Uniworld 2011 – Imperial Capitals of Europe, Istanbul to Vienna
SAVE $1,000 per person on select 2011 Cruises
Pay in full at time of booking on or before October 31, 2010 to SAVE $1,000 per person off cruise/tour rate on suites or category 1 and 2 staterooms.
Overview
For 15 magical days, travel through eight spectacular countries on one majestic journey
From exotic Istanbul to regal Vienna, you will enjoy the imperial wonders of some of Europe’s most majestic capitals. Explore Istanbul’s striking mosques and opulent palaces. Discover the picturesque Bulgarian towns of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, home to the 17th-century Nativity Church a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy time in beautiful Budapest and let the “City of Waltzes,” Vienna, dazzle you with its distinctive imperial charm.
Take a grand journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders,and kings through Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. Step back in time to explore the history and legends living in the hillsides among antiquated ruins and still-magnificent palaces. Immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and musical traditions of these extraordinary people and places you visit. And taste what has been termed the “Queen of Wines” while on your Epicurean Adventure excursion to Villány.
Who will enjoy this cruise: History buffs, archeologists, artists and photographers wanting to explore some of the world’s most impressive capitals—Istanbul, Budapest and Vienna.
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport where you will be transferred to the hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul
Featured Excursion: Istanbul city tour and Grand Bazaar
Today’s panoramic tour takes you to the Hippodrome; the Blue Mosque, with its distinctive minarets and blue Iznik tile walls; the spectacular Hagia Sophia, the “Church of Holy Wisdom,” which was built in 535 AD; and the Topkapi Palace, a magnificent Ottoman residence. You will then have time to peruse the Grand Bazaar. (BB)
Note: Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque) is a place of active worship. Religious ceremonies might restrict visitors from entering at times. At other times, please obey mosque etiquette.Note: Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays and Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. The city tour of Istanbul will be arranged in accordance with the days they’re open. If Hagia Sophia is not available during your stay, we will offer the harem visit in the Topkapi Palace instead.
Day 3: Istanbul
Spend today in leisurely exploration of Istanbul’s many charms. Stroll through the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum or take in the eerie Basilica Cistern, which features a veritable forest of marble columns. (BB)
Day 4: Istanbul, fly to Bucharest, Giurgiu (embark), Rousse
Featured Excursion: Bucharest city tour including lunch
Leave Istanbul and fly to the Romanian capital of Bucharest, where you will be taken on a tour of this eclectic city, often called the “Paris of the East.” Afterward, enjoy lunch before your motorcoach takes you to Giurgiu, where you will board your Uniworld ship. (BB, L, D)
Day 5: Rousse (Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi)
Featured Excursion: Guided tour to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, and authentic Bulgarian lunch
After a motorcoach ride through the countryside, arrive in Veliko Tarnovo, where you will see the majestic ruins of Tzarevetz Castle. You will then ride to the picturesque village of Arbanassi. While here, savor an authentic lunch along with live folk music. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)
Day 6: Cruising the scenic Iron Gates
Featured Excursion:
Relax onboard as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gates, an 80-mile-long stretch of scenic gorges. (BB, L, D)
Day 7: Belgrade
Featured Excursion: Belgrade city tour
Enjoy a panoramic drive through Belgrade, and then be taken on a tour through Kalemegdan Fortress. (BB, L, D)
Day 8: Vukovar (Osijek)
Featured Excursion: Tour of Osijek, school visit, and home-hosted lunch
Upon arrival in Osijek, you will be taken to a local elementary school for a tour and musical performance by the children. Then it’s off to a tour of Osijek’s historical center and a hearty home-hosted lunch. (BB, L, D)
Note: School visit not available during school holidays.
Day 9: Mohacs (Pecs)
Featured Excursion: Half-day excursion to Pecs and wine tasting in Villány Hills
You will take a motorcoach from Mohacs to Pecs, a European Capital of culture. This small city holds many surprises and has a blend of architectural styles and heritage sites. On your way back to the ship, stop in the Villány Hills, where you will taste the local product dubbed the “Queen of Wines” by American violinist Yehudi Menuhin. (BB, L, D)
Day 10: Budapest
Featured Excursion: Budapest city tour
A combined driving and walking tour of the city will give you an up-close look at Budapest’s most magnificent sights, including St. Matthias church, the Hungarian National Museum, Heroes’ Square, and the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge. (BB, L, D)
Day 11: Budapest
Featured Excursion:
Today, take your time exploring Hungary’s beautiful capital city on your own. (BB, L, D)
Day 12: Bratislava
Featured Excursion: Bratislava city tour
Take a guided stroll through historic Bratislava. (BB, L, D)
Day 13: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour and National Library visit
Soak up Vienna’s imperial history during a tour along the stately Ringstrasse. After your panoramic overview, enjoy strolling from the Hofburg grounds to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Then visit the Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library. (BB, L, D)
Note: On Mondays, Mozarthaus will be substituted for the Library.
Day 14: Vienna
Spend today exploring the “City of Waltzes” on your own. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
Day 15: Vienna (disembark), transfer to the airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Vienna International Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Prague. (CB or BB)
Pricing Details Per Person
| Cruise/Tour Start Date | Cruise/Tour Only† | Ship |
| Friday, April 08, 2011* | $4,599 | River Princess |
| Saturday, April 16, 2011 | $4,799 | River Princess |
| Sunday, May 15, 2011* | $5,099 | River Duchess |
| Monday, May 23, 2011 | $5,099 | River Duchess |
| Thursday, June 30, 2011* | $5,099 | River Duchess |
| Friday, July 08, 2011 | $4,999 | River Duchess |
| Sunday, July 17, 2011* | $4,999 | River Princess |
| Monday, July 25, 2011 | $4,999 | River Princess |
| Sunday, October 02, 2011* | $5,399 | River Duchess |
| Monday, October 10, 2011 | $5,199 | River Duchess |
*On these dates cruise operates from Vienna to Istanbul.
†Prices exclude additional port charges of $176 and are per person, cruise/tour only based on double occupancy. Other restrictions may apply
A limited number of singles are available for an additional supplement
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person the following prices below:
Suite $1,875
Category 1 $1,225
Category 2 $925
Category 3 $625
Category 4 $225
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Europe