3-Week Eastern Europe Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Eastern Europe tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffEastern Europe travel expert at TourRadar

• Lower Danube Discovery with Transylvania 2025 - 20 Days

  The grand route through Eastern Europe takes you to Bulgaria's Belogradchik Fortress, Romania's Peles Castle, and Serbia's Iron Gates gorge. Traditional village life, historic monasteries, and medieval towns await. Luxury ship suites provide comfort while cruising from Budapest to Bucharest.

  

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  • Budapest Hungary

  • Budapest Hungary

    66 mi

  • Kalocsa Hungary

    39 mi

  • Mohacs Hungary

    22 mi

  • Pecs Hungary

    17 mi

  • Villany Hungary

    385 mi

  • Bucharest Romania

    87 mi

  • Brasov Romania

    15 mi

  • Bran Romania

    14 mi

  • Sinaia Romania

    70 mi

  • Sighisoara Romania

    42 mi

  • Sibiu Romania

    133 mi

  • Bucharest Romania

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• 18 Days in Eastern Europe, incl. Budapest and Istanbul

  Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria showcase their best over 18 days. Medieval Sighisoara, mysterious Bran Castle, and UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery capture the region's essence. Traditional accommodations enhance authentic local experiences.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Hungary

    Begin in Budapest by exploring the Jewish Quarter at night to experience its ruin bars and authentic Hungarian food. Take a morning train to Eger (3 hours) for wine tasting in the Valley of Beautiful Women. Get to Eger Castle before 10 AM to beat the crowds at this 13th-century fortress.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Maramures Region, Romania

    Take a train and car into Romania's Maramures region (7 hours total). You'll stay with local families in traditional wooden houses and visit the unique 'Merry Cemetery' in Sapanta with its colorful carved crosses telling stories about the deceased. Bring modest clothing for Orthodox church visits.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Transylvania

    Head to medieval Sighisoara (4 hours) where Vlad the Impaler was born. Next stop is the Saxon village of Viscri to experience traditional Romanian village life. 'The homestays were comfortable, and the food was delicious!' says one traveler. The fortified church here is one of Transylvania's oldest.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Brasov

    Stop at Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) on your way to Brasov. Take the cable car up Mt Tampa for great city views. A note about local hotels: 'Some have no AC or elevators - be prepared to carry luggage up 2-3 flights of stairs.' Pack light and wear good walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Bucharest

    Take a morning train (3 hours) to Romania's capital. Visit the Palace of Parliament before 11 AM to avoid crowds. Renting a bike is a great way to see local neighborhoods. The Museum of the Romanian Peasant offers excellent background on local culture.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

    Cross into Bulgaria to explore this historic capital and its Tsarevets Fortress. Try a local wine and cheese tasting to sample unique Bulgarian varieties. Watch your step at the fortress when it's wet.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Sofia & Rila Mountains

    Visit Sofia's Alexander Nevski Church with its golden domes then head to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Continue to Bansko in the Pirin Mountains. Pack layers since mountain weather changes quickly.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Plovdiv

    Take the Rhodope Railway to Plovdiv to see its Roman theater and artistic Kapana district. One visitor notes: 'The walking tours can be hit-or-miss - do some independent research about the historical sites.'

    
  • Days 17-18

    Istanbul

    The journey from Bulgaria to Turkey takes 8+ hours along the historic Tsarigrad Road. Book afternoon transport to avoid morning border crowds. Arrive in Istanbul where Europe meets Asia.

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• 20 Days Eastern Europe River Cruise, incl. Budapest and Bucharest

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Hungary

    Start in Budapest where you can experience both historic thermal baths and lively ruin bars. Board your river ship for welcome drinks as the city lights sparkle at night. Get to the Central Market Hall early before the 8am crowds. One traveler noted: "The morning light streaming through the stained glass windows of the market hall was magical - get there early to watch vendors setting up."

    
  • Days 5-7

    Croatia & Serbia

    Visit Kalocsa, known for its paprika production, then continue to Mohács. Take a cycling trip through Kopački Rit Nature Park in Osijek, Croatia. Remember to bring binoculars to spot white-tailed eagles. The 3-hour trip to Novi Sad offers excellent views of the changing landscape. Plan indoor activities for afternoons since summer temperatures often go above 90°F.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Serbia & Iron Gates

    Visit Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress. One traveler shared about St. Sava Temple: "The acoustics in the crypt during the choir performance gave me goosebumps." Get to the sundeck early for the best views as you pass through the Iron Gates gorge, especially around 11am when you reach the narrowest section.

    
  • Days 11-14

    Bulgaria & Romania

    See Bulgaria's Belogradchik Fortress but wear good shoes for the steep 20-minute climb. Next is Constanta on Romania's Black Sea coast. The central dock location makes it easy to walk around the old town. Take a 3-hour coach ride to Bucharest for a guided tour.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Transylvania

    Travel to medieval Brasov in the Carpathian Mountains. Visit Bran Castle before 10am to avoid peak crowds. A previous visitor suggested: "Skip the crowded castle interior and instead walk the peaceful grounds and fortress walls for the best experience."

    
  • Days 18-20

    Return to Bucharest

    Walk through UNESCO-listed Sighisoara's historic streets. Stop for coffee in Sibiu's main square to see the city's famous "eyes" dormer windows. On the 4-hour drive back to Bucharest, take photos at Cozia Monastery. Finish your journey in Romania's capital.

    

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