Black Sea Discovery (Bucharest to Budapest) 2011
Overview
Cruise holidays in Eastern Europe are an enticing experience. Danube river cruises sail a spectacular route from Bucharest to Budapest and include visits to Veliko Târnovo, Arbanassi, and the Black Sea Resort of Varna on the way. Cruise ships also venture through the Iron Gates Gorge to Belgrade, Novi Sad and the paprika-growing region of Kalocsa.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sat) Bucharest. Fly to Bucharest where you will be met and transferred to the Athenee 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. A coach ride takes you to Oltenita, where your cruise ship is docked. (B,D)
Day 3 (Mon) 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, 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 dating back to pre-historic times. During your sightseeing you will visit the National Archaeological Museum, home of the Gold of Varna. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Tue) Svistov – Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi. Travel by coach 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. (B,L,D)
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 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, which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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 upstream. (B,L,D)
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 of relentless Ottoman attack. See the majestic Archbishop’s Palace and fine Kalocsa Cathedral before enjoying an organ concert. (B,L,D)
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. (B)
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. (B)
Day 11 (Tue) Budapest. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Map
Cruise Highlights
Included Highlights
TRANSYLVANIA EXTENSION Guided full day excursion to Bran Castle and Sinaia Monastery
BUCHAREST Guided sightseeing, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art Museum
VARNA Guided sightseeing, visit the National Archaeological Museum
ARBANASSI Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity
VELIKO TÂRNOVO Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s Church
IRON GATES Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; Trajan Tablet
BELGRADE Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
NOVI SAD Guided sightseeing, see Petrovaradin Fortress
PECS Orientation
KALOCSA Orientation, organ concert
BUDAPEST Guided sightseeing, visit Fisherman’s Bastion
WELCOME RECEPTION, CAPTAIN’S RECEPTION AND FAREWELL DINNER
Included in the Price
Accommodation 7 night cruise from Oltenita to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds, 2 nights at the InterContinental Hotel, Budapest and 1 night at the Athenee Palace Hilton, Bucharest.
Meals & Drinks All meals on board daily, featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D), quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements. Buffet breakfast (B) in Budapest and Bucharest.
Services of a professional Cruise Director
Sightseeing with Local Guides
On board lectures, activities and nightly piano music
Door-to-door home pick-up service by private car
Flights
Transfers between overseas airports, hotels and cruise ship
All local port and airport taxes
Holiday Extensions
BUCHAREST: In the path of Dracula - Transylvania extension
Day 1 (Thu) Bucharest. Fly to Bucharest where you will be met and transferred to the Athenee 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 slowly back to Bucharest. (B,L)
Day 3 (Sat) Bucharest. Join up with day 1 of the Bucharest to Budapest cruise. A free day to visit the city's attractions. Your Cruise Director will suggest things for you to do. (B)
Dates and Prices
| Tranquility (WOB9Q) | CAT E | CAT B | CAT A | CAT P | Junior Suite | + Bucharest & Transylvania (add) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28-May | £2135 | £2412 | £2440 | £2495 | £2800 | £325 |
| 6-Aug | £2089 | £2366 | £2394 | £2449 | £2754 | £325 |
| 15-Oct | £2065 | £2342 | £2370 | £2425 | £2730 | £325 |
Prices are in £’s per person.
- If you would like to make your own travel arrangements to the first hotel, there will be a reduction of £260.
- Single Supplement from £856.
- Extra nights can be booked in Bucharest (not available for Cruise Only) from £99 per person per night and Budapest (not available for Cruise Only) from £80 per person per night based on a twin room.
- 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 £580. Arrive in Bucharest on Day 2 for transfer at 12pm (noon) to Oltenita. Depart Budapest on Day 9 upon disembarkation.
- Please call for details.
Prices are based on flights from Heathrow with British Airways. Flights are also available at a supplement from Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
| Fly From | Via | Airline | Supps From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Direct | British Airways | Nil |
| Bristol | Direct* | klm | £65 |
| Birmingham | Direct* | klm | £60 |
| Manchester | Direct* | klm | £60 |
| Cardiff | Direct* | klm | £70 |
| Newcastle | Direct* | klm | £75 |
| Glasgow | Direct* | klm | £75 |
| Edinburgh | Direct* | klm | £75 |
| 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 operates via Amsterdam Flight prices and timings vary by departure airport. Flight upgrades are also available, please call for details. |
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