BLACK SEA DISCOVERY (WBO2010)

A 12-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $3,099

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Starting Price: $3,099 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 12 Days
Countries Visited: Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
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  • Single Supplement Waived on Select River Cruises
  • Save $100 per person on Groups of 5 or more
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type: Other Avalon Tours
Tour Category: RIVER CRUISE
Tour Operator: Avalon Waterways
Tour Code: WBO-2010
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An E-Brochure is available - click to view

Cities Visited:
See Description


Vacation Overview
See the best of Eastern Europe on this exciting Black Sea adventure from Budapest to Bucharest. Enjoy city tours of remarkable Belgrade and Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest. 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 Târnovo and Arbanassi, and the resort town of Varna on the Black Sea.

 

City Highlights


Cruise:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Budapest to Oltenita or Oltenita to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Budapest:
Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion; Puszta excursion with display of horsemanship

Kalocsa:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Paprika Museum

Novi Sad:
Guided sightseeing, Petrovaradin Fortress

Belgrade:
Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress

Iron Gates:
Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; Smederevo and Golubac Fortress; Trajan Table

Veliko Târnovo:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s Church

Arbanassi:
Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity

Varna:
Guided sightseeing, Parliament Building, visit the National Archaeological Museum

Bucharest:
Guided sightseeing, visit the National Art MuseumNotes:In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Ship
Avalon Tranquility

 


Meals
Buffet breakfast (B) in Budapest and Bucharest; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain's reception, and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; Complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day

Hotels


Budapest
InterContinental (SF),

Bucharest
Athénée Palace Hilton (SF)
 
Day 1:
(Thu.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Budapest, Hungary. (Fri.) Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan metropolis.

Day 3:
Budapest. (Sat.) Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting 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. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (B)

Day 4:
Budapest (Embarkation). (Sun.) Not far from the capital and an integral part of Hungarian rural life is the PUSZTA, or Great Plain, the vast grasslands where the country’s beloved fiery horses are reared. After a visit and a demonstration of traditional Hungarian EQUESTRIAN PROWESS performed by the Csikós, wranglers in their picturesque costumes, return to Budapest. Board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Kalocsa. (Mon.) 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 throughout the ages at the PAPRIKA MUSEUM. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Novi Sad, Serbia. (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 of struggle, victory and defeat alike. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
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 cafés. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
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 9:
Svistov, Bulgaria–Veliko Târnovo–Arbanassi–Rousse. (Fri.) A comfortable ride from the river port of 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. Rousse today is Bulgaria’s largest inland port. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Silistra, Bulgaria–Excursion to Varna, Black Sea. (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 11:
Oltenita, Romania (Disembarkation)–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 in the city. During the included tour this afternoon, 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. (B)

Day 12:
Bucharest. (Mon.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

 

Don't miss our current specials:

  • No Single Supplement on Select River Cruises
  • Save up to $1,000 per Stateroom on Select 2010 Avalon River Cruises**
  • Avalon Waterways Will Not Be Undersold!
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
5/6/2010 - 5/17/2010
$3,099
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6/17/2010 - 6/28/2010
$3,099
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7/29/2010 - 8/9/2010
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9/9/2010 - 9/20/2010
$3,099
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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Avalon Tranquility

The Avalon Tranquility® introduces a new type of ship to cruising. The navigational bridge is located in the stern, behind the passenger section, allowing for a more spacious and gracious interior design. The lounge and restaurant, located in the front of the vessel, give unimpeded views of the passing landscape. In addition, the Sky Deck is vast for sunning, taking pictures, or simply just relaxing.

Avalon Tranquility® features the Silent Drive System (SDS) created to enhance guest experiences. SDS features ship engines located at the stern, separating it from the passenger compartment, allowing for a quieter cruise experience than traditional small ships.

