Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled with Turkey (Start Istanbul, End Budapest, 2025, 15 Days)

Welcome to Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Home to over 15 million people, Istanbul is a city that will stimulate all your senses with its unique blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, history, and style.

Today, you will explore the wonders of Istanbul on a guided tour. Visit the city's most famous landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. These historical sites, located on either side of the central Sultanahmet Park, offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich history.

Today, we leave Istanbul and head to the city of Canakkale. Located on the edge of the Dardanelle Strait, Canakkale has been a significant historical site for centuries. It's the gateway to the World War One battlefield of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy. In the evening, enjoy your leisure time exploring the local food scene and vibrant nightlife.

Today, you will visit Gallipoli, a significant site for Australians and New Zealanders. As the first major battle for ANZAC troops in the First World War, it holds a special place in their hearts. Your guide will take you through the most significant sites, including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, and the Nek. A visit to Gallipoli is a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

This morning, we venture to the ancient city of Troy, a place shrouded in mystery and legend. Take a tour through the 4,000-year-old ruins, see a giant replica of the famous Trojan Horse, and learn the true story behind this illustrious city. After the tour, we make our way back to Istanbul.

Today, you have the freedom to choose your own adventure in Istanbul. You can learn the secrets of Turkish cuisine in a cooking class, visit the colorful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, or take a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant, offering exceptional Turkish cuisine and outstanding views over the Golden Horn.

Before you say goodbye to Istanbul, take a moment to listen to the call to prayer before the sun rises. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

Today, you'll explore Bucharest, visiting Primaverii Palace and taking a panoramic tour of the city. You can also choose to visit the Village Open Air Museum, which depicts traditional Romanian heritage and culture. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Giurgiu, where you will board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Arrive in Silistra early this morning, a Bulgarian town that played a significant role in the Russian-Turkish wars. You can choose to visit the Silistra Fort, take an excursion to the small village of Alfatar, or take a full-day excursion to the Black Sea coast city of Varna.

This morning, you'll arrive in Rousse, often described as 'Little Vienna'. Choose to join a local guide on a sightseeing tour of this opulent town, or take a full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and the leafy village of Arbanassi. In the afternoon, relax on board as you continue to sail along the Danube.

Today, you will cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. This stretch of the Danube is the natural border between Serbia and Romania and offers breathtaking views. Spend the day relaxing and soaking in the scenery.

Arrive in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade, known as the 'Door to Central Europe'. This eclectic city is steeped in history, with Neolithic ruins, a fortress built by the Romans, and a bohemian vibe. Choose to explore the city's highlights on a guided tour, visit the memorial dedicated to Tito, or trace the banks of the Danube on a guided cycling tour. In the evening, visit the St. Sava Temple for a special classical concert.

Today, you will visit Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history. Explore the city on a guided walking tour, or join a local resident who will share a family recipe of traditional fish stew. After your tour, visit the home of a typical Croatian family for an authentic lunch.

Today, you will arrive in Mohacs, a small Hungarian town known for the 16th century Battle of Mohacs. From here, you can choose to take a city tour of Pecs, visit the wine village of Villany, or explore the Zsolnay Ceramics Museum.

After breakfast, prepare to head home. It may be the end of your journey, but it's the beginning of a lifetime of fond memories. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water.