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Scenic Opal
Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
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16 Night Eastern Europe and Balkans Unveiled with Turkey and Budapest Cruise and Land Tour

From Istanbul, (Turkey) to Budapest, (Hungary)

Scenic Opal
Scenic Cruises
5 Stars
Cruise #: 14292443
Sail Date: Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026
Return Date: Thursday, Oct 29, 2026
Room Types & Rates:
Suite
$9,480
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy
Includes taxes & fees

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Day by Day Summary and Map

16 Night Eastern Europe and Balkans Unveiled with Turkey and Budapest Cruise and Land Tour

Land Segment of Itinerary

Tuesday - Oct 13, 2026
Day
1
  • Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Istanbul. Home to more than 15 million people, it's the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Istanbul will inspire all your senses, an exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, history, and style.

Land Segment of Itinerary

Wednesday - Oct 14, 2026
Day
2
  • Istanbul, Turkey
There have been settlements in what is now Istanbul, occupying both banks of the Bosphorus Strait, for thousands of years. The modern city began life as Constantinople in the 4th century, before changing its name to Istanbul in 1930. Wherever you go, you're walking through history. See two of the city's most famous landmarks, sitting on either side of the central Sultanahmet Park, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and visit Topkapi Palace. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Thursday - Oct 15, 2026
Day
3
  • Istanbul, Turkey
  • Bus Travel
  • Canakkale, Turkey
Today, we leave Istanbul behind and visit the city of Canakkale. Sitting on the edge of the Dardanelles Strait, Canakkale has been at the forefront of history for centuries. It's the gateway to the World War One battlefield of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy. Tonight, why not make the most of your evening at leisure and join the locals along the waterfront promenade to get a taste of modern Turkish culture. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Friday - Oct 16, 2026
Day
4
Canakkale, Turkey
  • Canakkale, Turkey
  • Bus Travel
  • Gallipoli, Turkey
  • Bus Travel
  • Canakkale, Turkey
Today you are bound for Gallipoli, a special place in the heart of Australians and New Zealanders. The Gallipoli peninsula where the eight-month WWI campaign took place is now a national park and your guide will take you through the most significant sites. Stand on the beach at ANZAC Cove, where the soldiers first came ashore on 25 April 1915. Contemplate the courage and sacrifice that took place at Lone Pine and the Nek. Walk through some of the 31 cemeteries that dot the peninsula. Visiting Gallipoli is a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Saturday - Oct 17, 2026
Day
5
  • Canakkale, Turkey
  • Bus Travel
  • Troy, Turkey
  • Bus Travel
  • Istanbul, Turkey
This morning you'll be venturing to a place that is shrouded in mystery and legend, the ancient city of Troy. For more than 3,000 years, the tales of Troy and the Trojan War were thought to be mythical, made most famous by Homer's Iliad. But in the late 19th century, the ruins of Troy were discovered in modern day Turkey and centuries of history were instantly rewritten. Take a tour through the 4,000-year-old ruins, see a giant replica of the famous Trojan Horse, and learn the true story behind this illustrious city. Afterwards, return to Istanbul. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Sunday - Oct 18, 2026
Day
6
  • Istanbul, Turkey
Scenic Freechoice: Choose how to spend your morning with today's Scenic Freechoice experiences: The tastes of Turkey: Turkish cuisine brings together Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Eastern European flavors. Learn its secrets in a cooking class where you'll learn to make delicious traditional dishes. Grand Bazaar: Visit the colorful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, a vast undercover market made up of thousands of shops along wide plazas and tiny laneways. Peruse the stalls and afterwards join your local guide for a traditional Turkish coffee from a local vendor. Scenic Enrich: Tonight, a special treat awaits you with our Scenic Enrich event. Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait. This strategic waterway has played a major role in world trade for centuries and is still one of the most important global shipping routes. This evening, you'll cruise along the strait, winding between ferries and fishing boats and passing famous monuments and historic minarets. Then return to shore for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant while enjoying outstanding views, dining on exceptional Turkish cuisine as you raise a glass to an unforgettable journey. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Monday - Oct 19, 2026
Day
7
  • Istanbul, Turkey
  • Air Travel
  • Bucharest, Romania
Before you farewell Istanbul, take a moment this morning to listen out for the call to prayer before the sun rises. The traditional Muslim call rings out over the city five times a day and is a reminder of the nation's strong ties to its faith. In the relative calm and silence of the morning, it's a particularly moving sound. After breakfast, transfer to the airport where you board your included flight to Bucharest. Welcome to Bucharest. The capital of Romania was once called the 'Paris of the East', however WWII changed the face of the city with much of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture destroyed. Now a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist-era architecture sit alongside wide, tree-lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art, and thriving nightlife. Enjoy a one-night stay in a luxury hotel. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Tuesday - Oct 20, 2026
Day
8
Bucharest, Romania
  • Bucharest, Romania
  • Bus Travel

