Day 1 BudapestGet the adventure underway in Budapest and be greeted by elegant palaces and a bubbly nightlife. Day 2 EgerInvestigate Eger Castle in the lovely Baroque town of the same name. Sample excellent local drops at a wine tasting and perhaps have a singalong with local folk musicians. Days 3-4 MaramuresCall into the attractive city of Debrecen before hopping across the border into Romania. Gain a firsthand experience of peasant culture in provincial Maramures. Day 5 SighisoaraBe spooked by the bloodcurdling myths that surround Transylvania, perhaps enjoying a meal at Casa Dracula or venturing up to the clock tower. Day 6 ViscriArrive in Viscri and learn about the Sock Project, a warming initiative which supports the local community. Dine with a local family and try to pick up a few tidbits of the Romanian language. Days 7-8 BrasovHead to medieval Brasov, a town flanked by mountains and city walls that boast a collection of ornate buildings including the impressive 14th-century Biserica Neagra. Day 9 BucharestTravel on to Bucharest, where a guided tour visits the expansive Piata Unirii Square and prodigious 12-storey Palace of Parliament, supposedly the largest civilian administrative building in the world. Days 10-11 Veliko TarnovoCross the Friendship Bridge into Bulgaria and travel to scenic Veliko Tarnovo. Wander the Tsarevets Fortress that looms impressively over the town, tread the cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter or relax in the cafes or vinarnas and people watch. Day 12 SofiaWalk along tree-lined boulevards in the city of Sofia and see the Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church. At night, why not dive into the happening nightlife. Day 13 Gorno DraglishteJourney into the Rila Mountains and explore the most important of Bulgaria's orthodox monasteries. Join a family as their guests overnight. Days 14-15 BanskoUnwind in charming mehanes (stone taverns) in Bansko and feast on local dishes like filet elena or kapama. Days 16-17 PlovdivTravel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second largest city. In free time, check out the underground crypt at Bachkovo Monastery or visit traditional craft workshops. Wander among Byzantine ruins and be sure to visit the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Day 18 IstanbulArrive in Turkey via overnight train and set off to explore enigmatic Istanbul city. Get happily lost in the Grand Bazaar, visit a Turkish bath, marvel at the awesome Aya Sofia or perhaps take a boat ride up the Bosphorus to cap off the adventure.
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