With hilly, historic Buda on the west of the River Danube, and lively Pest on the east, there's plenty for you to explore in Hungary's buzzing capital. Both sides of the river boast stunning architecture, wonderful eateries and fascinating histories.

Right in central Romania, Braşov is the mountain-circled gateway to Transylvania. Also known as Kronstadt in German, Brasov's Germanic heritage is abundantly evident in its architecture. Castle Bran, known as Dracula's Castle, is nearby.

Romania's capital is a bustling metropolitan city of wide boulevards, city parks and Belle Époque architecture, earning it's nickname of 'Paris of the East' in the early 20th century. Today, the city's earned a particular reputation for its buzzing nightlife and slew of contemporary galleries. 

The fortified city of Veliko Tarnovo sits along the longest river in Bulgaria, and spreads across the three hills of Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Momina Krepost. Its strategic location harks back to the city's medieval past, where it was the capital of the Medieval Bulgarian kingdom for more than two centuries, and the epicentre of all major political, economic and religious activity. Today, this can be seen across the many temples, fortresses and churches that remain.

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures, from its architecture to its cuisine. Modern rooftop bars meet ancient mosques and Byzantine temples, and sand beaches meet ports of cruises and cargo. Once you've soaked up the smells and sights of the bustling Bazaar District and sampled the street food (Balık-Ekmek, Lahmacun and Dürüm are all local favourites), the quiet beauty of the Blue Mosque or the steaming baths of a Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı (a traditional Turkish bath) feel all the more peaceful.