2008 Black Sea Voyage

Details

Tour Operator

CIE Tours

Duration

15 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	USA-Budapest	USA-Budapest : Overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2	Budapest	Budapest : Arrive in Budapest and transfer to Welcome Desk at the hotel.
Day 3	Budapest	Budapest : Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year old Matthias Church, St. Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 4	Budapest	Budapest : The Puszta, is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world. The vast flat Great Hungarian Plain stretches across to the east, where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Try a light lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest to transfer to your ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5	Croatia	MOHACS - PECS EXCURSION (HUNGARY) - CRUISE TO CROATIA : This morning, the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for the excursion to Pecs. Upon arrival, there is a walking tour during which you will see the Synagogue, visit the former Turkish Mosque and Christian Basilica, all accompanied by the traditions and tails of old Pecs brought alive by the local guides. Mohacs is very close to the frontier of Hungary. As the ship exits Hungary the river makes up the boundary between Serbia on one side and Croatia on the other. You will be leaving the European Union and passing into two countries within the space of several miles. Tonight the ship will arrive in Vukovar, Croatia. (B,L,D)
Day 6	Croatia & Serbia	VUKOVAR-NOVI SAD, CROATIA & SERBIA. : There will be a bus and walking tour during which you will see the Franciscan Monastery of St.John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and Churchs St.Philip and St.Roch. During lunch cruise to Novi Sad Serbia, where you will tour the Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 7	Belgrade	BELGRADE, SERBIA. : This morning you arrive in the Capital of Serbia, Belgrade, where you will see both old and new towns. Your tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Sq, Republic Sq. and Mihajlova street; as well as Belgrade Fort, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 8	Croatia	MOHACS - PECS EXCURSION (HUNGARY) - CRUISE TO CROATIA : This morning, the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for the excursion to Pecs. Upon arrival, there is a walking tour during which you will see the Synagogue, visit the former Turkish Mosque and Christian Basilica, all accompanied by the traditions and tails of old Pecs brought alive by the local guides. Mohacs is very close to the frontier of Hungary. As the ship exits Hungary the river makes up the boundary between Serbia on one side and Croatia on the other. You will be leaving the European Union and passing into two countries within the space of several miles. Tonight the ship will arrive in Vukovar, Croatia. (B,L,D)
Day 9	Vidin	VIDIN, BULGARIA. : The "Bada Vida" Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th century castle has thick walls and dark towers, which contrast with the natural surroundings of the park it sits within. You will also travel overland to see Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th century castle, located in a fairytale landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D)
Day 10	Bucharest	GUIRGUI-BUCHAREST, ROMANIA. : Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, Capital and largest city in Romania. This "Paris of the East" is famed for it's Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19th century. During the morning city tour, you will see the Arch of Triumph, Soseaua Kiseleff, Athenaeum and Library, as well as visit the Parliament Palace - the world's largest palace. Followed by lunch in a typical restaurant, in the afternoon you can choose to have free time for shopping and exploration on your own or visit the open air museum, a museum dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. (B,L,D)
Day 11	Nessebar	ROUSE-VELIKO TURNAVO-NESSEBAR, BULGARIA. : This morning, you will disembark in Rouse and continue your tour by coach to the Black Sea and Istanbul. First stop this morning is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. You will see the old fortress walls, Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church and Baldwin's Tower. Those pax who wish to shop can instead visit Samovodska Charshia - traditional market street. You will enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing onto the Black Sea and the town of Nessebar. (B,L)
Day 12	Istanbul	NESSEBAR-ISTANBUL. : During this morning's walking tour you will visit St.Stephan's, Pantocrator church and Nessebars oldest church the 5th-6th century Basilica on the Beach. After free time for lunch, you continue onto Istanbul, Turkey, arriving late this afternoon. (B)
Day 13	Istanbul	ISTANBUL : This morning's comprehensive city tour will show you the old city of Istanbul, the many Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her long past. You will see the mighty defensive walls, Roman aqueduct and hippodrome; the Suleymaniye Mosque and church of the Pantocrator; as well as the Galata Tower, then you will visit the Blue Mosque. Later you have the choice to see more of Byzantine Constantinople and visit one of Christendoms greatest church, St.Sophia, or explore more of Ottoman Istanbul and visit the Grand Bazaar. (B,D)
Day 14	Istanbul	ISTANBUL : Today, you will visit the Ottoman Sultans Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the time of the conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century till the end of the 19th century. During your tour you will see the private chambers of the Sultans, the world famous Harem, and treasury home to the Topkapi diamond. You will also see the holy relics room, Hagia Eirene Church originally constructed by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reception rooms of the Imperial court. (B)
Day 15	Return Home	ISTANBUL-USA. : Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Dates/Pricing

Lodging

	Kempinski Corvinus Budapest - Budapest		Amadagio Ship - European Rivers & Canals
	Hotel in Black Sea Area TBA - Black Sea		Istanbul Ritz-Carlton Hotel - Istanbul

Disclaimer

Departures are guaranteed

River Cruise prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Category E deluxe outside stateroom with window. Single supplement for cruise: 50% of twin price, Junior Suites 100% of twin price

Port Charges: 7 night cruise $91 per person, 14 night cruise $182 per person and 21 night cruise $273 per person

Taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges are not included in the air inclusive price

Air price is based on departures from New York. Additional add-on airfares from other cities will be available after clicking on Book Now! The air inclusive prices are for general information only and not a reflection of current seat availability.

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