Tour Details - GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE - CATEGORY E
GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE - CATEGORY E
DISCOUNTS ON EVERY TOUR, UP TO 10% !!!
Tour Duration: 19 days Tour Code: WNO-E2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$6154 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles ighlighting its skyline.
2
PRAGUE. Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best known treasures such as the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)
3
PRAGUE A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B)
4
PRAGUE-NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION). After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D)
5
NUREMBERG 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. Nuremberg's traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)
6
REGENSBURG Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the Old Town Hall and the Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Before dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS. (B,L,D)
7
PASSAU-LINZ, AUSTRIA Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Linz, Austria's third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B,L,D)
8
MELK-VIENNA. Melk's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the "City of Music," which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)
9
VIENNA Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria's capital 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 city tour. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighbourhood cafe. (B,L,D)
10
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. Not far from the city and an integral part of Hungarian rural life is the PUSZTA, the vast grasslands where the country's beloved fiery horses are reared. (B,L,D)
11
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Refer to Day 10
12
KALOCSA-PECS Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. This quiet town, which is best known for paprika and folklore art, is dominated by the Archbishop's Palace and Kalocsa Cathedral. Here, enjoy an ORGAN CONCERT before continuing to Pecs, Hungary's fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture. (B,L,D)
13
NOVI SAD, SERBIA 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. (B,L,D)
14
BELGRADE. 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 centre has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafes. (B,L,D)
15
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)
16
SVISTOV, BULGARIA. EXCURSION TO VELIKO TARNOVO & ARBANASSI-ROUSSE A comfortable ride away from the river port of 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. Today, Rousse is Bulgaria's largest inland port. (B,L,D)
17
SILISTRA, BULGARIA. EXCURSION TO VARNA, BLACK SEA. 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 your sightseeing you will visit the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, home of the Gold of Varna, as featured in National Geographic some years ago. (B,L,D)
18
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." During the included tour this afternoon, 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. (B)
19
BUCHAREST. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Deluxe 14-night cruise from Nuremberg to Oltenita in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds CATEGORY E
PRAGUE: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds NUREMBERG: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing MAIN DANUBE CANAL: Cruise in the canal REGENSBURG: Guided sightseeing; beer tasting PASSAU: Guided sightseeing MELK: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey VIENNA: Guided sightseeing BUDAPEST: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen's Bastion; Puszta excursion with display of horsemanship KALOCSA: Orientation; organ concert PECS: Orientation NOVI SAD: Guided sightseeing, see Petrovaradin Fortress BELGRADE: Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress IRON GATES: Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan Table 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, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art Museum Full 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. Below is a summary of what's included in your cruise, plus inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the cruise description.
Meals Breakfast - 18 Lunch - 13 Dinner - 14
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
46
EUR
Name:WONDERFUL DVORAK - CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT Location:PRAGUE Details:Dvorak was neither conservative nor radical. His works display the influences of folk music, mainly Czech polka rhythms. But Dvorak performed also in the United States, he was for sure one of the first composers working globally. His Slavonic Dances show his very strong roots in the culture of his homeland, yet he was not afraid of letting Indian dances and songs influence his 9th Symphony: "From the New World". Enjoy an evening with tunes and themes of Antonin Dvorak, this great Czech Composer and find out a bit more about his works and his music.
42
EUR
Name:PRAGUE - JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR Location:PRAGUE Details:Located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River, Prague's Jewish Quarter (known as Josefov) was once one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, with a rich and varied history dating back to the 10th century. The circumstances leading to WW II and the country's post-war Communist regime did little to revive the hopes and religious rights (or indeed living standards) of those who survived, with many deciding to emigrate to the US, Western Europe or Israel. Today, whilst only 1500 or so Orthodox Jews live in what remains of the traditional Jewish Quarter, it has once again become a thriving - and fascinating - part of Prague. Follow our local expert on a tour to the Jewish Museum, the Jewish Cemetery and the Synagogues and get an inside view of Jewish Life in the past and today.
57
EUR
Name:DINNER AND FOLKLORE SHOW Location:PRAGUE Details:Czech Kitchen is not considered to be light and refined, but its variety and taste is amazing. And Czech people normally need a good portion of their food when they start singing and dancing their folk songs from Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia. Typical folk instruments such as the hammer-dulcimer, the fujara (a sheperds pipe) and the bag-pipe enhance their musical heritage. Join in for an evening of food and fun in one of Prague's typical restaurants.
19
EUR
Name:PRAGUE'S SECRETS REVEALED Location:PRAGUE Details:It is quite possible to escape the touristy side of Prague. And just as before, it requires knowing just which street to turn down or even which unsigned walkway to pass. Knowing where to turn from the Old Town Square, you can leave all the crowds behind and find yourself shockingly alone in a twisting Medieval street, quiet as can be - with only the sound of your shoes clicking against the cobblestones or a tram swooshing by a few streets away. And in this street, it's also still possible to find the most interesting places when you least expect them. The houses and doors often look the same from the outside. To the naked eye, the street may even seem residential. There are no big flashing lights pointing out the history that lies behind these facades of Prague. It needs a local expert, who shows you these secrets and tell you the stories of what happened here and there.
