Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled with Turkey & Budapest: 17 days Istanbul to Budapest

Welcome to Istanbul. Home to more than 15 million people, it’s the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Istanbul will inspire all your senses, an exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, history and style.

There have been settlements in what is now Istanbul, occupying both banks of the Bosphorus Strait, for thousands of years. The modern city began life as Constantinople in the 4th century, before changing its name to Istanbul in 1930. Wherever you go, you’re walking through history. See two of the city’s most famous landmarks, sitting on either side of the central Sultanahmet Park; Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and visit Topkapi Palace.

Today, we leave Istanbul behind and visit the city of  Çanakkale. Sitting on the edge of the Dardanelle Strait, Çanakkale has been at the forefront of history for centuries. It’s the gateway to the World War One battlefield of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy.

Tonight, why not make the most of your evening at leisure and join the locals along the waterfront promenade to get a taste of modern Turkish culture.

Today you are bound for Gallipoli, a special place in the heart of Australians and New Zealanders.  

The Gallipoli peninsula where the eight-month WWI campaign took place is now a national park and your guide will take you through the most significant sites. Stand on the beach at ANZAC Cove, where the soldiers first came ashore on 25 April 1915. Contemplate the courage and sacrifice that took place at Lone Pine and the Nek. Walk through some of the 31 cemeteries that dot the peninsula. Visiting Gallipoli is a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

This morning you’ll be venturing to a place that is shrouded in mystery and legend, the ancient city of Troy. For more than 3,000 years, the tales of Troy and the Trojan War were thought to be mythical, made most famous by Homer’s Iliad. But in the late 19th century, the ruins of Troy were discovered in modern day Turkey and centuries of history were instantly rewritten. 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.

Afterwards, return to Istanbul.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose how to spend your morning with today’s Scenic Freechoice experiences : 
 
The tastes of Turkey: Turkish cuisine brings together Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Eastern European flavours. Learn its secrets in a cooking class where you’ll learn to make delicious traditional dishes. 
 
Grand Bazaar: Visit the colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, a vast undercover market made up of thousands of shops along wide plazas and tiny laneways. Peruse the stalls and afterwards join your local guide for a traditional Turkish coffee from a local vendor.

Scenic Enrich
Tonight, a special treat awaits you with our Scenic Enrich event.

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait. This strategic waterway has played a major role in world trade for centuries and is still one of the most important global shipping routes. This evening, you’ll cruise along the strait, winding between ferries and fishing boats and passing famous monuments and historic minarets. Then return to shore for a farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant. Enjoy outstanding views over the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus, and dine on exceptional Turkish cuisine as you raise a glass to an unforgettable journey.

Before you farewell Istanbul, take a moment this morning to listen out for the call to prayer before the sun rises. The traditional Muslim call rings out over the city five times a day and is a reminder of the nation’s strong ties to its faith. In the relative calm and silence of the morning, it’s a particularly moving sound.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport where you board your included flight to Bucharest.

Welcome to Bucharest. The capital of Romania was once called the ‘Paris of the East’, however WWII changed the face of the city with much of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture destroyed. Now a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist – era architecture sit alongside wide, tree lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art and thriving nightlife. Enjoy a one-night stay in a luxury hotel.

Today you’ll explore the city of Bucharest, with your selected Scenic Freechoice followed by a panoramic tour of the city by coach. Travel from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace, stopping to see its squares, including Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square and Charles de Gaulle Square. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Ceausescu’s Spring Palace: Located in one of the wealthiest districts in Bucharest, this 1960s residence is made up of 80 distinctive and elegant rooms decorated with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by famous Romanian painters, mosaics, marble, chandeliers and mirrors made of Murano glass.

Village Open Air Museum: Explore the ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture at the Village Open Air Museum. The museum depicts authentic houses, barns, churches and more, rebuilt by craftsmen using traditional techniques.

This afternoon, you will be transferred to Giurgiu, where you will be welcomed on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries. As a major Turkish fortress and trade centre in the 15th century, it played a significant role in the Russo-Turkish wars of the 1870s, briefly became part of Romania after the Second Balkan War and finally reverted to Bulgaria in 1940. The town is dotted with historic sites stretching back to late Roman times. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: Take a guided walking tour of the fort and learn about its history. It is the best preserved of the six points of the Turkish fortification system.

Visit Alfatar Village: Take an excursion to the small village of Alfatar, located just outside of Silistra. Visit the ethnographic museum featuring a typical country house, see customary attire and visit the Alfatar school to meet local children for a charming choir performance and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians.

Sveshtari Thracian Secrets: Explore the ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari and discover the rich heritage and flavours of Bulgaria on this unique guided tour.

This morning you’ll arrive in Rousse, which has been described as ‘Little Vienna’. 

