Quick Details
Full trip (19-23 November 2026)
ESNcard
€ 167
no ESNcard
€ 177
Meet us there (20-22 November 2026)
ESNcard
€ 89
no ESNcard
€ 99
Istanbul Bound with ESN Bulgaria
We’re crossing borders with ESN Bulgaria to discover Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia. Stunning mosques, vibrant bazaars and epic nights out, this trip has it all!
It comes with two easy packages, so there are no excuses. Depart with us from Sofia or Plovdiv, or meet us directly in Istanbul. All you need to do is pack your bags.
Choose your package
- Full package: €167 ESNcard holder / €177 no ESNcard. 5 days, Thursday 19 to Monday 23 November. Overnight bus from Sofia or Plovdiv to Istanbul and back, plus 2 nights in a city-centre hotel.
- Meet us there: €89 ESNcard holder / €99 no ESNcard. Join the group in Istanbul on Friday 20 November and head home independently on Sunday 22 November. Same 2 hotel nights and program, no bus.
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Day 1 | Thursday 19 November
Bags packed, crew ready. We leave Bulgaria and ride overnight to Istanbul. Get comfy and grab some sleep, the city’s waiting.
Departure Sofia approx. 23:00
Departure Plovdiv approx. 01:00
The exact departure time will be communicated by email 2 weeks before departure.Day 2 | Friday 20 November
Good morning, Istanbul. We arrive in the morning, drop our luggage at the hotel and head straight out to explore the Galata area. In the evening, the Istanbul nights begin. Today the “meet us there” travellers join the bus groups!Day 3 | Saturday 21 November
Time to cross the bridge to Sultanahmet. Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque and much more: the city’s big classics, all to explore. Then another evening out in Istanbul.Day 4 | Sunday 22 November
Check-out day. You’ve got a few last hours to explore Istanbul at your own pace and pick up some souvenirs. In the evening, we board the bus for the overnight ride back to Bulgaria. Before leaving, say bye to the “meet us there” travellers, who make their way home independently.Day 5 | Monday 23 November
Back in Bulgaria in the morning. Tired, happy and with a few new travel mates in your contacts. -
Full package (from Sofia or Plovdiv)
- Round trip from Sofia and Plovdiv to Istanbul (overnight bus on 19 November and 22 November)*
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Istanbul city centre for 2 nights
- Breakfast at the hotel on Saturday and Sunday
- Exploring Istanbul city centre with ESN
- ESN staff coordinating the trip and assisting the group
- Night social program
- Daily program and activities with ESN Turkey
- Optional activities as add-ons, to personalise your trip as you like
*Not included for the meet us there ticket. Meet us there travellers make their own way to and from Istanbul.
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Istanbul city tour with professional local guide: €10
Add this optional to get to know the city and its culture up close. Highly recommended for the full Istanbul experience! Choose it when you book.
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We do not have a cancellation policy for this trip. You can resell your tickets to someone else.