Best Europe Tours from Istanbul

Welcome to a seamless journey from Istanbul to the heart of Europe, and get ready to discover the diverse cultures and styles of different European countries.

Getting from Istanbul to Europe

You must be thinking about how to go to Europe from Istanbul? Whether you prefer the scenic route or the quickest route, you have a variety of convenient ways to travel.

By Train

Traveling to Europe by train from Istanbul is a unique experience. While direct high-speed rail is still under development, you can connect to the European rail network. The Bosphorus Express can take you from Istanbul (Halkalı) to Sofia, Bulgaria, and on to Bucharest, Romania. There are no direct trains to cities further afield in Europe, and transfers can take more time.

By Bus

Of course, there is also the option of buses from Istanbul to Europe. Companies like FlixBus and Arda Tur offer routes connecting Istanbul to various European cities. Usually, you need to change buses in Sofia, Bulgaria. Bus travel is also the most affordable way to travel from Istanbul to Europe.

By Plane

This is the fastest way to travel from Istanbul to popular European cities. Istanbul's airports (Istanbul Airport - IST and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport - SAW) offer numerous flights to major European cities, including Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and many more. For example, the fastest flight to Amsterdam is 3 hours and 35 minutes, to Paris is 3 hours and 40 minutes, and to Frankfurt is 3 hours and 5 minutes.

By Cruise

Cruise from Istanbul to Europe. There are several routes through the Mediterranean Sea, visiting Greece, Italy, Spain, and other countries along the way.

Closest European Cities to Istanbul

Sofia and Plovdiv in Bulgaria, and Bucharest in Romania are the closest major European capitals, and can be reached directly by car, train, or bus. The Turkish city of Edirne is very close to the Greece and Bulgaria borders, and it is also an important entry point for road and train travel from Europe.

Must-See Attractions in Europe

These European city attractions are popular options for getting from Istanbul to Europe.

● Ankara, Turkey: This is Turkey's metropolis and also an art center. Here, you can head to Ankara Castle as a spot to see the cityscape. Or head to Keçiören Falls to see this artificial waterfall.

● Antalya, Turkey: This is a coastal city and a famous vacation destination. There are many beaches to choose from, including Lara Beach, which has full facilities and clean water. Yavuz Ozcan Park has a unique view of the cliffs and the ability to observe the sea from a high point.

● Sofia, Bulgaria: As the capital city, this ancient city has many historic attractions. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an iconic neo-Byzantine cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, and it will amaze with its exuberant decorations. Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval frescoes dating back to the 13th century.

● Athens, Greece: the cradle of Western civilization, is not far from Istanbul and is perfect as a starting point for a European tour. There are no more popular attractions than the Acropolis of Athens and the Ancient Agora of Athens, both of which are old Greek buildings.

● Bucharest, Romania: The country's capital, with its lively neighborhoods and beautiful churches. An absolute must-visit is the Trevi Fountain, an 18th-century statue fountain, and the Capitoline Museums offer a wide array of Roman, Greek and Egyptian sculptures, as well as Renaissance artifacts, to keep you enthralled.