Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.




Highlights of Eastern Europe & Istanbul
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Visit Cities Budapest, Osijek, Vukovar, Belgrade, Veliko Tarnovo
- Enjoy cruising through Danube River
- Visit belogradchik Rocks National park
- Explore the fascinating cultural crossroads of Istanbul
- Visit Hagia Sophia, Mogoșoaia Palace and Topkapi Palace
Short Description
An ideal voyage for travellers seeking new, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Follow a path forged by crusaders, kings and conquerors through Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. Immerse yourself in new cultures and make new friends as you travel from splendid Budapest to exotic Istanbul, discovering the best that the revitalized nations of Eastern Europe have to offer along the way.
Activities & Interests
Culture Cycling Historic sightseeing History Nature River cruise Ruins & ArchaelogyItinerary
Day 1: Budapest
Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship.
Day 2: Budapest, cruising the Danube River
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Budapest city tour OR exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Budapest walking tour OR exclusive guided “Go Active” Budapest by bike
Savor the beauty of Buda and Pest on a panoramic tour of the city. Or “Do as the Locals Do,” riding the metro and stopping at a lively local market, Károlyi Garden and the National Museum. Alternatively, see the sites on a guided bike tour. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.
Day 3: Cruising the Danube River, Vukovar (Osijek)
FEATURED EXCURSION: Full-day tour of Vukovar and Osijek with exclusive farm visit and home-hosted lunch
Take a short walking discovery tour of Vukovar before departing for Osijek, where you’ll explore the Old Town on foot. Then venture into the Croatian countryside to experience a family-owned farm and enjoy a delicious tapas-style meal.
Day 4: Belgrade
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Belgrade city tour with visit to the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace OR exclusive guided “Go Active” “I Bike Belgrade” tour
Explore Belgrade, Serbia’s capital and largest city, in one of two ways—a panoramic tour that includes a tour inside the Royal Palace, or a guided bike tour highlighting historic sites dating from WWII to the present day.
Day 5: Cruising the Iron Gates
Enjoy a day onboard cruising through the Iron Gates, a scenic stretch of the Danube marking the boundary between Romania and Serbia.
Day 6: Vidin, cruising the Danube River
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Belogradchik rock formations OR Romanian Cetate Cultural Port visit
Explore the lesser-known town of Vidin and the extraordinary Belogradchik rocks, whose peculiar shapes have given rise to many legends. Or, visit the Cetate Cultural Port, a residence for Romanian writers and artists.
Day 7: Rousse (Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi or Rousse and Ivanovo)
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with authentic Bulgarian lunch OR Rousse walking discovery tour and Ivanovo and Basarbovo monasteries
See the majestic ruins of Tsarevetz Castle in Veliko Tarnovo and the frescoed Nativity Church in Arbanassi, followed by a traditional Bulgarian lunch. Or, opt for a tour of Rousse and the UNESCO-designated cave churches of Ivanovo and Basarbovo. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.
Day 8: Giurgiu (disembark), transfer to Bucharest hotel
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Bucharest city tour OR exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Bucharest walking tour
Disembark the ship and transfer via motorcoach to Bucharest, where your panoramic tour highlights the city’s eclectic mix of Soviet- and French-inspired architecture. Or, “Do as the Locals Do” with a guided walk through revitalized downtown neighborhoods.
Day 9: Bucharest
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of People’s Palace visit OR Romanian countryside tour with visits to Mogosoaia Palace and Vlad the Impaler’s tomb
Spend some time today in the lavish People’s Palace—the world’s largest civilian building, erected at enormous cost. Or, you can choose to head into the countryside to get a closer look at the lives of Romanian villagers and explore the 18th-century Mogosoaia Palace and the lakeside tomb of Vlad the Impaler.
Day 10: Bucharest, fly to Istanbul, transfer to Istanbul hotel
Explore the fascinating cultural crossroads of Istanbul at your leisure today.
Day 11: Istanbul
FEATURED EXCURSION: Istanbul city tour with Grand Bazaar
Your panoramic tour of Istanbul features many of its most famous sites—including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace— followed by a visit to the legendary Grand Bazaar.
Note: The Blue Mosque is a place of active worship. Ceremonies may prevent visitors from entering at times. At all times, please obey mosque etiquette.
Note: Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays and Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. The city tour of Istanbul will be arranged in accordance with the days attractions are open. If your visit occurs on days when these attractions are closed, your full-day city tour may be split into two half-day tours and provided over the course of two days so that you can experience the attractions listed here. If Hagia Sophia is not available during your stay, we will offer a visit to the Topkapi Palace harem instead.
Day 12: Istanbul, transfer to the airport
Transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your flight home.
Availability
- Deposit Price: $ 300
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Uniworld.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click
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118 Uniworld Travel Reviews & Ratings
Highlights of Eastern Europe & Istanbul
Company Reviews
The staff is most efficient and kind.
Personnel were all very polite and happy to serve.
The service on the Tosca was OUTSTANDING.
The staff was very attentive to all our needs.
Everyone that I came in contact with was polite, friendly, attentive and helpful.
Vasijelo (sp) deserve special recognition for serving a particularly difficult dinner quest with poise and patience. Jolana (sp) while being friendly and helpful was particularly observant with having drinks ready upon seeing our arrival for meals.
a very enjoyable cruise
Best service at any price!
Details
Ship Name
River Duchess
Ship Stats
Rivers: Rhine River,Main River,Danube River
Guests: 130
Staff: 41
Suites: 4 (214 Sq Ft)
Staterooms: 61 (151 Sq Ft)
Length: 361 Ft
Width: 37.5 Ft
Ship Description
The recently remodeled, 130-passenger River Duchess is decorated in soft hues of blue and green complemented by soothing earth tones, providing a tranquil and elegant onboard ambiance. Enjoy spectacular and ever-changing views of Europe’s most enchanting waterways in the ship’s stylish Blue Danube Lounge, Palace Restaurant, or the La Motte Sky Lounge.
Deck & Cabin Plans
Optional Activities
Budapest Extension | Magic is Born Where East Meets West
For cruises that begin or end in Budapest
Enjoy extra time in Budapest, the regal “Queen of the Danube” and one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.
Included in your 3-day stay:
- 2 nights at the deluxe Corinthia Hotel Budapest (or similar)
- Breakfast daily and all gratuities, service charges, taxes, and porterage
- Discovery walk of national treasures
- English-speaking expert
- All transfers
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Cancellation policy
Cancellation Notice Received Before Tour Start Date, 90 days or more then Cancellation Charges Per Person is $300 nonrefundable deposit
Cancellation Notice Received Before Tour Start Date, 89 – 60 days then Cancellation Charges Per Person is 35% of the fare**
Cancellation Notice Received Before Tour Start Date, 59 – 30 days then Cancellation Charges Per Person is 50% of the fare**
Cancellation Notice Received Before Tour Start Date, Less than 30 days then Cancellation Charges Per Person is 100% of the fare**
Cancellation Notice Received have not recived Before Tour Start Date, then Cancellation Charges Per Person is 100% of the fare**
**Fare is defined as the cost of any cruise, land, or air element purchased from Uniworld. Port charges are fully refundable if they have been paid prior to cancelling your trip.
Trip ID#:
HigEasUni
What's excluded
- International Flights
- Passport and Visa Charges
- Personal Expenses
Meals Included
11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 7 Dinners
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