BLUE DANUBE TO THE BLACK SEA FROM VIENNA TO ISTANBUL (WVOE2012)

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

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Starting Price: $6,709 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 16 Days
Countries Visited: Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia , Slovakia, Turkey
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 River Cruise
Tour Category: Other Avalon Tours
Tour Operator: Avalon Waterways
Tour Code: WVOE-2012
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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 Vienna to Istanbul

Vacation Overview
A deluxe Danube River cruise from Vienna to Bucharest 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.” Along the way, explore the Hungarian capital of Budapest, Croatia’s Vukovar, Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress, Bulgaria’s Arbanassi and Veliko Târnovo, and Constanta on the Black Sea. End your Danube River cruise in Oltenita, then travel to Romania’s lively capital of Bucharest for guided sightseeing and an overnight. Fly to Istanbul, one of the most exciting places in the world, and visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Seraglio, and the Grand Bazaar—an incredible conclusion to an amazing vacation.
 
Itinerary
 
 
Sightseeing
 
 

Hotels


VIENNA
InterContinental (D),

BUCHAREST
Athénée Palace Hilton (SF);

ISTANBUL
Crowne Plaza Istanbul Old City (SF)

Meals
Full buffet breakfast (B) in Vienna, Bucharest, and Istanbul; 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 Vienna, Austria. Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s capital, which is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The remainder of the day is yours to start exploring this elegant city.

Day 2:
Vienna. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: 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 will enjoy during your included tour. You do not rush through Vienna—you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)

Day 3:
Vienna (Embarkation). Time today to browse the shops along the Kärntnerstrasse and perhaps enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D)

Day 4:
Budapest, Hungary. 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 5:
Budapest. A free day to explore Budapest at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Mohács. Excursion to Pecs. Mohács, on the border with Croatia, was the scene of two famous battles that marked the beginning and the end of the Ottoman dominance of 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 7:
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 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 8:
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 9:
Iron Gates. The Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia are impressive sights on the right 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 10:
Svistov, Bulgaria–Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi–Rousse. 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. Rejoin your ship in Rousse. (B,L,D)

Day 11:
Harsova, Romania. Excursion to Constanta, Black Sea–Cernavoda. Constanta, situated on the Black Sea, is the most important commercial center in Romania. Enjoy a guided tour of this popular resort town and visit the NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Return to your ship at Cernavoda. From here, the 40-mile-long canal, the pride and joy of communist achievement, runs to Agigea and Navoradi on the Black Sea. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Oltenita (Disembarkation)–Bucharest. Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name “Paris of the East.” Much recent history has taken place here. During your included tour, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon, and Royal Palace Square, scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. (B)

Day 13:
Bucharest–Istanbul, Turkey. Today, fly to Istanbul. Free time to relax and begin soaking up the unique atmosphere of this city built on two continents. (B)

Day 14:
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 15:
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 16:
Istanbul. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

 

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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 Vienna to Oltenita in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

VIENNA:
Guided sightseeing; welcome reception

BUDAPEST:
Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion

MOHÁCS:
Excursion to Pecs

VUKOVAR:
Guided sightseeing

BELGRADE:
Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes
Notes:In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate 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 Vienna: in single room $218, in twin room $130 Extra nights per person in Istanbul: in single room $290, in twin room $152 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

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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

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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

 

 

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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.

 
 

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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.