Overview
River cruises sail the Danube River between Vienna, the Hungarian capital Budapest and across Eastern Europe to Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest. Danube cruise holidays include visits to Serbia’s Belgrade, Bulgaria’s Arbanassi, ancient Veliko Târnovo, the Hungarian city of Pecs and the Black Sea resort of Constanta. Cruise ships also sail through the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge.
Itinerary
Vienna to Bucharest
Day 1 (Wed) Vienna. Fly to Vienna where you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel for two nights.
Day 2 (Thu) Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. An optional concert is available during your stay.
Day 3 (Fri) Vienna. Spend time today browsing the shops along the Kärntnerstrasse and perhaps enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café. This afternoon, transfer to your cruise ship and meet your crew at a welcome reception.
Day 4 (Sat) Budapest. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. 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, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you.
Day 5 (Sun) Budapest. A day to enjoy Budapest at leisure. Your Cruise Director will suggest things to do.
Day 6 (Mon) Mohács. Excursion to Pecs. Mohács, on the border with Croatia, was the scene of two famous battles that marked the beginning and the end of the Ottoman dominance of Hungary. From here an excursion takes you to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture.
Day 7 (Tue) Vukovar. Today, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. Vukovar, Croatia's largest river port, located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers, was scene to an 87 day siege in 1991, known as The Battle of Vukovar. This and other dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and future of this region.
Day 8 (Wed) 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, including 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 9 (Thu) Cruising – 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 10 (Fri) Svistov – Rousse. 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 Rousse.
Day 11 (Sat) Harsova. Excursion to Constanta. Constanta, situated on the Black Sea coast, is the most important commercial centre in Romania. Enjoy a guided tour of this popular resort town and visit the National History and Archaeological Museum. Return to your ship at Cernavoda. From here, the 40 mile Black Sea canal, the pride and joy of communist achievement, runs to Agigea and Navoradi.
Day 12 (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, 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. Your hotel for the night is the Athénée Palace Hilton.
Day 13 (Mon) Bucharest. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Itinerary II
Bucharest to Vienna
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 morning tour of Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, enjoy a photo stop at the colossal 6,000 room Palace of Parliament, and a visit to the Royal Palace, which now houses the National Art Museum. This afternoon, a short drive takes you to Oltenita where your cruise ship is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception.
Day 3 (Mon) Cernavoda. Excursion to Constanta. The 40 mile Black Sea canal runs form Cernavoda to Agigea and Navoradi. Enjoy an excursion from Cernavoda to Constanta, situated on the Black Sea coast, the most important commercial centre in Romania. Enjoy a guided tour of this popular resort town and visit the National History & Archaeological Museum, and a wine tasting.
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) 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.
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) Vukovar. Today, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. Vukovar, Croatia's largest river port, located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers, was scene to an 87 day siege in 1991, known as The Battle of Vukovar. This and other dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and future of this region.
Day 8 (Sat) Mohács. Excursion to Pecs. Mohács, on the border with Croatia, was the scene of two famous battles that marked the beginning and the end of the Ottoman dominance of Hungary. From here an excursion takes you to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture.
Day 9 (Sun) Budapest. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. 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, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure. Your Cruise Director will suggest things to do.
Day 10 (Mon) Budapest. A free morning in Budapest before cruising to Vienna. Time to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery along the banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upstream and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58 mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river.
Day 11 (Tue) Vienna. Vienna is known as the ‘City of Music’ and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Disembark after breakfast and enjoy an included tour of Austria’s capital. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café. An optional concert is available during your stay. Enjoy a two night stay at the InterContinental Hotel.
Day 12 (Wed) Vienna. A free day in this fascinating city, with time to browse the shops and pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things for you to do.
Day 13 (Thu) Vienna. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Map
Cruise Highlights
Included Highlights
VIENNA Guided sightseeing
BUDAPEST Guided sightseeing, visit Fisherman’s Bastion
MOHÁCS Excursion to Pecs
VUKOVAR Guided sightseeing
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 Church of the Nativity
CONSTANTA Guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological Museum
BUCHAREST Guided sightseeing, see the Parliament Building, visit the National Art Museum
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 9 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, Vienna 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 Vienna and Bucharest.
10 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
Theme Cruise
President's Cruise: The 4th April Vienna to Bucharest departure is offered as an exclusive President's Cruise. Join Avalon's President on a memorable cruise along the Danube from Vienna to Bucharest.
Dates and Prices
| Departure Date | Booking Code | Your Ship | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Jul 2012 | WOV9Q | Imagery | | Save £750 per person |
| 29 Sep 2012 | WOV9Q | Imagery | £2755 |
| Departure Date | Booking Code | Your Ship | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug 2012 | WVO9Q | Imagery | £2775 |
Upgrade Supplements
| Category | Deck | Imagery |
|---|---|---|
| B | Sapphire | £400 |
| A | Sapphire | £440 |
| P | Royal | £510 |
| Suite | Royal | £920 |
- Sole occupancy from £989
- Make your own way: If you would like to make your own travel arrangements to the ship, there will be a reduction of £230.
- 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 £690.
Vienna - Bucharest: Arrive in Vienna on Day 3 for embarkation at 3.30pm. Depart Bucharest on Day 12 upon transfer from Oltenita. Flights from Bucharest should not depart before 3pm.
Bucharest - Vienna: Arrive in Bucharest on Day 2 for transfer at 12pm (noon) to Oltenita. Depart Vienna on Day 11 upon disembarkation. - Extra nights can be booked in Vienna (not available for Cruise Only) from £85 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 | SuppsFrom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Direct | British Airways | Nil |
| Aberdeen | Amsterdam | klm | £105 |
| Birmingham | Amsterdam | klm | £50 |
| Bristol | Amsterdam | klm | £95 |
| Cardiff | Amsterdam | klm | £95 |
| Durham Teesside | Amsterdam | klm | £110 |
| Edinburgh | Amsterdam | klm | £105 |
| Glasgow | Amsterdam | klm | £105 |
| Humberside | Amsterdam | klm | £120 |
| Leeds Bradford | Amsterdam | klm | £105 |
| Liverpool | Amsterdam | klm | £70 |
| Manchester | Amsterdam | klm | £70 |
| Newcastle | Amsterdam | klm | £125 |
| Norwich | Amsterdam | klm | £125 |
| The flight duration from Heathrow to Vienna 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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