Features exclusive to the Avalon Tranquility® staterooms:

  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms
  • French balconies in most staterooms
  • 15" Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Comfortable, hotel-style beds
  • European-style duvets
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Large closets
  • Minibar, hairdryer & safe
  • Individual climate control
Avalon Tranquility

Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image

Jr. Suites
Jr. Suites

Jr. Suites

Features exclusive to the Avalon Tranquility® staterooms:

  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms
  • French balconies in most staterooms
  • 15" Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Comfortable, hotel-style beds
  • European-style duvets
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Large closets
  • Minibar, hairdryer & safe
  • Individual climate control

Jr. Suites - 258 sq. ft.
1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Sink
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk
7 Sliding Glass Doors
8 Sofa
9 Coffee Table


Stateroom Category A, B, P
Stateroom Category A, B, P

Stateroom Category A, B, P

Features exclusive to the Avalon Tranquility® staterooms:

  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms
  • French balconies in most staterooms
  • 15" Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Comfortable, hotel-style beds
  • European-style duvets
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Large closets
  • Minibar, hairdryer & safe
  • Individual climate control

Staterooms - 172 sq. ft.
1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Sink
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk 
7 Sliding Glass Door


Stateroom Category E
Stateroom Category E

Stateroom Category E

Features exclusive to the Avalon Tranquility® staterooms:

  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms
  • French balconies in most staterooms
  • 15" Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Comfortable, hotel-style beds
  • European-style duvets
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Large closets
  • Minibar, hairdryer & safe
  • Individual climate control

Category E Staterooms - 172 sq. ft.
1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Sink
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk 
7 Windows


Ship Facts:

  • Inagurated: 2007
  • Length: 443 ft
  • Decks: 4
  • Staterooms: 81
  • Passenger Capacity: 170
  • Voltage: 220v
  • Onboard Currency: Euro

Ship Amenities:

  • Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
  • Services of a professional Cruise Director
  • Sightseeing with Local Guides
  • Revolutionary engineering
  • Silent Drive System (SDS)
  • Non-smoking interior
  • Internet access & Wi-Fi hotspots
  • Elegant polished metal & glass throughout
  • Onboard lectures, activities & nightly piano music
  • Panoramic picture windows for landscape viewing
  • Hair Salon
  • Fitness Center
  • Spacious Sky Decks with shade system for sunning
  • Lounge & Bar
  • Complimentary coffee & tea available throughout the day
  • Fine dining
  • Buffet breakfast items are conveniently color coded to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
  • Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks will be included on all onboard dinners
  • Open seating throughout the dining room for all meals
  • Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
  • Comfortable, hotel-style beds
  • Comfortable beds that can be configured as two twins or one queen
  • European-style duvets
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Large closets
  • Minibar, hairdryer & safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Royal Deck passengers can order Continental breakfast to their staterooms
  • All staterooms are outside and those on Royal and Sapphire Decks have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and French balconies
 


Price Details US
Cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges: $98Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Budapest:Departures 0507, 0618 & 0910: in single room $414, in twin room $207Departure 0730: in single room $337, in twin room $167Extra nights per person in Bucharest:in single room $390, in twin room $209Cruise-Only Option From $2,339Day 4 Budapest (Embarkation) - Day 11 Oltenita, Romania (Disembarkation)–BucharestCruise-only option allows you to participate in just the river cruise portion of the vacation, removing the overnight stays at the beginning or end of the cruise itinerary. Ask your Travel Consultant for details at the time of booking.Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:Category / Decks / PriceB / Sapphire Deck / $499A / Sapphire Deck / $549P / Royal Deck / $649Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,199

Related Tours
WBOE|Extend Your Stay in BucharestWOB|Black Sea Discovery (Bucharest to Budapest)

No Single Supplement on Select River Cruises

This is a special limited time offer!  Take advantage of this extraordinary deal before it sails away!

A Taste of the Danube | View itinerary

5 days incl. travel, or 4 days from Vienna to Budapest

April 24, 2010

A Taste of the Danube | View itinerary

6 days incl. travel, or 5 days from Budapest to Vienna

Tulip Time | View itinerary

9 days incl. travel, or 8 days from Amsterdam to Amsterdam

March 27, 2010

March 31, 2010

April 3, 2010

The Legendary Danube | View itinerary

12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Prague to Budapest

April 10, 2010

Burgundy & Provence | View itinerary

12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Cote d’Azur to Paris

April 11, 2010

Burgundy & Provence | View itinerary

12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Paris to Nice

April 3, 2010

Central European Experience | View itinerary

13 days incl. travel, or 12 days from Paris to Prague

April 22, 2010

The Blue Danube Discovery | View itinerary

14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Budapest to Prague

April 4, 2010

April 15, 2010

European Splendor | View itinerary

14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Vienna to Amsterdam

May 3, 2010

Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | View itinerary

14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Paris to Amsterdam

April 19, 2010

Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | View itinerary

15 days incl. travel, or 14 days from Amsterdam to Paris

April 10, 2010

Magnificent Europe | View itinerary

16 days incl. travel, or 15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam

