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See the best of Eastern Europe on this exciting river cruise vacation. Enjoy city tours of remarkable Belgrade and Romania's lively capital, Bucharest. In Bucharest, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Stop in Kalocsa in the heart of paprika-growing country, sail past the Petrovaradin Fortress at Novi Sad, and pass through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge. Also enjoy full-day excursions to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, and the resort town of Varna on the Black Sea.
Day 1: (Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2: Bucharest, Romania.
(Sat.) Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name 'Paris of the East.'
Day 3: Bucharest-Oltenita (Embarkation).
(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. The 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. A motorcoach ride takes you to Olenita, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)
Day 4: Silistra, Bulgaria-Excursion to Varna, Black Sea.
(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)
Day 5: Svistov-Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi.
(Tue.) A comfortable ride 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 Svistov. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Cruising-Iron Gates.
(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)
Day 7: Belgrade, Serbia.
(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 cafes. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Novi Sad.
(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)
Day 9: Kalocsa, Hungary-Budapest.
(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. Then it's on to PUSZTA or Great Plain, an integral part of Hungarian rural life, where the country's beloved fiery horses are reared. Late this afternoon, rejoin your vessel in Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Budapest (Disembarkation).
(Sun.) 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 a Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B)
Day 11: Budapest.
(Mon.) A free day to enjoy Hungary's exciting capital. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for many things to do. (B)
Day 12: Budapest.
(Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B) |
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