GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE (WNO2010)

A 20-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $5,619

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Starting Price: $5,619 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 20 Days
Countries Visited: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, 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:
 River Cruise
Tour Category: RIVER CRUISE
Tour Operator: Avalon Waterways
Tour Code: WNO-2010
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An E-Brochure is available - click to view

Cities Visited:
See Description


Vacation Overview
Discover some of the continent’s best-kept secrets on this river cruise through Central and Eastern Europe. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with inside visits that include Hradcany Castle in Prague, Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest, Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, and the Patriarch’s Church in Veliko Târnovo. Also cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and Main Danube Canal, and stop in the Puszta for an exhibition of Hungarian horsemanship.Oberammergau 2010Add the Oberammergau Passion Play to Your River Cruise

 

Ship
Avalon Tranquility®

City Highlights


Cruise:
Deluxe 14-night cruise from Nuremberg to Oltenita in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Prague:
Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock; visit Hradcany Castle

Nuremberg:
Guided sightseeing;

Main Danube Canal:
Cruise in the canal

Regensburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Old Chapel; beer tasting

Passau:
Guided sightseeing

Melk:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey

Vienna:
Guided sightseeing

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, visit the National Archaeological Museum

Bucharest:
Guided sightseeing, Parliament Building, 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.

 


Hotels


Prague
Hilton (SF),

Bucharest
Athénée Palace Hilton (SF)

Meals
Buffet breakfast (B) in Prague 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
 
Day 1:
(Wed.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Prague, Czech Republic. (Thu.) Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline.

Day 3:
Prague. (Fri.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)

Day 4:
Prague. (Sat.) A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B)

Day 5:
Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation). (Sun.) After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)

Day 6:
Nuremberg. (Mon.) Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Regensburg. (Tue.) Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and the Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Passau–Linz, Austria. (Wed.) Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Melk–Vienna. (Thu.) Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Vienna. (Fri.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital 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 will enjoy during your city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. (B,L,D)

Day 11:
Budapest, Hungary. (Sat. & 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. Not far from the city and an integral part of Hungarian rural life is the PUSZTA, the vast grasslands where the country’s beloved fiery horses are reared. (B,L,D daily)

Day 12:
Budapest, Hungary. (Sat. & 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. Not far from the city and an integral part of Hungarian rural life is the PUSZTA, the vast grasslands where the country’s beloved fiery horses are reared. (B,L,D daily)

Day 13:
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 through the ages at the PAPRIKA MUSEUM. (B,L,D)

Day 14:
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. (B,L,D)

Day 15:
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 16:
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 17:
Svistov, Bulgaria–Veliko Târnovo–Arbanassi–Rousse. (Fri.) A comfortable ride away 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 18:
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 19:
Oltenita (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.” During the included tour this afternoon, see the impressive PARLIAMENT BUILDING, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. (B)

Day 20:
Bucharest. (Mon.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

 

Don't miss our current specials:

  • Save up to $2,000 on select 2010 Europe River Cruises
  • Avalon Waterways Will Not Be Undersold!
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)


No Departure Date Information was found for this Tour. This could be due
to our website undergoing an update.

Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.

 

         

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
 


Related Tours
WNOE|Extend Your Stay in BucharestWON|Grand Black Sea Cruise (Bucharest to Prague)

Price Details US
Cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges: $196Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Prague:Departures 0429-0610 & 0902: in single room $420, in twin room $224Departure 0722: in single room $267, in twin room $150Extra nights per person in Bucharest:in single room $390, in twin room $209Cruise-Only Option From $4,479Day 5 Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation) - Day 19 Oltenita (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 / $998A / Sapphire Deck / $1,098P / Royal Deck / $1,298Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $2,398Note: This vacation includes travel in the Czech Republic, which requires a minimum of at least €30,000 ($45,000 USD) in medical and repatriation insurance coverage. The basic Travel Protection has a $25,000 limit however this will be increased to $50,000 while you are traveling in the Czech Republic at no additional cost. If other coverage is obtained, it is the travelers’ responsibility to verify their coverage meets requirements as they may be required by immigration to produce proof of coverage while traveling in the Czech Republic.

Save up to $2,000 on select 2010 Europe River Cruises

Save up to $2,000 per couple on these select 2010 Avalon Waterways River Cruises.*

$2,000 off per couple

Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches

8 days from Paris to Paris or 9 days incl. travel

Aug 30, 2010

Burgundy & Provence

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

Aug 30, 2010

Central European Experience

12 days from Prague to Paris or 11 days incl. travel

Aug 19, 2010

Sept 30, 2010

The Blue Danube Discovery

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

Oct 21, 2010

Oct 24, 2010

European Splendor

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

Oct 18, 2010

Windmills, Vineyards & Paris

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

October 4, 2010

Blue Danube to the Black Sea

13 days Vienna to Bucharest or 12 days incl. travel

Aug 17, 2010

The Rhine & Moselle

14 days from Amsterdam to Basel or 15 days incl. travel

Oct 16, 2010

Magnificent Europe

15 days from Amsterdam to Budapest 16 days incl. travel

Aug 21, 2010

Oct 9, 2010

Oct 16, 2010

Magnificent Europe

15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam 16 days incl. travel

August 28, 2010

September 4, 2010

September 25, 2010

October 2, 2010

The Upper Rhine to the City of Music

13 days from Zürich to Vienna or 14 days incl. travel

Oct 29, 2010

North Sea—Black Sea Cruise

23 days from Bucharest to Amsterdam or 24 days incl. travel

August 27, 2010

*Book a select 2010 Europe Avalon Waterways River Cruise vacation to receive $1,000 off per person. Book a select Taste of Danube river cruise vacation to receive the $500 off per person. Offer available on select dates of select cruises listed above. Suites excluded. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied anytime after May 18, 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.