AVALON 2011: BLUE DANUBE TO THE BLACK SEA W/ ISTANBUL EXTENSION (WVOE)

Details

Tour Operator

Globus

Duration

16 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Vienna	(Wed.) Welcome to Vienna, Austria's capital, which is known as the 'City of Music' and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The remainder of the day is yours to start exploring this elegant city.
Day 2	Vienna	(Thu.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: 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. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)
Day 3	Vienna	(Fri.) Time today to browse the shops along the Karntnerstrasse and perhaps enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D)
Day 4	Budapest	(Sat.) Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. 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 your Local Guide will show you. (B,L,D)
Day 5	Budapest	(Sun.) A free day to explore Budapest at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D)
Day 6	Pecs	(Mon.) Kalocsa 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. (B,L,D)
Day 7	Novi Sad	(Tue.) 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8	Belgrade	(Wed.) 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. (B,L,D)
Day 9	Iron Gates	(Thu.) The 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. (B,L,D)
Day 10	Rousse	(Fri.) A comfortable ride from 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. (B,L,D)
Day 11	Silistra	(Sat.) 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. (B,L,D)
Day 12	Bucharest	(Sun.) 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.' Much recent history has taken place here. During your included tour, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon, and Royal Palace Square, scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. (B)
Day 13	Istanbul	(Mon.) Today, fly to Istanbul. Free time to relax and begin soaking up the unique atmosphere of this city built on two continents. (B)
Day 14	Istanbul	(Tue.) Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, renamed Constantinople in the year 330, and finally called Istanbul, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as gateway between the Orient and the Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent history. Guided sightseeing includes Emperor Justinian's HAGIA SOPHIA and Sultan Ahmet's BLUE MOSQUE, magnificent monuments to two competing world religions that stand peacefully side by side; TOPKAPI SERAGLIO, residence of the Ottoman Sultans; and the GRAND BAZAAR. (B)
Day 15	Istanbul	(Wed.) A free day in Istanbul to explore on your own. Or, why not join a full-day optional excursion to the fabulous archaeological site of Ephesus? Fly to Izmir, then travel to the city which later became the capital of Roman Asia Minor. When St. Paul arrived here he was so awestruck that he asked, 'Is there a greater city?' Visit the Library of Celsus, the Amphitheater, and listen to exciting 'inside stories' of life in ancient Ephesus as you walk down its 'Champs Elysees.' Also visit the House of the Virgin Mary before returning to Istanbul for a final evening in Turkey. (B)
Day 16	Istanbul	(Thu.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Dates/Pricing

Disclaimer

US$ Price Details

Port charges:
$126

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Extra nights per person in Vienna:
in single room $210, in twin room $128

Extra nights per person in Istanbul:
in single room $365, in twin room $185

Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in an outside Avalon Deluxe Stateroom on Indigo Deck.
To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:

Category / Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck / $642
A / Sapphire Deck / $706
P / Royal Deck / $834
Suite / Royal Deck / $1,542

Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-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.