DANUBE RIVER CRUISES 2012/2013  CRUISE FROM Vienna TO BULGARIA AND TOUR to ISTANBUL   2 nights in Vienna, 7-night cruise to Romania, tour to Plovdiv and 3 nights in Istanbul  in 14 days/13nights Danube cruise # 10

CRUISE SPECIAL - 10% DISCOUNT FOR ALL 2013 DEPARTURES (Discount is valid in each cabin category on a limited cabin stock and subject to availability) ITINERARY - 2013 (scroll down for 2012 itinerary) Day 1 ARRIVE IN VIENNA Arrive in Vienna and optional transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Day 2 VIENNA This morning, your city tour takes you around the Burgring, the circular road around Vienna’s historic center. You will also take a walking tour through Vienna’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights of your tour will include the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B) Day 3 VIENNA - BUDAPEST - EMBARKATION Bid farewell to Vienna as you check out of the hotel and travel to Budapest where you will have free time for lunch followed by a sightseeing tour in Buda & Pest. From historic Buda Castle, enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features a visit to the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion. Afterwards, embark your ship which is docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. (B,D) Day 4 MOHACS - PECS - VILANY Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast and then depart for your excursion to Pecs, EU Cultural Capital 2010. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival, visit the Mosque Church, the largest structure surviving from the Ottoman period as well as the underground burial chambers dating back to the 4th century. You will also see St. Peter’s Basilica, the main Catholic cathedral in the city, as well as the restored Synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohacs. After lunch, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion, where you will sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilany. In the alternative, a guided bicycle tour to Mohacs is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) Day 5 VUKOVAR, CROATIA - NOVI SAD, SERBIA This morning, choose between a tour of Vukovar or wine tasting in the town of Ilok. Your city tour of Vukovar includes the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that is a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. As an alternative, travel to the town of Ilok, which is famous for its wines. Here, you will visit a local winery and sample their vintages before your walking tour of the town. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad in the afternoon, beginning at the Danube Park and then stroll through the old town center. You will also tour the 18th-century Austrian-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D) Day 6 BELGRADE Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and explore its myriad of streets, plazas and squares. Belgrade has over 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. On your panoramic tour, you will see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. As an alternative, choose to take the Tito’s Memorial tour which includes a visit to the House of Flowers, where the tomb of Josip Tito is located. You will also see some of the many gifts Tito received during his presidency. You will have free time in the city center after your tour to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the main pedestrian and shopping center of the city. A guided bicycle tour is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) Day 7 CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES - VIDIN, BULGARIA Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. Late this evening, the ship sails to Vidin. (B,L,D) Day 8 VIDIN The “Baba Vida” Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th century castle has massive walls and dark towers, in contrast to the natural park that surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th century castle, located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D) Day 9 GIURGIU - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - ROUSSE, BULGARIA Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, known as “Paris of the East.” Visit the Open Air Museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. After lunch on your own, you will have two options. Enjoy a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest building in the world or tour the Historical center. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L,D) Day 10 ROUSSE - DISEMBARKATION - VELIKO TARNOVO - PLOVDIV Disembark the ship in Rousse and continue your tour by motor coach. Your first stop is in the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the hill top town of Arbanassi where you will sample a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing on to Plovdiv. This evening, see the main highlights of Plovdiv Old Town on a walking tour before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D) Day 11 PLOVDIV - ISTANBUL, TURKEY After breakfast, continue on to magical Istanbul for the grand three-night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage. You will stop for lunch in Erdine, and then continue on to Istanbul where you will check into your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore on your own. (B,L) Day 12 ISTANBUL A comprehensive city tour will take you through its old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of its historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. This afternoon is free to explore the town on your own or join the optional “Turkish Delight” tour. (B) Day 13 ISTANBUL Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans’ Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th century until the end of the 19th century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise to Ortakoy or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. (B) Day 14 DEPART ISTANBUL Optional Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

ITINERARY 2012 DAY 1, ARRIVE IN VIENNA Arrive in Vienna and optional transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. DAY 2, VIENNA This morning, your city tour takes you around the Burgring, the circular road around Vienna’s historic center. You will also take a walking tour through Vienna’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights of your tour will include the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B)

DAY 3, VIENNA – BUDAPEST – EMBARK SHIP
Bid farewell to Vienna as you check out of the hotel and travel to Budapest where you will have free time for lunch followed by a sightseeing tour in Buda & Pest. From historic Buda Castle, enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features a visit to the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion. Afterwards, embark your ship which is docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

DAY 4, MOHACS – PECS – VILANY
Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast and then depart for your excursion to Pecs, EU Cultural Capital 2010. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival, visit the Mosque Church, the largest structure surviving from the Ottoman period as well as the underground burial chambers dating back to the 4th century. You will also see St. Peter’s Basilica, the main Catholic cathedral in the city, as well as the restored Synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohacs. After lunch, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion, where you will sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilany. In the alternative, a guided bicycle tour to Mohacs is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

