Globus > GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE

GRAND BLACK SEA CRUISE
20 Days starting from $4,499

Countries Visited:
Israel, Oman

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


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 Highlights
  • SPECIALS

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

Prague:
Guided sightseeing, visit Hradcany Castle

Nuremberg:
Welcome reception; guided sightseeing; beer tasting

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

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.


Meals
Buffet breakfast daily (B) in Prague and Bucharest; one lunch during Bucharest extension; 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

Hotels:
Prague Hilton (SF), Bucharest Athénée Palace Hilton (SF)
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. On 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 led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. This afternoon the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you aboard. (B,D)

Day 4:
Silistra, Bulgaria. Excursion to Varna, Black Sea. (Mon.) 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 5:
Svistov. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi. (Tue.) A comfortable ride from the port city 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. Rejoin your ship in Svistov. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
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. 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–Budapest. (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. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Budapest. (Sun.) 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, or Great Plain, the vast grasslands where the country’s beloved fiery horses are reared. (B,L,D)

Day 11:
Budapest–Vienna, Austria. (Mon.) A day 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. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Vienna. (Tue.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna 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. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Dürnstein–Melk. (Wed.) Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque STIFTSKIRCHE with its blue façade is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon, a stop in Melk with its magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY that dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, sample some of the Wachau Valley’s FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D)

Day 14:
Linz–Passau, Germany. (Thu.) Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. 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 15:
Regensburg. (Fri.) 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 16:
Nuremberg. (Sat.) 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 17:
Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic. (Sun.) Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (B)

Day 18:
Prague. (Mon. & Tue.) 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 daily)

Day 19:
Prague. (Mon. & Tue.) 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 daily)

Day 20:
Prague. (Wed.) 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)
7/11/2008 - 7/30/2008
$4,799
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8/22/2008 - 9/10/2008
$4,899
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10/3/2008 - 10/22/2008
$4,499
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6/5/2009 - 6/24/2009
$5,219
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7/31/2009 - 8/19/2009
$5,219
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9/25/2009 - 10/14/2009
$5,119
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Cruise:
Deluxe 14-night cruise from Oltenita to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Prague:
Guided sightseeing, visit Hradcany Castle

Nuremberg:
Welcome reception; guided sightseeing; beer tasting

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

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.

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.


   
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