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Beautiful interior of a mosque in Istanbul

Gems of Southeast Europe and Istanbul (OLD)

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard MS Amasonata
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Begin your 14-day vacation in Vienna (or in Budapest), one of the world’s most celebrated cities, renowned for its music, architecture and dance. Transfer to Budapest and embark upon your Danube river cruise. Traverse the dramatic narrow gorge known as the Iron Gates, then cruise along the Romanian-Bulgarian border. Visit Vidin, Belogradchik and Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. Disembark and continue by land to Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of Bulgaria, before arriving in Plovdiv. Conclude your journey in Istanbul, a truly exotic and fascinating cultural crossroads.
Parliament Building, BudapestExplore Vienna's beautiful gardens while touring through EuropeView of a mosque in Eastern EuropeEnjoy this beautiful basilica while traveling through EuropeBeautiful interior of a mosque in Istanbul
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Vienna, Austria

Arrive in Vienna and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2: Vienna, Austria

Your morning city tour takes you around the Burgring, the circular road around Vienna’s historic center. You can also take a walking tour through Vienna’s charming old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or to join an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors and an impressive example of Baroque architecture. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or attend an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B)

Day 3: Vienna, Austria / Budapest, Hungary- Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
After checking out of your hotel in Vienna, travel to Budapest, Hungary where you have free time for lunch followed by a sightseeing tour of Buda and Pest. From the historic Buda Castle, enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities spread over both sides of the Danube. Your tour also includes the Fisherman’s Bastion. Afterwards, embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises past Budapest’s illuminated riverfront. (B,D)

Day 4: Mohács / Pecs / Vilány, Hungary

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast and then depart for your excursion to Pecs, EU Cultural Capital 2010. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival, visit the Mosque Church, the largest structure surviving from the Ottoman period as well as the underground burial chambers dating back to the 4th century. Also visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the main Catholic cathedral in the city, as well as the restored Synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohacs. After lunch, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion, where you will sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilany. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Vukovar, Croatia / Novi Sad, Serbia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, enjoy a "Yugoslav Civil War" tour of Vukovar that shows you the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. You may also choose to take a wine tasting excursion to Ilok instead Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, one of Europe’s greatest historical treasures. On your afternoon walking tour of the city, see the Petrovaradin fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached, now home to a hotel, museum and artists’ studios. Guests can also see the Old Town District and Danube Park. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Belgrade, Serbia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. As an alternative, take the "Tito’s Memorial" tour, which includes a visit to the House of Flowers where the tomb of Josip Tito is located. See some of the many gifts Tito received during his presidency. After your tour, you have free time in the city center to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the city’s main shopping area. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Cruising through the Iron Gates / Vidin, Bulgaria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage is an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. Late this evening, the ship sails to Vidin. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Vidin, Bulgaria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today visit Belogradchik, a beautifully restored castle dating back to the Dark Ages, located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. Continue on to the Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country. Standing guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin, this massive medieval castle has thick walls and four imposing towers, a stark contrast to the peaceful park that surrounds it. Inside, be treated to a fascinating historical re-enactment, a performance held exclusively for your ship's guests. The ship departs early afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Giurgiu / Bucharest, Romania / Rousse, Bulgaria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, known as “Paris of the East.” Visit the Open Air Museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. After lunch on your own, you will have two options. Enjoy a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest building in the world or tour the Historical center. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Rousse / Disembark Ship / Veliko Tarnovo / Plovdiv

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Disembark the ship in Rousse and continue your tour by motor coach. Your first stop is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo, where you can see a traditional market known as Samovodska Charshia. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing on to Plovdiv. This evening, take a walking tour to see traces of ancient Roman ruins found throughout Plovdiv’s Old Town area, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Plovdiv / Istanbul, Turkey

After breakfast, continue on to exotic Istanbul for the grand three-night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage. Stop for lunch in Erdine before continuing on to Istanbul and checking in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore on your own. (B,L)

Day 12: Istanbul, Turkey

A comprehensive city tour will take you through Istanbul’s Old City, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the beautiful and historic Blue Mosque, so named for the blue tiles adorning its interior. This afternoon is free to explore the town on your own or join the optional “Turkish Delight” tour, an in-depth look at some of Istanbul’s most unique sights. (B)

Day 13: Istanbul, Turkey

Today, your guided sightseeing tour takes you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the 15th-century until the end of the 19th-century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise and visit to the Spice Bazaar or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. (B)

Day 14: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Istanbul as you prepare for your homeward travels. (B)

Ship/Hotel

MS Amasonata

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$4,799
Amasonata E cabin
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Cat. E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata D cabin
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Cat. D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata C
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Cat. C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Amasonata BB cabin
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Cat. BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft
Amasonata BA cabin
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Cat BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft
Amasonata AA cabin
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Cat. AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Cat. AA+
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 250 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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