THE BLACK SEA TO BUDAPEST ITINERARY:
1. Arrive Bucharest
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest. A
transfer is included from the Bucharest Airport to the Athénée
Palace Hilton Bucharest in the heart of the city, a living piece
of Bucharest history since 1914, and a center of espionage and
intrigue in the 1930s and 40s. It has been lovingly restored,
and was recently named Romania’s "Leading Hotel." Please join us
this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest ~ Meals D
2. Peles Castle / Snagov Monastery
You have a choice of sightseeing today. Take a full day
excursion to tour fairy-tale Peles Castle in Sinaia, built for
the Romanian royal family in the 1880s. Or choose a morning
visit to Snagov Monastery on an island in the center of a lake,
the reputed burial place of Vlad the Impaler – the original
Dracula – followed by a return to Bucharest for a tour of the
massive Parliamentary Palace. Also known as The People’s Palace,
it’s the second-largest building in the world after the
Pentagon. Enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurants in your
landmark hotel tonight.
Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest ~ Meals BLD
3. Discover Bucharest / Embark Ship
Explore the “Paris of the Balkans” on a morning sightseeing
tour that includes Revolution Square, 17th-century hilltop
Patriarchal Cathedral, and the granite Triumphal Arch,
reminiscent of the one in Paris. Drive to the popular seaside
resort of Mamaia on Romania’s Black Sea coast – where gently
sloping beaches, calm waters and fine, soft sand invite
relaxation – before boarding your riverboat at Cernavoda to
begin your weeklong Danube River cruise. Aboard the
Riverboat ~ Meals BLD
4. Welcome to Bulgaria
Cruise to Ruse, Bulgaria today for cultural excursions into
nearby Bulgarian towns. View magnificent frescoes in the
Nativity Church in the 16th-century village of Arbanassi, known
for its richly ornamented architecture and splendid views of
medieval castles. Travel to Veliko Turnovo, which served as
Bulgaria’s capital in medieval times, with its ancient walled
fortress and castle nestled atop three hills surrounding the
Yantra River; view artisans at work in local shops. Following a
traditional lunch, reboard the riverboat in Svishtov and enjoy
an on-board performance by local Bulgarian entertainers. Aboard
the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD
5. Cruise the Danube
Spend a relaxing morning cruising the Danube through the
scenic heartland of Eastern Europe, past fields and vineyards
tended by local farmers. Attend a lecture and demonstration on
Iconography aboard the riverboat.
Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD
6. Full Day Cruising / Iron Gate
Enjoy a full day’s cruise along Bulgaria’s border with
Romania, gliding through the Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate of
Romania, where the Danube courses down from the Carpathian
Mountains. Savor great views of the Transylvanian Alps, perhaps
seeing the towering stone pillars from Roman Emperor Trajan’s
Bridge, built in the 2nd century AD; cross into Serbia this
afternoon. Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD
7. Belgrade, Serbia’s Capital
Awaken dockside in Belgrade, the cosmopolitan capital of
modern Serbia at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers,
whose roots date back to a Celtic settlement in the 3rd century
BC. Today’s sightseeing in Belgrade includes visits to Tito’s
Memorial, St. Sava Church, and Kalemegdan Fortress. You’ll also
see Slavija Square, Parliament, City Hall, Republic Square, the
National Theatre and the National Museum of Serbia. Aboard
the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD
8. Cruise to Croatia
Arrive in Croatia, where diverse events and cultural
influences have contributed to the country’s storied history.
Travel to the fortified city of Osijek, dating back to Roman
times, this morning; visit the Tvrda Citadel and the medieval
Church of the Holy Cross. Later, you’ll witness the effects of
the 1990s Serbian war poignantly illustrated in the 10th-century
city of Vukovar, once renowned for its elegant 18th-century
Baroque mansions. Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals BLD
9. Kalocsa / Solt
Dock at Kalocsa, Hungary, celebrated for its paprika, its
folk art and its turbulent history. Visit the Paprika House and
the magnificent Library in the Bishop’s Palace. At the
Equestrian Center, watch craftsmen and traditional Puszta
horsemen demonstrate time-honored traditions, and enjoy a
horse-drawn carriage ride; join us aboard the riverboat for
cocktails followed by dinner. Aboard the Riverboat ~ Meals
BLD
10. Disembark Riverboat / Explore Pest
Disembark in Hungary’s capital, Budapest, divided by the
Danube River into two sections, Buda and Pest. Begin your
discovery of Pest with a memorable visit to the opulent
neo-Renaissance State Opera House, completed in 1884. Continue
exploring the city’s mix of architectural masterpieces and
historic monuments, viewing City Park, Heroes’ Square, the
Castle of Vajdahunyad, Central Market Hall, the neo-Gothic
Parliament building, and tree-lined Andrassy Avenue. We invite
you to join us for a farewell dinner this evening. Le
Méridien Budapest ~ Meals BD
11. Discover Buda
A morning at leisure precedes a guided walking tour of Buda
including Castle Hill, featuring Fishermen’s Bastion overlooking
the Danube, and a visit to 700-year-old Matthias Church, scene
of the coronation of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth
(“Sisi”) in the 1850s (may be closed on some days due to
services). Spend the rest of the day as you wish in this
historic city. Le Méridien Budapest ~ Meals BD
12. Journey Home
Tour ends: Budapest, Hungary. A transfer is included from Le
Méridien Budapest to Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport; allow 2 1/2
hours for flight check-in. Meals B
Itinerary above is for
2008, please call for 2009 details.
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