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Uniworld River Cruises, Eastern European Explorer, Cruise Vacation Package
Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Priced From: $ 4499 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: Oct, May, Jul, Aug, Oct
Ship: River Duchess
From: Vienna to Bucharest
Trace the millennia-old timeline along the Danube to the Black Sea
From the emergence of city-states to the decline of civilizations, the history of Europe is best revealed along her rivers. You’ll cruise to seven countries: Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, and visit five capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest. You’ll see sights that you won't forget, immerse yourself in new cultures, meet new friends, and delight in new types of food and drink.
Relics and ruins along the way
Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, Turkish baths, 19th-century neoclassical architecture, Roman ruins, and modern resorts make this one of the most extraordinary voyages in the world. Not to mention the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes, the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, Bulgaria’s Black Sea shores, and towns such as Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi that would look right at home in the Italian countryside.
Celebrate the remarkable spirit of Eastern Europe
Witness the dramatic changes in Eastern European countries since the end of the Cold War to the European Union membership. Feel the sense of optimism and generosity of the local people at a home-hosted lunch in Osijek.
Vibrant capitals like Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Belgrade and Bratislava show the cultural diversity of its proud citizens. History, nature and hospitable people—all awaiting your discovery on this all-encompassing Eastern Europe Cruise.
Who will enjoy this cruise: Those interested in learning more about Eastern European culture, landmarks, and art long hidden from Western viewing. Archeology enthusiasts will also have a field day (as well as a day in the field) as they discover treasures from centuries past
Itinerary
 DAY 1: Depart Home Gateway City to Vienna
DAY 2: Vienna (embark)
Arrive in Vienna where you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. (D)
DAY 3: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour
Irresistible Optional Tour: Visit Schönbrunn Palace and/or enjoy a classical music performance
Capture Vienna’s imperial history during your city tour. Travel the Ringstrasse, and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You’ll then see the exterior of Figaro House where Mozart wrote The Marriage of Figaro. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Dinner)
DAY 4: Bratislava
Featured Excursion: Bratislava city tour
During your tour through the “Coronation City of Kings,” get acquainted with a sampling of the town’s eclectic architecture. Pass the 17th-century palace, Old Town’s Freedom Square, Peace Square, Bratislava Castle, Mirbach Palace and Primatial Palace. (BB, L, D)
DAY 5: Budapest
Featured Excursion: Budapest city tour
Irresistible Optional Tour: Half-day Szentendre
Your tour features the famous 19th-century Chain Bridge, the Great Synagogue, the Opera House, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Parliament Building, the Castle Hill district, and the 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion. (BB, L, D)
DAY 6: Budapest
Irresistible Optional Tour: Visit to a horse farm in the Puszta with show
Enjoy the day at leisure in Budapest or take an optional excursion to the countryside where you’ll see the Hungarian horsemanship of the Puszta. (BB, L, D)
DAY 7: Vukovar (Osijek)
Featured Excursion: Osijek with home-hosted lunch
Tour the Croatian university town of Osijek. After your tour, we’ll have lunch hosted by local Croatians who will share their culture with the help of interpreters. (BB, L, D)
DAY 8: Belgrade
Featured Excursion: Belgrade city tour
We start our tour with a panoramic drive through Belgrade, which means “White City” as it was destroyed 40 times and resurrected as many times. We will see Republic Square and the Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park. We’ll cap things off with a visit to St. Sava Cathedral. (BB, L, D)
DAY 9: Belgrade, Kostolac
Featured Excursion: Viminacium Archeological Site
Explore the archeological site of Viminacium, a former Roman city with luxurious villas and an amphitheater. Over 32,000 unearthed artifacts and well-preserved structures show their former grandeur. (BB, L, D)
DAY 10: Scenic Cruising Iron Gates, Vidin
Relax onboard as we cruise the Iron Gates, a spectacular 80-mile long Danube gorge. (BB, L, D)
DAY 11: Vidin (Belogradchik)
Featured Excursion: Visit Baba Vida Fortress and the spectacular Belogradchik Rock Formations
We will visit the Baba Vida Fortress before driving to Belogradchik, a fairy tale world made of weathered red sandstone. (BB, L, D)
DAY 12: Rousse (Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi)
Featured Excursion: Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi
In Veliko Turnovo, see the Tzarevetz Fortress and enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch. After lunch, tour the Nativity Church in Arbanassi. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
DAY 13: Silistra (Varna and Black Sea Cruise)
Featured Excursion: Balchik, Varna & Black Sea
Enjoy the Balchik Botanical Gardens. Visit Varna’s Archeological Museum, savor Bulgarian cuisine during lunch at a local restaurant, and enjoy an exclusive cruise on the Black Sea.. (BB, L, D) Note: Navigation on the Black Sea may at times be closed by maritime authorities due to adverse weather conditions.
DAY 14: Oltenita (disembark), transfer to Bucharest
Featured Excursion: Bucharest city tour
Disembark the ship in Oltenita and travel to Bucharest via motorcoach. Enjoy a Bucharest city tour with a visit to the Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world, before checking into your hotel. (BB, L)
DAY 15: Bucharest
Irresistible Optional Tour: Transylvania Tour with visit to Bran Castle and Snagov Island
Spend your last day at leisure or go on an optional tour to Transylvania, the legendary “Dracula’s Castle,” and Snagov Island. (BB)
DAY 16: Bucharest, transfer to airport
Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Bucharest for your flight home, or extend your stay and fly to Istanbul.
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the Uniworld River Cruise vacation planner to be contacted by Our Uniworld, Europe River Cruise vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446- 5252
10/09
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