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15 Days The Danube to the Black Sea Cruise Vacation Package Duration : 15 days / 14 nights Priced From : $4,995 Dates : June, July   Cruise along the Danube through the countryside of Eastern Europe, which seems to have been created by an artist’s brush. Delight in the beauty of Austria’s charming Wachau Valley near Melk, with its imposing medieval abbey overlooking the river from high atop steep cliffs. Experience romantic Vienna, one of Europe’s most important historic cultural centers. Explore Budapest and discover its intriguing landmarks — architectural buildings, sweeping bridges, and Heroes’ Square. Visit ancient Belgrade and sail through the beautiful Iron Gate Gorge — a fjordlike canyon that connects the Balkan and Carpathian mountain ranges. In the fortress city of Veliko Turnovo, situated on a hillside in Bulgaria’s Rousenski Lom River Valley, step back in time to discover a way of life that has all but disappeared. And, stroll along shady streets bordered by 16th- and 17th-century residences and churches in the nearby museum town of Arbanasi. You’ll also discover gracious old Bucharest, where life retains a small-town intimacy and Romanian culture flourishes. Three nights in exotic Istanbul reveal the dichotomies of this great city, embracing two continents — Europe and Asia. Itinerary Day 1 – Depart Home Leave your home city today on a flight to Munich, Germany. Day 2 – Munich/Passau (Embark), Germany After arriving in Germany, transfer to Passau, where you will embark the Sound of Music. Explore this ancient city, once a commercial and religious center during the Middle Ages, on your own today. Later, enjoy the captain’s welcome reception and dinner while cruising the Danube. Day 3 – Melk/Weissenkirchen (for Wachau Valley)/Vienna, Austria Home to a magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, Melk was a focal point in the formative years of Austria’s history. Delight in Weissenkirchen, with vineyards climbing the nearby hillsides. You will have a chance to sample the region’s wine during a tour of the breathtaking Wachau Valley. Dine as you enjoy the beautiful Danube landscapes on your way to Vienna. Day 4 – Vienna Today, enter the “City of Waltzes,” the capital and hub of Austria’s musical life. See St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its 390-foot twin spires, and Hofburg Palace. Stroll through the market area before stopping at a café for a morning coffee and mouthwatering Viennese pastry. Later, enjoy an evening musical performance at the elegant Wiener Kursalon. Day 5 – Bratislava, Slovakia Explore this amazing Slovakian capital sandwiched between the Little Carpathian Mountains and the Danube. Experience the view of the Danube from Bratislava Castle, 300 feet above the river. Meander through the old quarter and view the Primate’s Palace, Michael’s Gate, Cathedral of St. Martin, and Mirbach Palace. Enjoy a free afternoon in port before serenely cruising toward Hungary tonight. Day 6 – Budapest, Hungary This legendary city became part of the Roman Empire before falling under Attila the Hun. Budapest will entrance you as you explore historic Heroes’ Square and Fishermen’s Bastion. Accompany your chef to the local market and procure ingredients for a delicious meal. After time at leisure, dine on board while cruising to Osijek. Day 7 – Vukovar (for Osijek), Croatia Today, you’ll visit this, the largest city in eastern Croatia. Destroyed and rebuilt many times, Osijek boasts an eclectic architectural heritage. It also enjoys a culinary reputation for Slavonic-style specialties such as kulen, a paprika-flavored sausage, and a famous paprika fish stew. Explore the wooden bridge, Upper Town, and Church of Saints Peter & Paul. Late this evening, continue sailing the tranquil Danube. Day 8 – Belgrade, Serbia As you cruise through the countryside of Serbia, you’ll come upon the famed Kalemegdan fortress, towering over Belgrade. Here, visit the Military Museum on the battlements of the citadel, explore the city center, and see the beautiful Orthodox cathedral in the Square of the Republic. After lunch on board, a complimentary shuttle service is available for independent sightseeing. Day 9 – Cruising the Iron Gate Gorge Lounge on deck during a full day of cruising. Marvel at the medieval fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac. Later, as you pass through the Iron Gate, a narrow gorge on the Danube between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, be sure to have your camera at the ready. This gorge is considered one of Europe’s most dramatic sights. Day 10 – Rousse (for Veliko Turnovo and Arbanasi), Bulgaria Clinging to the three hills surrounding the Yantra River, Veliko Turnovo features ancient stone houses. See the old fortress walls, royal palaces, and church on Tsarevets Hill, and shop at leisure in the town market. Then continue to Bulgaria’s romantic museum town of Arbanasi, famous for its 17th-century Church of the Nativity, before returning to the ship now docked in Rousse. Day 11 – Giurgiu (for Bucharest), Romania After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Bucharest, Romania’s capital. View the neoclassical Athenaeum, Cismigiu Park, and the Palace of Parliament — the world’s second-largest building after the Pentagon. Later, explore Revolution Square, then stop at the Village Museum to immerse yourself in Romanian culture. Enjoy the captain’s farewell reception and dinner while cruising toward the Black Sea. Day 12 – Constanta (Disembark), Romania/Fly to Istanbul, Turkey Disembark the Sound of Music today and transfer to the Constanta airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, settle in at the Hyatt Regency Istanbul before spending the remainder of your day exploring at leisure. Day 13 – Istanbul This vibrant and exhilarating city embraces both Asia and Europe. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque, named for its interior featuring thousands of blue Iznik tiles. Nearby Hagia Sophia, built by Constantine, is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine art. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before crossing the Bosporus to Asia, then visiting magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace. Day 14 – Istanbul Continue your exploration of Istanbul today with a visit to Topkapi Palace, historic residence of the sultans, where you’ll see the priceless Chinese porcelain collection, gorgeously decorated rooms, and the magnificent robes of the sultans. Listen to the din of merchants at the historic Grand Bazaar. Lunch is on your own with time for independent discovery. Later, toast your journey during a farewell Bosporus cruise. Day 15 – Return Home Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by a Europe river cruise vacation specialist. Contact: Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 7/08 |
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15 Days The Danube to the Black Sea Cruise Cruise Vacations Search here for your Cruises, Vacations and Tours
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