Legends of the Balkans with Istanbul and Gallipoli Istanbul to Budapest (2025)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Istanbul
Duration
12 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 12-day journey that will take you through the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided excursions and leisure time, allowing you to explore iconic landmarks, historical sites, and bustling markets at your own pace. From the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul to the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, from the ancient fortress of Belogradchik to the vibrant city of Novi Sad, and finally to the historic town of Kalocsa, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, delectable meals, and the company of like-minded travelers as you journey through these fascinating destinations.

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Included

29 meals - 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners

Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise

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Explore 9 towns, villages and cities

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Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides

Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided exploration of its war memorials

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Seven nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship

Four nights immersed in Turkiye

Two Nights, Istanbul, Marmara Pera Hotel

Canakkale, Hotel Kolin

Istanbul, Marmara Pera Hotel

Seven Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship

Travelmarvel Capella: Owner's Suite ,Suite ,Stateroom

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Transfers, port charges and tipping

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Destinations

Belogradchik
Touristic sightseeing ships in Golden Horn bay of Istanbul and mosque with Sultanahmet district against blue sky and clouds. Istanbul, Turkey during sunny summer day.Istanbul
Giurgiu - region in RomaniaGiurgiu
Видин -  in BulgariaVidin
Budapest - city in HungaryBudapest
Novi SadNovi Sad
Велико Търново -  in BulgariaVeliko Tarnovo
Antique building view in Old Town Bucharest city - capital of Romania and Dambrovita river. Bucharest, Romania, Europe.Bucharest
Photo of aerial view of Canakkale, Turkey.Çanakkale

Map

Attractions

Aerial shot of Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) surrounded by trees in Istanbul's Old City - Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey.Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Photo of the Belogradchik Fortress, also known as Kaleto, is an ancient fortress close to the northwestern Bulgarian town of Belogradchik and the town's primary cultural and historical tourist attraction.Belogradchik Fortress
Gallipoli War Museum, Gelibolu, Canakkale, Marmara Region, TurkeyGallipoli War Museum
Baba Vida Fortress, Vidin, BulgariaBaba Vida Fortress
Grand BazaarGrand Bazaar
Lone PineLone Pine
photo of Pera Museum in Beyoğlu, Turkey.Pera Museum
The Topkapı Palace surrounded by a garden under the sunlight in Istanbul, Turkey.Topkapı Palace
Cimenlik Castle, Fevzipaşa Mahallesi, Çanakkale merkez, Canakkale, Marmara Region, TurkeyCimenlik Castle
Basilica Cistern ancient Byzantine subterranean cistern in Istanbul.Basilica Cistern

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

  • Istanbul - Arrival day
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Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Istanbul

  • Istanbul
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  • Sultan Ahmed Mosque
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Pera Museum
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Embark on a half-day tour of Istanbul, visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, the St. Sophia Museum, and the Grand Bazaar, a historical site renowned for its vast array of Turkish handicrafts and cuisine. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city further or relaxing at your hotel.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Gallipoli Peninsula and Canakkale

  • Istanbul
  • Çanakkale
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  • Helles Memorial
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Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of its war memorials. Enjoy some free time for lunch in Gelibolu before continuing to the national park area. Later, arrive in Canakkale for an overnight stay.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Troy and Return to Istanbul

  • Istanbul
  • Çanakkale
  • More
  • Ancient City of Troy
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Journey south along the Turkish coast, stopping in the World Heritage-listed city of Troy for a guided tour. Afterward, return to Istanbul for an overnight stay.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Flight to Bucharest and Transfer to Giurgiu

  • Istanbul
  • Bucharest
  • Giurgiu
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After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bucharest. Upon arrival, be transferred to Giurgiu, where your premium river ship awaits to begin its voyage.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

  • Veliko Tarnovo
  • Giurgiu
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Discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Tarnovo with a local expert. Visit the restored Tsarevets Fortress and the historical village of Arbanasi. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before rejoining your ship.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik

  • Vidin
  • Belogradchik
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  • Belogradchik Fortress
  • Baba Vida Fortress
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Explore the Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval castle dating back to the 10th century. Later, head to Belogradchik to visit its ancient fortress and unique rock formations.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Day at Leisure

Day 8: Day at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure on board your ship. Relax and take in the stunning views from the Sun Deck.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Novi Sad

  • Novi Sad
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  • Danube Park
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Explore Serbia's second-largest city, Novi Sad, on a guided tour. Spend your free time relaxing or visit the Petrovaradin Fortress and its catacombs.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Kalocsa and Puszta

Day 10: Kalocsa and Puszta

Dock in Hungary's oldest town, Kalocsa, set right on the Danube. From here, head to Puszta for an insider experience.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Budapest

  • Budapest
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  • Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Hungarian Environment and Water Museum
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Enjoy a day at leisure in Budapest. You may wish to explore the Great Market Hall or the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a Captain's Farewell Dinner.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Departure

  • Budapest - Departure day
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After breakfast, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

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