March 27, 2010

Jewels of Central Europe | View itinerary

18 days incl. travel, or 17 days from Paris to Budapest

April 22, 2010

*Book a select 2010 Europe Avalon Waterways/Globus River Cruise vacation to receive $500 off per person. Offer available on select dates of select cruises listed above. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied anytime after October 28, 2009 for travel at select times in 2010. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Save up to $1,000 per Stateroom on Select 2010 Avalon River Cruises**

Save up to $600 per stateroom on Avalon Europe River Cruises.*

$600 off per stateroom on air-inclusive European River Cruise Vacations.*

$300 off per stateroom on cruise only European River Cruise Vacations.*

Knowing that you’re more careful than ever about spending your money, Avalon Waterways is an undeniable value. Our prices include accommodations, local sightseeing, many meals and complimentary wine with dinner. You can feel confident investing your valuable vacation dollars with Avalon.

Save $1,000 per stateroom on these select 2010 Avalon Waterways River Cruises.**

This is a special limited time Spring Fling offer! Take advantage of this extraordinary deal before it sails away!  

A Taste of the Danube | View itinerary

5 days incl. travel, or 4 days from Vienna to Budapest

April 24, 2010

May 2, 2010

July 3, 2010

A Taste of the Danube | View itinerary

6 days incl. travel, or 5 days from Budapest to Vienna

April 20, 2010

June 29, 2010

Tulip Time | View itinerary

9 days incl. travel, or 8 days from Amsterdam to Amsterdam

March 27, 2010

April 10, 2010

The Legendary Danube | View itinerary

12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Prague to Budapest

April 10, 2010

Burgundy & Provence | View itinerary

12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Cote d’Azur to Paris

April 11, 2010

Central European Experience | View itinerary

13 days incl. travel, or 12 days from Paris to Prague

April 22, 2010

July 15, 2010

European Splendor | View itinerary

14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Vienna to Amsterdam

May 3, 2010

July 19, 2010

Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | View itinerary

14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Paris to Amsterdam

April 19, 2010

August 9, 2010

Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | View itinerary

15 days incl. travel, or 14 days from Amsterdam to Paris

April 10, 2010

June 5, 2010

July 31, 2010

Magnificent Europe | View itinerary

16 days incl. travel, or 15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam

March 27, 2010

June 12, 2010

July 20, 2010

Magnificent Europe  (reverse itinerary)

16 days incl. travel, or 15 days from Amsterdam to Budapest

June 19, 2010

June 26, 2010

July 17, 2010

July 24, 2010

Jewels of Central Europe | View itinerary

18 days incl. travel, or 17 days from Paris to Budapest

April 22, 2010

Blue Danube to the Black Sea | View itinerary

14 days incl travel or 13 days from Vienna to Bucharest

July 6, 2010

Reverse itinerary July 16, 2010

Black Sea Discovery | View itinerary

12 days incl travel or 11 days from Budapest to Bucharest

June 17th

Reverse itienrary June 25th

Grand Black Sea | View itinerary

20 days incl travel or 19 days from Bucharest to Prague

June 25, 2010

*Book a 2010 Europe Globus or Avalon River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer. Europe Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $150 off per person offer. Must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between January 6 and April 6, 2010 for travel through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

**Book a select 2010 Europe Avalon Waterways River Cruise vacation to receive $500 off per person. Offer available on select dates of select cruises listed above. Jr. Suites excluded. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied anytime after February 3, 2010 for travel at select times in 2010. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

***Book a select 2010 Europe Avalon Waterways River Cruise vacation in order to waive the single supplement fee. Only five promotional staterooms available each departure. Offer available on select dates of select cruises listed above. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between November 18, 2009 and February 16, 2010 for travel at select times in 2010. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.  

Avalon Waterways Will Not Be Undersold!

Avalon will match competitor pricing on 2010 European river cruises!*

Call today and gives us the name and departure date of a competitor's river cruise you are considering.  If Avalon has a comparable 2010 cruise available, they'll match the per diem price - with the newest fleet on the market, why not?

*Book a Europe Avalon River cruise vacation to receive the match offer.  Must provide the name and departure date of the competitor cruise in order to qualify.  Must be made, under deposit, and discount applied prior to March 2, 2010 for travel through December 31st, 2010. Offer good in conjunction with other qualifying offers including Journeys Club.  Offer is subject to change and could be withdrawn at any time.  Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings.  Offer reliant on space availability.  Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

 
 

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.