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.
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.
Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard.
Sunday - Jun 14, 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. ... Read More
Monday - Jun 15, 2026
Day 5
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.
Tuesday - Jun 16, 2026
Day 6
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. ... Read More
Wednesday - Jun 17, 2026
Day 7
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. ... Read More
Thursday - Jun 18, 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. ... Read More
Friday - Jun 19, 2026
Day 9
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. ... Read More
Saturday - Jun 20, 2026
Day 10
Giurgiu, Romania
Cruise Ends
Land Segment of Itinerary
Day 10 - Saturday - Jun 20, 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. ... Read More
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. ... Read More
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. ... Read More
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. ... Read More
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Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
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