Globus > GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE

GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE
20 Days starting from $4,949

Countries Visited:
Israel

Check Rates & Availability

Length: 20 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: EUROPE RIVER CRUISE
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: WNO-2008
   
 
About This Tour


Spend three nights in Prague, then cruise from Nuremberg all the way to the Black Sea, ending your vacation in Romania’s capital, Bucharest. There are guided sightseeing tours of the capital cities of Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest, as well as walking tours with local experts in many other stops along the way. Cross the Continental Divide and enjoy scenic beauty all along the river with the dramatic landscapes of the Danube Gorge and the Iron Gates. History, both past and present, comes alive while cruising down the Lower Danube, visiting Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo, as well as nearby Arbanassi and the Black Sea resort of Constanta. Leave your cruise vessel in Oltenita for a short drive to Bucharest, the “Paris of the East,” for a 1-night stay.

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

City Highlights
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

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, Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge

VELIKO TÂRNOVO
Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriach’s Church

ARBANASSI
Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity

CONSTANTA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Natural History and Archaeological Museum and Peter and Paul Orthodox Church

BUCHAREST
Guided sightseeing, visit the National Art Museum

Meals
Buffet breakfast (BB) in Prague and Bucharest; superb dining with all meals on board including Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner, Captain''s Dinner, one sitting with open seating arrangements; quality wines from Europe''s most famous wine regions with every dinner on board

Hotels:
PRAGUE Hilton (SF), BUCHAREST Athénée Palace Hilton (SF)
Day 1:
(Wed.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Prague, Czech Republic. (Thu.-Sat.) Prague is a 1,000-year old city preserved in time. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (BB daily)

Day 3:
Prague, Czech Republic. (Thu.-Sat.) Prague is a 1,000-year old city preserved in time. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (BB daily)

Day 4:
Prague, Czech Republic. (Thu.-Sat.) Prague is a 1,000-year old city preserved in time. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (BB daily)

Day 5:
Prague–Nuremberg, Germany. (Embarkation) (Sun.) After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard. (BB,D)

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

Day 7:
Regensburg. (Tue.) Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Highlights include the Old Town Hall; the white and gold OLD CHAPEL; and the Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. (FB,L,D)

Day 8:
Passau–Linz, Austria. (Wed.) Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is home to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and 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. (FB,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. Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (FB,L,D)

Day 10:
Vienna. (Fri.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. (FB,L,D)

Day 11:
Budapest, Hungary. (Sat. & Sun.) Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is the most cosmopolitan city in Eastern Europe. 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 are sights not to be missed. 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, vast grasslands where the country’s beloved fiery horses are reared. (FB,L,D daily)

Day 12:
Budapest, Hungary. (Sat. & Sun.) Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is the most cosmopolitan city in Eastern Europe. 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 are sights not to be missed. 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, vast grasslands where the country’s beloved fiery horses are reared. (FB,L,D daily)

Day 13:
Kalocsa. (Mon.) Following a turbulent history, the Archbishop’s Palace and Kalocsa Cathedral dominate the quiet town of Kalocsa, now best known for paprika and folklore art. (FB,L,D)

Day 14:
Novi Sad, Serbia. (Tue.) Overlooking the city of Novi Sad, is Marshal Vauban’s unconquerable Petrovaradin Fortress. Dramatic past events shaped both the present and the future of this beautiful region. (FB,L,D)

Day 15:
Belgrade. (Wed.) The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Its main sights include KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS, the world’s largest Orthodox Church of St. Sava, and Marshal Tito’s tomb and monument. (FB,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. Most spectacular is Iron Gates gorge, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps from the Carpathians and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (FB,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. The oldest part is Tsarevits Hill, home of the Royal Fortress and PATRIARCH’S CHURCH. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM and outstanding collection of frescoes in the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY. Today, Rousse is Bulgaria’s largest inland port. (FB,L,D)

Day 18:
Black Sea Canal, Romania–Constanta. (Sat.) The 40-mile-long Black Sea Canal, the pride of communist achievement, was completed in 1984. Constanta is Romania’s most important commercial center and a popular resort, with interesting sights such as the NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM and the PETER AND PAUL ORTHODOX CHURCH. (FB,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 earned it the name “Paris of the East.” The impressive Parliament Building is the second-largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. 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. (FB)

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


Click here
to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

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)
9/17/2008 - 10/6/2008
$5,049
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/22/2009 - 5/11/2009
$5,269
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
5/20/2009 - 6/8/2009
$5,369
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/9/2009 - 9/28/2009
$5,519
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
         
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

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, Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge

VELIKO TÂRNOVO
Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriach’s Church

ARBANASSI
Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity

CONSTANTA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Natural History and Archaeological Museum and Peter and Paul Orthodox Church

BUCHAREST
Guided sightseeing, visit the National Art Museum

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Book now and take $200 off per couple on any air-inclusive European Low Season Vacations.*

* Book a 2008/2009 Globus Europe Winter air-inclusive vacation on select carriers to receive the $100 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between June 4 and August 31, 2008 for travel commencing between October 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one another or any offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Save up to $600 per stateroom on 2009 Globus River and Small Ship Cruises

Discover an entirely new way to uncover the wonders of the world with river and small ship cruises. From a wine tasting adventure through the vineyards of France to island hopping in the Galapagos Islands, you’re sure to find a Globus river or small ship cruise that speaks to your heart. There’s simply no more peaceful way to sample the charming cities and awe-inspiring sights of Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos Islands.

*Book a 2009 Globus River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer. Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $125 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between May 14 and August 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


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!


Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel?

Right now when you book between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


   
Send This Tour to a Friend:
   
Your Name: Required.
Your E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Your Friend's Name: Required.
Your Friend's E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Comments:  
Required.