NORTH SEABLACK SEA CRUISE (WOA2010)

City Highlights


Cruise:
Deluxe 21-night cruise from Oltenita to Amsterdam in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Bucharest:
Guided sightseeing, Parliament Building, visit the National Art Museum

Varna:
Guided sightseeing, visit the National Archaeological Museum

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

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

Iron Gates:
Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; Smedereva and Golubac Fortresses; Trajan Table

Belgrade:
Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress

Novi Sad:
Guided sightseeing, Petrovaradin Fortress

Kalocsa:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Paprika Museum

Budapest:
Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion

Vienna:
Guided sightseeing; excursion to the Vienna Woods, visit Heiligenkreuz Monastery

Melk:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey

Passau:
Guided sightseeing

Grein:
Guided sightseeing

Regensburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Old Chapel

Main Danube Canal:
Cruise in the canal

Nuremberg:
Guided sightseeing; beer tasting

Bamberg:
Guided sightseeing, Old Town Hall

Würzburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Residenz

Miltenberg:
Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration

Rüdesheim:
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Rhine Gorge:
Cruise through the gorge

Cologne:
Guided sightseeing

Amsterdam:
Canal cruiseNotes: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 Artistry®

 

Hotels


Bucharest
Athénée Palace Hilton (SF)

Meals
Buffet breakfast (B) in Bucharest; one lunch (L) during Vienna Woods excursion; superb dining with 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:
(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 finally led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. This afternoon a motorcoach ride takes you to Oltenita, 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 north-eastern 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 Târnovo & Arbanassi. (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)

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 cafés. (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 of struggle, victory and defeat alike. 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. (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)

Day 10:
Budapest. (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)

Day 11:
Budapest–Cruising. (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)

Day 12:
Vienna, Austria. Excursion to the Vienna Woods. (Tue.) Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Today, join us for an excursion to the Vienna Woods, the hill chain that surrounds the Austrian capital and that inspired artists throughout the ages. Visit one of Austria’s oldest monasteries, “HEILIGENKREUZ,” then follow Johann Strauss’ Tales from the Vienna Woods as we pass by castles and hear about the stories of times gone by. Learn about the tragic legend of Archduke Rudolph and his mistress before continuing through the Helenen Valley that inspired Ludwig van Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. The small city of Baden is ideal for lunch and some time at leisure before returning to Vienna through the vineyards of Lower Austria. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Vienna. (Wed.) 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 will enjoy during your included tour. 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,L,D)

Day 14:
Melk–Grein. (Thu.) Situated in the picturesque Wachau Valley, Melk is home to the magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY that dominates the town and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! At the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle, Grein’s turreted houses on the main square offer excellent photo opportunities. (B,L,D)

Day 15:
Passau, Germany. (Fri.) Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (B,L,D)

Day 16:
Regensburg. (Sat.) Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)

Day 17:
Nuremberg. (Sun.) 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- all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)

Day 18:
Bamberg. (Mon.) Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)

Day 19:
Würzburg. (Tue.) Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)

Day 20:
Wertheim–Miltenberg. (Wed.) Time at leisure this morning in charming Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and the Main Rivers. The town is known for its medieval town center, its castle, and its wine. Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (B,L,D)

Day 21:
Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge. (Thu.) Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM in pretty Rüdesheim. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. (B,L,D)

Day 22:
Cologne, Germany. (Fri.) Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.” (B,L,D)

Day 23:
Amsterdam, Holland. (Sat.) Holland’s delightful 700-year-old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. (B,L,D)

Day 24:
Amsterdam (Disembarkation). (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Don't miss our current specials: 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.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
6/4/2010 - 6/27/2010	$6,829
7/16/2010 - 8/8/2010	$6,829
8/27/2010 - 9/19/2010	$7,029
10/8/2010 - 10/31/2010	$6,329
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.

Ship Facts:

• Inagurated: 2004
• Length: 426 ft
• Decks: 5 decks
• Staterooms: 87
• Passenger Capacity: 187
• 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
• 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
• 6-person whirlpool
• 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
• Connecting rooms
• 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