Sultans Trail

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  Tour Operator  Ride and Seek Bike Tours

  Austria,  Bulgaria,  Croatia,  Greece,  Hungary,  Slovakia,  Türkiye & Serbia

 30 days (Bike: 27 days)

  2224 km  (~82km per day)

 Active

 Hilly

Guided

Supported

Embark on the epic journey from Venice to Istanbul along the Sultan's Trail, spanning eight countries.

Embark on a transformative journey tracing the footsteps of Sultan Suleyman along the Sultan’s Trail. This historic route winds through eight countries, shaped by diverse civilizations, offering a tapestry of history, nature, and culture. Delve into ancient cities, traverse majestic landscapes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of cultures along the way.

From bustling markets to tranquil countryside, each step unveils new surprises and insights. Completing the Sultan’s Trail not only fills your passport with stamps but also earns you the prestigious Ferman Register certificate, symbolizing your accomplishment in traversing this remarkable path. Prepare for an unforgettable cultural adventure, where every mile is infused with the legacy of empires and the spirit of exploration. Join us as we journey through time and space, discovering the endless variety and richness of the Sultan’s Trail.

The Sultan’s Trail follows historical routes once traversed by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. This trail, spanning diverse landscapes and cultures across Central Europe and the Balkans, holds significant historical and cultural importance. It not only commemorates Sultan Suleiman’s legacy but also promotes cultural exchange, fostering understanding and unity among the countries along its route while celebrating their shared heritage.

Highlights:

  • Ride through 8 countries, from the West to the East and feel the traces that the many different civilizations left on this route.
  • Collect stamps in your Pilgrim’s passport on the way and hand it in, in the Tatar village of Sazlibosna to get your Sultan’s Trail certificate.
  • Relax and recharge in the famous thermal baths and spas in Budapest, the City of Spas.
  • Enjoy the beautiful wine areas between Novi Sad and Belgrade in Serbia, and Osijek and Szekszárd in Croatia.
  • Climb the beautiful Serbian mountains and find the Monastery Manasija, with its immense walls and towers.
  • Get mesmerized by the magnificent landscapes of and around Stara Planina.
  • Have a taste of Rakija, but be careful with this high-in alcohol fruit spirit that’s rich!
  • Explore the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, the European Capital of Culture, in 2019 and one of the oldest cities in Europe.
  • Find good coffee around almost every corner in Bulgaria.
  • Admire the work of architect Koca Mimar Sinan Aga in Edirne (the previous capital of the Ottoman empire), his personal playground and the Süleymaniye mosque in Istanbul.
  • Get surprised by the outstanding Ottoman hospitality.

A big thanks to the academic council of the Sultans Trail Foundation for trusting us to bring this tour to life. The route commemorates Sultan Suleiman's legacy by embracing the shared heritage of the countries we pass through.

Tour Information

From

Vienna

To

Istanbul

Cost From

Guided    13500

Departure(s)

May 3 - June 1, 2025

Single Supplement

Available

Elevation Gain

  14985 m

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in our carefully selected hotels
  • Meals – hotel breakfasts, snacks en route and pre/post-ride nutrition, lunches including the famed Ride and Seek picnics, multi-course group dinners with a focus on the local cuisine.
  • Ride and Seek kit
  • Kit laundry service once a week
  • Garmin 1030 use with all routes preloaded
  • Ride with GPS Experience
  • MVCC water bottle
  • Passionate, experienced and knowledgeable guides are always on hand to help

Exclusions

  • Occasional independent lunches & dinners to break up the week
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Bike hire

Options

  • Ride one or both stages
    • Vienna to Belgrade | 15 days | May 3 - May 17, 2025 | €6750
    • Belgrade to Istanbul | 15 days | May 17 - Jun 1, 2025 | €6750
  • Longer routes available throughout the tour

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While great care has been taken to show full and correct tour details, unfortunately transcription errors do occur and, although we continually seek to eliminate these, we apologise for any mistakes. Plans or bookings should not be made exclusively based on information shown on this website but must be confirmed with the tour operator.