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Emerald Star
Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.

11 Night Istanbul and Enchantment of Eastern Europe Cruise and Land Tour

From Istanbul, (Turkey) to Budapest, (Hungary)

Emerald Star
Emerald Cruises
4 Stars
Cruise #: 14278276
Sail Date: Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026
Return Date: Saturday, Sep 19, 2026
Room Types & Rates:
Riverview
Call to Book1-800-427-8473
Suite
$7,038
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy
Includes taxes & fees

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Day by Day Summary and Map

11 Night Istanbul and Enchantment of Eastern Europe Cruise and Land Tour

Land Segment of Itinerary

Tuesday - Sep 8, 2026
Day
1
  • Istanbul, Turkey
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.

Land Segment of Itinerary

Wednesday - Sep 9, 2026
Day
2
  • 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. Included Excursion: City tour of Istanbul; DiscoverMORE: Topkapi & Harem section (extra expense); DiscoverMORE: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (extra expense) ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Thursday - Sep 10, 2026
Day
3
  • 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. Included Excursion: Bosphorus cruise & Spice market tour; DiscoverMORE: Street Food tour (extra expense) ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Friday - Sep 11, 2026
Day
4
  • Istanbul, Turkey
  • Air Travel
  • Bucharest, Romania
After breakfast, fly to Bucharest where you will be transferred to your centrally-located hotel for an overnight stay before your exciting cruise on the Danube.

Land Segment of Itinerary

Saturday - Sep 12, 2026
Day
5
Bucharest, Romania
  • Bucharest, Romania
  • Bus Travel

Cruise Segment of Itinerary

Day 5 - Saturday - Sep 12, 2026
Day
5
Cruise Begins
  • 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. ...
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Sunday - Sep 13, 2026
Day
6
Rousse, Bulgaria
  • 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. Included Excursion: Walking tour of Rousse; EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Ivanovo Church; DiscoverMORE: Full-day Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi (extra expense) ...
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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. Included Excursion: Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress; EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress; DiscoverMORE: Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense) ...
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Tuesday - Sep 15, 2026
Day
8
Donji Milanovac, Serbia
  • 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. Archaeologists 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. Included Excursion: Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum; DiscoverMORE: Golubac Castle Visit (extra expense) ...
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Wednesday - Sep 16, 2026
Day
9
Belgrade, Serbia
  • 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. Included Excursion: Highlights of Belgrade; EmeraldPLUS: Serbian folklore evening show onboard; EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Belgrade; DiscoverMORE: Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense) ...
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Thursday - Sep 17, 2026
Day
10
Vukovar, Croatia
  • 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. EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family; DiscoverMORE: Baranja wine region with tasting ...
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Friday - Sep 18, 2026
Day
11
  • Ordas, Hungary
In the morning, 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. EmeraldPLUS: Puszta Equestrian Heritage; EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard ...
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Saturday - Sep 19, 2026
Day
12
  • Budapest, Hungary
After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of a traditional Puszta equestrian performance and viticulture on the banks of the Danube with you. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. ...
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