Day 1 - Arrive Istanbul On arrival in Istanbul, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel before tonight's Welcome Reception.
Three night stay: Grand Hyatt Istanbul
Day 2 - Istanbul Sightseeing Today, a tour will take you through Istanbul's old city, with its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of an historic past. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. Then, cruise the stunning Bosphorus Strait, which runs along the boundary between Europe and Asia. Tonight, you will take part in a cooking class. Learn some of the methods used to create exotic Turkish dishes, then sample the delicious results at dinner. B, D
Day 3 - Istanbul This morning, perhaps tour Topkapi Palace, relax with a Turkish bath experience and massage or visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque and the Spice Bazaar, before lunch at the Orient Express railway restaurant. B
Day 4 - Istanbul, Canakkale Leave Istanbul and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Arrive in Gelibolu 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 and enjoy some time at leisure, before dinner.
Stay: Canakkale, Hotel Kolin B, L, D
Day 5 - Canakkale, Troy, Pergamon, Izmir This morning, head south along the Turkish coast via the ancient cities of Troy and Pergamon to Izmir, on the Gulf of Izmir.
Stay: Izmir, Swissotel Grand Efes Hotel B, D
Day 6 - Izmir, Ephesus, Kusadasi Take a tour of Izmir, then journey to the famous site of Ephesus. Later, travel to the town of Kusadasi.
Two night stay: Kusadasi, Charisma Deluxe Hotel B, D
Day 7 - Kusadasi at Leisure After breakfast, today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax or enjoy Kusadasi independently. B
Day 8 - Kusadasi, Pamukkale Visit Pamukkale, where, for thousands of years, an underground spring has poured streams of hot, mineral saturated water.
Two night stay: Pamukkale, Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal B, D
Day 9 - Pamukkale, Hierapolis Today enjoy a visit to ancient Hierapolis, as well as time at leisure to bathe in the hot springs. B
Day 10 - Pamukkale, Antalya Travel to Antalya, located on a cliff on the Mediterranean boasting amazing coastal views, mountainous surrounds and Ottoman era streets.
Two night stay: Divan Antalya Talya Hotel B, D
Day 11 - Perga, Aspendos Travel to the ruins of Perga, located on the coastal plain. Explore the ruins, then continue to Aspendos, an ancient Greco Roman city. Later, return to Antalya. B
Day 12 - Antalya, Cappadocia Today head inland to the city of Konya, before continuing to the Cappadocia region.
Two night stay: Cappadocia, Lykia Lodge Hotel B, D
Day 13 - Goreme, Urgup Today take a tour of Goreme and Urgup, taking in the stunning geological formations. Here, natural pinnacles and amazing rock formations abound. Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum. B
Day 14 - Cappadocia, Istanbul Take your included flight back to Istanbul and enjoy a day to explore the city at leisure. This evening, enjoy a special dinner during which you will be entertained by a Turkish belly dancing performance.
Stay: Grand Hyatt Istanbul B, D
Day 15 - Istanbul, Bucharest, Rousse Today, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Bucharest. On arrival, transfer to Rousse and board your river ship. Settle into your floating five star hotel.
Seven night stay: the MS AmaLyra, a luxurious Aria Class river ship. B, D
Day 16 - Giurgiu, Bucharest In Bucharest today, see the Arch of Triumph, the Athenaeum and Library as well as the Parliament Palace, before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. B, L, D
Day 17 - Vidin Arrive in Vidin today and see the Baba Vida Fortress guarding the Danube at this Bulgarian frontier town. Then travel by coach to Belogradchik to see the impressive Kaleto Fortress, on the north slopes of the Balkan Mountains. B, L, D
Day 18 - Iron Gates Relax today as you cruise through one of Europe's most impressive natural wonders, the Iron Gates. B, L, D
Day 19 - Belgrade Arrive in Belgrade, where a tour takes you to the home of the Patriarch and St Sava's, the Town Hall, Parliament Building, Belgrade Fort and more. B, L, D
Day 20 - Novi Sad, Vukovar Arrive in Novi Sad this morning and see the 18th century Petrovaradin Fortress. After a city tour, continue to Vukovar in Croatia. B, L, D
Day 21 - Mohacs, Pecs Today arrive in Mohacs for an excursion to Pecs. After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting excursion. B, L, D
Day 22 - Budapest, Great Hungarian Plain, Disemark Ship Arrive in the Puszta region, where you will be met by horse herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Enjoy a light lunch of goulash, the national dish.
