BLUE DANUBE TO THE BLACK SEA FROM ISTANBUL TO VIENNA (WOVE2012)

A 16-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $6,709

Thanks for voting !  (Not Yet Rated)   |   Write a review
Starting Price: $6,709 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 16 Days
Countries Visited: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia , Slovakia, Turkey
Get A Quote     Chat with a travel agent
 
  • Single Supplement Waived on Select River Cruises
  • Save $100 per person on Groups of 5 or more
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 River Cruise
Tour Category: Other Avalon Tours
Tour Operator: Avalon Waterways
Tour Code: WOVE-2012
Printer Friendly Page

Cities Visited:
See Description

NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is includied in the prices below along with applicable air taxes. Please contact a travel agent for more information.

Title
Blue Danube To The Black Sea from Istanbul to Vienna

Vacation Overview
A deluxe Danube River cruise is the highlight on this fascinating getaway through Eastern Europe. Your vacation begins with three overnights in exciting Istanbul, Turkey, with visits of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Seraglio, and the Grand Bazaar. Fly to Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital, then travel to Oltenita to embark your ship for a 9-night cruise along the Danube River. See the sights with a Local Guide in each city, visiting Constanta on the Black Sea, Bulgaria’s Arbanassi and Veliko Târnovo, Serbia’s Belgrade, Croatia’s Vukovar, and the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Also sail through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Disembark in Vienna for two overnights in the remarkable “City of Music.” Savor Sachertorte in a local café, spend time in one of the many marvelous museums, window shop along the Kärntnerstrasse, or stroll along the historic streets—an incredible conclusion to an amazing vacation!
 
Itinerary
 
 
Sightseeing
 
 

Hotels


ISTANBUL
Crowne Plaza Istanbul Old City (SF),

BUCHAREST
Athénée Palace Hilton (SF),

VIENNA
InterContinental (D);

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

 
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 fabulous archaeological 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:
Cernavoda. Excursion to Constanta, Black Sea. Today, disembark in Cernavoda. From here, a 40-mile-long canal, the pride and joy of communist achievement, runs to Agigea and Navoradi on the Black Sea. Constanta is the most important commercial center of Romania. Enjoy a guided tour of this popular resort town and visit the NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
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 8:
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 9:
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 a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Vukovar, Croatia. Today, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. Vukovar, Croatia’s largest river port, which is located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers, 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 11:
Mohács, Hungary. Excursion to Pecs. Mohács, situated on the Hungarian border with Croatia, was the scene of two famous battles that marked the beginning and end of the Ottoman dominance over Hungary. From here, an excursion takes you to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Budapest. 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 13:
Budapest–Vienna. 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 14:
Vienna, Austria (Disembarkation). 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 Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)

Day 15:
Vienna. 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 16:
Vienna. Your vacation ends with breakfast today. (B)

 

Don't miss our current specials:

  • SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
  • SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
  • SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
7/17/2012 - 8/2/2012
$6,709
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/25/2012 - 10/11/2012
$6,709
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
         

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

City Highlights


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

ISTANBUL:
Guided sightseeing, visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Seraglio, and the Grand Bazaar; Host service during your stay

BUCHAREST:
Guided sightseeing, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art Museum

OLTENITA:
Welcome reception

CONSTANTA:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Natural History and Archaeological Museum

VELIKO TÂRNOVO:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s Church

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

IRON GATES:
Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan Table

BELGRADE:
Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress

VUKOVAR:
Guided sightseeing

MOHÁCS:
Excursion to Pecs

BUDAPEST:
Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion

VIENNA:
Guided sightseeing

Notes
Notes:In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

 

Price Details US
Port charges: $135 Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Extra nights per person in Istanbul: In single room $290, in twin room $152 Extra nights per person in Vienna:In single room $218, in twin room $130 Prices 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 / $706 A / Sapphire Deck / $770 P / Royal Deck / $899Suite / Royal Deck / $1,670

Related Tours
WOV|Blue Danube to the Black Sea from Bucharest to Vienna

SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

 

With Avalon Waterway's Book Now Sailings, you can easily and affordably take a cruise that includes everything. Our cruises give you sweeping views of awe-inspiring landscapes every moment of the day and bring you to the heart of small towns and big cities to experience unique destinations like a local. We want to welcome you to the world of Avalon river cruising. Where no matter how long you're aboard, you'll be spoiled with a cruise unlike any other. Book Now Sailings are offered for a limited time only and sell out quickly. Offer also valid for the cruise-only itineraries and full offer details below.

