|
Day 1: Depart U.S.
Board your overnight transatlantic flight. (In-Flight Meals)
Day 2: Bucharest, Romania
Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this
city the name of "Paris of the East." . (In-flight meals)
Day 3: Bucharest/Oltenita/Embark MS Avalon Artistry
Much recent history has takem place in Romania's captial city. The impressive
Parliament Building is the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon.
The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which finally 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 on board. (B, D)
Day 4: Constanta/Black Sea Canal
Situated on the coast of the Black Sea, Constanta is the most important commercial
center of Romania and a popular resort. Interesting sights are the Natural History
and Archaeological Museum and Peter and Paul Orthodox Church. The 40-mile-long
Black Sea Canal is the pride and joy of Communist achievement and was completed
in 1984. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Rousse, Bulgaria/Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi-Svistov
Today Rousse is Bulgaria's largest inland port. A comfortable ride away 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 Tsarevits 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
The Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia and the Serbian fortresses
of Golubac and Smerderevo 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
The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers.
Its main sights include the city's principal landmark, the Kalemegdan Fortress,
the world's largest Orthodox Church of St. Sava, and Marshal Tito's tomb and
monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafes.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Aboard the MS Avalon Artistry
A full day of scenic crusing on the Danube, with Croatia on your left and Serbia
on your right. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Kalocsa, Hungary/Budapest
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 dom inate
this quiet town, nowadays best known for paprika and folklore art. Spanning the
banks of the Danube, Budapest is the liveliest and most cosompolitan metropolis
of Eastern Europe. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Budapest/Disembark MS Avalon Artistry
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 are sights not to be missed.
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
A free day to enjoy Hungary's exciting capital. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery,
Herend porcelain and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for
many things to do. (B)
Day 12: Depart Budapest/Return to U.S.
Your homebound flight arrives the same day (B, meals aloft)
Note: Itinerary schedule may change due to local conditions. Many excursions
in this program involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions
are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.
|
