Istanbul & Enchantment of Eastern Europe - Rousse
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 12-day journey that will take you through the heart of Eastern Europe, from the historic city of Istanbul to the vibrant capital of Serbia, Belgrade, and finally to the charming Hungarian town of Kalocsa. This multi-day tour is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering you a chance to explore iconic landmarks, taste local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the local way of life. From the awe-inspiring architecture of Istanbul's Blue Mosque and Saint Sophia Basilica to the bustling Spice Market, the serene Danube River, and the traditional Puszta horse farm in Hungary, every day of this tour promises a new adventure. With comfortable accommodation in centrally-located hotels and on a luxurious cruise ship, all your needs will be taken care of, allowing you to fully enjoy this unforgettable journey.
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
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director and Bucharest tour director
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Map
Attractions
Museum of Yugoslavia
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Belogradchik Fortress
Lepenski vir
Danube's Big Boilers
Kretzulescu Palace
Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Baba Vida Fortress
Saint Sava Temple
Belgrade Fortress
Basilica CisternDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul
- Istanbul - Arrival day
- More
Start your journey in the historic city of Istanbul. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your centrally-located hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Palm Square
- Basilica Cistern
- More
Spend the day exploring the highlights of Istanbul, including the famed Hippodrome Square, the stunning Blue Mosque, and the historic Basilica of Saint Sophia. Optional excursions to the Topkapi & Harem section and the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony are available at an extra cost.
Day 3 – Day 3: Istanbul's Hidden Gems
- Istanbul
- More
- Şehitler Parkı
- Basilica Cistern
- More
Begin the day with a tour of the Underground Cistern, followed by a visit to the bustling Spice Market. In the afternoon, board a private boat for a memorable cruise on the Bosphorus. Optional excursions to the Turkish Bath at Roxelana and a Street Food tour are available at an extra cost.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Bucharest
- Istanbul
- Bucharest
- More
After breakfast, you will fly to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a one-night stay before embarking on a cruise on the Danube.
Day 5 – Day 5: Bucharest to Giurgiu
- Bucharest
- Giurgiu
- More
- Kretzulescu Palace
- More
Spend the morning exploring Bucharest, including a visit to the Spring Palace. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Giurgiu, where you will board the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship for your cruise on the Danube. Enjoy a choir concert in the evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Rousse
- Giurgiu
- More
- Rozarium
- Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
- More
Today, you will have the chance to explore the Bulgarian city of Rousse, known as 'The Little Vienna'. You can choose to take a walking tour of the city or embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Optional excursions to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi, as well as a Paint & Wine session, are available at an extra cost.
Day 7 – Day 7: Wine and History in Vidin
- Vidin
- More
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
- More
Today, you will visit the Bulgarian town of Vidin, known for its wine production. Enjoy a tour of a local vineyard and a wine tasting session, followed by a visit to the Baba Vida Fortress. If you prefer a more active day, you can choose to go on a guided hike to the Belogradchik Fortress. An optional pastry-making session is available at an extra cost.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Vidin to Donji Milanovac
- Golubats
- More
- Lepenski vir
- Danube's Big Boilers
- More
Sail along the Danube to Donji Milanovac, where you will visit the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe's most significant prehistoric settlements. An optional visit to the Golubac Castle is available at an extra cost.
Day 9 – Day 9: Discovering Belgrade
Day 9: Discovering Belgrade
- Museum of Yugoslavia
- Saint Sava Temple
- Belgrade Fortress
- More
Today, you will explore Serbia's vibrant capital, Belgrade. A coach tour will take you through the city, highlighting its many landmarks, including the Church of Saint Sava and the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you prefer a more active day, you can choose to go on a guided bike tour. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Serbian folklore show on board the ship. Optional tours to the National Opera Theatre and the Routes of Nikola Tesla are available at an extra cost.
Day 10 – Day 10: A Taste of Croatia
- Grad Vukovar
- Osijek
- More
Today, you will have a unique opportunity to experience Croatian hospitality as you are invited into the home of a local family for a traditional lunch. Spend the afternoon sailing towards Hungary. In the evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. An optional visit to the Vucedol Culture Museum is available at an extra cost.
Day 11 – Day 11: Kalocsa and the Puszta
Day 11: Kalocsa and the Puszta
- Beszédes József Bridge
- Kalocsai Érseki Palota
- More
In the morning, sail to Kalocsa, a town known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Visit a traditional Puszta horse farm and learn about the equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board the ship, followed by a traditional dinner.
Day 12 – Day 12: Farewell
- Budapest - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and transfer to the airport. Take with you the memories of a traditional Puszta equestrian performance and the beautiful landscapes of the Danube.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