Two night stay: Budapest, Hotel Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge B, L
Day 23 - Budapest Sightseeing Today, join a tour that includes such places as Matthias Church, the Royal Palace and Buda Castle. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight. B, D
Day 24 - Depart Budapest Your tour ends this morning and you are transferred to the airport. B
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Istanbul
With its skyline aglow with the glimmer of domes and minarets, arriving in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. The labyrinth of streets. Bustling bazaars. The serenity of the surrounding waters. This city offers one intriguing adventure after another. Explore Istanbul’s most famous monuments, from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the old city walls. Its sheer size, wealth and beauty await you.
Country - Turkey Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 20kms Currency - Turkish Lira (YTL)
Places of Interest Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
Canakkale
Country - Distance from port to City - Distance to Airport - Currency -
Places of Interest
Izmir
"Beautiful Izmir" -- the "Pearl of the Aegean" -- is Turkey's third largest city. A city of palm-lined promenades, avenues and green parks set in sweeping curves along a circular bay, Izmir has an exceptionally mild climate and many fine hotels.
Country - Turkey Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 15kms Currency - Turkish Lira (YTL)
Places of Interest Cable Railway, Kadifekale Mountain Lookout, Culture Park
Kusadasi
Meander through the ruins of ancient Ephesus, now known as Kusadasi. Marvel at the famed Library of Celsus, the huge amphitheater, the marble roads with their chariot marks, the amazing mosaic sidewalks and the superb, rarely opened Terrace Houses. Or, journey to three monumental cities of antiquity – Priene, Miletus and Didyma, renowned for their majestic temples and impressive, beautifully preserved stadiums.
Country - Turkey Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 75kms Currency - Turkish Liyra (YTL)
Places of Interest Ephesus, St John's Basilica, The Bazaar
Antalya
Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort in the Mediterranean region (ancient Pamphylia), is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards, a prize-winning marina on the Mediterranean. Antalya is the shining gem of the Turquoise Riviera with some of the clearest waters and most beautiful coast along the Mediterranean, the region is great for divers, swimmers and yachting types.
Country - Turkey Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 13kms Currency - Turkish Liyra (YTL)
Places of Interest Kaleici, Archaelogy Museum, Historic Museums
Bucharest
Bucharest is Romania's capital and largest city, as well as the most important industrial and commercial center of the country. With its 2 million inhabitants in the city proper and more than 2.4 million in the urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Eastern Europe. Country - Romania Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 7.5kms Currency - Ieu (RON)
Places of Interest Piata Unirii (Union Plaza), Little Paris, Palace of Parliament
Vidin
The town of Vidin is situated on the bank of the Danube, in the most northwest corner of Bulgaria, 199km northwest of Sofia. One of the most marvellous cities in the country, Vidin was inhabited by Celts, Romans, and Byzantines, but it was under the Bulgarian Tsars and their Ottoman conquerors that the most frenzied fortress building took place.
Country - Bulgaria Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 150kms Currency - Lev (BGN)
Places of Interest Baba Vida, Church of St Petka, Ethnographic Museum
Belgrade
Belgrade is a very old city, dating back to several thousand years before Christ. The city can be divided into three parts: Zemun, Novi Beograd and Stari Grad, or the Old City.
