Globus > GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE (WNO2009)

GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE (WNO2009)
20 Days starting from $5,269

Countries Visited:
Israel

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Length: 20 Days
Type: Other Globus Tours
Category: RIVER CRUISE
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: WNO-2009
   
 
 
About This Tour



Vacation Overview
Discover some of the continent’s best-kept secrets on this 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 Patriarch’s Church in Veliko Târnovo. Also cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and Main-Danube Canal, and stop in the Puszta with an exhibition of Hungarian horsemanship. Travelers who opt for the extension in Transylvania will enjoy a guided full-day excursion to Dracula’s Bran Castle and Sinaia Monastery.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • Details
  • SPECIALS

Hotels
Prague Hilton (SF), Bucharest Athénée Palace Hilton (SF)

Meals
Buffet breakfast daily (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, welcome dinner, and Captain’s dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements
Day 1:
(Wed.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Prague, Czech Republic. (Thu. to Sat.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. 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. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for things to do. (B on Days 3 & 4)

Day 3:
Prague, Czech Republic. (Thu. to Sat.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. 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. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for things to do. (B on Days 3 & 4)

Day 4:
Prague, Czech Republic. (Thu. to Sat.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. 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. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for things to do. (B on Days 3 & 4)

Day 5:
Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation). (Sun.) After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you aboard. (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. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. 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. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. 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. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! 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. 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. (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. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. 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. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. 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, resplendent with natural beauty and a proud history of struggle, victory and defeat alike. (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 our sightseeing we 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.” Much recent history has taken place in the city. On 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 20:
Bucharest. (Mon.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)


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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.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
4/22/2009 - 5/11/2009
$5,269
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5/20/2009 - 6/8/2009
$5,369
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7/15/2009 - 8/3/2009
$5,369
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9/9/2009 - 9/28/2009
$5,519
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Price Details US
Port charges: $196 per person.

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Extra nights per person in Prague:
Departures 0423, 0521 & 0910: in single room $382, in twin room $204
Departure 0716: in single room $243, in twin room $136

Extra nights per person in Bucharest:
in single room $355, in twin room $190

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 / Tranquility Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck / $998
A / Sapphire Deck / $1,098
P / Royal Deck / $1,298
Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $2,398

Category / Artistry Decks / Price
D / Indigo / $198
B / Sapphire Deck / $998
A / Sapphire Deck / $1,098
P / Royal Deck / $1,298
Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $2,398

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

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

Prague:
Guided sightseeing, visit Hradcany Castle

Nuremberg:
Welcome reception; 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

Belgrade:
Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress

Iron Gates:
Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge

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, visit the National Art Museum

Notes:
  • 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.


Ship
Avalon Tranquility
Avalon Artistry®

Price Details US
Port charges: $196 per person.

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Extra nights per person in Prague:
Departures 0423, 0521 & 0910: in single room $382, in twin room $204
Departure 0716: in single room $243, in twin room $136

Extra nights per person in Bucharest:
in single room $355, in twin room $190

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 / Tranquility Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck / $998
A / Sapphire Deck / $1,098
P / Royal Deck / $1,298
Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $2,398

Category / Artistry Decks / Price
D / Indigo / $198
B / Sapphire Deck / $998
A / Sapphire Deck / $1,098
P / Royal Deck / $1,298
Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $2,398

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

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!


Globus River Cruise Special Offers

If you are looking for a smart investment, Globus gives you a world of return. A river cruise with Globus is a fantastic value, since the price includes accommodations, local sightseeing, many meals, and complimentary wine with dinner, greatly minimizing both on-shore and onboard costs. It’s clear that a journey with Globus is an investment in yourself, one amazing experience at a time.

And now, a Globus river cruise is an even better value. Book a 2009 European river cruise before February 28, 2009, and you will save $400 per stateroom on the air-inclusive price or save $200 per stateroom on the land/cruise price.*

*Book a 2009 Globus River Cruise Europe air-inclusive vacation to receive the $200 off per person offer. Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $100 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between December 16, 2008 and February 28, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2009. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Book a group of 10 or more and one travels FREE!

*Book a group of 10 or more members on any 2009 Globus, Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon group benefit eligible vacation to receive the one free (land only) offer. To qualify, group must be booked and under deposit between October 17 and February 28, 2009, for travel commencing by December 31, 2009. Applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer excludes tour vacations with cruises of three or more nights. Not combinable with other group incentives. Additional restrictions may apply.


   
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