Black Sea Explorer with Turkey (Start Budapest, End Istanbul, 2024, 16 Days)

Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Budapest. Board your Scenic Space-Ship and settle in for the adventure ahead. In the evening, join a welcome reception where you'll raise a glass to the exciting cruise ahead. Please ensure your flight arrives in Budapest before 5:00 PM.

Arrive in the historic Hungarian town of Kalocsa, renowned for its rich folk art and rural charm. Choose between two Scenic Freechoice excursions: immerse yourself in Hungarian traditions by learning about local handicrafts, or witness a traditional horse show and sample local delicacies.

Arrive in the Croatian town of Osijek, a city with a turbulent history and a rich culinary scene. Choose from a guided walking tour of the town, a boat cruise at Kopacki Rit, or a unique culinary experience learning about traditional recipes. After your morning tour, visit the home of a local Croatian family for an authentic lunch.

Arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Choose from a guided city tour with extended free time, a city tour including Tito's Memorial, a cycling tour along the Danube, or a walking tour with a local student. In the evening, enjoy a classical concert at St. Sava Temple, a unique experience due to the cathedral's acoustics.

Today, cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates, the natural border between Serbia and Romania. Spend the day relaxing in your suite, working out in the gym, or mingling with other guests in the Panorama Lounge & Bar while enjoying the breathtaking views.

Arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov and choose between an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, or a guided city tour of Rousse. In Veliko Tarnovo, explore one of Bulgaria's oldest towns, and in Rousse, admire the Belle Epoque architecture and enjoy a piano recital.

Arrive in Silistra, a Bulgarian town with a rich history. Choose between an active walk to Silistra Fort, a visit to Alfatar Village, or a full-day excursion to the Black Sea coast city of Varna. Each option offers a unique insight into Bulgarian history, culture, and natural beauty.

Arrive in Bucharest and take an orientation tour of the city. Choose between a visit to Ceausescu’s Spring Palace, a symbol of the city's 1960s opulence, or the Village Open Air Museum, which showcases Romanian heritage and culture. Enjoy dinner with your fellow guests before retiring to your hotel.

Depart from Bucharest and cross the Bulgarian border towards Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. Stop at a traditional Bulgarian village to learn about local life and enjoy a lunch of typical Bulgarian cuisine. Arrive in Plovdiv in the afternoon, a city with a rich history dating back over 8,000 years.

Spend the day exploring Plovdiv with your local guide. Visit the Kapana district, known as 'The Trap', stroll through Tsar Simeon’s Garden, and marvel at the ancient amphitheatre dating back to the 2nd century AD.

Leave Bulgaria and travel south into Turkey to the city of Canakkale. This city is the gateway to the World War One battlefield of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy. After a delicious dinner, join the locals along the waterfront promenade to experience modern Turkish culture.

Today, visit Gallipoli, a site that holds a special place in the hearts of Australians and New Zealanders. Your guide will take you through the most significant sites, including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, and the Nek. Walk through some of the 31 cemeteries that dot the peninsula, a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

Venture to the ancient city of Troy, a place shrouded in mystery and legend. Tour the 4,000-year-old ruins, see a giant replica of the famous Trojan Horse, and learn the true story behind this illustrious city. In the afternoon, travel along the Marmara Coast enroute to Istanbul, a city where East meets West.

Discover the wonders of Istanbul on a guided tour. Visit the city's most famous landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Dolmahbace Palace. Choose between a cooking class to learn the secrets of Turkish cuisine or a visit to the luxurious Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami Turkish Baths.

Take a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, a strategic waterway that has played a major role in world trade for centuries. Visit the colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, a vast undercover market where traders have been selling their wares since the 15th century. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant with outstanding views over the Golden Horn.

Before you farewell Istanbul, take a moment to listen to the call to prayer before the sun rises. After breakfast, you'll take a final transfer to the airport, taking off with a lifetime of memories.