Country - Serbia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 18kms Currency - Serbian Dinar (CSD)
Places of Interest Sava and Danube Rivers, Fortress of Kalemegdan
Novi Sad
Country - Serbia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 60kms Currency - Serbian Dinar (CSD)
Places of Interest EXIT Festival, Dvorac Dundjerski Castle, Vojvodina Museum
Vukovar
Vukovar is a city in eastern Croatia, and the biggest river port in Croatia located at the confluence of the Vuka river into the Danube. Vukovar is the center of the Vukovar-Srijem county. The city's registered population was 30,126 in the 2001 census, up to 31,670 in the municipality.
Country - Croatia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 230kms Currency - Kuna (HRK)
Places of Interest
Castle of the Eltz family, Vucedol, Orlov Otok
Mohacs
Country -
Distance from port to City - Distance to Airport - Currency - Places of Interest
Pecs
Pecs is best known for its city symbol, the Mosque Church, which is the largest building from the Turkish occupation that still stands in Hungry. Pecs is home to several museums including the Victor Vasarely Museum and the Zsolnay Porcelain Exhibit.
Country - Hungary Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 168kms Currency - Forint (HUF)
Places of Interest Mosque Church, Pannonia Champagne Factory
Budapest
Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant cultural heritage. Recognizing the unique value of its traditions it has managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as the Queen of the Danube. It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal baths complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.
Country - Hungary Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 14kms Currency - Forint (HUF)
Places of Interest Ecseri Flea Market, Royal Palace, National Gallery, Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum, Fisherman's Bastion, Statue Park
ms Amalyra Cabin Info
View Another Cabin:
Cruise line info
APT (Australian Pacific Touring)
A family - owned company since its auspicious conception in the 1920s, we began when Bill McGeary built a bus body on a tray truck after a tram strike crippled the city of Melbourne. Through Bill's son Geoff, we pioneered Australia's dynamic travel industry in the 1960's and 70's via a diverse range of modes. Such innovation continues to thrive within us today, now a multi-brand business with an extensive global portfolio of touring and cruising products still owned and controlled by the McGeary family. Now, with a third generation of the family contributing to our success, the benefits of the Company's family - style culture are increasingly apparent.
While vigorously pursuing a global vision, the unwavering focus is on delivering a life - enriching and memorable holiday experience for each and every individual that entrusts us with their valuable time and travel. Such longevity in a competitive environment coupled with a proven ability to meet the shifting expectations of the modern holidaymaker is testament to the pioneering spirit upon which the company was founded, and upon which it continues to operate and flourish today.
Ship info
ms Amalyra
The MS Amalyra debuted in 2009. This vessel's set new standards in European river cruising and offer a number of features, which no other European river cruise ship can match. The vessel carries 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service.
Dining
Onboard culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality choice cut meats, and fresh fish and seafood. Your Maitre d' always welcomes you to the restaurant with a bright smile.
Start your day with a lavish gourmet champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and smoked salmon. Sample the delicious cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as our daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.
Return from your shore excursion to a delicious lunch. Start with mouth-watering hot or cold appetizers, homemade soups, then choose from a selection of great entrees, finish off with a delectable dessert and complimentary cappuccino.
In the evening, be our honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious cuisine and complimentary free-flowing wines from the local vintners. Our kitchen crew knows how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience.
Amenities
BICYCLES: Each ship has plenty of bicycles onboard which can be used by passengers, free of charge, to explore the small towns. Most regions offer well-maintained bicycle paths along the river.
WELLNESS AREA: Located in the aft area of the Violin Deck, this generously designed space includes a glassed-in fitness room, massage and beauty salon; the aft lounge with modern wicker furniture and French doors to enjoy the fresh river air.
ELEVATOR: Each ship has an elevator, which very few river cruise ships feature. The elevator reaches four different levels: the Restaurant level (1), the Staterooms on the Cello Deck (2), the Lobby and Panorama Lounge (3) and the Staterooms on the Violin Deck (4).
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS: Every stateroom is equipped with monitor, keyboard with Internet access, English language TV stations, a large movie selection and numerous music programs. Our satellite telephone system allows you to call home for a nominal fee.
