Black Sea Explorer With Turkey
18 days & 17 nights, Private JourneyBudapest, Kalocsa, Osijek, Belgrade, Russe, Silistra, Bucharest, Nessebar, Canakkale & Istanbul
For much of the 20th century the wonders of Eastern Europe were concealed behind a thick veil of secrecy. Fortunately, those once mystery-laden lands are now open to all. If you have a lingering sense of curiosity and wonder, you're free to explore them in unabashed luxury. Cruise on board a Scenic Space-Ship down the Danube, and from there you can journey all the way to the picturesque Black Sea. Begin your adventure in Budapest, held by many to be the most fetching city in Europe, then journey through a handful of unspoiled lands, where lush landscapes are punctuated periodically by towns and cities that still look as they might have over a hundred years ago. Beyond them, pristine stretches of the Black Sea beckon, and beyond that, Gallipoli, and the magnificent, history-rich Istanbul.
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Day 1Welcome to Budapest
Your journey into wonder begins here, with a two night stay at the majestic Marriott Hotel.
Marriott Hotel - 2 Nights (D) -
Day 2Budapest
Join a guided tour through the city often considered the most beautiful in Europe.
Marriott Hotel (B, D) -
Day 3Budapest
This afternoon you'll board your Scenic Space-Ship. At this evening's welcome reception, raise your glass to the wonderful cruise ahead of you.
Scenic Space-Ship - 7 Nights (B, D) -
Day 4Kalocsa
Today you'll get to witness a traditional Hungarian horse show.
Scenic Space-Ship (B, L, D) -
Day 5Osijek
Freechoice: Explore Osijek on a guided city tour or try your hand at fishing in a local village stream. Or, if you're the more active type, you could opt to take a blissful guided bike ride through Osijek's countryside.
Scenic Space-Ship (B, L, D)
Enrich:
As a special Scenic guest, you'll be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this will be both a magnificent meal, and a rare opportunity to meet people who understand the local way of life intimately. -
Day 6Belgrade
Freechoice: Enjoy a guided city tour of Belgrade. Alternatively, choose a guided bicycle ride along the Danube, or taste your way around the local market on our Shop with a Chef offering. Alternatively, for some true insight into local life take a walk through the city with a local.
Scenic Space-Ship (B, L, D)
Sundowners:
Raise a toast to the end of a wonderful day. It's a moment to savor, and a chance to reflect on all you've experienced. -
Day 7Iron Gates
Relax on board and admire the scenery as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gates, a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Not only is it a spectacular setting for a cruise, it's also the natural border between Serbia and Romania.
Scenic Space-Ship (B, L, D) -
Day 8Svistov - Russe
Freechoice: Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi. Alternatively stay on board and enjoy the trip towards the Bulgarian town of Russe, where you'll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour.
Scenic Space-Ship (B, L, D) -
Day 9Silistra
Freechoice: Take a walking tour of the Silistra Fort, or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Alternatively, visit a local village and a primary school to learn about life in Bulgaria.
Scenic Space-Ship (B, L, D) -
Day 10Giurgiu - Bucharest
Disembark your ship and travel to Bucharest.
Athenee Palace Hilton (B, L, D)
Freechoice: Enjoy a guided visit to the impressive Palace of the Parliament. Or tour the Village Open Air Museum and discover ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture.
Afterwards, check-in for your overnight stay at the Athenee Palace Hilton hotel. -
Day 11Bucharest - Nessebar
Travel to the stunning Black Sea coast for a two-night stay at the opulent Royal Castle Elenite Hotel.
Royal Castle Elenite Hotel - 2 Nights (B, D) -
Day 12Nessebar
Enjoy a guided tour of Nessebar, followed by leisure time. Tonight, delight in delicious local cuisine and take in a folklore show.
Royal Castle Elenite Hotel (B, D) -
Day 13Nessebar - Canakkale
Journey from Bulgaria to Canakkale, Turkey and stay two nights at the Parion Hotel.
Parion Hotel - 2 Nights (B, D) -
Day 14Canakkale - Gallipoli
Today travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, the site of WWII landings by the Allied Forces. There are over 31 cemeteries on the peninsula, and you'll have the chance to gain a unique perspective on this moving and historically poignant location.
Parion Hotel (B, L, D) -
Day 15Istanbul
After breakfast enjoy a fascinating tour of Homer's Troy - the legendary site of the Trojan Wars. Afterwards, travel to Istanbul, where you can look forward to a three night stay at the Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel.
Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel - 3 Nights (B, D) -
Day 16Istanbul
Freechoice: Try your hand at a cooking class or join a calligraphy course and master the ancient art of writing. Or, relax and rejuvenate during your visit to a traditional Turkish Bath.
Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel (B) -
Day 17Istanbul
This morning visit Hagia Sophia and spend some time wandering the evocative Grand Bazaar before an afternoon at leisure.
Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel (B, D)
Enrich
Tonight, a special treat awaits you as you partake in your farewell dinner at the stunning Hamdi Restaurant. -
Day 18Istanbul
After breakfast, prepare to head home. It may be the end of your journey, but it's the beginning of a lifetime of fond memories.
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