Eastern Danube Fall 2009 Itinerary

We are getting ready to go to eastern Europe. We will go to Bucharest for a few days and then take a river cruise up the Danube.

I have taken KG's suggestion and started a blog. My new messages will be posted on the blog, so you can go back and read them later.

A picture of our ship [the Avalon Tranquility] is attached.

Here is an overview of our next trip

23 Sep (Wed.) Fly from Washington DC to Romania

24 Day 2 Bucharest
(Thu.) Welcome to Bucharest! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this fascinating capital city.

25 Day 3 Bucharest. Excursion to Transylvania
(Fri.) Head out of the city to your first stop, BRAN CASTLE of Dracula fame, built in 1377 and assumed to be the home of Romanian vampires. Then, into the Carpathians to SINAIA to visit the monastery of the same name, built in memory of Mihail Cantacuzino’s visit to Mount Sinai. This afternoon, head slowly back to Bucharest. (B,L)

26 Day 4 Bucharest
(Sat.) Join up with Day 2 of the Black Sea Discovery (WOB) cruise. A free day to browse the shops and visit many of the attractions this city has to offer. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B)

27 Day 5 Bucharest–Oltenita (Embarkation)
(Sun.) Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s capital city. On your included tour this morning, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which 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 aboard! (B,D)

28 Day 6 Silistra, Bulgaria–Excursion to Varna, Black Sea
(Mon.) Located in northeastern 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. (B,L,D)

29 Day 7 Svistov–Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi
(Tue.) A comfortable ride from the river port of Svistov 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 Tsarevets 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)

30 Sep Day 8 Cruising–Iron Gates
(Wed.) The TRAJAN TABLE marking the Roman conquest 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 Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)

1 Oct Day 9 Belgrade, Serbia
(Thu.) The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the 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 cafés. (B,L,D)

2 Day 10 Novi Sad
(Fri.) 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. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this interesting town before relaxing on board this afternoon as you cruise upriver. (B,L)

3 Day 11 Kalocsa, Hungary–Budapest
(Sat.) 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 known for paprika and folklore art. Learn how paprika has been grown and prepared through the ages at the PAPRIKA MUSEUM. Then, on to the PUSZTA or Great Plain, an intergral part of the Hungarian rural life. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. (B,L,D)

4 Day 12 Budapest (Disembarkation)
(Sun.) 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 is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

5 Day 13 Budapest
(Mon.) 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)

6 Oct Day 14 Budapest
(Tue.) Return to Washington DC