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Legends of the Balkans with Istanbul and Gallipoli

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 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
Istanbul
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
12 Day Legends of the Balkans with Istanbul and Gallipoli Itinerary (Travelmarvel)
Countries Explored: Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary
Ship
Passengers
182
Crew
44
Launched
2020
Cruise Code
EUTCRIB12

Overview

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

On arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception. Stay Two Nights: Istanbul, Marmara Pera Hotel (D)

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. (B)

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. Stay: Canakkale, Hotel Kolin (B/D)

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. Stay: Istanbul, Marmara Pera Hotel (B)

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. Stay Seven Nights: aboard your Travelmarvel river ship (B/D)

Today, uncover 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 expert for a guided tour, exploring its fascinating past. At the heart of the city, visit the restored Tsarevets Fortress, the citadel of the Empire. Afterward, head to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, known for its rich history and well-preserved architecture. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your ship. (B/L/D)

Explore the Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval castle dating back to the 10th century. Marvel at its formidable walls and towers, immersing yourself in its rich history. Afterward, journey to Belogradchik, where you'll visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While in the area, take time to admire the town's stunning natural rock formations, which have earned Belogradchik a reputation for its unique and striking landscape. (B/L/D)

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

Step out and explore Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city, often regarded as the cultural capital of the country. Enjoy a guided tour through its charming streets and vibrant cultural hubs. After your tour, you'll have free time to relax and soak in the atmosphere. For those interested in further exploration, consider visiting the Petrovaradin Fortress, an imposing fortress complex that overlooks the Danube River. While here, don't miss the chance to explore its intriguing catacombs, which offer a glimpse into the fortress's storied past. (B/L/D)

Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town rich in history, located just a short distance from the mighty Danube. From here, head to Puszta for your Insider Experience. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Traditional Horse Show In Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show featuring Magyar cowboys and fine equestrian skills. You may choose to take an optional carriage ride, view the stables, and be greeted by horsemen.

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to discover Budapest Great Market Hall, a must-visit attraction. Housed in a beautiful historic building dating back to the 19th century, the market is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers, where you can immerse yourself in Hungarian cuisine and local culture. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional tour to visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a hospital created in the caverns beneath Buda Castle in the 1940s during World War II, later serving as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, delight in a Captain's Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Great Market Hall Tour Embark on a culinary tour. Wander through this large market to discover a variety of Hungarian sausages, meat, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Enhance Your Journey - Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle.

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

Trip Inclusions

  • Traditional Horse Show: In Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show featuring Magyar cowboys and fine equestrian skills. 

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Life Onboard Capella

Capella
Capella

Part of Travelmarvel's brand-new fleet of European river ships, Capella makes river cruising Europe with Travelmarvel better than ever before. Read more

Friendly Service
Friendly Service

Travelmarvels cruise directors plus a high staff-to-guest ratio on each ship ensures a smooth cruise holiday. Read more

Contemporary Accommodation
Contemporary Accommodation

Capella has its guests cruising in style with more amenities & features in each stateroom and suite. Read more

Delicious Dining
Delicious Dining

Discover Europe's culinary delights with a greater range of dining venues and options to suit your preference. Read more

Onboard Entertainment
Onboard Entertainment

From live music and dancing, to parties and games, Travelmarvel's Capella will keep you entertained day and night. Read more

Sun and Sky Decks
Sun and Sky Decks

Enjoy an unimpeded view of Europe from the Sun and Sky decks, available to you throughout your cruise. Read more

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.

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. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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