Luxury European River Cruises, Tours of Europe, Rhine River Cruises, Danube, Deals, Seine River Cruise
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100 See the majestic Temple of St Sava in Belgrade, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches 14 Day Gems of Southeast Europe Vienna to Istanbul 2 Nights Vienna | 7 Night Luxury River Cruise | 1 Night Plovdiv | 3 Nights Istanbul Austria | Hungary | Croatia | Serbia | Romania | Bulgaria | Turkey Day 1. Arrive Vienna. Upon arrival into Vienna, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Two Night Stay: Vienna, Intercontinental Hotel or similar. Day 2. Vienna. Vienna, Austria's capital, is home to striking architecture, a rich classical musical culture and vibrant cafes. Take in many of the city's most important landmarks during a guided tour. With this afternoon at leisure, perhaps join an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace (own expense). This evening, you may wish to take in an optional Mozart and Strauss concert (own expense). B Day 3. Vienna, Budapest, Embark Ship. Journey to Budapest today. After free time for lunch, enjoy a guided tour, including the historic Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion. Later, 8 Day (EUBS08) guests join the tour. Board your river ship and enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner. Seven Night Stay: a Concerto River Ship. BD Day 4. Mohács, Pécs, Villány. Arrive in Mohács today and enjoy an excursion to Pécs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pécs was an important cultural base during many centuries of Ottoman rule. Rejoin your ship in Mohács for lunch on board. Continue to Villány where you'll enjoy a wine tasting from a local vineyard. BLD Day 5. Vukovar, Novi Sad. Today, visit the landmarks of the Yugoslavian Civil War or visit Ilok for a wine tour. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on board as you cruise towards Novi Sad in Serbia before disembarking for a guided tour. Later this evening, enjoy a superb dinner. BLD Day 6. Belgrade. On a tour of Serbia's capital, see the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. After your tour, you will have some free time in the city centre to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the city's main shopping district. BLD Day 7. Iron Gates. Cruise through the Iron Gates, one of Europe's most striking natural wonders. Originally consisting of three wide basins and four narrow gorges, the Iron Gates of the Danube divide Romania and Serbia. After a vast lock and dam was built in the 1960s, this section of the river became safer to navigate, allowing its speed to be controlled. Today, the river flows at a peaceful pace and is 130 feet higher than prior to the building the lock. Enjoy the day aboard your ship as you wind along the Danube through the magnificent gorges of Serbia and Romania. BLD Day 8. Vidin, Belogradchik. Arrive in Vidin this morning and travel by coach to Belogradchik where you'll see the mighty Kaleto Fortress. Back in Vidin later, visit the Baba Vida Fortress. Discover the thick defensive walls and imposing towers that provide a stark contrast to the peaceful surrounds, before enjoying a fascinating historical re-enactment. BLD Day 9. Giurgiu, Bucharest. Arrive in Giurgiu and spend the day in Bucharest. Romania's capital city, Bucharest has been described as 'the Paris of the East'. Explore the city's open-air museum then visit the Palace of the Parliament or enjoy some free time in the Lipscani district, the historical centre of Bucharest. BLD Day 10. Rousse, Disembark Ship, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv. Disembark your ship in Rousse. 8 Day (EUBS08) guests are transferred to the airport in Bucharest for their onward flight. Remaining guests travel to Veliko Tarnovo for a tour and a Bulgarian lunch. On arrival in Plovdiv, take a walking tour to discover the city's rich history. Stay: Plovdiv, Dedeman Hotel or similar. BLD Day 11. Plovdiv, Istanbul. Travel via Edirne to Istanbul, and enjoy tonight at your leisure. Three Night Stay: Istanbul, Ritz-Carlton Hotel or similar. B Day 12. Istanbul. On a guided tour today, see Taksim Square, the Hippodrome and Galata Tower before visiting the Blue Mosque, so named for the blue tiles adorning its interior. Enjoy leisure time or join a 'Turkish Delights' tour (own expense). B Day 13. Istanbul. Visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans and later, perhaps cruise the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between Europe and Asia (own expense). B Day 14. Depart Istanbul. Following a delicious breakfast this morning, your incredible journey ends after breakfast as you transfer to the airport. B TRAVEL THROUGH 7 COUNTRIES Voyages www.aptouring.com.au