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13 Night Budapest Escape and Enchantment of Eastern Europe and Istanbul and Land Tour

From Budapest to Istanbul

Emerald Astra

Emerald Cruises
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14063653
  • Departs: Fri, May 1, 2026
  • Returns: Thu, May 14, 2026
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    Oceanview $6,285
    Balcony
    Call to Book1-800-543-1915
    Suite $7,335
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
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    Itinerary Summary

    Tour Features and Highlights

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Friday - May 1, 2026
    Day
    1
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    Welcome to Budapest, the capital of Hungary and the perfect introduction to Eastern Europe. You will be met at the airport in Hungary and taken to your centrally-located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Saturday - May 2, 2026
    Day
    2
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Budapest, introducing you to sights that include the ornate Hungarian Parliament Building and the Buda Castle district, where a string of historic buildings line cobblestone streets leading up to the castle.

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Sunday - May 3, 2026
    Day
    3
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 3 - Sunday - May 3, 2026
    Day
    3
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Budapest, Hungary
    Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard.
    Monday - May 4, 2026
    Day
    4
    • Meszesidunapart, Hungary
    • Bus Travel
    • Kalocsa, Hungary
    • Bus Travel
    • Puszta Cultural Experience, Hungary
    • Bus Travel
    • Meszesidunapart, Hungary
    This morning, we'll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. You'll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Sit back and enjoy the show, as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills. Tonight, you'll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner & reception. ...
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    Tuesday - May 5, 2026
    Day
    5
    Vukovar, Croatia
    • Vukovar, Croatia
    This morning, you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals. An EmeraldPLUS excursion will bring you to the home of a Croatian family to share a typical meal from the area while getting to know the local culture and customs.
    Wednesday - May 6, 2026
    Day
    6
    Belgrade, Serbia
    • Belgrade, Serbia
    The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe's oldest cities. Relax as your motorcoach takes you through the center of this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical facade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world's largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city. This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge with a traditional Serbian folklore show providing spectacular entertainment. ...
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    Thursday - May 7, 2026
    Day
    7
    Golubac Fortress, Serbia
    • Golubac Fortress, Serbia
    • Donji Milanovac, Serbia
    • Bus Travel
    • Lepenski Vir
    • Bus Travel
    • Donji Milanovac, Serbia
    • Iron Gates
    In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Paleolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps. ...
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    Friday - May 8, 2026
    Day
    8
    • Vidin, Bulgaria
    This morning, we'll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin's viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session of their produce. Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean 'Granny Vida'. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations. ...
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    Saturday - May 9, 2026
    Day
    9
    Rousse, Bulgaria
    • Rousse, Bulgaria
    Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to explore the timeless charm of its elegant architecture and cultural heritage of the city that many call "The Little Vienna". Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you onboard for a farewell dinner. ...
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    Sunday - May 10, 2026
    Day
    10
    Giurgiu, Romania
    • Giurgiu, Romania
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 10 - Sunday - May 10, 2026
    Day
    10
    • Bus Travel
    • Bucharest, Romania
    This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest's vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel before you consider going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Monday - May 11, 2026
    Day
    11
    Bucharest, Romania
    • Bucharest, Romania
    • Air Travel
    • Istanbul, Turkey
    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight 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. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Tuesday - May 12, 2026
    Day
    12
    Istanbul, Turkey
    • Istanbul, Turkey
    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. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - May 13, 2026
    Day
    13
    Istanbul, Turkey
    • Istanbul, Turkey
    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. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Thursday - May 14, 2026
    Day
    14
    Istanbul, Turkey
    • Istanbul, Turkey
    After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.


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