Enchantment of Eastern Europe & Istanbul - Rousse
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey that will take you through the heart of Eastern Europe, from the vibrant city of Budapest to the timeless charm of Istanbul. This multi-day tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey. You'll explore iconic cities, witness breathtaking architectural marvels, taste local delicacies, and engage in unique cultural experiences. From enjoying a traditional Hungarian folklore show in Budapest to savoring a home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family, from exploring the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir in Serbia to cruising on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, every day brings a new adventure. This tour includes comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and the services of a knowledgeable guide, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free vacation.
Included
11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Airport transfers outside Australia are included
1 night in a hotel in Bucharest
7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
3 nights at a hotel in Istanbul
Emerald Star: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Panorama Suite ,Emerald Stateroom
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director and Bucharest tour director
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress
Guided tour of Belgrade
Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Puszta horse show
Meet the local students
Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
Serbian folklore evening show on board
Choir concert in Arbanasi
EmeraldACTIVE
Guide bike tour in Belgrade
Donji Milanovac by bike
Trek to Adica Park
Guided hike to Belogradchick Fortress
Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
A city tour of Istanbul
Bosphorus cruise & Spice market tour
Map
Attractions
Children's Town Bucharest
Aeronautical Museum
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
İsfanbul Tema Park
Belogradchik Fortress
Cherven Fortress
Lepenski vir
Révbéri Equestrian Center
Kretzulescu Palace
Baba Vida Fortress
Hungarian Railway Museum
Burgaz Adası
Topkapı Palace
Orlova Chuka Cave
Serbian Orthodox Church Museum
Fortress "Castra Martis"
National Museum
Green Mosque
Vučedol Culture Museum and Archaeological Site
Golubac Fortress
House of Flowers
Basilica Cistern
Northern Velebit National ParkDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
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- Hungarian Railway Museum
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Welcome to Budapest, the 'Pearl on the Danube'. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Spend the afternoon exploring this lively city at your own pace. As the evening descends, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Kalocsa
Day 2: Discovering Kalocsa
- Révbéri Equestrian Center
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Today, we'll reach Kalocsa, a city renowned for its vibrant paprika festivals. Venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. In the evening, relax and mingle with your fellow guests during the welcome dinner and reception.
Day 3 – Day 3: Experiencing Croatian Culture
- Grad Vukovar
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- Vučedol Culture Museum and Archaeological Site
- Northern Velebit National Park
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Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about Croatian culture and daily life. Our special excursion will take you to the home of a local family, where you'll share a typical meal and get to know their customs. You also have the option to visit the Vucedol Culture Museum at an additional expense.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Belgrade
- Belgrade
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- Aeronautical Museum
- Serbian Orthodox Church Museum
- National Museum
- House of Flowers
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Today, we'll explore Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. A city tour will introduce you to the highlights of this ancient city, including the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world's largest church buildings. You can choose to visit the Museum of Yugoslavia or learn about the city's history during a guided bike tour. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Serbian folklore show on board.
Day 5 – Day 5: Journey to Donji Milanovac
- Golubats
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- Lepenski vir
- Golubac Fortress
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Today, we'll visit Donji Milanovac, a town in eastern Serbia. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site with a history spanning over 8 millennia. You also have the option to visit the Golubac Castle at an additional expense. We'll end the day with a scenic sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque gorge between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.
Day 6 – Day 6: Wine and History in Vidin
- Belogradchik
- Vidin
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- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
- Fortress "Castra Martis"
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This morning, we'll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful Bulgarian town known for its wine production. You'll visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting session and then explore Baba Vida, a medieval fortress. Alternatively, you can choose to hike to the well-preserved Belogradchik Fortress, set against a backdrop of impressive rock formations.
Day 7 – Day 7: The Charm of Rousse
- Veliko Tarnovo
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- Cherven Fortress
- Orlova Chuka Cave
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Today, we'll cruise into Rousse, a city often referred to as 'The Little Vienna' due to its elegant architecture. You can choose to explore the city on a walking tour or embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. In the evening, enjoy a choir performance on board before joining your crew for a farewell dinner.
Day 8 – Day 8: Bucharest Bound
- Bucharest
- Giurgiu
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- Children's Town Bucharest
- Kretzulescu Palace
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This morning, we'll drive towards Bucharest, passing through the Romanian city of Giurgiu. In Bucharest, you'll visit the Spring Palace, the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, and learn about the city's vibrant history on a guided coach tour. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your leisure.
Day 9 – Day 9: Arrival in Istanbul
- Istanbul
- Bucharest
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After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul, a city of immense historical significance and beauty. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you'll be taken to your centrally-located hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Istanbul
- Istanbul
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- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- İsfanbul Tema Park
- Burgaz Adası
- Topkapı Palace
- Basilica Cistern
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Today, you'll explore the highlights of Istanbul, including the famed Hippodrome Square, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica of Saint Sophia. You also have the option to visit the Topkapi & Harem section or attend a Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at an additional expense.
Day 11 – Day 11: The Wonders of Istanbul
- Istanbul
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- Topkapı Palace
- Green Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
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We'll start the day with a tour of the Underground Cistern, followed by a visit to the bustling Spice Market. Then, board a private boat for a memorable cruise on the Bosphorus. You also have the option to experience a Turkish Bath at Roxelana or join a Street Food tour at an additional expense.
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Istanbul
- Istanbul - Departure day
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After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight. Please note that the itinerary may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water.
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