GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE (WON2010)

City Highlights


Cruise:
Deluxe 14-night cruise from Oltenita to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Bucharest:
Guided sightseeing, Parliament Building, visit the National Art Museum

Varna:
Guided sightseeing, visit the National Archaeological Museum

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

Veliko Târnovo:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s Church

Iron Gates:
Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; Smederevo and Golubac Fortress; Trajan Table

Belgrade:
Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress

Novi Sad:
Guided sightseeing, Petrovaradin Fortress

Kalocsa:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Paprika Museum

Budapest:
Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion; Puszta excursion with display of horsemanship

Vienna:
Guided sightseeing

Melk:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey

Passau:
Guided sightseeing

Regensburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Old Chapel; beer tasting

Main Danube Canal:
Cruise in the canal

Nuremberg:
Guided sightseeing;

Prague:
Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock; visit Hradcany CastleNotes: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.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Ship
Avalon Tranquility®

 

Hotels


Prague
Hilton (SF),

Bucharest
Athénée Palace Hilton (SF)

Meals
Buffet breakfast (B) in Prague and Bucharest; 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; Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; Complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day

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.) During your included tour of Romania’s capital, see the impressive PARLIAMENT BUILDING, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. This afternoon a 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 4:
Silistra, Bulgaria. Excursion to Varna, Black Sea. (Mon.) Located at Bulgaria’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 an important naval base and sea resort with a long history. Roman baths are among the younger artifacts. During your sightseeing, 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 Târnovo & Arbanassi. (Tue.) A comfortable ride from the port city of 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 Svistov. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
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 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, forms 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. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Novi Sad. (Fri.) Overlooking the city of Novi Sad with a spectacular view of the Danube is Marshal Vauban’s unconquerable PETROVARADIN FORTRESS. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour before relaxing this afternoon as you cruise upriver. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Kalocsa, Hungary–Budapest. (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. Then, on to the PUSZTA or Great Plain, an integral part of Hungarian rural life. Late this afternoon, rejoin your vessel in Budapest. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Budapest. (Sun.) 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. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 11:
Budapest–Vienna, Austria. (Mon.) A day 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. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Vienna. (Tue.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna 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 will enjoy during your city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Dürnstein–Melk. (Wed.) Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque STIFTSKIRCHE with its blue façade, is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon, a stop in Melk with its splendid BENEDICTINE ABBEY that dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. This evening, sample some of the Wachau Valley’s FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D)

Day 14:
Linz–Passau, Germany. (Thu.) Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (B,L,D)

Day 15:
Regensburg. (Fri.) Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)

Day 16:
Nuremberg. (Sat.) Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses, all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)

Day 17:
Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic. (Sun.) Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (B)

Day 18:
Prague. (Mon.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its treasures such as Old Town’s ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)

Day 19:
Prague. (Tue.) A free day to explore the city at your own pace. (B)

Day 20:
Prague. (Wed.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Don't miss our current specials: Save up to $2,000 on select 2010 Europe River Cruises Save up to $2,000 per couple on these select 2010 Avalon Waterways River Cruises.* $2,000 off per couple Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches 8 days from Paris to Paris or 9 days incl. travel Aug 30, 2010 Burgundy & Provence 11 days from Côte d’Azur to Paris or 12 days incl. travel Aug 30, 2010 Central European Experience 12 days from Prague to Paris or 11 days incl. travel Aug 19, 2010 Sept 30, 2010 The Blue Danube Discovery 13 days from Budapest to Prague or 14 days incl. travel Oct 21, 2010 Oct 24, 2010 European Splendor 13 days from Vienna to Amsterdam or 14 days incl. travel Oct 18, 2010 Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 13 days from Paris to Amsterdam or 14 days incl. travel October 4, 2010 Blue Danube to the Black Sea 13 days Vienna to Bucharest or 12 days incl. travel Aug 17, 2010 The Rhine & Moselle 14 days from Amsterdam to Basel or 15 days incl. travel Oct 16, 2010 Magnificent Europe 15 days from Amsterdam to Budapest 16 days incl. travel Aug 21, 2010 Oct 9, 2010 Oct 16, 2010 Magnificent Europe 15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam 16 days incl. travel August 28, 2010 September 4, 2010 September 25, 2010 October 2, 2010 The Upper Rhine to the City of Music 13 days from Zürich to Vienna or 14 days incl. travel Oct 29, 2010 North Sea—Black Sea Cruise 23 days from Bucharest to Amsterdam or 24 days incl. travel August 27, 2010 *Book a select 2010 Europe Avalon Waterways River Cruise vacation to receive $1,000 off per person. Book a select Taste of Danube river cruise vacation to receive the $500 off per person. Offer available on select dates of select cruises listed above. Suites excluded. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied anytime after May 18, 2010 for travel at select times in 2010. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Avalon Waterways Will Not Be Undersold! Avalon will match competitor pricing on 2010 European river cruises!* Call today and gives us the name and departure date of a competitor's river cruise you are considering.  If Avalon has a comparable 2010 cruise available, they'll match the per diem price - with the newest fleet on the market, why not? *Book a Europe Avalon River cruise vacation to receive the match offer.  Must provide the name and departure date of the competitor cruise in order to qualify.  Must be made, under deposit, and discount applied prior to March 2, 2010 for travel through December 31st, 2010. Offer good in conjunction with other qualifying offers including Journeys Club.  Offer is subject to change and could be withdrawn at any time.  Applies to new 2010 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.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/17/2010 - 10/6/2010	$5,519
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.

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WONE|Extend Your Stay in BucharestWNO|Grand Black Sea Cruise (Prague to Bucharest)

Price Details US
Cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges: $196Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Bucharest:in single room $390, in twin room $209Extra nights per person in Prague:Departures 0513-0626 & 0916-0918: in single room $420, in twin room $224Departures 0805 & 0807: in single room $267, in twin room $150Cruise-Only Option From $4,379Day 3 Bucharest–Oltenita (Embarkation) - Day 17 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)Cruise-only option allows you to participate in just the river cruise portion of the vacation, removing the overnight stays at the beginning or end of the cruise itinerary. Ask your Travel Consultant for details at the time of booking. 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 / Decks / PriceB / Sapphire Deck / $998A / Sapphire Deck / $1,098P / Royal Deck / $1,298Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $2,398Note:This vacation includes travel in the Czech Republic, which requires a minimum of at least €30,000 ($45,000 USD) in medical and repatriation insurance coverage. The basic Travel Protection has a $25,000 limit however this will be increased to $50,000 while you are traveling in the Czech Republic at no additional cost. If other coverage is obtained, it is the travelers’ responsibility to verify their coverage meets requirements as they may be required by immigration to produce proof of coverage while traveling in the Czech Republic.

Save up to $2,000 on select 2010 Europe River Cruises

Avalon Waterways Will Not Be Undersold!

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