Bulgaria: Zoo Hotel Sofia

• Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria: Hotel Meridian Bolyasrki

• Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Hotel Alliance

• Nessebar Area, Bulgaria: Hotel Capri

• Istanbul, Turkey: La Quinta Hotel

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

 
Extra Nights
Not available at check-out.
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour.
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 12 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available.
 
Bedding Configuration
Twin or Double Bedding (subject to availability). 
 

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 38 per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours/Activities
• Day 20: Welcome Dinner on Bosphorus Cruise with Show (Turkey): $150 AUD per person
• Day 22: Farewell Dinner at Famous Kumkapi District Downtown (Turkey): $150 AUD per person
Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions.
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.
 

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer 
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• City taxes (Turkey)
• Travel insurance
 

CITY TAXES
Turkey
€1-2 per person, per night payable upon check-in to your hotels in Turkey.
Please note: Pricing is an approximate and subject to change.
 
TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group.
 
Tour Leader
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined.
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Romania & Bulgaria
The best time to visit the Balkans is from April to December when the weather is pleasant for enjoying the coast and the inland attractions from Greece to Serbia. Spring and autumn offer breathtaking views across the diverse region, and the weather is ideal for cultural trips to the historic sites that have been home to numerous empires. 
Romania and Bulgaria have a temperate continental climate with moderate features which is characteristic of Central Europe. with hot summers, long, cold winters and very distinct seasons. Abundant snowfalls may occur throughout the country from December to mid-March.
Summers are hot and busy in the Balkan countries. From June to August, the coastal paradises of Dubrovnik and Kotor are bustling with life. It is a great time to witness memorable music and art festivals in iconic cities and spend warm evenings surrounded by spectacular architecture.
May is when temperatures really begin to climb and the summer season truly begins. The town and ports are filling up with tourists, restaurants and bars are alive, museums open and extend their hours and the weather triumphs it all by warming up considerably. Average temperatures reach a very pleasant high of around 21°C and reach a low of a very manageable 11°C.
 
Istanbul
Temperatures in May-October are between 22 and 30°C.
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.
 
COACH TOUR
Meals
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required
A leisurely level of fitness will be required. Leisurely is described as light walking on well-maintained surfaces, occasional climbing of stairs and ability to get on and off vehicles without assistance and stand for a minimum of 30 minutes in hot/humid conditions. A general level of fitness and mobility.
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
 
Gratuities / Tipping
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is €5-7 per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 
Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.
 

Europe

A tourist visa is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian Passport. You will be able to start your e-Visa application process once you receive your final travel documentation 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Important: 

• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Please note: 

• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

 

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

 
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.