AVALON 2009: BLUE DANUBE TO THE BLACK SEA W/ ISTANBUL EXT. (WVOE)

Mehrangarh Fort,built in 1459,is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan.

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17 days incl. air, or 16 days from Vienna to Istanbul

A deluxe Danube River cruise is the highlight on this fascinating getaway through Eastern Europe. Sail through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and see the sights with a Local Guide in each city, including Vienna, the "City of Music!" Visit the Hungarian capital of Budapest and Romania's lively capital of Bucharest, as well as paprika country's Kalocsa, Belgrade, Arbanassi, Veliko Tarnovo, and Varna. Travelers who opt for the extension in Istanbul will also visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Seraglio, and the Grand Bazaar.

HOTELS
Vienna Hilton Vienna (D), Bucharest Athenee Palace Hilton (SF), Istanbul Extension Hilton (SF)

Details

Tour Operator

Globus

Duration

17 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Board your flight	(Tue.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2	Vienna	(Wed.) Welcome to Vienna, Austria's capital, which is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The remainder of the day is yours to start exploring this elegant city.
Day 3	Vienna	(Thu.) 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 included tour. You do not rush through Vienna you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)
Day 4	Vienna (Embarkation)	(Fri.) Time today to browse the shops along the Karntnerstrasse and perhaps enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. This afternoon, the crew of your river cruise vessel awaits to welcome you aboard. (B,D)
Day 5	Budapest	(Sat.) 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 6	Budapest	(Sun.) A free day to explore Budapest at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D)
Day 7	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 8	Novi Sad	(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. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this interesting town. (B,L,D)
Day 9	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 cafes. (B,L,D)
Day 10	Cruising-Iron Gates	(Thu.) The Serbian fortresses of Golubac and Smederevo 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 11	Svistov, Bulgaria-Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi-Rousse	(Fri.) A comfortable ride from Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo. 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 Rousse. (B,L,D)
Day 12	Silistra-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 13	Oltenita, Romania (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 here. On your included tour, see the impressive PARLIAMENT BUILDING, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon, and Royal Palace Square, 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 14	Bucharest-Istanbul, Turkey	(Mon.) Today, fly to Istanbul. Free time to relax and begin soaking up the unique atmosphere of this city built on two continents. (B)
Day 15	Istanbul	(Tue.) Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, renamed Constantinople in the year 330, and finally called Istanbul, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as gateway between the Orient and the Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent history. Guided sightseeing includes Emperor Justinian's HAGIA SOPHIA and Sultan Ahmet's BLUE MOSQUE, magnificent monuments to two competing world religions that stand peacefully side by side; TOPKAPI SERAGLIO, residence of the Ottoman Sultans; and the GRAND BAZAAR. (B)
Day 16	Istanbul	(Wed.) A free day in Istanbul to explore on your own. Or, why not join a full-day optional excursion to the fabulous archaeological site of Ephesus? Fly to Izmir, then travel to the city which later became the capital of Roman Asia Minor. When St. Paul arrived here he was so awestruck that he asked, "Is there a greater city?" Visit the Library of Celsus, the Amphitheater, and listen to exciting "inside stories" of life in ancient Ephesus as you walk down its "Champs Elysees." Also visit the House of the Virgin Mary before returning to Istanbul for a final evening in Turkey. (B,L)
Day 17	Istanbul	(Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Dates/Pricing

Disclaimer

US$ Price Details

Port charges: $126 per person.

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Extra nights per person in Vienna:
in single room $280, in twin room $170

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

Extra nights per person in Istanbul:
in single room $510, in twin room $285

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 / Artistry Decks / Price
D / Indigo Deck / $127
B / Sapphire Deck / $642
A / Sapphire Deck / $706
P / Royal Deck / $834
Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,542

Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.

Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-2008, 2009 & 2010 vacation itineraries and prices are subject to change.

Guaranteed Air-Inclusive Price:
Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Please see the Applicable Airfare Taxes and Fee link above for more information.

Air booked in conjunction with a land vacation is considered an air-inclusive vacation. Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a land package and is only available for passengers traveling from the United States. For vacation departures in 2008, your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your air schedule had been confirmed and your entire vacation package has been paid in full. For vacation departures in 2009, an additional $250 non-refundable deposit (total $500 non-refundable) is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation and your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your flight information is confirmed and Globus has received your full land and air deposit.

Not Included in the Vacation Price:
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; all airline imposed baggage fees (including internal flights); and all other items of a personal nature.

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