Cruise Segment of Itinerary

Day 8 - Tuesday - Oct 20, 2026
Day
8
Cruise Begins
  • Cruise Begins
  • Giurgiu, Romania
Today you'll explore the city of Bucharest, with your selected Scenic Freechoice followed by a panoramic tour of the city by coach. Travel from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace, stopping to see its squares, including Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square, and Charles de Gaulle Square. Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities: Ceausescu's Spring Palace: Located in one of the wealthiest districts in Bucharest, this 1960s residence is made up of 80 distinctive and elegant rooms decorated with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by famous Romanian painters, mosaics, marble, chandeliers, and mirrors made of Murano glass. Village Open Air Museum: Explore the ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture at the Village Open Air Museum. The museum depicts authentic houses, barns, churches, and more, rebuilt by craftsmen using traditional techniques. This afternoon, you will be transferred to Giurgiu, where you will be welcomed on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. ...
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Wednesday - Oct 21, 2026
Day
9
  • Silistra, Bulgaria
Thursday - Oct 22, 2026
Day
10
Rousse, Bulgaria
  • Rousse, Bulgaria
Friday - Oct 23, 2026
Day
11
Iron Gates
  • Iron Gates
Today you'll cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Djerdap Gorge system, or Iron Gates. This stretch of the Danube is the natural border between Serbia and Romania, and features four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs, and the mighty rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king. Spend some time relaxing in your suite, many of which feature a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. Perhaps relax on the Sun Deck then mingle with other guests in the Panorama Lounge & Bar. ...
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Saturday - Oct 24, 2026
Day
12
Belgrade, Serbia
  • Belgrade, Serbia
The capital of Serbia, Belgrade is known as the 'Door to Central Europe' and lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. This eclectic city is steeped in history, Brutalist, and Art Nouveau buildings and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times. Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities: Orientation tour of Belgrade: Tour the iconic sites of the city with a guide. You will explore the city's highlights such as cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Panoramic tour of Belgrade with Tito's Memorial: Join a panoramic tour of Belgrade with a local guide. See and learn about the major sites of the city including the Ottoman heritage of the Old Town and visit the memorial dedicated to Tito, the former ruler of Yugoslavia. Cycling tour along the Danube: Trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels during this guided cycling tour. This afternoon, you're free to explore Belgrade further. You might like to soak up the bohemian culture with a wander along the cobblestoned Skadarlija Street, a district once frequented by writers and artists and other creative souls, now home to traditional restaurants, local stores, and galleries. Scenic Enrich: Visit the St. Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans. Have a chance to admire the frescos-lined walls of the cathedral's crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. The crypt's remarkable acoustics make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as white marble adorns the remarkable ceilings. ...
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Sunday - Oct 25, 2026
Day
13
Vukovar, Croatia
  • Vukovar, Croatia
Monday - Oct 26, 2026
Day
14
  • Mohacs, Hungary
Tuesday - Oct 27, 2026
Day
15
  • Budapest, Hungary
  • Cruise Ends

Land Segment of Itinerary

Day 15 - Tuesday - Oct 27, 2026
Day
15
Budapest, Hungary
  • Budapest, Hungary
Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. Check into your luxury hotel for a two-night stay in this fascinating European capital. This morning, disembark your Space-Ship and you'll have free time to explore the city on your own or explore Budapest with today's Scenic Freechoice activities and discover why this region is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Scenic Freechoice: Beethoven's favorite getaway - Brunszvik Castle: The snow white Brunszvik Castle is a stunning example of 18th-century Neo-Gothic architecture surrounded by a sprawling English-style park. Famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven was a frequent visitor and today the castle houses a Beethoven Memorial Museum. Etyek region wineries & vineyards: Often called the "vineyard of Budapest", Etyek is renowned for its crisp, aromatic white wines and sparkling wines. Take a tour of a vineyard, learn about the winemaking process and sample local vintages. In the afternoon, check into your luxury hotel for a two-night stay in this fascinating European capital. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Wednesday - Oct 28, 2026
Day
16
  • Budapest, Hungary
This morning, join your local guide for the Hungarian Culinary Market Walk & Tasting Tour, a food tasting tour of Budapest offering an unforgettable journey through the city's culinary delights. Visit the Grand Central Market, a treasure trove of Hungarian flavors to sample local specialties and hear fascinating stories. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps visit one of the city's famed coffee houses such as the New York Cafe or Ruszwurm Cukraszda. Budapest developed a strong coffee culture in the 19th century and many elegant cafes are still charmingly dotting the city. You can mingle with locals and tourists, admire the opulently painted interiors, savor regional delicacies, and listen to live music. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Thursday - Oct 29, 2026
Day
17
  • Budapest, Hungary
After breakfast, transfer to Budapest Airport for your onward journey. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.
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