 

 

Cruise Number of Days Departures Map  
Tulip Time 8 days from Amsterdam to Amsterdam April 6 & April 7, 2013  
Taste of the Danube 4 days from Vienna to Budapest April 25 & July 26, 2013  
Taste of the Danube 5 days from Budapest to Vienna April 21 & August 12, 2013  
Burgundy and Provence 11 days from Paris to Côte d'Azur March 30, April 13, July 6, August 17 & October 12, 2013  
Burgundy and Provence 11 days from Côte d'Azur to Paris April 7, July 14 & August 11, 2013  
Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches 8 days from Paris to Paris April 22, July 1, July 15, August 5, August 19 & October 14, 2013  
Blue Danube to the Black Sea 13 days from Vienna to Bucharest August 5, 2013  
Blue Danube to the Black Sea 13 days from Bucharest to Vienna July 3, 2013  
The Legendary Danube 11 days from Prague to Budapest April 9, August 10 & October 30, 2013  
The Blue Danube Discovery 13 days from Budapest to Prague July 7, October 24 & Ocober 30, 2013  
Balkin Discovery 11 days from Budapest to Bucharest April 17 & July 31, 2013  
Balkin Discovery 11 days from Bucharest to Budapest October 25, 2013  
Magnificent Europe 15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam April 26, August 1 & October 26, 2013  
Romantic Rhine 8 days from Zürich to Amsterdam April 13, April 21, June 22, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, October 26 & November 2, 2013  
Romantic Rhine 8 days from Amsterdam to Basel April 6, April 14, August 10 & October 26, 2013  
The Upper Rhine-City of Music 12 days from Zürich to Vienna July 17, 2013  
European Splendor 13 days from Amsterdam to Vienna July 26, 2013  
European Splendor 13 days from Vienna to Amsterdam July 14 & August 18, 2013  
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 10 days from Amsterdam to Paris August 10, 2013  
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 13 days from Paris to Amsterdam October 24, 2013  

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions: Book a select 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $500 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Offer available onselect dates of select cruises. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and June 26, 2012 for travel at select times in 2013. Avalon and Royal Suites excluded. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises

 

Have you ever taken a cruise that brought you sweeping views every moment of every day? Or delivered you right to the heart of the cities, towns and small quiet villages to experience the sights and sounds, the people and the cultures there. Have you ever taken a cruise where on shore excursions, and on-board amenities are all included? Have you ever had a vacation that satisfied your mind, body and soul? Here in the sanctuary of our world-class ships, we gracefully deliver the world to you, and you to it. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy. And be spoiled with a cruise unlike any other, upon the ships of Avalon.

 

There's never been a better time for you to take the cruise of a lifetime with an all-inclusive Avalon river cruise. We'll pamper you with large suites, luxurious amenities, exquisite cuisine, and ever changing views every moment of every day. And we'll take you right to the heart of charming cities, and towns where you can spend your days seeing the sights like a local, not like a tourist.

 

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions:  Book a 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

 

SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises

SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises

 

 

A once-in-a-lifetime destination, deserves a once-in-a-lifetime way to see it.

 

Ecuador & the Galápagos
9 days from Quito to Guayaquil

Ecuador & the GalápagosThis exciting vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito, have your photo taken at the "Center of the World," and spend time at leisure in Guayaquil. Fly over the Pacific to San Cristobal Island, where you'll embark on an exciting 4-day cruise among various Galápagos Islands. Then, spend two nights on Santa Cruz Island at the Finch Bay Hotel, where an expert Naturalist introduces you to indigenous plant and animal species found only in the Galápagos.

 

Highlights of Egypt
9 days from Cairo to Cairo

Highlights of EgyptSail through 5-thousand years of history on this incredible Nile river cruise getaway. In Cairo, marvel at King Tutankhamun's treasures and masterpieces of ancient art, visit the enigmatic Sphinx, and see the Great Pyramids of Giza. Drive to the ancient capital of Memphis to see the 40-foot statue of Ramses II. Fly to Luxor, one of the greatest cities of ancient Egypt, and embark your 4-night Nile River cruise to Aswan. Along the way, visit the Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, the Temple of Isis, and Aswan Dam.

 

Magical China & the Yangtze River
11 days from Beijing to Shanghai

Magical China & the Yangtze RiverDiscover China's ancient history and fascinating culture on this delightful China river cruise. Sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the highlights in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, with inside visits that include the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Great Wall, Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs, the Terracotta Warriors, Dayan Pagoda, the Bund, the Yu Yuan Gardens, and the Children's Palace. Attend an acrobatic show or visit the Ghost City Temple, and participate in a calligraphy class, lacquer and cloisonné workshops, and a noodle-making demonstration.

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Asia, Egypt or Galapagos Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $150 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

 
 

Visitors who viewed this tour also viewed:

CULTURAL CHINA and TIBET WITH YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (WXY2012)

15 Days starting from $4,434

NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is includied in t.. (click for more)

NORTH SEA BLACK SEA CRUISE FROM AMSTERDAM TO ISTANBUL (WAOE2012)

26 Days starting from $10,049

NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is includied in t.. (click for more)

A TASTE OF THE DANUBE FROM VIENNA TO BUDAPEST (WVB2012)

4 Days starting from $949

TitleA Taste of the Danube from Vienna to BudapestVacation OverviewDiscover.. (click for more)

A TASTE OF THE DANUBE FROM BUDAPEST TO VIENNA (WBV2012)

5 Days starting from $1,279

TitleA Taste of the Danube from Budapest to ViennaVacation OverviewFall in .. (click for more)

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates 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. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.