Starting in Istanbul, which straddles both Europe and Asia. From there, you’ll venture south along the coast, taking in the Gallipoli Peninsula, several ancient cities, a range of natural wonders and endless miles of spectacular coastline. Fly to Bucharest to embard on a 7 night cruise to Budapest.
Day 1. Arrive Istanbul
On arrival in Istanbul, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel before tonight’s Welcome Reception.
Day 2. Istanbul Sightseeing
Today, a tour will take you through Istanbul’s old city, with its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of an historic past. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. Then, cruise the stunning Bosphorus Strait, which runs along the boundary between Europe and Asia. Tonight, you’ll take part in a cooking class. Learn some of the methods used to create exotic Turkish dishes, then sample the delicious results at dinner.
Day 3. Istanbul, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, perhaps tour Topkapi Palace, relax with a Turkish bath experience and massage or visit the Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the Spice Bazaar, before lunch at the Orient Express railway restaurant.
Day 4. Istanbul, Çanakkale
Leave Istanbul and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Arrive in Gelibolu 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 Çanakkale and enjoy time at leisure, before dinner.
Day 5. Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, Izmir
This morning, head south along the Turkish coast via the ancient cities of Troy and Pergamon to Izmir, on the Gulf of Izmir.
Day 6. Izmir, Ephesus, Kusadasi
Take a tour of Izmir, then journey to the famous site of Ephesus. Later, travel to the town of Kusadasi.
Day 7. Kusadasi at Leisure
After breakfast, today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax or explore Kusadasi independently.
Day 8. Kusadasi, Pamukkale
Visit Pamukkale, where, for thousands of years, an underground spring has poured streams of hot, mineral-saturated water.
Day 9. Pamukkale, Hierapolis
Today enjoy a visit to ancient Hierapolis, as well as time at leisure to bathe in the hot springs.
Day 10. Pamukkale, Antalya
Travel to Antalya, located on a cliff on the Mediterranean boasting amazing coastal views, mountainous surrounds and Ottoman era streets.
Day 11. Perga, Aspendos
Travel to the ruins of Perga, located on the coastal plain. Explore the ruins, then continue to Aspendos, an ancient Greco-Roman city. Later, return to Antalya.
Day 12. Antalya, Cappadocia
Today head inland to the city of Konya, before continuing to the Cappadocia region.
Day 13. Göreme, Ürgüp
Today take a tour of Göreme and Ürgüp, taking in the stunning geological formations. Here, natural pinnacles and amazing rock formations abound. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum.
Day 14. Cappadocia, Istanbul
Take your included flight back to Istanbul and enjoy a day to explore the city at leisure. This evening, enjoy a special dinner during which you’ll be entertained by a Turkish belly dancing performance.
Day 15. Istanbul, Bucharest, Rousse
Today, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Bucharest. On arrival, transfer to Rousse and board your river ship. Settle into your floating five-star hotel.
Day 16. Giurgiu, Bucharest
In Bucharest today, see the Arch of Triumph, the Athenaeum and Library as well as the Parliament Palace, before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant.
Day 17. Vidin
Arrive in Vidin today and see the Baba Vida Fortress guarding the Danube at this Bulgarian frontier town. Then travel by coach to Belogradchik to see the impressive Kaleto Fortress, on the north slopes of the Balkan Mountains.
Day 18. Iron Gates
Relax today as you cruise through one of Europe’s most impressive natural wonders, the Iron Gates.
Day 19. Belgrade
Arrive in Belgrade, where a tour takes you to the home of the Patriarch and St Sava’s, the Town Hall, Parliament Building, Belgrade Fort and more.
Day 20. Novi Sad - Vukovar
Arrive in Novi Sad this morning and see the 18th century Petrovaradin Fortress. After a city tour, continue to Vukovar in Croatia.
Day 21. Mohács, Pécs
Today arrive in Mohács for an excursion to Pécs. After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting excursion.
Day 22. Budapest, Great Hungarian Plain, Disembark Ship
Arrive in the Puszta region, where you’ll be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Enjoy a light lunch of goulash, the national dish.
Day 23. Budapest Sightseeing
Today, join a tour that includes such places as Matthias Church, the Royal Palace and Buda Castle. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight.
Day 24. Depart Budapest
Your tour ends this morning and you are transferred to the airport.
