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Eastern European Discovery (Budapest to Bucharest)
11 DAYS FROM £1590
Experience awe-inspiring landscapes, charismatic cities and ancient towns on this cruise of discovery through Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
Cruise Highlights
Budapest City sightseeing, Fisherman's Bastion, Puszta excursion
Kalocsa City sightseeing
Novi Sad City sightseeing
Belgrade City sightseeing, Kalemegdan Fortress
Iron Gates
Veliko Tārnovo City sightseeing, Patriarch's Church
Arbanassi Sightseeing, Ethnographical Museum, Church of the Nativity
Varna City sightseeing, National Archaeological Museum
Bucharest City sightseeing, National Art Museum
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Budapest; Bucharest - UK
Accommodation as per cruise ship details and twin room in hotels
Meals: Full board on cruise ship, including house wine with meals, bed and breakfast in hotels
Professional cruise director on board
Porterage on cruise (for one suitcase per person)
Transfers between the overseas airports, hotels and cruise ship
All local, port and airport taxes/service charges
All excursions mentioned in itinerary
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: Budapest.
Fly to Budapest where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay.
DAY 2: Budapest.
Straddling both banks of the Danube, magnificent Budapest is a sightseer's paradise. With its older quarter of Buda on the right bank and commercial centre of Pest on the left, the two halves of the city are united by no less than seven majestic bridges, including the famous Chain and Elizabeth bridges. Today, the sightseeing tour includes the splendid Fisherman's Bastion in old Buda. (B)
DAY 3: Budapest.
Just outside the city is Hungary's Great Plain or 'Puszta', the grasslands that play a key role in the country's rural economy and everyday life. Enjoy an excursion today into these vast, rolling plains for a glimpse into how Hungary's beloved, fiery horses are reared and kept. In the afternoon transfer to your cruise ship, MS Avalon Tranquility for embarkation. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Kalocsa.
Today, enjoy an excursion to Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town renowned for its paprika production and strong folklore traditions. Founded by St Stephen in 1009 and later as an archbishopric, the serenity of this old town belies its turbulent past of relentless Ottoman attack and the terrible fire of 1875, which saw much of its centre destroyed. Today, see the majestic Baroque-style Archbishop's Palace and the fine cathedral, fronted by the impressive Holy Trinity Square. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Novi Sad.
Your guided tour includes a photo stop at the mighty Petrovaradin Fortress, overlooking Novi Sad. Known as the 'Gibraltar of the Danube', this vast edifice commands superlative views over the town. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Belgrade.
Situated at the meeting point of the Danube and Sava Rivers, Serbia's capital is bursting with life. This vibrant city overflows with charming pavement cafés, historic monuments, museums and other notable sights. Today, marvel at the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress, the stately Church of St Sava, and the tomb of Marshal Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Iron Gates.
A day of spectacular scenery awaits as your ship sails along the magnificent Danube, passing memorable sights such as the honey-coloured Serbian fortresses of Golubac and Smederevo, as well as Trajan's Tablet, a remarkable rockside tablet carved by the Romans to commemorate their crossing of the Danube. Today's highpoint is when your ship passes through the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge, a narrow and previously treacherous steep-sided ravine, which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Svistov - Veliko Tārnovo - Arbanassi - Rousse.
Today, enjoy a full day excursion to admire Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tārnovo, a natural fortress standing on three hills above the Yantra River. With charming streets and ancient stone houses clinging tightly to the hillsides, Veliko Tārnovo is a treasure trove for history buffs. The oldest area of the town, Tzarevets Hill, houses a magnificent Royal Fortress, numerous palaces and a resplendent Patriarch's Church. Offering a wonderful view of medieval Trapezitsa castle, the nearby village of Arbanassi is best known for its fascinating Ethnographical Museum and the exquisite frescoes displayed in the Church of the Nativity. Later, return to meet your ship in Rousse, Bulgaria's largest inland port. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Silistra - Varna.
Bulgaria's summer capital and largest Black Sea resort, Varna, has a wealth of history which you can explore on this sightseeing excursion, including the National Archaeological Museum located in a wonderfully ornate 19th Century building. The museum is also home to the famous Gold of Varna, the World's oldest recorded gold dating back to approximately 4500 BC. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Oltenita - Bucharest.
