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13 Night Istanbul and Enchantment of Eastern Europe and Budapest Escape and Land Tour

From Istanbul to Budapest

Emerald Astra

Emerald Cruises
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14130475
  • Departs: Sat, Oct 2, 2027
  • Returns: Fri, Oct 15, 2027
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    Oceanview
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    Balcony
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    Suite $7,685
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
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    Itinerary Summary

    Tour Features and Highlights

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Saturday - Oct 2, 2027
    Day
    1
    Istanbul, Turkey
    • Istanbul, Turkey
    Welcome to Istanbul, one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities of the world history. You will be met at the airport in Istanbul and taken to your centrally-located hotel, with a three-night stay included in your itinerary.

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Sunday - Oct 3, 2027
    Day
    2
    Istanbul, Turkey
    • Istanbul, Turkey
    Today, you will explore some of the Istanbul's highlights - such as the famed Hippodrome Square which was once the sporting and social center of Constantinople that hosted the chariot races until the Middle Ages. You will get to see the Blue Mosque, probably one of the most famed masterpieces of Ottoman religious architecture. Standing in great prestige with its six minarets and perfect proportioned dome, it is named after its turquoise-colored tiles made of quartz minerals. Ottoman sultans preferred to pray in this timeless shrine due to its incomparable beauty until when the empire collapsed after the World War I. Afterwards, you will carry on to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest Christian shrines ever built in history. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Monday - Oct 4, 2027
    Day
    3
    Istanbul, Turkey
    • Istanbul, Turkey
    We start the day with a tour of the Underground Cistern known by the locals as the Sunken Cistern. From there, you will continue your exploration with the bustling atmosphere of the Spice Market, dating back to the 17th century, but still the most popular bazaar visited by locals to shop for fresh ingredients to spice up the dishes prepared in the kitchens of Istanbul. Afterwards, you will experience a very unique aspect of the city by boarding private boat for an unforgettable cruise on the waters of the Bosphorus. During your cruise on the famed strait running between the two continents, your guide will share with you all the legends and myths about the Bosphorus and its impressive mansions and palaces. As well as the scenery of the historical edifices, you will be overwhelmed by the skyline of Istanbul ornamented with domes and minarets of Byzantine and Ottoman cultures. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Tuesday - Oct 5, 2027
    Day
    4
    Istanbul, Turkey
    • Istanbul, Turkey
    • Air Travel
    • Bucharest, Romania
    After breakfast, fly to Bucharest where you will be transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a one-night stay before your exciting cruise on the Danube.

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - Oct 6, 2027
    Day
    5
    Bucharest, Romania
    • Bucharest, Romania
    Thursday - Oct 7, 2027
    Day
    6
    Bucharest, Romania
    • Bucharest, Romania

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 6 - Thursday - Oct 7, 2027
    Day
    6
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Rousse, Bulgaria
    Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the city that many call "The Little Vienna". Immerse yourself in the beauty of its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture and stroll along the charming promenade. If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes. Tonight, you'll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner. ...
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    Friday - Oct 8, 2027
    Day
    7
    • Vidin, Bulgaria
    Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting session. Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country. ...
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    Saturday - Oct 9, 2027
    Day
    8
    Donji Milanovac, Serbia
    • Donji Milanovac, Serbia
    • Bus Travel
    • Lepenski Vir
    • Bus Travel
    • Donji Milanovac, Serbia
    • Golubac Fortress, Serbia
    This morning, relax onboard and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe's best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe. ...
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    Sunday - Oct 10, 2027
    Day
    9
    Belgrade, Serbia
    • Belgrade, Serbia
    Serbia's vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a motorcoach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks. The motorcoach will pass through the center, where you'll notice reminders of the country's turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you're feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade's history during a guided bike tour. This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment. ...
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    Monday - Oct 11, 2027
    Day
    10
    Vukovar, Croatia
    • Vukovar, Croatia
    Today, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you're invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch. Enjoy an afternoon of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. ...
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    Tuesday - Oct 12, 2027
    Day
    11
    • Meszesidunapart, Hungary
    • Bus Travel
    • Kalocsa, Hungary
    • Bus Travel
    • Puszta Cultural Experience, Hungary
    • Bus Travel
    • Meszesidunapart, Hungary
    In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colorful festivals. Discovering Hungary's culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life. Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you'll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show onboard, followed by a traditional dinner. ...
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    Wednesday - Oct 13, 2027
    Day
    12
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 12 - Wednesday - Oct 13, 2027
    Day
    12
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    Today, you will be transferred to your centrally located accommodation in Budapest, where a two-night stay in the city is certain to delight. Upon arrival you will embark on an guided motorcoach tour through the boasting capital of Hungary, view the Chain Bridge that connect the Buda to the Pest side, and glimpse upon Budapest's trademark - the Parliament. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Thursday - Oct 14, 2027
    Day
    13
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    Today, the storied capital of Budapest is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the Chain Bridge to see how the city differs in Buda and Pest or stopping to try some delightful Hungarian treats.

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Friday - Oct 15, 2027
    Day
    14
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your accommodation for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of a home-hosted Croatian experience and the ornamented Buda Castle district with you.


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