Black Sea Discovery from Bucharest to Budapest 2012: Tranquility
11 days from Bucharest to Budapest or 12 days incl. travel (WOB)
See the best of Eastern Europe on this exciting Black Sea adventure. Your vacation begins with an overnight in vibrant Bucharest, the "Paris of the East." Board your ship and head west, enjoying guided sightseeing in each city, including inside visits of the National Art Museum in Bucharest, Varna's National Archaeological Museum, Patriarch's Church in Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi's Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity, Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, and Fishermen's Bastion in Budapest. Other highlights: pass through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, sail past the Petrovaradin Fortress at Novi Sad, and enjoy an organ concert in Kalocsa. Your journey ends with two overnights in Hungary's lively capital of Budapest, where you can shop for paprika at the Central Market Hall, explore the extensive hilltop castle grounds, visit the many churches and museums, and delight in the vibrant atmosphere.
Highlights & Sightseeing
CRUISE:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Oltenita to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
BUCHAREST:
Guided sightseeing, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art Museum
OLTENITA:
Welcome reception
VARNA:
Guided sightseeing, visit the National Archaeological Museum
ARBANASSI:
Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity
VELIKO TARNOVO:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch's Church
IRON GATES:
Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan Table
BELGRADE:
Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
NOVI SAD:
Guided sightseeing, see Petrovaradin Fortress
PECS:
Orientation
KALOCSA:
Orientation; organ concert
BUDAPEST:
Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen's Bastion
Meals
Buffet breakfast in Bucharest and Budapest; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a welcome reception, Captain's reception, and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements.
Hotels
BUCHAREST Athenee Palace Hilton (SF), BUDAPEST InterContinental (SF)
Notes:
It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.
Day 1 Bucharest, Romania
Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name "Paris of the East."
Day 2 Bucharest-Oltenita (Embarkation)
Much recent history has taken place in Romania's capital city. During your included tour this morning, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. A motorcoach ride takes you to Oltenita, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 Silistra, Bulgaria. Excursion to Varna, Black Sea
Located in northeastern Bulgaria at the country's border with Romania, Silistra is a port city 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. Roman baths are among the younger artifacts. During your sightseeing you will visit the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, home of the Gold of Varna, as featured in National Geographic some years ago. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Svistov. Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi
A comfortable ride from the river port of Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo. 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 of the Royal Fortress, palaces, and the 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Iron Gates
The Trajan Table 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 must surely be 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 and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Belgrade, Serbia
The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city's principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; St. Sava, the world's largest Orthodox Church; and Marshal Tito's tomb and monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 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 both the present and the future of 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 upriver. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Pecs, Hungary-Kalocsa
Pecs is Hungary's fifth-largest city and its richest in terms of Turkish architecture. Enjoy an orientation and some free time before proceeding to Kalocsa. Founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric, Kalocsa has a most turbulent history. This quiet town, which is best known for paprika and folklore art, is dominated by the Archbishop's Palace and Kalocsa Cathedral, where you will be treated to an ORGAN CONCERT. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Budapest (Disembarkation)
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 FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights a Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast)
Day 10 Budapest
A free day to enjoy Hungary's exciting capital. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for many things to do. (Breakfast)
Day 11 Budapest
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Call 586-323-6100 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10574010
- Cruise Line
- Avalon Waterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2012
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Cruise Ship
- Tranquility
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Bucharest | ||
| Day 2 | Oltenita | ||
| Day 3 | Silistra | ||
| Day 4 | Svistov | ||
| Day 5 | Iron Gates | ||
| Day 6 | Belgrade | ||
| Day 7 | Novi Sad | ||
| Day 8 | Kalocsa | ||
| Day 9 | Budapest | ||
| Day 10 | Budapest | ||
| Day 11 | Budapest |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Prices shown are "starting at" prices and do not include airfare.
Port charges:
$105
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Extra nights per person in Bucharest:
In single room $260, in twin room $137
Extra nights per person in Budapest:
Departures April 11- June 22 & August 31- October 5: in single room $248, in twin room $137
Departures July 12 & August 29: in single room $200, in twin room $110
Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person:
Category / Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck $549
A / Sapphire Deck $599
P / Royal Deck $699
Suite / Royal Deck $1,299US$ Price Details
- Applicable taxes and fees (Land-Only or Cruise-Only Vacation)
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-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these "deals" you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as "included" in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.- Applicable taxes and fees (Land-Only or Cruise-Only Vacation)