DAY 5, VUKOVAR, CROATIA – NOVI SAD, SERBIA
This morning, choose between a tour of Vukovar or wine tasting in the town of Ilok. Your city tour of Vukovar includes the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that is a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. As an alternative, travel to the town of Ilok, which is famous for its wines. Here, you will visit a local winery and sample their vintages before your walking tour of the town. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad in the afternoon, beginning at the Danube Park and then stroll through the old town center. You will also tour the 18th-century Austrian-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, BELGRADE
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and explore its myriad of streets, plazas and squares. Belgrade has over 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. On your panoramic tour, you will see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. As an alternative, choose to take the Tito’s Memorial tour which includes a visit to the House of Flowers, where the tomb of Josip Tito is located. You will also see some of the many gifts Tito received during his presidency. You will have free time in the city center after your tour to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the main pedestrian and shopping center of the city. A guided bicycle tour is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

DAY 7, CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES – VIDIN, BULGARIA
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. Late this evening, the ship sails to Vidin. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, VIDIN
The “Baba Vida” Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th century castle has massive walls and dark towers, in contrast to the natural park that surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th century castle, located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, GIURGIU – BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – ROUSSE, BULGARIA
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, known as “Paris of the East.” Visit the Open Air Museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. After lunch, you will have two options. Enjoy a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest building in the world or tour the Historical center. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, ROUSSE – DISEMBARK SHIP – VELIKO TARNOVO – PLOVDIV, BULGARIA
Disembark the ship in Rousse and continue your tour by motor coach. Your first stop is in the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the hill top town of Arbanassi where you will sample a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing on to Plovdiv. This evening, see the main highlights of Plovdiv Old Town on a walking tour before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, PLOVDIV – ISTANBUL, TURKEY
After breakfast, continue on to magical Istanbul for the grand three-night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage. You will stop for lunch in Erdine, and then continue on to Istanbul where you will check into your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore on your own. (B,L)

DAY 12, ISTANBUL
A comprehensive city tour will take you through its old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of its historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. This afternoon is free to explore the town on your own or join the optional “Turkish Delight” tour. (B)

DAY 13, ISTANBUL
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans’ Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th century until the end of the 19th century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise to Ortakoy or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. (B)

DAY 14, ISTANBUL - USA
Optional transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
 

REVERSE ITINERARY 2012

DAY 1, ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul and optional transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

DAY 2, ISTANBUL
This morning's comprehensive city tour will show you the old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of its historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. This afternoon is free to explore the town on your own or join the optional “Turkish Delight” tour. (B)

DAY 3, ISTANBUL
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the 15th century until the end of the 19th century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise to Ortaköy or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. (B)

DAY 4, ISTANBUL – PLOVDIV, BULGARIA
This morning, you will leave Istanbul for Plovdiv. After lunch in Erdine, continue your journey through the Bulgarian countryside on your way to Plovdiv. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city prior to check-in at your hotel. The remainder of the evening is yours to explore this quaint Bulgarian town. (B)

DAY 5, PLOVDIV – VELIKO TURNAVO-ROUSSE – EMBARK SHIP
The first stop this morning is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here, you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. Those passengers who wish to shop can instead visit Samovodska Charshia - traditional market street. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the hill top town of Arbanassi where you will sample a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing on to Rousse to embark your ship. Tonight gather on board for a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, GIURGIU – BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, known as “Paris of the East.” Visit the Open Air Museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. After lunch on your own, you will have two options. Enjoy a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest building in the world or tour the Historical center. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, VIDIN, BULGARIA
Today, you will enjoy a leisurely day of cruising the Danube, arriving in the late afternoon in Vidin. The "Baba Vida" Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th century castle has massive walls and dark towers, in contrast to the natural park that surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th century castle, located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, CRUISING - IRON GATES
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, BELGRADE, SERBIA
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and explore its myriad of streets, plazas and squares. Belgrade has over 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. On your panoramic tour, you will see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. As an alternative, choose to take the Tito’s Memorial tour which includes a visit to the House of Flowers, where the tomb of Josip Tito is located. You will also see some of the many gifts Tito received during his presidency. You will have free time in the city center after your tour to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the main pedestrian and shopping center of the city. A guided bicycle tour is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

DAY 10, NOVI SAD – VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Arrive in Novi Sad in the morning and enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad in the afternoon, beginning at the Danube Park and then stroll through the old town center. You will also tour the 18th-century Austrian-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress. After your tour, continue to Vukovar, Croatia where you may choose between a tour of Vukovar or wine tasting in the town of Ilok. Your city tour of Vukovar includes the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that is a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. As an alternative, travel to the town of Ilok, which is famous for its wines. Here, you will visit a local winery and sample their vintages before your walking tour of the town. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, MOHACS – PÉCS, HUNGARY
Arrive in Mohács during breakfast and then depart for your excursion to Pecs, EU Cultural Capital 2010. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival, visit the Mosque Church, the largest structure surviving from the Ottoman period as well as the underground burial chambers dating back to the 4th century. You will also see St. Peter’s Basilica, the main Catholic Cathedral in the city, as well as the restored Synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohács. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – VIENNA, AUSTRIA
This morning, you will disembark the ship in Budapest and enjoy a city tour that features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the famous Heroes’ Square, and much more. After spending some free time at the Central Market for lunch on your own, depart for Vienna where you will arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. (B)

DAY 13, VIENNAThis morning, your city tour takes you around the Burgring, the circular road around Vienna’s historic center. You will also take a walking tour through Vienna’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights of your tour will include the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B)

DAY 14, VIENNA – USA
Optional Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
 

Itinerary outline 2012 & 2013: