Tour Duration: 11 days Tour Code: WOB-E2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$3368 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ARRIVE IN BUCHAREST, ROMANIA. Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name "Paris of the East."
2
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. The 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. 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)
3
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)
4
SVISTOV. EXCURSION TO VELIKO TARNOVO & ARBANASSI. A comfortable ride 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. Rejoin your ship in Svistov.(B,L,D)
5
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)
6
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 cafes. (B,L,D)
7
NOVI SAD. 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 of struggle, victory and defeat alike. (B,L,D)
8
PECS, HUNGARY-KALOCSA Pecs is Hungary's fifth-largest city and its richest in terms of Turkish architecture. Enjoy an orientation and some free time before proceeding to Kalocsa. Founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric, Kalocsa 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, where you will be treated to an ORGAN CONCERT.(B,L,D)
9
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION). 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 a Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B)
10
BUDAPEST. A free day to enjoy Hungary's exciting capital. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for many things to do. (B)
11
BUDAPEST. Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
CRUISE: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Oltenita to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds (Category E) BUCHAREST: Welcome to Bucharest! OLTENITA: Guided sightseeing in Bucharest, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art Museum. Welcome reception. VARNA: Black Sea.Guided sightseeing, visit the National Archaeological Museum. ARBANASSI: Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch's Church in Veliko Tarnovo and the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi. VELIKO TARNOVO: Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch's Church IRON GATES: Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and see the Trajan Table. BELGRADE: Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress. NOVI SAD: Guided sightseeing, see Petrovaradin Fortress. PECS: Orientation KALOCSA: Orientation; organ concert BUDAPEST: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen's Bastion. Afternoon at leisure. BUDAPEST:Day at leisure for independent discoveries. BUDAPEST:Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the cruise description MEALS:Full buffet breakfast (B) in Budapest 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.
Meals Breakfast - 10 Lunch - 6 Dinner - 7
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
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.
19
EUR
Name:BUDAPEST'S NIGHT LIGHTS Location:BUDAPEST Details:Buda and Pest two cities of the same capital divided by the river Danube and connected by beautiful bridges like the "Chain Bridge" or the "Elisabeth Bridge". Join your local expert on a drive up to the hills of Buda for a breathtaking view overlooking the roofs of Budapest, and the latest gossip in town.
29
EUR
Name:BUDAPEST - JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR Location:BUDAPEST Details:The success of modern Budapest was significantly due to the diligence and organisational skills of Jewish industrialists. There are still many memories of the period. The Jewish Museum reminds of the religious traditions, while the Holocaust Centre, which was opened in 2004, reminds of the terror. After 1990, a real Jewish cultural Renaissance began in Budapest. The city has the most populous active Jewish community in Central Europe, who cherish their religious, artistic and historical heritage. Listen to our local expert explaining, why there is a much larger population of Budapest inhabitants with Jewish origin, who consider themselves Hungarian and do not practice their religion, but are interested in the history of their ancestors. Visit the largest synagogue in Europe, the Jewish Museum and hear about the tree of life.
31
EUR
Name:HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT Location:BUDAPEST Details:Take the opportunity for a visit of the impressive Houses of Parliament. After a walk around Hungary's largest building follow our local expert on an inside visit of the magnificent neo-gothic home of the Hungarian Crown, the splendid session room, the impressive staircase and the wonderful great vaulted hall.
The Parliament reserves the right to cancel guided tours without prior notice on certain occasions.
Optional Excursions
