Browse countries 
Make a guide
Find a tour
|
Blue Danube To The Black Sea With Istanbul ExtensionTour by Avalon
|
This fine tour is one of 43 tours to Istanbul. See all
Sorry, we couldn't find locations for this tour.
(Tue.) Board your overnight transtlantic flight.
(Wed.) Free time to relax and begin soaking up the unique atmosphere of this city built on two continents. At 6 pm, meet your Local Host for a welcome get-together.
(Thu.) Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, renamed Constantinople in the year 330, and finally called
(Fri.) A free day in
(Sat.) Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name “Paris of the East.” (B)
(Sun.) 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. 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. This afternoon, a short motorcoach ride takes you to Oltenita where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)
(Mon.) 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)
(Tue.) A comfortable ride from Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. 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. (B,L,D)
(Wed.) 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. (B,L,D)
(Thu.) 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 cafés. (B,L,D)
(Fri.) 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. (B,L,D)
(Sat.) Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. The Archbishop’s Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral dominate this quiet town that is best known for paprika and folklore art. Learn how paprika has been grown and prepared through the ages at the PAPRIKA MUSEUM. Today you’ll have a chance to taste some of Hungary’s FINE WINES. (B,L,D)
(Sun.) 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)
(Mon.) A free morning in Budapest before cruising to Vienna. Time to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. (B,L,D)
(Tue.) Vienna is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Disembark after breakfast and enjoy an included tour of Austria’s capital. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: the 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 do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)
(Wed.) A free day in this fascinating city, with time to browse the shops and pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B)
(Thu.) Your homebound flight departs today. (B)
What a great journey - fabulous!
Sorry, we couldn't find locations for this tour.
Avalon is the luxury river cruise and small ship cruise arm of Globus. They offer cruises in Europe, Egypt, China, and the Galapagos Islands. Their fleet of ships averages just two years of age, making it one of the youngest in the market. Many are equipped with an exclusive, state of the art silent drive system.
Caters exclusively to English speaking tourists, ranging from the well-traveled to those traveling to Europe for the first time. Most are from the U.S., mixed with a few Australians and Brits. Most passengers are couples in their 50s or older, with some o
Their smallest ship carries just 48 passengers while their largest has over 225 berths.
Cruise directors are responsible for comfort on the boats. The overall crew to traveler ratio is 4:1 on ships.
Accommodations on the boats can sometimes rival those of the most luxurious hotels, some even with floor-to-ceiling windows and the ships often have special observation decks, or even hot tubs.
Land sightseeing, generally walking tours of port cities, is included and is operated by Globus. Meals on board are included, as are complimentary beverages.
Plenty of free time on board to take in the views or ask questions of the on-board experts. Days spent at port, allowing time to explore on tours or freely.
CANCELLATIONS & CANCELLATION FEES:
If cancellation is received by Globus before the final payment date of your vacation, your non-refundable deposit and Travel Protection premiums will be retained in addition to any airline-imposed fees or penalties. For individual reservations, the following per person cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include discounts, promotions, or special incentives. (For group reservations, refer to the Group Policy.)
STANDARD CANCELLATION FEES:
* 45-22 days prior to commencement of services: 20% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
* 21-8 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
* 7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
* On departure day and later: 100% of total price plus Travel Protection premiums