Scenic Freechoice:
These interesting Freechoice excursions are available today:

Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi: Take a full day excursion from Rousse to Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns. Enjoy the panoramic views of the old town and see the Asenevtsi Brothers Monument. You will then venture to the nearby leafy village of Arbanassi.

Walking tour of Rousse: Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of this opulent town, resplendent in Belle Epoque architecture and leafy manicured squares, and an exclusive piano recital.

Today you’ll cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Djerdap Gorge system, or Iron Gates. This stretch of the Danube is the natural border between Serbia and Romania, and features four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs and the mighty rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king.

Spend some time relaxing in your suite, many of which feature a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. Perhaps relax on the Sun Deck then mingle with other guests in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.

The capital of Serbia, Belgrade is known as the ‘Door to Central Europe’ and lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. This eclectic city is steeped in history, Brutalist and Art Nouveau buildings and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Orientation tour of Belgrade: Tour the iconic sites of the city with a guide. You will explore the city’s highlights such as cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own.

Panoramic tour of Belgrade with Tito’s Memorial: Join a panoramic tour of Belgrade with a local guide. See and learn about the major sites of the city including the Ottoman heritage of the Old Town and visit the memorial dedicated to Tito, the former ruler of Yugoslavia.

Cycling tour along the Danube: Trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels during this guided cycling tour.

This afternoon, you’re free to explore Belgrade further. You might like to soak up the bohemian culture with a wander along the cobblestoned Skardalija Street, a district once frequented by writers and artists and other creative souls, now home to traditional restaurants, local stores and galleries.

Scenic Enrich
Visit the St. Sava Temple, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Have a chance to admire the frescos-lined walls of the cathedral’s crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. The crypt’s remarkable acoustics make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as white marble adorns the remarkable ceilings.  

Arrive this morning in the Croatian town of Vukovar, a poignant city with a turbulent history. Over the past 500 years it has been part of the Ottoman, Habsburg and Austro-Hungarian empires, and in the 1990s was the epicentre of the Croatian War of Independence. Many of the grand Baroque buildings remain standing but bear the scars of the war.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Osijek: Travel by coach from Vukovar to the charming Croatian city of Osijek for a guided walking tour. Explore the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress, soaking in the area's historic elegance You’ll also have the opportunity to hear some traditional and classical music popular in the region.

Baranja wine region: In this picturesque region straddling Croatia and Hungary, explore a rich wine-making tradition and scenic vineyards. Enjoy a tasting experience blending rich flavours, local culture and breathtaking landscapes.

After your touring this morning, visit the home of a local Croatian family and have lunch with the family members. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host’s garden.

You will arrive in Mohács this morning. Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town was the site of the 16th century Battle of  Mohács, which led to the destruction of the Hungarian monarchy and the rise of Ottoman and Habsburg rule.  

Scenic Freechoice:
These interesting Freechoice excursions are available today:

Guided tour of Pecs: Located close to the Croatian border, this guided tour will take you to city’s first telephone exchange, which opened in 1885; the Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, demolished in the late 19th century but unearthed in the 1970s, and more.

Villány wine village: The region of Villány is known for its big, bold red wines. Visit the charming village, with rows of historic wine cellars where you can sample local drops.

Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853, Zsolnay Porcelain has a proud history of creating hand-painted ceramics. View a splendid collection housed in the company’s former factory.

Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two.  Check in to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay in this fascinating European capital.

This morning disembark your Space-Ship and you’ll have free time to explore the city on your own or explore Budapest with today’s Scenic Freechoice activities and discover why this region is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Scenic Freechoice:
Beethoven’s favourite getaway – Brunszvik Castle: The snow white Brunsvik Castle is a stunning example of 18th-century neo-Gothic architecture surrounded by a sprawling English-style park. Famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven was a frequent visitor and today the castle houses a Beethoven Memorial Museum.

Etyek region wineries & vineyards: Often called the "vineyard of Budapest", Etyek is renowned for its crisp, aromatic white wines and sparkling wines. Take a tour of a vineyard, learn about the winemaking process and sample local vintages.

In the afternoon check in to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay in this fascinating European capital.

This morning join your local guide for the Hungarian Culinary Market Walk & Tasting Tour: A food tasting tour of Budapest offering an unforgettable journey through the city’s culinary delights. Visit the Grand Central Market, a treasure trove of Hungarian flavours to sample local specialties and hear fascinating stories.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps visit one of the city’s famed coffee houses such as the New York Café or Ruszwurm Cukrászda. Budapest developed a strong coffee culture in the 19th century and many elegant cafes are still charmingly dotting the city. You can mingle with locals and tourists, admire the opulently painted interiors, savour regional delicacies and listen to live music.

After breakfast, transfer to Budapest airport for your onward journey. 

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.