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Overview

A deluxe Danube River cruise from Bucharest to Vienna is the highlight on this fascinating getaway through Eastern Europe. See the sights with a Local Guide in each city and sail through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge. Along the way, explore Varna on the Black Sea, Bulgaria’s Arbanassi and Veliko Târnovo, Serbia’s Belgrade, paprika country’s Kalocsa, and the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Your adventure concludes in Vienna.

CRUISE:

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

OLTENITA: Welcome receptionVARNA: Guided sightseeing, visit the National Archaeological Museum

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

ARBANASSI: Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the NativityIRON GATES: Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan Table

BELGRADE: Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress

NOVI SAD: Guided sightseeing, see Petrovaradin Fortress

PECS: OrientationKALOCSA: Orientation; organ concert

BUDAPEST: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion

Meals – (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

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; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day

Notes:

* 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 is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Transfer Times:

* Transfers available for purchase: Bucharest on Arrival between 6 am and 11:30 am

* Transfers available Vienna on Departure between 10 am and 3:30 pm

Itinerary

Day 1Bucharest, Romania – Oltenita (Embarkation)

(Sun.) Flights must arrive in Bucharest by 10:30 am. Transfer by coach to Oltenita where you board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2Silistra, Bulgaria. Excursion to Varna, Black Sea

(Mon.) 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3Svistov. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi

(Tue.) 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4Iron 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 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5Belgrade, 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. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6Novi Sad

(Fri.) 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. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this interesting town before relaxing on board this afternoon as you cruise upriver. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7Pecs, Hungary–Kalocsa

(Sat.) Pecs is Hungary’s fifthlargest 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8Budapest

(Sun.) 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9Budapest–Vienna

(Mon.) 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10Vienna, Austria. (Disembarkation)

(Tue.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave before 1 pm. (Breakfast)

BLUE DANUBE TO THE BLACK SEA – CATEGORY E

Tour Code – WOV-E

13 days Bucharest to Vienna
1 night in Bucharest, 9 night cruise from Oltenita to Vienna, 2 nights in Vienna

*The departure date above is based on starting your vacation on day 1 of the itinerary.

UPGRADING CABINS

To upgrade to a higher cabin category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:

INCLUDED CHARGES

OPTIONAL CHARGES

ACCOMMODATION PRICES

Please note triple rooms not available.

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Europe