Legends of the Balkans with Istanbul and Gallipoli

Discover the beauty of the Balkans along the Danube River, beginning with an enriching pre-cruise extension in Türkiye. Explore the cultural marvels of Istanbul, and visit the poignant sites of Gallipoli. Then, continue to Romania’s capital, Bucharest, before discovering Bulgaria’s stunning sights. Journey through small, traditional towns and the grand capital of Budapest, where history and beauty come alive.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Istanbul 

On arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception.

Day 2: Istanbul

Experience a half-day tour exploring the iconic Blue Mosque, the St. Sophia Museum, and the Grand Bazaar, a renowned historical site boasting a vast array of Turkish handicrafts and delicious cuisine. Afterward, enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Day 3: Istanbul, Canakkale

Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided exploration of its war memorials. Arrive in Gelibolu for free time for lunch then continue to the national park area for a tour of the war memorials, including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Later, arrive in Canakkale.

Day 4: Canakkale, Troy, Istanbul

This morning journey south along the Turkish coast today, stopping in the World Heritage-listed city of Troy. After a guided tour, return to Istanbul.

Day 5: Istanbul, Bucharest, Giurgiu, Embark Ship

This morning after breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Bucharest. Upon touching down at the airport, be transferred to Giurgiu, where your premium river ship is docked, ready to begin its voyage.

Day 6: Ruse, Veliko Târnovo, Arbanasi 

Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.

Day 7: Vidin, Belogradchik

Explore Baba Vida, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 10th century, and admire its imposing walls and towers while learning about its storied past. Continue to Belogradchik to visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, dramatically set on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While here, take time to admire the town’s remarkable rock formations, which give Belogradchik its distinctive and striking landscape.

Day 8: Scenic Cruising

The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.

Day 9: Novi Sad

Step ashore to explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and often regarded as its cultural capital. Join a guided tour through its charming streets and lively cultural precincts, followed by free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere. You may also wish to visit Petrovaradin Fortress, an imposing complex overlooking the Danube, where the intriguing catacombs reveal glimpses of the fortress’s storied past.

Day 10: Kalocsa, Puszta

Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town steeped in history on the banks of the Danube. From here, travel to the Puszta for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Traditional Horse Show

In the Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show showcasing the remarkable riding skills of the Hungarian cavalry. You may also choose to take an optional carriage ride, visit the stables and meet the riders.

Day 11: Budapest

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to the city’s Great Market Hall, a must-visit housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Alternatively, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a wartime hospital built within the caverns beneath Buda Castle and later used as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey – Great Market Hall Tour

Join a culinary tour through the market, discovering a variety of Hungarian sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle.

Day 12: Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest

Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport.