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Join us on an amazing old world cruise tour through seven fascinating countries and five capitals in some of the less traveled parts of the Danube River. Our cruise begins in Vienna, Austria, splendid capital of the Hapsburg Empire, then sails to ports in Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and end with a visit to the new and dynamic city of Bucharest, Romania.
Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating voyage begins as you depart on your overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2: Arrive Vienna, Austria. Arrive in Vienna, the splendid capital of Austria and the center of the Hapsburg Empire. You'll be met at the airport and escorted to the pier where you'll board your riverboat. The balance of the day is at leisure to relax and unpack. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner followed by orientation reception. MS Beatrice Riverboat. (D)
Day 3: Vienna sightseeing/set sail. Today, experience Vienna's glorious past as you embark on an included panoramic tour taking you along the Ring Boulevard, past Emperor Franz Josef's Hofburg Palace and the State Opera to the Cathedral of St. Stephen's. The afternoon at leisure to explore on your own or join an optional excursion to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Set sail late tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Bratislava, Slovakia. Over the next week sail along the lesser traveled parts of the scenic Danube River, crossing en route five different countries. This morning arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Enjoy a city tour of the Bratislava Castle, offering spectacular views, and the ornate St. Martin's Cathedral, a 14th century Gothic church. Continue sailing to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Budapest, Hungary. Spend the next two days in port in Budapest, one of central Europe's most lively cities. On a morning tour, your guide will introduce you to the history and sights of this city, often called "Paris of the East". Enjoy a panoramic view from Fishermen's Bastion located on Castle Hill. You'll also see the 13th century Matthias Coronation Church and the Citadel on Mount Gellert. Afternoon at leisure to relax at an outdoor cafe, shop or explore on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Budapest. A full day at leisure to enjoy lovely Budapest at your own pace. Explore one of the many museums, visit the old Jewish Synagogue or stroll along the pedestrian shopping street. An optional tour to picturesque Szentendre, an artists village outside Budapest is available. Your riverboat sails on tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Kalosca. Dock in Kalosca, a charming Hungarian rural town. Tour the Bishop's Palace and the unique Paprika Museum. You'll also be treated to an organ performance at the local cathedral. Later you may join an optional excursion to a local Puzsta, a large horse-breeding farm, and enjoy an amazing equestrian performance. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Osijek (Croatia)/Novi Sad (Serbia). Dock in Vukovar, Croatia and journey to nearby Osijek to visit the old town and see remains of walls dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The city was later part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This afternoon arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia's lively university town. A guided walking tour to the historic town square and other attractions is included. After dinner you'll be entertained by a local folklore ensemble featuring dancers and musicians dressed in colorful costumes. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Belgrade (Serbia). Witness the "new" Belgrade today as it rebuilds and once again warmly welcomes Western visitors. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is located on a hill at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. This ancient city, dating back to the Roman Empire, was destroyed and rebuilt several times during its tumultuous history. A tour of the city highlights includes the Kalemegdan Fortress, the imposing St. Sava Cathedral and the cobblestone bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. Afternoon at leisure to explore vibrant Belgrade on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Sailing through the Iron Gates. Today's highlight is the passage through the impressive Iron Gates Gorge and the gigantic Djerdap Lock where the Danube surges down from the Carpathian Mountains. The views along the two-mile long gorge are spectacular! Tour the ancient town of Turnu Severin and continue sailing towards the Romanian border. Your captain hosts a gala dinner on board this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Vidin (Bulgaria). After docking in Vidin, embark on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to Baba Vida, a well preserved medieval fortress. Enjoy some free time before returning to the boat for lunch. This afternoon delight on the passing countryside and participate in an on board lecture. Your captain hosts a gala dinner this evening, followed by dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Disembark/Bucharest (Romania)/Vienna (Austria). Dock at the Romanian port of Giurgiu and journey to nearby Bucharest, the capital of Romania, founded in 1459 by order of Prince Vlad Tepes, the original "Dracula". Over the years, it has gone from times of greatness to periods of grief but especially flourished in the early 20th century when it was known as "Little Paris". The influence of French architecture is still evident throughout, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Enescu Museum and the wide, tree-lined boulevards throughout the city. A panorama tour includes Revolution and University Squares, the National Theater and the imposing Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. Leisure time for independent exploration before your late afternoon flight to Vienna. Vienna Airport Hotel (B,L)
Day 13: Vienna/USA. Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.
