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Blue Danube To The Black Sea From Istanbul To Vienna 2013
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Tour Operator |
Globus |
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Tour Code |
WOVE3 |
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Vacation Quality |
First Class |
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Vacation Type |
River Cruise |
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Number of Days |
17 |
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Countries Visited |
Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey
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City Highlights |
Belgrade, Bodrum, Budapest, Constanta, Istanbul, Mohacs, Oltenita, Osijek, Tulcea, Veliko Turnovo, Vienna, Vukovar |
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Istanbul: Guided sightseeing, visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Seraglio, and the Grand Bazaar; Host service during your stayBucharest: Guided sightseeing, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art MuseumOltenita: Welcome receptionHarsova:Excursion to Celic Dere MonasteryDanube Delta: Delta excursionConstanta: Guided sightseeing, visit the Natural History and Archaeological MuseumVeliko Târnovo:Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s ChurchArbanassi: Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the NativityIron Gates: Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan TableBelgrade: Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan FortressOsijek: Guided sightseeingVukovar: Guided sightseeingMohács: Wine tasting in Villány wine regionBudapest: Guided sightseeing, see Fishermen’s BastionBratislava: Guided sightseeingVienna: Guided sightseeing
MEALS
B: full buffet breakfast L: lunch D: dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast, soft drinks with lunch, and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included on board your vessel.
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Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey.
Free time to relax and begin soaking up the unique atmosphere of this city built on two continents. At 6 pm, meet your Local Host for a welcome get-together.
Day 2: Istanbul.
Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, renamed Constantinople in the year 330, and finally called Istanbul, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as gateway between the Orient and the Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent history. Guided sightseeing includes Emperor Justinian’s HAGIA SOPHIA and Sultan Ahmet’s BLUE MOSQUE, magnificent monuments to two competing world religions that stand peacefully side by side; TOPKAPI SERAGLIO, residence of the Ottoman Sultans; and the GRAND BAZAAR. (B)
Day 3: Istanbul.
A free day in Istanbul to explore on your own. Or, why not join a full-day optional excursion to the fabulousarchaeological site of Ephesus? Fly to Izmir, then travel to the city which later became the capital of Roman Asia minor. When St. Paul arrived here he was so awestruck that he asked, “Is there a greater city?” Visit the Library of Celsus, the Amphitheater, and listen to exciting “inside stories” of life in ancient Ephesus as you walk down its "Champs Elysées." Also visit the House of the Virgin Mary before returning to Istanbul for a final evening in Turkey. (B)
Day 4: Istanbul–Bucharest, Romania.
Fly to Bucharest where its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name “Paris of the East.”(B)
Day 5: Bucharest–Oltenita (Embarkation).
Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s capital city. During your included tour this morning, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. This afternoon, a short motorcoach ride takes you to Oltenita where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D)
Day 6: Harsova. Excursion to Celic Dere Monastery.
After breakfast, a drive in the countryside takes you to Celic Dere, one of the most well-known monasteries in this area and considered the center of Orthodoxism. The first church was built here in the early 19th century by priests from Transylvania and Bessarabia who had lived on Mount Athos in Greece. Return to your ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon and evening of tranquil sailing toward Tulcea and the mouth of the Danube. (B,L,D)
Day 7: St. Gheorghe, Danube Delta.
Perhaps this morning you will wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Black Sea. Later, enjoy a small celebration to mark “Km 0.” From its source in the Black Forest to its delta at the Black Sea, the Danube measures 2,845 kilometers in length. The Km markings can be clearly seen on the river banks the length of the river, and today it’s time to celebrate the end of the Danube’s journey at “Km 0.” This afternoon, enjoy an excursion into the Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best preserved of Europe’s deltas, hosting over 300 species of birds as well as 45 species of freshwater fish. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Cernavodă. Excursion to Constanta.
Cernavodă lies at the western end of the 40-mile-long Black Sea Canal, the pride and joy of communist achievement. From here, drive to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Enjoy a guided tour of this popular resort town and visit the NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Late this afternoon, return to your ship. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Svistov, Bulgaria. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi.
A comfortable ride from Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces, and the PATRIARCH’S CHURCH. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Iron Gates.
The Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia and the Serbian fortresses of Golubac and Smederevo are impressive sights on the left bank of the Danube. The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the IRON GATES, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Belgrade, Serbia.
The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox church; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and monument. The city center has alively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Vukovar, Croatia. Excursion to Osijek.
Today, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. Accompanied by local experts, explore both Osijek, an important economic and cultural center, as well as Vukovar, Croatia’s largest river port located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers. Vukovar was scene to an 87-day siege in 1991, known as the Battle of Vukovar. This and other dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Mohács. Excursion to Villány Wine District.
This morning, an excursion takes you into the Villány district, where some of Hungary’s best red wines are produced. Learn more about which varietals are grown, and why the climate and soil conditions here are ideal for the production of excellent wines, as you enjoy a WINE TASTING. Relax on board this afternoon as you sail toward Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Budapest.
Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Eight bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Bratislava, Slovakia (Disembarkation)–Vienna, Austria.
This morning, bid farewell to your ship’s crew as you arrive in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. A Certified Local Guide will show you the charming Old Town with its Town Hall and views of Mirbach Palace, as well as gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL. Then, a motorcoach transfer will take you to Vienna, where you have free time to start exploring Austria’s capital on your own. (B)
Day 16: Vienna.
Vienna is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Disembark after breakfast and enjoy an included tour of Austria’s capital. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majesticRingstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna—you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)
Day 17: Vienna.
Your vacation ends with breakfast today. (B)
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Istanbul Crowne Plaza Istanbul Old City (SF), Bucharest Athénée Palace Hilton (SF), Vienna InterContinental (D) Dates and Prices do not include air travel. Participation in this vacation requires purchase of the following flights from Avalon Waterways, not included in pricing: (1) roundtrip air from your U.S. gateway and intra-vacation air segments; or (2) intra-vacation air segments only, starting at $300. Required intra-vacation air segment: from Istanbul/Bucharest. Air prices were effective on April 11, 2012 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher.Port charges: $180Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Extra nights per person in Istanbul:in single room $315, in twin room $165Extra nights per person in Vienna:in single room $230 in twin room $137Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person:Category / Decks / Price B / Sapphire Deck / $784A / Sapphire Deck / $856 P / Royal Deck / $1,070Avalon Suite / Royal Deck / $1,856
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| Touring Date | Land & Air | Land Only | | Apr 22, 2013 - May 08, 2013 | Call Us | $6,288 | | Jul 01, 2013 - Jul 17, 2013 | Call Us | $6,638 | | Aug 05, 2013 - Aug 21, 2013 | Call Us | $6,538 | | Sep 09, 2013 - Sep 25, 2013 | Call Us | $6,738 |
* All prices are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. Please call us toll free at 1 800 232 6459 to confirm availability and current pricing on all our discounted specials. The prices on this website are not guaranteed until a deposit has been made. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents.
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