|
|
 2013: Grand Danube Cruise from Prague to Bucharest with Extended Stay in Bucharest (WNOE) - Tranquility
20 days from Prague to Bucharest Discover some of the continent's best-kept secrets on this river cruise through Central and Eastern Europe, from Prague to Bucharest. Spend three nights in both Prague and Bucharest, and enjoy plenty of leisure time in Budapest and Vienna to explore on your own. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with inside visits of the Hradcany Castle grounds in Prague, Melk's awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey, Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, Patriarch's Church in Veliko Tarnovo, and the National Art Museum in Bucharest. Also cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and Main Danube Canal, stop in the Puszta for an exhibition of Hungarian horsemanship, enjoy an organ concert in Kalocsa, and visit the diverse rock formations of Belogradchik. Conclude your vacation with an excursion to Transylvania to visit Dracula's Bran Castle-built in 1377-and the beautiful Sinaia Monastery in the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains. All of this and more await you on this marvelous cruise vacation! Highlights & Sightseeing Prague:
Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds
Nuremberg:
Welcome reception; guided sightseeing
Main Danube Canal:
Cruise in the canal
Regensburg:
Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
Passau:
Guided walk
Melk:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
Vienna:
Guided sightseeing
Budapest:
Guided sightseeing, see Fishermen's Bastion; Puszta excursion with display of horsemanship
Kalocsa:
Orientation; organ concert
Pecs:
Orientation
Belgrade:
Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
Iron Gates:
Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan Table
Vidin:
Visit the fortress
Belogradchik:
See the rock formations
Veliko Tarnovo:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch's Church
Arbanassi:
Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity
Bucharest:
Guided sightseeing, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art Museum, Guided full-day excursion to Transylvania, visit Dracula's Bran Castle and Sinaia Monastery Meals B: full buffet breakfast L: lunch D: dinner
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast, soft drinks with lunch, and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included on board your vessel. Hotels Prague InterContinental (D), Bucharest Athenee Palace Hilton (SF) NOTES:
Due to closure of locks on the Main Danube Canal for maintenance reasons, embarkation for departure April 10 (Avalon Imagery) will be in Passau and there will be some modifications to the itinerary. Check with our travel consultants for more information. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler. 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. Panoramic windows throughout every ship. Elegant, contemporary design throughout. Included shore excursions with Local Guide. Headsets for shore excursions. Complimentary Wi-Fi access. Personalized room options & excursions. Space to relax & unwind Premium coffees, cappuccinos and lattes. Coffee self-serve beverage station. A lounge serving premium spirits. Maintain your routine in the fitness center. The Comfort Collection BedsSM. Premium L'Occitane bath amenities. Daily early- and late-riser breakfast. Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine. Complimentary juices with breakfast. Made-to-order egg station at breakfast. Complimentary soft drinks with lunch. Al fresco lunches on the Sky Bistro. Chef-inspired regional recipes. Four-course dinners with open seating. Choice of appetizers, soups & salads. Nightly option of entree, dessert or cheese. Complimentary regional wines at dinner. Free soft drinks or beer with dinner. Night Fare served at 10:30 p.m. Remarkable service through the cruise. English-speaking crew. Non-smoking interior. Large bathrooms - showers w/ glass doors. Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels. Spacious 3-door closets for ample storage. And, much more. Day 1 Arrive in Prague, Czech RepublicWelcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Day 2 PraguePrague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (Breakfast) Day 3 PragueA free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast) Day 4 Prague-Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner) Day 5 NurembergAlthough Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg's traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 6 RegensburgRegensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the Old Town Hall and the Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Before dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 7 Passau-Linz, AustriaPassau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Linz, Austria's third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 8 Melk-ViennaMelk's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the "City of Music," which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 9 ViennaOnce the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria's capital has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, 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 Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Days 10-11 Budapest, HungarySpanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Eight 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 your Certified Local Guide will show you. Not far from the city and an integral part of Hungarian rural life is the PUSZTA, the vast grasslands where the country's beloved fiery horses are reared. (B,L,D daily) Day 12 Kalocsa-PecsKalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and 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. Here, enjoy an ORGAN CONCERT before continuing to Pecs, Hungary's fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 13 Belgrade, SerbiaThe 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 14 Iron GatesThe Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia are impressive sights on the right 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 15 Vidin, Bulgaria. Excursion to BelogradchikVidin is an important Danube port, situated in northwestern Bulgaria. Its medieval FORTRESS, known as "Baba Vidin," is the town's primary landmark. It served as Vidin's main defensive installation during the course of the Middle Ages and is the only entirely preserved medieval fortress in the country. It is now a fortress museum and has been restored to its former appearance. In the afternoon, drive to nearby Belogradchik to view the eclectic group of ROCK FORMATIONS on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 16 Svistov, Bulgaria. Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi-RousseA comfortable ride away 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 Rousse, Bulgaria's largest inland port. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 17 Oltenita, Romania (Disembarkation)-BucharestOltenita, Romania (Disembarkation)-Bucharest. Bucharest, Romania's lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name "Paris of the East." During the included tour this afternoon, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. (Breakfast)
Day 18 Bucharest. Excursion to TransylvaniaHead out of the city to your first stop, BRAN CASTLE of Dracula fame, built in 1377 and assumed to be the home of Romanian vampires. Then, into 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. (Breakfast, Lunch) Day 19 BucharestYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast) Day 20 BucharestA day to rest and explore Romania's capital city. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast) |
| Call (888) 870-6570 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10644843 | | Avalon Waterways | | | | | Prices shown are "starting at" prices and do not include airfare. Port charges:
$234
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Extra nights per person in Prague:
Departures April 10-June19, August 15 & 17, October 24 & 26: in single room $315, in twin room $173
Departures July 11-24, August 28: in single room $228, in twin room $128
Extra nights per person in Bucharest:
in single room $215, in twin room $120
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 / $1,020
A / Sapphire Deck / $1,112
P/ Royal Deck / $1,391
Avalon Suite / Royal Deck / $2,412 Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
Important Notes Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change. A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per person per vacation is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you. Charges not included in the land vacation price: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; 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; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Protection premiums; and all other items of a personal nature. Booking your Vacation with Air
Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option.
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 non-refundable air deposit ($250 per person for 2012 departures or $300 per person for 2013 departures) is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon Waterways in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus $30 per person non-refundable service fee. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed. Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & Fees
Air inclusive price quotes will include all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees. 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. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees. |
|
|
|
|
