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2010: TREASURES OF THE BALKANS & TRANSYLVANIA (6710)
14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Budapest to Budapest
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 Discover the treasures of the Balkans on this adventure that starts and ends in Budapest, the lively city on the Danube. Guided sightseeing introduces you to the highlights, including the Royal Castle, Parliament, and Fishermen's Bastion. Next, head south through ever-changing landscapes to Novi Sad, famous for its citadel, then Serbia's capital of Belgrade and the breathtaking gorges leading into Bulgaria. Explore Sofia with its ornate orthodox churches; visit Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and explore Plovdiv's charming Old Town and Roman Amphitheater. Continue to medieval Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi before arriving in beautiful Bucharest, Romania, for two overnights. On to the picturesque mountains, fortified villages, and castles of Transylvania. Visit Sinaia Monastery and Bran Castle, the medieval dwelling of legendary Count Dracula. Enjoy additional stops in enchanting Sighisoara and Cluj Napoca and return to Budapest for the finale of this outstanding vacation.
HOTELS Budapest Mercure Duna (ST), Belgrade Best Western Hotel M (F), Sofia Princess (F), Veliko TArnovo Yantra Grand (F), Bucharest Pullman Bucharest (F), Brasov Aro Palace (F), Cluj-Napoca Belvedere (F), Budapest Flamenco Park (F)
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| Call (818) 552-7700 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8657980 | | Cosmos | | Offer valid through 12/31/2009 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Board your overnight transatlantic flight | BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT | | Day 2 | Budapest | Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. | | Day 3 | Budapest | Included sightseeing with a Local Guide features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes' Square, which typifies the modern capital, as well as the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, the Royal Castle, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen's Bastion, and Matthias Coronation Church. (B) | | Day 4 | Belgrade | This morning, travel southwards at first along the motorway to the border town of Szeged to cross into the province of Vojvodina in Serbia. Stop in Novi Sad, the capital of the province, situated on the River Danube and famous for its Petrovaradin Citadel, known in the west as the 'Gibraltar of the Danube.' Drive along the motorway into Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. (B) | | Day 5 | Sofia | A comfortable drive this morning southeast by way of Nis; then, across the border into Bulgaria. Arrive in Sofia, its capital, for sightseeing with a Local Guide, which will include such highlights as the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Boyana Church, the National Theater, and St. Sofia Church. The locals will tell you that Sofia is growing all the time, yet never aging. (B,D) | | Day 6 | Sofia | This morning, drive to Rila to visit its Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the most famous in the country. It has a checkered history that goes way back to Ivan Rilski, a hermit who founded it in 927. During the very long Turkish rule over the country, the monastery became a beacon of Bulgarian culture. Return to Sofia. Tonight, maybe join an optional folklore dinner. (B) | | Day 7 | Veliko Tarnovo | This morning, head eastwards to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city, located along the banks of the River Maritsa. Stop here to visit the charming Old Town and the Roman Amphitheater. Journey northwards through fine scenery over the Stara Planina Mountains to Veliko Tarnovo. (B,D) | | Day 8 | Bucharest | Today, time to see some of the highlights of Veliko Tarnovo, located on the Yantra River. During the Middle Ages, it was Bulgaria's capital and, although now a modern town, it still retains some of its most attractive medieval features. Later, drive to nearby Arbanassi, world famous for its type of house, which is a cross between a dwelling and a fortress. The village is known as an architectural and historic reserve and was at one time the summer residence of Bulgarian kings. One of the highlights of the visit is the Church of the Nativity, built in 1637. In the afternoon, journey north to Rousse and cross the Danube to reach Bucharest. (B,D) | | Day 9 | Bucharest | Flower-festooned parks, gardens, and wide boulevards shaded by century-old trees contribute to Bucharest's beauty. The highlight of your sightseeing tour is a visit to the open-air Village Museum, a unique collection of traditional farmhouses, cottages, wind and watermills, and artisans' workshops from all parts of the country. The Local Guide will also show you other places of interest, including the Government Victoria Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Savings Palace. There is also an afternoon optional visit to the Romanian Parliament, known as the House of the People. (B) | | Day 10 | Brasov | Leave this morning for a stop in Sinaia in the Prahova Valley. This is a lovely ski resort, almost 3,300 feet above sea level. While in Sinaia there will be time to visit the Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle, considered among the most romantic in the world. Only a few more miles and you reach Brasov, a lovely medieval town famous for its town square filled with baroque architecture and outdoor cafes. This evening, enjoy an optional folklore dinner in a typical Transylvanian restaurant. (B) | | Day 11 | Brasov | This morning a walking orientation of the Old Town of Brasov will include a visit to the Black Church and leisure time. In the afternoon, leave for Bran and visit its castle, built in 1377 and inhabited by Vlad the Impaler-better known as Dracula. (B) | | Day 12 | Napoca | Head northwards for a stop in Sighisoara, a medieval town with 11 towers within the city walls, which surround cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and churches-it is one of Romania's prettiest towns. Legend has it that it is also the birthplace of the notorious Vlad (Dracula). Continue the journey north by way of Tirgu Mures on to Cluj-Napoca in the heart of Transylvania. (B,D) | | Day 13 | Budapest | Travel westwards today by way of Oradea into Hungary and return to Budapest. In the evening, enjoy an optional Danube dinner cruise. (B) | | Day 14 | Your homebound flight arrives the same day | Return Home |
| | US$ Price Details
Single room supplement: $540No triple room reduction.
Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money! -We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. -Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information: -Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking. -2009, 2010 & 2011 vacation itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed Air-Inclusive Price: Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Please see the Applicable Airfare Taxes and Fee link above for more information.
Air booked in conjunction with a land vacation is considered an air-inclusive vacation. Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a land package and is only available for passengers traveling from the United States. For vacation departures in 2010, your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your air schedule had been confirmed and your entire vacation package has been paid in full. For vacation departures in 2009, an additional $250 non-refundable deposit (total $500 non-refundable) is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation and your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your flight information is confirmed and Globus has received your full land and air deposit.
Not Included in the Vacation Price: Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; all airline imposed baggage fees (including internal flights); and all other items of a personal nature. |
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