12 days tour

Istanbul & Enchantment Of Eastern Europe

Istanbul & Enchantment Of Eastern Europe

This tour includes:

Others

Port taxes and charges All tipping and gratuities Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum Guided tour of Belgrade Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

Transport

Airport transfers outside Australia are included

Meals

11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Guide

The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director

Accommodation

1 night in a hotel in Bucharest 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Istanbul & Enchantment Of Eastern Europe

  • Day 1 Day 1: Istanbul
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Istanbul

      Welcome to Istanbul, one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities of the world history. You will be met at the airport in Istanbul and taken to your centrally-located hotel, with a three-night stay included in your itinerary.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Istanbul
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Istanbul

      Today, you will explore some of the Istanbul’s highlights – such as the famed Hippodrome Square which was once the sporting and social center of Constantinople that hosted the chariot races until the Middle Ages. You will get to see the Blue Mosque, probably one of the most famed masterpieces of Ottoman religious architecture. Standing in great prestige with its six minarets and perfect proportioned dome, it is named after its Turquoise colored tiles made of quartz minerals. Ottoman Sultans preferred to pray in this timeless shrine due to its incomparable beauty until when the empire collapsed after the World War I. Afterwards, you will carry on to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest Christian shrines ever built in history. DiscoverMORETopkapi & Harem section AND/OR Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (extra expense)Included ExcursionCity tour of Istanbul

  • Day 3 Day 3: Istanbul
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Istanbul

      We start the day with a tour of the Underground Cistern known by the locals as the Sunken Cistern. From there you will continue your exploration with the bustling atmosphere of the Spice Market, dating back to the 17th century, but still the most popular bazaar visited by locals to shop for fresh ingredients to spice up the dishes prepared in the kitchens of Istanbul. Afterwards, you will experience a very unique aspect of the city by boarding private boat for an unforgettable cruise on the waters of the Bosphorus. During your cruise on the famed strait running between the two continents, your guide will share with you all the legends and myths about the Bosphorus and its impressive mansions and palaces. As well as the scenery of the historical edifices, you will be overwhelmed by the skyline of Istanbul ornamented with domes and minarets of Byzantine and Ottoman cultures. DiscoverMORETurkish Bath at Roxelana AND/OR Street Food tour (extra expense)Included ExcursionBosphorus cruise & Spice market tour

  • Day 4 Day 4: Istanbul - Bucharest
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Istanbul - Bucharest

      After breakfast, fly to Bucharest where you will be transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a 1-night stay before your exciting cruise on the Danube.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Bucharest - Giurgiu
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Bucharest - Giurgiu

      After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at leisure. After your insightful tour, you will be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.Included ExcursionGuided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace

  • Day 6 Day 6: Rousse โ€“ Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Rousse โ€“ Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

      Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide. On your included tour, you will have the opportunity to traverse its cobbled streets and witness its medieval fortifications.Afterwards, you will be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges. Explore the past with your local guide, as your tour visits a number of traditional houses and ancient churches. If you would prefer to do something more active, then you could instead choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes.Tonight, your crew will welcome you back on board for a welcome reception and dinner.EmeraldPLUSChoir concert in ArbanasiEmeraldACTIVEGuided hike to Ivanovo ChurchIncluded ExcursionTour of Veliko Tarnovo and ArbanasiDiscoverMOREPaint & Wine (extra expense)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Vidin
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Vidin

      Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting. Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country.If you are feeling more active, you can instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.EmeraldACTIVEHike to Belogradchik FortressIncluded ExcursionVisit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida FortressDiscoverMORETraditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)

  • Day 8 Day 8: Donji Milanovac - Golubac
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Donji Milanovac - Golubac

      This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe.Included ExcursionVisit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

  • Day 9 Day 9: Belgrade
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Belgrade

      Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. The coach will pass through the centre, where you will notice reminders of the country’s turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour.This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge to watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.EmeraldPLUSSerbian folklore evening show on boardEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour in BelgradeIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of BelgradeDiscoverMORERoutes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

  • Day 10 Day 10: Vukovar โ€“ Osijek
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Vukovar โ€“ Osijek

      Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets. Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic old town, before a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch. Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.EmeraldPLUSHome-hosted lunch with a Croatian familyEmeraldACTIVETrek to Adica ParkIncluded ExcursionGuided walking tour of Osijek FortressDiscoverMOREVucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Kalocsa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Kalocsa

      In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you will have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.EmeraldPLUSPuszta horse show

  • Day 12 Day 12: Budapest
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Budapest

      After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of a traditional Puszta equestrian performance and viticulture on the banks of the Danube with you. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 12 / Max: 90

Age range allowed for this experience.

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