Tour d'Afrique Ltd. | Global Bicycle Expeditions, Races and Tours

The 2011 Route

Sections

Into the Orient

Bucharest to Istanbul

Into the Orient
Start: July 15,
Finish: July 24,
Price: €1,550
Distance: 936km
Riding Days: 8 days
Resting Days: 2 days
Feel the Orient drawing steadily closer as we cycle south from Bucharest to Istanbul through some of the least traveled regions of Eastern Europe. You will whiz past horse-drawn carts, observe farmers pitching hay the old fashioned way, and sip strong coffee proffered by curious villagers in rural Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. From Bucharest we head further south, crossing into Bulgaria and then turning east towards the Black Sea, reaching Varna; Bulgaria's third largest city and a summer hotspot for sun seekers. After taking a well-deserved rest along the Black Sea's serene beaches, we continue biking down along the Bulgarian coast; eventually crossing into Turkey. After a few days getting to know the friendly people of Turkey we arrive at our final destination, exotic Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait. The same city, known in antiquity as Byzantine and, later, Constantinople, served as capital, in succession, of three empires. Istanbul remains one of the world's most majestic, enchanting and vibrant cities.We will gather together for a celebratory dinner, to reflect on the epic journey just ended.

Countries: Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey