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. ... 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
After breakfast, fly to Bucharest where you will be transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a one-night stay before your exciting cruise on the Danube.
Land Segment of Itinerary
Saturday - Sep 12, 2026
Day 5
Bucharest, Romania
Bus Travel
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Day 5 - Saturday - Sep 12, 2026
Day 5
Cruise Begins
Giurgiu, Romania
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 your leisure. After your insightful tour, you'll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits onboard your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. ... Read More
Sunday - Sep 13, 2026
Day 6
Rousse, Bulgaria
Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the city that many call "The Little Vienna". Immerse yourself in the beauty of its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture and stroll along the charming promenade. If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could 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, you'll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner. ... Read More
Monday - Sep 14, 2026
Day 7
Vidin, Bulgaria
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 session. 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're 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. ... Read More
Tuesday - Sep 15, 2026
Day 8
Donji Milanovac, Serbia
Bus Travel
Lepenski Vir
Bus Travel
Donji Milanovac, Serbia
Golubac Fortress, Serbia
This morning, relax onboard 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. Archeologists 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. ... Read More
Wednesday - Sep 16, 2026
Day 9
Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia's vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a motorcoach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks. The motorcoach will pass through the center, where you'll 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 where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment. ... Read More
Thursday - Sep 17, 2026
Day 10
Vukovar, Croatia
Bus Travel
Osijek, Croatia
Bus Travel
Vukovar, Croatia
Today, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you're invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch. Enjoy an afternoon of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. ... Read More
Friday - Sep 18, 2026
Day 11
Meszesidunapart, Hungary
Bus Travel
Kalocsa, Hungary
Bus Travel
Puszta Cultural Experience, Hungary
Bus Travel
Meszesidunapart, Hungary
In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colorful 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'll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show onboard, followed by a traditional dinner. ... Read More
After breakfast, leave the lush surrounds of your suite or stateroom and be transferred to your centrally located accommodation in Budapest, where a two-night stay in the city is certain to delight. When you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of the city, touching on its two distinctive faces and the ornamented Buda Castle district. ... Read More
Today, the storied capital of Budapest is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the Chain Bridge to see how the city differs in Buda and Pest or stopping to try some delightful Hungarian treats.
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your accommodation for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of a home-hosted Croatian experience and the ornamented Buda Castle district with you.
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
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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