Europe : Black Sea Voyage

Start with 2 nights in Budapest, then take a 7 night cruise to Bulgaria, stay 1 night in a Black Sea resort and end with 3 nights in Istanbul

Start your journey with vibrant Budapest, a famous haven for musicians, writers and artists. See the rolling hills and vine clad slopes of Pecs before departing Hungary. Soon, the Danube makes up the boundary between Serbia on one side and Croatia on the other. Cruise through the narrow gorges of the Iron Gates, a narrow passage which divides Europe's Balkan from the Carpathian mountains. Then sail along the Romanian-Bulgarian border to Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. Disembark and continue by motorcoach to Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of Bulgaria, before arriving at the Black Sea resort of Nessebar, one of the oldest towns in Europe. Conclude your grand vacation in Istanbul, a city with rich history going back thousands of years.

Itinerary

Day 1 - BUDAPEST

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 - BUDAPEST

Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at your leisure Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - BUDAPEST

The Puszta is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world. The vast flat Great Hungarian Plain stretches across to the east, where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival, you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Try a lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest to embark onto your ship. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - MOHACS - PECS - VUKOVAR, CROATIA

This morning, the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for an interesting excursion to Pecs. Charming Old Pecs will be brought alive by your local guides during your walking tour. See the Synagogue, Christian Basilica and visit the former Turkish Mosque. Once your ship exits Hungary, the Danube will make up the border between Serbia on one side and Croatia on the other. Tonight, arrive in Vukovar, Croatia. (B,L,D)  **The 2009 cruise only ** After lunch on board ship enjoy a wine tasting excursion and sample aromatic spice wines from the vineyards of Vilany** Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - VUKOVAR - NOVI SAD, SERBIA

This morning, a guided bus and walking tour of Vukovar will show you the Franciscan Monastery of St. John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and the St. James and St. Nicholas churches. During lunch, continue your cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, where you will tour the 18th-Century Austrian-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - BELGRADE

This morning, arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where you have a chance to explore both the old and the new town. Your guided tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Street, Republic Square and Mihajlova street, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES

Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most aweinspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - VIDIN, BULGARIA

The "Bada Vida" Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th-century castle has massive walls and dark towers, which strongly contrast the natural park which surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th-century castle, located in a fairytale landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - GIURGIU - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, capital and largest city in Romania. The city is famed for its Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19th century. During the morning city tour, you will see the Arch of Triumph, Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum, the Library and visit the Parliament Palace - the world's largest palace. Enjoy lunch in a typical Romanian restaurant, then choose to shop, explore on your own or visit the open air museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - ROUSSE - VELIKO TARNOVO - NESSEBAR

This morning, disembark in Rousse and continue your tour by motorcoach. Your first stop is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. Here you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the citadel of the city, the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces, the Patriarchal church and Baldwin's Tower. Shoppers can explore the traditional street market, Samovodska Charshia. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing onto the Black Sea resort town of Nessebar. (B,L,D  **The 2009 tour omits Nessebar for Plovdiv. See the main highlights of Plodvik old town before dinner at a local restaurant.** Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - NESSEBAR - ISTANBUL, TURKEY

During this morning's guided walking tour, see the main highlights of the town including Nessebar's oldest church, the 5th-century Basilica on the Beach. After lunch, continue on to magical Istanbul for the grand three-night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage. (B) **The 2009 tour omits Nessebar for Plovdiv.  After breakfast we continue onto  magical Istanbul, for the grand 3 night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage** Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 - ISTANBUL

This morning's comprehensive city tour will show you the old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Suleymaniye Mosque, the church of the Pantocrator and the Galata Tower, and tour the Blue Mosque. Later, you can explore the town on your own or choose from from various optionals that will be offered. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 - ISTANBUL

Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the 15th century until the end of the 19th century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. This evening, you may wish to join some your fellow passengers for the optional Istanbul By Night where you will enjoy a belly dancing show with dinner. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14 - ISTANBUL

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals included: Breakfast

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Prices

Black Sea Voyage - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
17/10/2008	£1,695
22/10/2008	£1,590
18/04/2009 - 01/05/2009	£1,800
23/04/2009 - 06/05/2009	£1,852
08/05/2009 - 21/05/2009	£1,905
13/05/2009 - 26/05/2009	£1,905
06/06/2009 - 19/06/2009	£1,905
11/06/2009 - 24/06/2009	£1,905
19/06/2009 - 02/07/2009	£1,905
24/06/2009 - 07/07/2009	£1,905
31/07/2009 - 13/08/2009	£1,905
05/08/2009 - 18/08/2009	£1,905
11/09/2009 - 24/09/2009	£2,010
16/09/2009 - 29/09/2009	£2,010
10/10/2009 - 23/10/2009	£1,960
15/10/2009 - 28/10/2009	£1,905
23/10/2009 - 05/11/2009	£1,905
28/10/2209 - 10/11/2009	£1,800
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.
Transfer rates and single supplements available on request
Supplements
13/06/2008 - 22/10/2008: Grade D Piano deck: £51
13/06/2008 - 22/10/2008: Grade C Cello deck: £205
13/06/2008 - 22/10/2008: Grade B Cello deck: £256
13/06/2008 - 22/10/2008: Grade A Violin deck: £308
13/06/2008 - 22/10/2008: Grade S Violin deck: £666
13/06/2008 - 22/10/2008: Approx Port charges: £47
18/04/2009 - 10/11/2009: Grade D Piano deck: £79
18/04/2009 - 10/11/2009: Grade C Cello deck: £237
18/04/2009 - 10/11/2009: Grade B Cello deck: £315
18/04/2009 - 10/11/2009: Grade A Violin deck: £368
18/04/2009 - 10/11/2009: Grade S Violin deck: £790
18/04/2009 - 10/11/2009: Approx Port charges: £52

What's Included?

• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Budapest with daily Buffet Breakfast
• 7-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Fully escorted Motorcoach Tour from the Ship in Rousse, Bulgaria to Istanbul
• 1 Night Hotel Accommodation in Nessebar at the Black Sea including daily Buffet Breakfast
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Istanbul including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

What's NOT Included?

• Air Fares and transfers
• Gratuities
• Optional Excursions
• Port charges approx £46

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This tour also departs in reverse order, depending on departure dates

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