Leaving Bulgaria late at night, you'll head down the Black Sea coast until the sunrise welcomes you to Istanbul, the cultural melting pot where Europe meets Aisa. Get your morning started with breakfast included before a bus trip and walking tour of the old town to help get your bearings and see some of Istanbul's top sights, like Beylerbey Castle, the 14th-century Galata Tower and the Blue Mosque. You'll then have free time to roam around this bustling city for yourself. You could check out the Grand Bazaar, full of traditional Turkish crafts like carpets, ceramics and jewellery. History buffs will want to head to the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia, or if you fancy a cruise down the Bosphorus, there's an optional boat trip lined up for you – just so you know, this does come at an extra cost. The midnight return to your Bulgarian hotel is well worth it for a day packed with history, culture and a hop across the river to a whole new continent.
