Avalon Waterways Arrow Europe Arrow BLUE DANUBE TO THE BLACK SEA - 2009 : Artistry
BLUE DANUBE TO THE BLACK SEA - 2009 : Artistry
14 days incl. air, or 13 days from Bucharest to Vienna (WOV)
Register Profile
Send me a quote
Email this page
No ratings yet
Add review

A deluxe Danube River cruise is the highlight on this fascinating getaway through Eastern Europe. Sail through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and see the sights with a Local Guide in each city, including Vienna, the "City of Music!" Visit the Hungarian capital of Budapest and Romania's lively capital of Bucharest, as well as paprika country's Kalocsa, Belgrade, Arbanassi, Veliko Tarnovo, and Varna. Travelers who opt for the extension in Istanbul will also visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Seraglio, and the Grand Bazaar.

INCLUDED FEATURES

Cruise:
 Deluxe 9-night cruise from Vienna to Oltenita or Oltenita to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel style beds

Vienna:
 Guided sightseeing; welcome reception

Budapest:
 Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen's Bastion

Kalocsa:
 Guided sightseeing, visit the Paprika Museum; wine tasting on WOV cruise

Novi Sad:
 Guided sightseeing

Belgrade:
 Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress

Iron Gates:
 Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge

Veliko Tarnovo:
 Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch's Church

Arbanassi:
 Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity

Varna:
 Guided sightseeing, visit the National Archaeological Museum

Bucharest:
 Guided sightseeing, visit the National Art Museum

Notes:

  • In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

    MEALS

    Buffet breakfast daily (B) in Vienna and Bucharest; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain's dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements

    SUPERIOR HOTELS

    Vienna Hilton Vienna (D), Bucharest Athenee Palace Hilton (SF)

    INSIDE VISITS

    Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

    Itinerary

    Day 1

    (Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

    Day 2 Bucharest, Romania

    (Sat.) Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name "Paris of the East."

    Day 3 Bucharest-Oltenita (Embarkation)

    (Sun.) Much recent history has taken place in Romania's capital city. On 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, the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you aboard. (B,D)

    Day 4 Silistra, Bulgaria-Excursion to Varna, Black Sea

    (Mon.) Located in northeastern Bulgaria at the country's border with Romania, Silistra is a port city and the capital of an important agricultural region. After breakfast, travel by road to Varna. This city on the Black Sea is not only an important naval base and sea resort, but also has a long history. Roman baths are among the younger artifacts. During our sightseeing we will visit the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, home of the Gold of Varna, as featured in National Geographic some years ago. (B,L,D)

    Day 5 Svistov-Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi

    (Tue.) A comfortable ride from Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo. 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 6 Cruising-Iron Gates

    (Wed.) 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 7

    Belgrade, Serbia. (Thu.) 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 a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafes. (B,L,D)

    Day 8 Novi Sad

    (Fri.) Overlooking the city of Novi Sad with a spectacular view of the Danube and surroundings is Marshal Vauban's unconquerable PETROVARADIN FORTRESS. Dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region, resplendent with natural beauty and a proud history. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this interesting town before relaxing on board this afternoon as you cruise upriver. (B,L,D)

    Day 9 Kalocsa, Hungary

    (Sat.) Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. The Archbishop's Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral dominate this quiet town that is best known for paprika and folklore art. Learn how paprika has been grown and prepared through the ages at the PAPRIKA MUSEUM. Today you'll have a chance to taste some of Hungary's fine wines. (B,L,D)

    Day 10 Budapest

    (Sun.) Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven 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 11 Budapest-Cruising

    (Mon.) A free morning in Budapest before cruising to Vienna. Time to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. (B,L,D)

    Day 12 Vienna, Austria (Disembarkation)

    (Tue.) 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: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, 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 Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)

    Day 13 Vienna

    (Wed.) A free day in this fascinating city, with time to browse the shops and pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B)

    Day 14 Vienna

    (Thu.) Your homebound flight departs today. (B)

    AIRPORT TRANSFERS

    Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.

    • Call (954) 748-6881 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7428139
    Cruise LineAvalon Waterways
    OfferOffer valid through 12/31/2008
    Duration
    14 Days
    Cruise Ship
     Artistry
    Click for more information on this ship.
    Itinerary
    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Board your overnight transatlantic flight  
    Day 2Bucharest  
    Day 3Oltenita  
    Day 4Silistra  
    Day 5Svistov  
    Day 6Iron Gates  
    Day 7Belgrade  
    Day 8Novi Sad  
    Day 9Kalocsa  
    Day 10Budapest  
    Day 11Cruising  
    Day 12Vienna  
    Day 13Vienna  
    Day 14Vienna  
    Dates/Pricing
    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
    June 20, 2009Land/Cruise Price$3,559.00 (USD)Quote
    August 29, 2009Land/Cruise Price$3,559.00 (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer
    US$ Price Details
  • Applicable air fare taxes and feesPort charges: $126 per person.

    Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

    Extra nights per person in Bucharest:
    in single room $355, in twin room $190

    Extra nights per person in Vienna:
    in single room $280, in twin room $170

    Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.

    To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:

    Category / Artistry Decks / Price
    D / Indigo Deck / $127
    B / Sapphire Deck / $642
    A / Sapphire Deck / $706
    P / Royal Deck / $834
    Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,542

    Category / Artistry Decks / Price
    D / Indigo Deck / $127
    B / Sapphire Deck / $642
    A / Sapphire Deck / $706
    P / Royal Deck / $834
    Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,542

    Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
    -We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
    -Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.

    Additional Information:
    -Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
    -2008, 2009 & 2010 vacation itineraries and prices are subject to change.

    Guaranteed Air-Inclusive Price:
    Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Please see the Applicable Airfare Taxes and Fee link above for more information.

    Air booked in conjunction with a land vacation is considered an air-inclusive vacation. Air can only be booked by Avalon Waterways in conjunction with a land package and is only available for passengers traveling from the United States. For vacation departures in 2008, your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your air schedule had been confirmed and your entire vacation package has been paid in full. For vacation departures in 2009, an additional $250 non-refundable deposit (total $500 non-refundable) is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation and your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your flight information is confirmed and Globus has received your full land and air deposit.

    Not Included in the Vacation Price:
    Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; all airline imposed baggage fees (including internal flights); and all other items of a personal nature.

    		•
     
    Online Agency Travel Websites