49
EUR
Name:TEREZIN - THE FORTRESS OF THERESIENSTADT AND ITS HISTORY Location:PRAGUE Details:Terezin was established at the end of the 18th century as a fortress; still surrounded by its massive ramparts, the town lies at the confluence of the rivers Labe (Elbe) and Ohre (Eger). The Main and Lesser Fortresses at Terezin, although modern for their period, gradually became obsolete, and having lost their military function fell into disregard. Only in the relatively recent past has Terez�n once again entered the world's public consciousness as a tragic symbol of the sufferings of the tens of thousands of innocent people who died here during the Nazi occupation of their homeland. Ghetto Theresienstadt has long been remembered for its culture, its famous prisoners, and its visit by Red Cross officials.
41
EUR
Name:EXCURSION TO WELTENBURG ABBEY AND THE DANUBE GORGE Location:WELTENBURG Details:The Danube Gorge has both a gentle and a strange beauty. In a magnificent show of force, the Danube has carved its way through the Swabian Alb to create a stunning landscape - a wild, romantic stretch of river with sheer cliffs rising over 300 feet out of the water. At its upper end the Weltenburg Abbey is located on a peninsula directly beneath the cliffs of the Gorge. It was founded by Irish or Scottish monks in 620 and is one of the oldest abbeys in Bavaria. The present Benedictine abbey dates back to the 18th century when it was extensively rebuilt in baroque style. Their ceiling frescos of the Heavenly Jerusalem blend seamlessly with the abbey interior and are particularly noteworthy. Important is also that Weltenburg Abbey houses the oldest abbey brewery in the world, as the monks have been brewing beer since 1050. A beer and a "pretzel" are a welcome refreshment.
64
EUR
Name:SALZBURG - MOZART'S SOUND OF MUSIC Location:SALZBURG Details:True, Salzburg is the birth-place of Mozart and you will find the face of the city's most famous son everywhere. Salzburg is also the setting for the Sound of Music movie, which has shaped the city's perception in the minds of generations. But Salzburg is much more. It is a city with history based on the salt trade from the nearby Alpine Mountains, it is a city of beautiful baroque buildings, and a city perched between the mountains and green waters of the Salzach river. It is a city with a long cultural heritage and in the small busy lanes like the "Getreidegasse" with its wrought iron signs you might get a feeling, how busy this city always was. Today we would like to show you Salzburg and its past, we will show you the Austrian Lake district and our local experts will talk about what it takes to be Austrian and to live in this country today.
49
EUR
Name:ROYAL WALTZ CONCERT Location:VIENNA Details:Would a stay in Vienna be the same if you were not able to listen to the tunes of the "Blue Danube Waltz" or the "Radetzky" March? Your Cruise Director will accompany you to one of Vienna's famous Concert Halls. Avalon will make preferred seating arrangements. In order to celebrate this evening in style, have a glass of sparkling wine in the intermission, before you listen to the famous tunes brought to you by opera singers and watch the elegant ballet dancers as they interpret some of the most well known classical tunes from Vienna.
44
EUR
Name:A VISIT OF SCHONBRUNN IMPERIAL PALACE Location:VIENNA Details:Schonbrunn, the former summer residence of the Imperial family, is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. The Habsburgs resided here for the better part of the year in numerous rooms to house the large Imperial family in addition to representational rooms. Emperor Franz Joseph, who later married the enchanting Sisi and reigned from 1848 to 1916, was born here in 1830. The monarch spent his last years entirely in the palace, which became the property of the new Republic of Austria only two years after his death. Today, the palace is part of UNESCO's cultural heritage due to its historic importance, its unique grounds and its splendid furnishings. Follow our local expert and visit Empress Sisi's former summer residence, afterwards take your time to stroll through the park or enjoy a demonstration of how the famous Viennese Apple Strudel is made - Samples to taste included.
29
EUR
Name:EXCURSION TO SREMSKI KARLOVCI Location:NOVI SAD Details:Fruska Gora is a long ridge of low hills running east-west to the south of Novi Sad. Although it reaches heights of only 500 m / 1640 ft, the hills add a welcome variety to the flat relief of Vojvodina. These southern valleys also shelter more than a dozen monasteries, which often blend in style of the byzantine and Baroque of which the best known is Krusedol. But the Srem region is also one of the oldest viticulture areas in Europe. The grapevine has sprouted on Mt. Fruska Gora's fertile hills for over 1,700 years, ever since it was first planted by Roman Emperor Probus of the ancient Sirmium. And finally where the wooded slopes of the Fruska Gora meet the Danube there is Sremski Karlovci, once an important town, that history seems to have passed by for the last hundred years.
42
EUR
Name:DINNER AT BELGRADE'S SKADARLIJA DISTRICT Location:BELGRADE Details:Once the home of many Serbian poets, writers, artists, and actors, the cobble-stoned Skadarlija (or Skadarska) street today hosts some of the best restaurants in town, all of which strive to preserve bohemian traditions from the early 19th century. Definitely the place to go if you want to get a feel of the atmosphere of Belgrade's old times, cruise art galleries, shop for antiques or souvenirs, or taste the best of local food.
54
EUR
Name:BUCHAREST STYLE ROMANIAN DINNER Location:BUCHAREST Details:Taste traditional Romanian fare in Bucharest with your fellow travellers on the evening of our stay in the Romanian capital. The Romanians rightly pride themselves in being the Balkan's most versatile chefs and equally so, producers of some of the continent's finest spirits. Your fine Bucharest style 4-course Romanian Dinner with drinks, all in the elegant setting of Bucharest's most prestigious "Villa District", transportation and guided services are all included.
Optional Excursions
