AVALON 2010: BLACK SEA DISCOVERY W/ BUCHAREST EXT (WOBE)
14 days incl. air, or 13 days from Bucharest to Budapest
See the best of Eastern Europe on this exciting river cruise vacation. Enjoy city tours of remarkable Belgrade and Romania's lively capital, Bucharest. In Bucharest, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Stop in Kalocsa in the heart of paprika-growing country, sail past the Petrovaradin Fortress at Novi Sad, and pass through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge. Also enjoy full-day excursions to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, and the resort town of Varna on the Black Sea.
HOTELS
Budapest InterContinental (SF), Bucharest Athenee Palace Hilton (SF)
HOTELS
Budapest InterContinental (SF), Bucharest Athenee Palace Hilton (SF)
Call 1 (800) 999-2599 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8095126
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Board your overnight transatlantic flight | (Wed.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight. |
| Day 2 | Bucharest | (Thu.) Welcome to Bucharest! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this fascinating capital city. |
| Day 3 | Bucharest Excursion to Transylvania | (Fri.) Head out of the city to your first stop, BRAN CASTLE of Dracula fame, built in 1377 and assumed to be the home of Romanian vampires. Then, into the Carpathians to SINAIA to visit the monastery of the same name, built in memory of Mihail Cantacuzino's visit to Mount Sinai. This afternoon, head slowly back to Bucharest. (B,L) |
| Day 4 | Bucharest | (Sat.) Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name 'Paris of the East.' |
| Day 5 | Oltenita | (Sun.) 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 Olenita, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D) |
| Day 6 | Silistra | (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. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | Svistov | (Tue.) 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) |
| Day 8 | Iron 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. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | Belgrade | (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 cafes. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | Novi 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. (B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | Budapest | (Sat.) Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. The Archbishop's Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral dominate this quiet town that is best known for paprika and folklore art. Learn how paprika has been grown and prepared through the ages at the PAPRIKA MUSEUM. Then it's on to PUSZTA or Great Plain, an integral part of Hungarian rural life, where the country's beloved fiery horses are reared. Late this afternoon, rejoin your vessel in Budapest. (B,L,D) |
| Day 12 | Budapest | (Sun.) 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) |
| Day 13 | Budapest | (Mon.) 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) |
| Day 14 | Budapest | (Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Port charges: $98Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Bucharest:in single room $390, in twin room $209Extra nights per person in Budapest:Departures 0513-0626 & 0916-0918: in single room $414, in twin room $207Departures 0805 & 0807: in single room $337, in twin room $167Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:Category / Decks / PriceB / Sapphire Deck / $499A / Sapphire Deck / $549P / Royal Deck / $649Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,199
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.
-2008, 2009 & 2010 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 2008, 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.