- Overview
- Budapest to Bucharest
- Bucharest to Budapest
- Map
- Cruise Highlights
- Holiday Extensions
- Dates and Prices
- Photos
Overview
Featuring Budapest, Bucharest and the beautiful Black Sea Coast, cruise holidays in Eastern Europe are an exhilarating experience. Cruise ships on Danube river cruises sail to Kalocsa’s paprika-growing region, Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia’s spectacular capital Belgrade and the mighty Iron Gates Gorge. Also enjoy an excursion to the Bulgarian towns of Veliko Târnovo, Arbanassi and Varna.
Itinerary
Budapest to Bucharest
Day 1 (Fri) Budapest. Fly to Budapest where you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel for two nights.
Day 2 (Sat) Budapest. Budapest spans both banks of the Danube and has seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The hilltop castle complex, with Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika.
Day 3 (Sun) Budapest. The morning is free for you to explore at leisure. This afternoon, board your cruise ship and meet your crew at a a welcome reception.
Day 4 (Mon) Kalocsa – Pecs. Kalocsa is a charming Hungarian town, founded as an archbishopric by St Stephen in 1009, yet its modern serenity belies its turbulent history. Renowned for its paprika production and strong folklore traditions, the town is dominated by the majestic Archbishop’s Palace and fine Kalocsa Cathedral. Enjoy an organ concert before continuing to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture.
Day 5 (Tue) 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 this region, resplendent with natural beauty and a proud history of struggle, victory and defeat alike.
Day 6 (Wed) Belgrade. The Serbian capital is set at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, Kalemegdan Fortress, St Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church, and the tomb of Marshal Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia. The city centre has a lively pedestrian area and quaint outdoor cafés.
Day 7 (Thu) Iron Gates. The Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac, and the Trajan Tablet - marking the Roman conquest of Dacia, make impressive sights on the right bank of the Danube. The most spectacular scenery is surely the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast, which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania.
Day 8 (Fri) Svistov – Veliko Târnovo – Arbanassi – Rousse. Drive from the river port of Svistov to 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 to the Royal Fortress, palaces and 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. Continue on to Rousse, Bulgaria’s largest inland port.
Day 9 (Sat) Silistra – Excursion to Varna. Located in north-eastern Bulgaria at the country’s border with Romania, Silistra is a port and the capital of an important agricultural region. After breakfast, drive to Varna on the Black Sea coast. An important naval base and sea resort, Varna has a long history, dating back to pre-historic times. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, home of the Gold of Varna.
Day 10 (Sun) Oltenita - Bucharest. Disembark and travel to Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, just a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have earned it the name ‘Paris of the East’. During the included tour this afternoon, enjoy a photo stop at the colossal, 6,000 room Palace of Parliament, and visit the Royal Palace, which now houses the National Art Museum. Overnight at the Athénée Palace Hilton.
Day 11 (Mon) Bucharest. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Itinerary II
Bucharest to Budapest
Day 1 (Sat) Bucharest. Fly to Bucharest where you will be met and transferred to the Athénée Palace Hilton hotel for one night.
Day 2 (Sun) Bucharest – Oltenita. During your included tour of Romania’s lively capital this morning, enjoy a photo stop at the colossal, 6,000 room Palace of Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon, and a visit to the Royal Palace, which now houses the National Art Museum. Later, drive to Oltenita, where your cruise ship is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception.
Day 3 (Mon) Silistra – Excursion to Varna. Located in northeastern Bulgaria at the country’s border with Romania, Silistra is a port and the capital of an important agricultural region. After breakfast, drive to Varna on the Black Sea coast. An important naval base and sea resort, Varna has a long history dating back to pre-historic times. During your sightseeing tour, visit the National Archaeological Museum, home of the Gold of Varna.
Day 4 (Tue) Svistov – Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi. Drive from the river port of Svistov to 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 to the Royal Fortress, palaces and 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.
Day 5 (Wed) Cruising – Iron Gates. The Trajan Tablet - 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 is surely the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast, which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania.
Day 6 (Thu) Belgrade. The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, Kalemegdan Fortress, St Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church, and the tomb and monument of Marshal Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia. The city centre has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés.
Day 7 (Fri) 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 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.
Day 8 (Sat) Pecs – Kalocsa. Explore Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture before heading to Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town renowned for its paprika production and strong folklore traditions. Founded as an archbishopric by St Stephen in 1009, the serenity of this old town belies its turbulent past. See the majestic Archbishop’s Palace and fine Kalocsa Cathedral before enjoying an organ concert.
Day 9 (Sun) Budapest. Disembark for a two night stay at the InterContinental Hotel. 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 Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, is among the many sights a Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. Your Cruise Director will suggest things for you to do.
Day 10 (Mon) Budapest. A free day to enjoy Hungary’s exciting capital. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will suggest things for you to do.
