DANUBE RIVER CRUISES  CRUISE FROM BUDAPEST TO THE BLACK SEA - STAY IN NESSEBAR BULGARIA AND TOUR ISTANBUL 2010 - 2011

14 days/13nights -  2 nights in Budapest, then take a 7-night cruise to Romania, stay 1 night in a Black Sea resort - end with 3 nights in Istanbul

Detailed Itinerary 2010 (Black Sea Voyage) DAY 1, BUDAPEST Arrive in Budapest and optional transfer to the hotel. DAY 2, 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 3, BUDAPEST – EMBARK SHIP
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 lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest to embark your ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, MOHACS - PECS - VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast for your excursion to Pecs. Charming Old Pecs is brought alive by your local guide as you see the Synagogue, Christian Basilica and visit the former Turkish Mosque. After lunch onboard ship, enjoy a wine tasting excursion, and sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilány. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, VUKOVAR - NOVI SAD, SERBIA
Your guided bus and walking tour of Vukovar will show you the Franciscan Monastery of St. John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and the St. James and St. Nicholas churches. Enjoy your lunch as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia. Arrive in Novi Sad in the afternoon for your tour of the 18th-century Austrian-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress. The ship sails for Belgrade. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, BELGRADE
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and explore its myriad of streets, plazas and squares. Belgrade has over 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. Your guided tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Street, Republic Square and Mihajlova street, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES – VIDIN, BULGARIA
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage is an unforgettable highlight of your adventure. Late this evening, the ship sails to Vidin. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, VIDIN
The "Bada Vida" Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th-century castle has massive walls and dark towers, which strongly contrast the natural park surrounding the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th-century castle, located in a fairytale landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, GIURGIU - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – ROUSSE, BULGARIA
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, capital and largest city in Romania. The city is famed for its Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19th-century. During the morning city tour, you will see the Arch of Triumph, Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum, the Library and visit the Parliament Palace - the world's largest palace. Enjoy lunch in a typical Romanian restaurant, and then choose to shop, explore on your own or visit the open air museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. This evening, the ship departs for Rousse. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, ROUSSE – DISEMBARK SHIP - VELIKO TARNOVO - PLOVDIV, BULGARIA
Disembark the ship in Rousse and continue your tour by motorcoach. Your first stop is in the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. Tour Tsarevets Hill, the citadel of the city, the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces, the Patriarchal church and Baldwin's Tower. Shoppers can explore the traditional street market, Samovodska Charshia. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing on to Plovdiv. This evening, see the main highlights of Plovdiv Old Town, before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, PLOVDIV - ISTANBUL, TURKEY
After breakfast, continue on to magical Istanbul for the grand three-night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage. (B)

DAY 12, ISTANBUL
A comprehensive city tour will take you through its old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. This evening, participate in the optional Istanbul By Night for dinner at a local restaurant and a belly dancing performance. (B)

DAY 13, ISTANBUL
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th to the end of the 19th-century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and see the treasury, which is home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise and visit to the Spice Bazaar or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. (B)

DAY 14, ISTANBUL - USA
Optional transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Daily Program Features 

Day Destination Activities 1 Budapest Arrival ,optional transfer to hotel 2 Budapest City tour 3 Budapest Puszta excursion     EMBARKATION     Welcome Cocktails     Welcome Dinner 4 Mohacs Pecs excursion   Vilány Wine tasting 5 Vukovar City tour   Novi Sad Tour of Fortress (city tour 2010) 6 Belgrade City tour 7 Iron Gates Full day cruising 8 Vidin City tour     Bada Vida Fortress 9 Bucharest City tour 10 Rousse DISEMBARKATION   Veliko Tarnovo City tour (2010 Provdiv city tour instead of day11) 11 Plovdiv City tour 2009 / 2010 transfer to Istanbul 12 Istanbul City tour     Optional tours 13 Istanbul Tour Topkapi Palace 14 Istanbul Transfer to airport INCLUDED FEATURES: 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Budapest with daily Buffet Breakfast 7-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV stations Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner onboard the Ship Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner Fully escorted Motorcoach Tour from the Ship in Rousse, Bulgaria to Istanbul 1 Night Hotel Accommodation in Bulgaria including daily Buffet Breakfast 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Istanbul including daily Buffet Breakfast Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music Use of Bicycles to explore on your own Services of Professional Cruise Director All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck) All local Taxes

2010 Departure dates and prices 2010 Departure Date Start City Ship Name Cruise Only Cruise & Land Apr 10 Budapest Amadagio $1,999 $3,379 Apr 15 Istnabul Amadagio $2,199 $3,579 Jun 4 Budapest Amadolce $2,499 $3,879 Jun 9 Istanbul Amadolce $2,499 $3,879 Jul 16 Budapest Amadolce $2,399 $3,779 Jul 21 Istanbul Amadolce $2,399 $3,779 Aug 7 Budapest Amacello $2,399 $3,779 Aug 12 Istanbul Amacello $2,399 $3,779 Aug 27 Budapest Amadolce $2,599 $3,979 Sep 1 Istanbul Amadolce $2,699 $4,079 Oct 8 Budapest Amadolce $2,499 $3,879 Oct 13 Istanbul Amadolce $2,399 $3,779 Port Charges: $133 per person Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price. Single supplement for Land: $780 per person. Prices are per person in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom with window. To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person: Cat. Deck STATEROOM Price D Piano Deck Window $ 169 C Cello Deck French Balcony $ 499 B Cello Deck French Balcony $ 699 A Violin Deck French Balcony $ 799 A+ Violin Deck French Balcony $ 999 S Violin Deck French Balcony $ 1699 NOTE: Children are not accepted. Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The choices are: Choice A: Two twin beds Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size) 2011 Departure dates and prices (US$) Departure Date -2011 Start City Ship Name Cruise Only Cruise & Land May 26 Budapest Amacello $2,699 $4,079 May 31 Istanbul Amacello $2,699 $4,079 Jul 7 Budapest Amacello $2,599 $3,979 Jul 12 Istanbul Amacello $2,599 $3,979 Aug 18 Budapest Amacello $2,599 $3,979 Aug 23 - Sold out Istanbul Amacello $2,599 $3,979 Sep 29 Budapest Amacello $2,799 $4,179 Oct 4 Istanbul Amacello $2,799 $4,179 Oct 14 Budapest Amadante $2,499 $3,879 Oct 19 Istanbul Amadante $2,399 $3,779 Port Charges: $133 per person Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price. Single supplement for Land: $780 per person. Prices are per person in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom with window. To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person:   Cat. Deck STATEROOM Price D Piano Deck Window $ 189 C Cello Deck French Balcony $ 549 B Cello Deck French Balcony $ 749 A Violin Deck French Balcony $ 849 A+ Violin Deck French Balcony $ 1099 S Violin Deck French Balcony $ 1799 NOTE: Children are not accepted. Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The choices are: Choice A: Two twin beds Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)   for ship description and pictures click here!