Itinerary
- Day 1
Budapest
You'll arrive in Budapest and transfer to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After settling in, spend the afternoon wandering around the city at your own pace, taking in the elegant bridges and architecture along the Danube. This evening there's a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board followed by dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional dinner)
Included Activities
- Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Landmarks Danube River 
- Day 2
Kalocsa
The ship reaches Kalocsa this morning and you'll head to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional equestrian performance. You'll watch horse parades and exercise drills performed by Magyar cowboys. Later tonight, there's a welcome dinner and reception on board the ship.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner and reception)
Included Activities
- Puszta Equestrian Heritage performance
Landmarks Puszta 
- Day 3
Croatia
Today you have a home-hosted lunch with a local Croatian family where you'll learn about their culture and daily life while trying authentic regional cuisine. A museum visit is available if you want to add that to your day (extra cost applies).
- Meals
- Lunch (Typical meal from the area with a Croatian family)
Included Activities
- Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
Optional Activities
- Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)
- Day 4
Belgrade
You'll take a guided city tour of Serbia's capital, walking through the city center to see the Church of Saint Sava and other highlights. You can choose between a museum tour or a guided bike tour. This evening there's a traditional Serbian folklore show in the Horizon Lounge to relax and enjoy.
Included Activities
- Highlights of Belgrade city tour
- Serbian folklore evening show on board
Optional Activities
- Museum of Yugoslavia tour
- Guided bike tour in Belgrade
- Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)
Landmarks Church of Saint Sava Museum of Yugoslavia 
- Day 5
Donji Milanovac
This morning you'll visit Lepenski Vir, a Paleolithic archaeological site near Donji Milanovac with over 8,000 years of history. As the day wraps up, the ship sails through the Iron Gates, a dramatic narrow gorge between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.
Included Activities
- Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
Optional Activities
- Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks Lepenski Vir Iron Gates Golubac Castle - Day 6
Vidin
You arrive in Vidin, located in Bulgaria's wine country. The day includes a vineyard tour with wine tasting, and you can visit Baba Vida, a medieval fortress, or take a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress with its impressive rock formations. A traditional pastry-making workshop is also available as an option.
Included Activities
- Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting
- Visit to Baba Vida Fortress
Optional Activities
- Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress
- Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)
Landmarks Baba Vida Fortress Belogradchik Fortress 
- Day 7
Rousse
Explore Rousse, known as 'The Little Vienna' for its elegant architecture and cultural heritage. You'll have a choice between a walking tour of the city or a guided hike to the UNESCO-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Tonight brings the farewell dinner and reception on board.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Rousse
- Choir concert
Optional Activities
- Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
- Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (extra expense)
Landmarks Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo - Day 8
Bucharest
You'll drive towards Bucharest, passing through the Romanian city of Giurgiu. Visit the Spring Palace and Nicolae Ceausescu's private residence, then take a guided coach tour through Bucharest where you'll pass by the Palace of Parliament. After that, you have free time to explore the city's wide avenues and leafy boulevards with their distinctive French feel.
Included Activities
- Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace
Landmarks Spring Palace Palace of Parliament 
- Day 9
Bucharest to Istanbul
After breakfast you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you'll meet your guide and transfer to your centrally-located hotel where you'll be staying for three nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 10
Istanbul
Today you'll explore Istanbul's key sites including Hippodrome Square, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and turquoise tiles, and the Basilica of Saint Sophia. You'll learn about the city's Ottoman religious architecture and Byzantine heritage. Optional tours include Topkapi Palace and the Harem, or the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City tour of Istanbul
Optional Activities
- Topkapi & Harem section (extra expense)
- Whirling Dervishes Ceremony (extra expense)
Landmarks Hippodrome Square Blue Mosque Basilica of Saint Sophia Topkapi Palace - Day 11
Istanbul
Start with a tour of the Underground Cistern, Istanbul's famous Sunken Cistern. You'll visit the bustling Spice Market dating back to the 17th century where locals shop for fresh ingredients. Later, you'll board a private boat for a Bosphorus cruise learning about local legends and myths while seeing impressive mansions and Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Optional activities include a Turkish bath and street food tour.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Underground Cistern tour
- Spice Market tour
- Bosphorus cruise
Optional Activities
- Turkish Bath at Roxelana (extra expense)
- Street Food tour (extra expense)
Landmarks Underground Cistern Spice Market Bosphorus - Day 12
Istanbul Departure
After breakfast, you'll transfer to Istanbul airport for your onward or homebound flight, ending your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