Day 11 (Tue) Budapest. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Map
Cruise Highlights
Included Highlights
BUDAPEST Guided sightseeing, visit Fisherman’s Bastion
KALOCSA Orientation, organ concert
PECS Orientation
NOVI SAD Guided sightseeing, see Petrovaradin Fortress
BELGRADE Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
IRON GATES Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge; see the Trajan Tablet
VELIKO TÂRNOVO Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s Church
ARBANASSI Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity
VARNA Guided sightseeing, visit the National Archaeological Museum
BUCHAREST Guided sightseeing, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art Museum
TRANSYLVANIA EXTENSION Guided full day excursion to Bran Castle and Sinaia Monastery
WELCOME RECEPTION, CAPTAIN’S RECEPTION AND FAREWELL DINNER
Included in the Price
Exclusive private door-to-door transfer service by executive car for you and your travelling companions
Flights from London Heathrow with British Airways; regional flights at a supplement
Accommodation 7 nights deluxe accommodation in a spacious stateroom with hotel-style beds, ensuite facilities and river views. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and a French Balcony in most staterooms. 2 nights at the InterContinental Hotel, Budapest and 1 night at the Athénée Palace Hilton, Bucharest.
All meals on board including full breakfast, buffet lunch and waiter service dinner with quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions; afternoon tea with cakes and sweet treats; a choice of teas and coffees throughout the day. Buffet breakfast in Budapest and Bucharest.
20 included excursions and sightseeing trips with Local Guides and a choice of optional tours; headsets provided on excursions
Services of an experienced Cruise Director
Gratuities for Cruise Director and crew
On board lectures, activities and nightly piano music
Welcome reception, Captain’s Reception and Farewell Dinner
A choice of pre- or post- holiday extensions
All transfers, local port charges and airport taxes
Holiday Extensions
Budapest to Bucharest extensions:
2 extra nights in Bucharest at the end of your cruise
Days 1 to 10 (Fri to Sun) As per Budapest to Bucharest itinerary.
Day 11 (Mon) Bucharest. Excursion to Transylvania. Head out of the city to your first stop, Bran Castle, of Dracula fame, built in 1377 and once home to Vlad the Impaler. Later, drive amidst 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 back to Bucharest.
Day 12 (Tue) Bucharest. A day to explore Bucharest. Your Cruise Director will suggest things for you to do.
Day 13 (Wed) Bucharest. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Bucharest to Budapest extensions:
2 extra nights in Bucharest at the beginning of your cruise
Day 1 (Thu) Bucharest. Fly to Bucharest where you will be met and transferred to the Athénée Palace Hilton hotel for two nights.
Day 2 (Fri) Bucharest. Excursion to Transylvania. Head out of the city to your first stop, Bran Castle of Dracula fame, built in 1377 and once home to Vlad the Impaler. Later, drive amidst 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 back to Bucharest.
Day 3 (Sat) Bucharest. Join up with day 1 of the Bucharest to Budapest itinerary. A free day to visit the city's attractions. Your Cruise Director will suggest things for you to do.
Dates and Prices
| Departure Date | Booking Code | Your Ship | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Jun 2012 | WOB6Q | Imagery | | Save £250 per person |
| 01 Sep 2012 | WOB6Q | Imagery | £2399 | |
| 06 Oct 2012 | WOB9Q | Tranquility | £2309 |
| Departure Date | Booking Code | Your Ship | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Jul 2012 | WBO7Q | Imagery | £2365 | |
| 21 Sep 2012 | WBO7Q | Imagery | £2425 | |
| 28 Sep 2012 | WBO9Q | Tranquility | £2379 |
Holiday Extension Prices
| Extra nights | Destination | Price per person from |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Bucharest | £330 |
Upgrade Supplements
| Category | Deck | Imagery Tranquility |
|---|---|---|
| B | Sapphire | £310 |
| A | Sapphire | £370 |
| P | Royal | £420 |
| Suite | Royal | £720 |
- Sole occupancy from £895
- Make your own way: If you would like to make your own travel arrangements to the first hotel, there will be a reduction of £240. If you wish to travel by Eurostar to/from Paris and fly to/from Prague, please call for details.
- Cruise only: if you would like to make your own way to the ship and just enjoy the cruise portion, there will be a reduction from £720.
Budapest to Bucharest: Arrive in Budapest on Day 3 for embarkation at 3pm. Depart Bucharest on Day 10 upon arrival from Oltenita. Flights from Bucharest should not depart before 3pm.
Bucharest to Budapest: Arrive in Bucharest on Day 2 for transfer at 12pm (noon) to Oltenita. Depart Budapest on Day 9 upon disembarkation. - Extra nights can be booked in Budapest (not available for Cruise Only) from £69 per person per night and Bucharest (not available for Cruise Only) from £85 per person per night based on a twin room.
Flight Supplements
Prices are based on flights from Heathrow with British Airways. Flights are also available at a supplement from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Teesside, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich.
| Fly From | Via | Airline | Supps From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Direct | British Airways | Nil |
| Aberdeen | Amsterdam | klm | £100 |
| Birmingham | Amsterdam | klm | £55 |
| Bristol | Amsterdam | klm | £90 |
| Cardiff | Amsterdam | klm | £85 |
| Durham Teesside | Amsterdam | klm | £130 |
| Edinburgh | Amsterdam | klm | £95 |
| Glasgow | Amsterdam | klm | £95 |
| Humberside | Amsterdam | klm | £110 |
| Leeds Bradford | Amsterdam | klm | £95 |
| Liverpool | Amsterdam | klm | £70 |
| Manchester | Amsterdam | klm | £85 |
| Newcastle | Amsterdam | klm | £95 |
| Norwich | Amsterdam | klm | £145 |
| The flight duration from Heathrow to Budapest is approximately 2½ hours non stop The flight duration from Heathrow to Bucharest is approximately 3¼ hours non stop Flight prices and timings vary by departure airport. Flight upgrades are also available, please call for details. |
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