Why not take advantage of your already-included airfare and enjoy a fascinating extension to Dracula's Castle? *Oct22 departure will do extension prior to cruise, Oct19th departure from the USA.
Day 12: Bucharest/Brasov. Morning Bucharest tour. After lunch, depart by road for Sinaia and visit the magnificent Peles Castle, a former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family. Continue to Brasov, a medieval resort town set high in the scenic Carpathian Mountains. Aro Palace Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 13: Dracula's Castle Excursion. Enjoy a morning tour of Brasov including Town Square and the renowned Black Cathedral. Proceed to the nearby town of Bran where the highlight of the visit is a tour of the mystical Vlad Tepes Dracula's Castle. Afternoon is at leisure to explore lovely Brasov independently. Tonight, savor a Medieval dinner banquet, while entertained by musicians and singers from Brasov Symphony and Opera. This will surely be a memorable evening! (B,D)
Day 14: Brasov/Bucharest. A scenic drive through the captivating countryside brings you back to Bucharest for an afternoon at leisure. Central Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 15: Bucharest/Vienna. Day at leisure for independent exploration or last minute shopping. Late afternoon flight to Vienna. Vienna Airport Hotel (B)
Day 16: Vienna/USA. Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.
Add $499 per person double occupancy, $599 per person single occupancy for the Dracula's Castle extension.
To read more about your ship, click here.
Sailing under a Dutch flag, the MS Beatrice (also known as "Victoria Amazonica") is a charming, first class vessel offering a unique itinerary, cultural activities and local entertainment by live musicians. A maximum of 90 guests are looked after by highly experienced, dedicated and friendly crew. Cozy and comfortable cabins are all river facing with large picture windows, two lower beds and a private bath with shower. Public areas include a spacious restaurant serving delicious meals, an elegant lounge, a bar and a panoramic sun-deck. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout. Join us on this cruise tour for a thoroughly enjoyable experience!
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• Round trip flights from New York (JFK) via Austrian Airlines wide-bodied jet service (flight schedule)
• All ground transportation and all transfers
• 10-night cruise aboard the Beatrice Riverboat in an outside-facing, CAT C cabin with private bath
• 31 bountiful meals, including 11 buffet breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L) and 10 dinners (D)
• Comprehensive touring program and shore excursions
• Professional English-speaking cruise director and tour guides throughout
• One night at a Vienna airport hotel
Sorry, there are no currently available tour dates.
NOTE: Oct 22 tour sails in reverse itinerary: Bucharest to Vienna. For this departure Dracula's Castle Extension is pre-tour, therefore, the tour dates are October 19th to November 03.
PLEASE NOTE: Our cruise tours are heavily in demand, and even if a departure shows as available, availability may be limited to certain decks or cabin categories. Please check with us by telelphone (800-555-5765) for up-to-the-minute status on our cruise programs.
Single Occupancy Rooms/Cabins: add $799 per person.
Additional Costs: U.S departure taxes & airline fees ($250), port charges ($140) are not included.
Cabin Upgrade: Rates are based on CAT. C, Main Deck rear cabin. A limited number of upgrades to higher category cabins with a panoramic window are available at an additional fee, shown below.
• CAT B Main Deck, Middle/Front cabin: add $169 per person/ $249 single
• CAT A Upper deck: add $299 per person/$450 single
Dracula's Castle Extension:
• Double Occupancy: add $499 per person
• Single Occupancy: add $599 per person
Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.
Wait-listing on Friendly Planet Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.
Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.
Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).
800.555.5765 / Fax 215.572.9803
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* Some tour prices reflect an early booking discount on select dates. Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.
Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.
TourCode: d-000
