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Istanbul & Enchantment of Eastern Europe

  No Ship Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Consultant

Istanbul & Enchantment of Eastern Europe

  No Ship Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Consultant
River View
$5,960
Balcony
$6,979
Suite
$8,217
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
Istanbul
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
12 Day Istanbul & Enchantment of Eastern Europe Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Turkey Romania Bulgaria Serbia Croatia Hungary
 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
Istanbul
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
12 Day Istanbul & Enchantment of Eastern Europe Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Turkey Romania Bulgaria Serbia Croatia Hungary
River Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
EWBI-2
River Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
EWBI-2

Overview

Enjoy a three-night stay in the colourful Turkish city of Istanbul before journeying to Bucharest in Romanian. Your cruise begins in Arbanasi where you will attend a choir concert. Embark on a guided city tour of Belgrade, returning to your Star-Ship for a traditional Serbian folklore evening show. In Osijek, visit a local Croatian family for home-hosted lunch and then spend your day in rural Hungary for a Puszta Horse Show in Kalocsa.
Enjoy a three-night stay in the colourful Turkish city of Istanbul before journeying to Bucharest in Romanian. Your cruise begins in Arbanasi where you will attend a choir concert. Embark on a guided city tour of Belgrade, returning to your Star-Ship for a traditional Serbian folklore evening show. In Osijek, visit a local Croatian family for home-hosted lunch and then spend your day in rural Hungary for a Puszta Horse Show in Kalocsa.

Itinerary

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.

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.

DiscoverMORE Topkapi & Harem section AND/OR Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (extra expense)

Included Excursion City tour of Istanbul (B)

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.

DiscoverMORE Turkish Bath at Roxelana AND/OR Street Food tour (extra expense)

Included Excursion Bosphorus cruise & Spice market tour (B)

After breakfast, fly to Bucharest where you will be transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a 1-night stay before your exciting cruise on the Danube. (B)

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at leisure. After your insightful tour, you will be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace (B/D)

Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide. On your included tour, you will have the opportunity to traverse its cobbled streets and witness its medieval fortifications. Afterwards, you will be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges.

Explore the past with your local guide, as your tour visits a number of traditional houses and ancient churches. If you would prefer to do something more active, then you could instead 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, your crew will welcome you back on board for a welcome reception and dinner.

EmeraldPLUS Choir concert in Arbanasi

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

Included Excursion Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

DiscoverMORE Paint & Wine (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Wine tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

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. If you are feeling more active, you can instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Belogradchik Fortress

Included Excursion Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress

DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, relax on board 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. Archaeologists 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.

Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

EmeraldACTIVE Donji Milanovac by bike (B/L/D)

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. The coach will pass through the centre, where you will 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 to watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.

EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore evening show on board

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Belgrade

Included Excursion Guided tour of Belgrade

DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets. Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic old town, before a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch and to meet students from the local village. Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

EmeraldPLUS Meet the local students

EmeraldACTIVE Trek to Adica Park

Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense) (B/L/D)

In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful 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 will have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

EmeraldPLUS Puszta horse show (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of a traditional Puszta equestrian performance and viticulture on the banks of the Danube with you. 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 for further information. (B)

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.

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.

DiscoverMORE Topkapi & Harem section AND/OR Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (extra expense)

Included Excursion City tour of Istanbul (B)

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.

DiscoverMORE Turkish Bath at Roxelana AND/OR Street Food tour (extra expense)

Included Excursion Bosphorus cruise & Spice market tour (B)

After breakfast, fly to Bucharest where you will be transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a 1-night stay before your exciting cruise on the Danube. (B)

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at leisure. After your insightful tour, you will be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace (B/D)

Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide. On your included tour, you will have the opportunity to traverse its cobbled streets and witness its medieval fortifications. Afterwards, you will be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges.

Explore the past with your local guide, as your tour visits a number of traditional houses and ancient churches. If you would prefer to do something more active, then you could instead 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, your crew will welcome you back on board for a welcome reception and dinner.

EmeraldPLUS Choir concert in Arbanasi

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

Included Excursion Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

DiscoverMORE Paint & Wine (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Wine tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

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. If you are feeling more active, you can instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Belogradchik Fortress

Included Excursion Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress

DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, relax on board 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. Archaeologists 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.

Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

EmeraldACTIVE Donji Milanovac by bike (B/L/D)

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. The coach will pass through the centre, where you will 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 to watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.

EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore evening show on board

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Belgrade

Included Excursion Guided tour of Belgrade

DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets. Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic old town, before a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch and to meet students from the local village. Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

EmeraldPLUS Meet the local students

EmeraldACTIVE Trek to Adica Park

Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense) (B/L/D)

In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful 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 will have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

EmeraldPLUS Puszta horse show (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of a traditional Puszta equestrian performance and viticulture on the banks of the Danube with you. 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 for further information. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Sky

Emerald Sky
Emerald Sky

Fairytale castles and breathtaking landscapes await on the rivers of Europe when you cruise on Emerald Sky. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Swimming Pool and Cinema
Swimming Pool and Cinema

Watch the river flow by from the pool that becomes your cinema in the evening. Read more

Horizon Bar and Lounge
Horizon Bar and Lounge

All suites offer relaxing comfort and amenities to create a home away from home as you cruise. Read more

Availability Click on the cabin prices below to view upgrades and cabin details

Wednesday 13 Sep 2023
Sunday 24 Sep 2023
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
$4,856View Cabins
Balcony
$6,133View Cabins
Suite
$7,380View Cabins
Wednesday 13 Sep 2023
Sunday 24 Sep 2023
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
$10,078View Cabins
Balcony
$12,632View Cabins
Suite
$15,127View Cabins
Monday 27 May 2024
Friday 07 Jun 2024
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
$5,960View Cabins
Balcony
$6,979View Cabins
Suite
$8,217View Cabins
Monday 02 Sep 2024
Friday 13 Sep 2024
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
$5,960View Cabins
Balcony
$6,979View Cabins
Suite
$8,217View Cabins
Monday 27 May 2024
Friday 07 Jun 2024
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
$7,875View Cabins
Balcony
$13,731View Cabins
Suite
$16,404View Cabins
Monday 02 Sep 2024
Friday 13 Sep 2024
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
$7,875View Cabins
Balcony
$13,731View Cabins
Suite
$16,404View Cabins
Special Offers
Earlybird Saving - Book this month and save. Available for a limited time or until sold out.
Earlybird Offer - Save 15% on selected departures. Available for a limited time or until sold out.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises.

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