Legends of the Balkans with Istanbul and Gallipoli

Trip Code:50819
(AUD) Twin Share from $6,495pp
Days 12
Nights 11

Discover the beauty of the Balkans along the Danube River, beginning with an enriching pre-cruise extension in Türkiye. Explore the cultural marvels of Istanbul, and visit the poignant sites of Gallipoli. Then, continue to Romania’s capital, Bucharest, before discovering Bulgaria’s stunning sights. Journey through small, traditional towns and the grand capital of Budapest, where history and beauty come alive.

  • 24 Apr 2026 – 05 May 2026
    from $6,595 pp twin share / $10,745 pp solo *
  • 17 Jul 2026 – 28 Jul 2026
    from $6,495 pp twin share / $10,545 pp solo *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Arrive Istanbul:

    On arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception.

  • Day 2 – Istanbul:

    Experience a half-day tour exploring the iconic Blue Mosque, the St. Sophia Museum, and the Grand Bazaar, a renowned historical site boasting a vast array of Turkish handicrafts and delicious cuisine. Afterward, enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

  • Day 3 – Istanbul, Canakkale:

    Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided exploration of its war memorials. Arrive in Gelibolu for free time for lunch then continue to the national park area for a tour of the war memorials, including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Later, arrive in Canakkale.

  • Day 4 – Canakkale, Troy, Istanbul:

    This morning journey south along the Turkish coast today, stopping in the World Heritage-listed city of Troy. After a guided tour, return to Istanbul.

  • Day 5 – Istanbul, Bucharest, Giurgiu, Embark Ship:

    This morning after breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Bucharest. Upon touching down at the airport, be transferred to Giurgiu, where your premium river ship is docked, ready to begin its voyage.

  • Day 6 – Ruse, Veliko Târnovo, Arbanasi:

    Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.

  • Day 7 – Vidin, Belogradchik:

    Explore Baba Vida, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 10th century, and admire its imposing walls and towers while learning about its storied past. Continue to Belogradchik to visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, dramatically set on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While here, take time to admire the town’s remarkable rock formations, which give Belogradchik its distinctive and striking landscape.

  • Day 8 – Scenic Cruising:

    The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.

  • Day 9 – Novi Sad:

    Step ashore to explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and often regarded as its cultural capital. Join a guided tour through its charming streets and lively cultural precincts, followed by free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere. You may also wish to visit Petrovaradin Fortress, an imposing complex overlooking the Danube, where the intriguing catacombs reveal glimpses of the fortress’s storied past.

  • Day 10 – Kalocsa, Puszta:

    Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town steeped in history on the banks of the Danube. From here, travel to the Puszta for your Insider Experience.

    Insider Experience – Traditional Horse Show

    In the Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show showcasing the remarkable riding skills of the Hungarian cavalry. You may also choose to take an optional carriage ride, visit the stables and meet the riders.

  • Day 11 – Budapest:

    Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to the city’s Great Market Hall, a must-visit housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Alternatively, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a wartime hospital built within the caverns beneath Buda Castle and later used as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

    Enhance Your Journey – Great Market Hall Tour

    Join a culinary tour through the market, discovering a variety of Hungarian sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

    Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

    Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle.

  • Day 12 – Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest:

    Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport.

Highlights

  • Enriching pre-cruise extension in Türkiye.
  • Discover the stunning sights of the Balkans along the Danube River.
  • Journey through small, traditional towns and the grand capital of Budapest.

Discover the beauty of the Balkans along the Danube River, beginning with an enriching pre-cruise extension in Türkiye. Explore the cultural marvels of Istanbul, and visit the poignant sites of Gallipoli. Then, continue to Romania’s capital, Bucharest, before discovering Bulgaria’s stunning sights. Journey through small, traditional towns and the grand capital of Budapest, where history and beauty come alive.

Inclusions

  • Traditional Horse Show.
  • Day 1 highlights Arrive Istanbul:

    On arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception.

    .

  • Day 2 highlights Istanbul:

    Experience a half-day tour exploring the iconic Blue Mosque, the St. Sophia Museum, and the Grand Bazaar, a renowned historical site boasting a vast array of Turkish handicrafts and delicious cuisine. Afterward, enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

    .

FAQs

  • Canakkale, Hotel Kolin
  • EUTCRIB12
  • Seven Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship
  • Two Nights, Grand Hyatt Istanbul

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 12 days and 11 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 24 Apr 2026 and 28 Jul 2026, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

Provided by: Travel Marvel

Fine Print

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $6,495pp
Days 12
Nights 11

Enquire Now