Disembark your ship at Oltenita, only a short drive from Romania's lively capital, Bucharest. Influenced by Paris, Bucharest has wide, tree-lined boulevards, elegant buildings and its very own Arc de Triomphe. Lively and inviting, the city is home to exquisite churches, bustling cafés and some magnificent architecture, from the colossal, Soviet-style, 6,000 room Palace of Parliament - the world's second largest building, second only to the Pentagon, to the classical and stately Royal Palace, now home to Romania's National Art Museum with its fine collection of works by Old European Masters. (B)
DAY 11: Bucharest - UK.
Transfer to Bucharest airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Budapest: Intercontinental (5*); Bucharest: Athenee Palace Hilton (5*)
Your Cruise Ship
On 1 May departure the cruise will be operated by MS Avalon Artistry. All other departures will be operated by MS Avalon Tranquility. Both ships are of a similar standard although facilities on board may differ.
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View Holiday Photos
View Deck PlansMS Avalon Artistry
Part of a new generation of river cruisers, the sleek and elegant Avalon Artistry is built to the highest standards and equipped with state of the art technology. Accommodating 178 passengers in 87 staterooms and 2 suites, the Artistry provides a modern, spacious environment, accentuated by a relaxing stay in light, airy cabins. The dining room and lounge both offer vast expanses of windows while the two-storey glazed lobby, lit by a central glasslight, opens onto the Sky Deck so you can fully enjoy and appreciate the stunning panoramic views from almost everywhere on board.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Boasting some of the largest staterooms of any current river cruisers, the Artistry also offers the Sky Deck with deck chairs and shade system; restaurant; bar; lounge; hairdresser; reception; fitness centre with whirlpool; internet access and gift shop.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. The restaurant provides open seating at one sitting. An early riser breakfast is available with self-service tea and coffee, croissants, cookies or other finger food. The breakfast buffet has a wide variety of breads, cereals, fruit and a selection of hot or cold options. Lunch is buffet style with a choice of appetisers, soups, main courses, sandwiches, cold cuts, a salad bar and dessert table. Afternoon tea is served either in the lounge or on the Sky Deck. Dinner is a four-course, sit down affair with a selection of choices available. Complimentary red and white wines are served with dinner while free tea and coffee are available throughout the day. Vegetarian meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking.
Cabins
All staterooms have twin beds that can be made up as a double; air-conditioning or climate control; telephone; colour satellite TV; writing desk; radio; mini bar; safe; hairdryer; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category E cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
E Twin/double lower deck forward cabin with window
B Twin/double middle deck forward cabin with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
A Twin/double middle deck aft cabin with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
P Twin/double upper deck aft cabin with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors -
View Holiday Photos
View Deck PlansMS Avalon Tranquility
Avalon has set a new standard in river cruising and MS Avalon Tranquility, a new concept of vessel, is no exception. The chic and stylish MS Avalon Tranquility, couples state of the art technology with award-winning standards in design. The thoughtfully placed passenger section is set ahead of the navigational bridge to allow for a larger interior and to reduce noise for a smoother cruise experience. Built to accommodate 170 passengers in 81 cabins, the spacious lounge and restaurant are set at the front of the ship to afford you uninterrupted panoramic views of the passing landscapes, while the fantastic open-plan Sky Deck and light, modern interiors provide all the comforts you could expect.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Sky Deck sun terrace with deck chairs and shade system; restaurant; bar; lounge; hairdresser; reception; fitness centre; internet access and gift shop.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. The restaurant provides open seating at one sitting. An early riser breakfast is available with self-service tea and coffee, croissants, cookies or other finger food. The breakfast buffet has a wide variety of breads, cereals, fruit and a selection of hot or cold options. Lunch is buffet style with a choice of appetisers, soups, main courses, sandwiches, cold cuts, a salad bar and dessert table. Afternoon tea is served either in the lounge or on the Sky Deck. Dinner is a four-course, sit down affair with a selection of choices available. Complimentary red and white wines are served with dinner while free tea and coffee are available throughout the day. Vegetarian meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking.
Cabins
All cabins have twin beds that can be made up as a double; air-conditioning or climate control; telephone; satellite TV; desk; radio; mini bar; safe; hairdryer; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category E cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
E Twin/double lower deck cabin with 2 large portholes
B Twin/double middle deck aft cabin with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
A Twin/double middle deck forward cabin with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
P Twin/double upper deck cabin with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
View My Holiday Photos
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All
prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement,
Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable)
Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme. |
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