North Sea to Black Sea
23 days of cruising from Bucharest to Amsterdam
or the reverse
Bucharest - Amsterdam Intinerary - WOA
Day 1: Bucharest, Romania
Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name "Paris of the East."
Day 2: Bucharest - Oltenita (Embarkation)
Much recent history has taken place in Romania's capital city. On your included tour this morning, see the impressive Parliment building, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which finally let 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 on board.
Day 3: Silistra, Bulgaria. Excursion to Varna, Black Sea.
Located in north-eastern 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.
Day 4: Svistov Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi
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 cling to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces an d the Patriarch's church. The historic village of Arbanassi is best know for its Ethnographical Museum and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the Church of the Nativity.
Day 5: Cruising - Iron Gates
The Trajan table marking the Roman conqauest 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 Carpatians in the southeast and forming a natural boarder between Serbia and Romania.
Day 6: Belgrade, Serbia
The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of teh 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.
Day 7: Novi Sad
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. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this interesting town before relaxing on board this afternoon as you cruise upriver.
Day 8: Kalocsa, Hungary
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 know for paprika and folklore art. Learn how paprika has been grown and prepared through the ages at the Paprika Museum. Today you'll have a chace to taste some of Hungary's fine wines.
Day 9: Budapest
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 catle complex with Fishermen's Bastion and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you.
Day 10: Budapest - Cruising
A free morning in Budapest before cruising to Vienna. Time 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.
Day 11: Vienna Austria. Excursion to the Vienna Woods
Vienna, Austria's capital, is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Today, join us for an excursion to the Vienna Woods, the hill chain that surrounds the Austrian capital and that inspired artists throughout the ages. Visit one of Austria's oldest monasteries, Heiligenkreuz, then follow Johann Strauss' "Tales from the Vienna Woods" as we pass by castles and hear about the stories of times gone by. Learn about the tragic legend of Archduke Rudolph and hsi mistress before continuing through the Helenen Valley that inspired Ludwig van Beethoven's 9th Symphony. The small city of Baden is ideal for lunch and some time at leisure before returning to Vienna through the vineyards of Lower Austria.
Day 12: Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city 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. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. An optional concert is available during your stay.
Day 13: Melk - Grein
Situated in the picturesque Wachau Valley, Melk is home to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey that dominates the town and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! At the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle, Grein's turreted houses on the main square offer excellent photo opportunities.
Day 14: Passau, Germay
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.
Day 15: Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany's best perserved 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 Wurskuche (Old Sausage Kitchen).
Day 16: Nuremberg
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!
Day 17: Bamberg
Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tor takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions.
Day 18: Wurzburg
Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent Bishop's Residenz is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 19: Wertheim - Miltenberg
Time at leisure this morning in charming Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and the Main Rivers. The town is known for its medieval town center, its castle, ands its wine. Locatedon teh Main river, Miltenbergis a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local cookie specialty.
Day 20: Rudesheim - Rhine Gorge
Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rudesheim. A special treat is planned, then time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom.
Day 21: Cologne, Germany
Cologne is one of Germay's largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kolsch in one of teh mny taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711 the original "eau de cologne"
Day 22: Amsterdam, Holland
Holland's delightful 700-year old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums auch as teh rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by canal boat, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes.
Day 23: Amsterdam
Disembarkation from your ship. (Your homebound flight arrives the same day)
Reverse Itinerary - Amsterdam to Bucharest - WAO
Day
City
1
Amsterdam
2
Amsterdam
3
Cologne
4
Rhine Gorge
Rudesheim
5
Miltenberg
6
Wurzburg
7
Bamberg
8
Nuremberg
9
Regensburg
10
Passau
11
Grein, Austria
Melk
12
Vienna
13
Vienna
14
Budapest
15
Budapest
16
Kalocsa
17
Novi Sad
18
Belgrade
19
Cruising - Iron Gates
20
Svistov, Bulgaria
Arbanassi, Rousse
21
Silistra
22
Olenita, Romania
23
Bucharest
2010 Departures
2010 Prices
Departure Date
Cabin rates are per passenger in $USD
Ship: Avalon Artistry
Category E Lower Deck fwd
Category D Lower Deck aft
Category B Middle Deck fwd
Category A Middle Deck aft
Category P Upper Deck
Jr Suite
Upper Deck
AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST (WAO)
May 16
$6,829
$7,126
$8,326
$8,476
$8,776
$10,426
June 27
$6,929
$7,226
$8,426
$8,576
$8,876
$10,526
August 8
$6,929
$7,226
$8,426
$8,576
$8,876
$10,526
September 19
$6,829
$7,126
$8,326
$8,476
$8,776
$10,426
BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM (WOA)
June 5
$6,829
$7,126
$8,326
$8,476
$8,776
$10,426
July 17
$6,829
$7,126
$8,326
$8,476
$8,776
$10,426
August 28
$7,029
$7,326
$8,526
$8,676
$8,976
$10,626
October 9
$6,329
$6,626
$7,826
$7,976
$8,276
$9,926
* Port charges are an additional $294 per passenger // Call for single supplement // Triples not available
Prices Include:
• Cruise in selected category
• Full board meals
• Deluxe hotel accommodations
• Daily guided sightseeing program
• Complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners
• Complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
• Taxes/ Port Charges /Fees
Prices Do Not Include:
• Individual arrival and departure
• Travel insurance
• Drinks
• Other personal expenses
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, Avalon River Cruises and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
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