Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Paris, France. (Sun.) Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine—the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air.

Day 3:
Paris. (Mon.) Paris’ famous sights are living history: magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (BB)

Day 4:
Paris–Beaune–Chalons-sur-Saône. (Embarkation). (Tue.) After breakfast, drive south past the forest of Fontainebleau, favorite hunting grounds of a long line of French kings, and into Burgundy. Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area which produces the region’s finest vintages, owes its wealth to the production, ageing, and selling of fine wines. Its most famous historical site, the Hôtel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France’s architectural highlights. Continue south to Chalon-sur-Saône where the crew of your luxurious river cruise vessel waits to welcome you aboard. Before dinner, set sail for Tournus. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Tournus–Mâcon. (Wed.) Free time to explore the lovely town of Tournus. The cloister of St. Philibert or the folklore collection of the Burgundy Museum, located in an old family mansion, are worth a visit. Sail to Mâcon for a GUIDED WALKING TOUR of this lovely town on the River Saône. Playing an important role in the wine trade, Mâcon has a rich history. See the Old St. Vincent, the cathedral founded in the 6th century that is a symbol of the city; La Charité; the Town Hall; and the Half-Timbered House, dating from the 15th-16th centuries. A number of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, are available. (FB,L,D)

Day 6:
Beaujolais Region–Lyon (Thu.) Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising on the Rhône. Lyon is France’s second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 B.C., the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and Renaissance architecture delight visitors. Survey the city from FOURVIÈRE HILL; explore Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways; also see Place Terraux and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the “Beaujolais Nouveau” is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. An optional dinner gives gourmets an insight into the local haute cuisine. (FB,L,D)

Day 7:
Lyon. (Fri.) A free day in this fascinating city to explore at leisure. Early risers might like to visit the local produce market. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions for things to do. (FB,L,D)

Day 8:
Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage–Viviers (Sat.) The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the River Rhône and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France’s oldest medieval cities. Another charming town, Viviers, was developed around its Romanesque cathedral, and the Old Town has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (FB,L,D)

Day 9:
Avignon. (Sun.) The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Referred to as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose “PALACE OF THE POPES.” A photo of the bridge from the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are available. (FB,L,D)

Day 10:
Arles. (Mon.) On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence and was once known as the “Little Rome of Gaul.” See the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER, the church of St. Trophime, and “Les Alycamps,” the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. The “Foundation Vincent Van Gogh” is a tribute to the artist. (FB,L,D)

Day 11:
Arles–(Disembarkation)–Nice. (Tue.) After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach along the Côte d’Azur to Nice. An afternoon stroll through narrow, winding streets will acquaint you with the Old Town of this sophisticated city, also known as the “Queen of the Riviera.” This evening, an optional excursion to Monte Carlo in the Principality of Monaco is available. (FB)

Day 12:
Nice. (Wed.) Your homebound flight arrives the same

Dates & Prices

PARIS
Guided sightseeing

BEAUNE
Orientation walk; Burgundy wine tasting

CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE
Welcome reception

MÂCON
Guided walking tour

LYON
Guided sightseeing; picture stop on Fourvière Hill

TOURNON
Orientation walk

AVIGNON
Guided sightseeing; visit Palace of the Popes

ARLES
Guided sightseeing; visit the Roman Amphitheater

NICE
Orientation walk of Old Town

SPECIAL DEPARTURES

• November 2, 2008 departure is offered as an exclusive Wine Cruise, including special lectures and tastings, available at no additional cost
• December 7, 2008 departure will include special Christmastime features
   

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Nice, France. (Mon.) Welcome to France! Time at leisure lets you get acquainted with the “Queen of the Riviera.” This evening, an optional excursion to Monte Carlo in the Principality of Monaco is available.

Day 3:
Nice–Arles (Embarkation) (Tue.) This morning, enjoy a guided stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town. After lunch, transfer by motorcoach along the Côte d’Azur into the Provence Region and to Arles, where the crew of your river cruise vessel waits to welcome you aboard! (BB,D)

Day 4:
Arles. (Wed.) On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence and was once known as the “Little Rome of Gaul.” See the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER, the church of St. Trophime, and “Les Alycamps,” the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. The “Foundation Vincent Van Gogh” is a tribute to the artist. (FB,L,D)

Day 5:
Avignon. (Thu.) The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Referred to as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose “PALACE OF THE POPES.” A photo of the bridge from the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (FB,L,D)

Day 6:
Cruising–Viviers. (Fri.) A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery as you cruise by. The charming town of Viviers was developed around its Romanesque cathedral, and the Old Town has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (FB,L,D)

Day 7:
Tournon/Tain L’Hermitage–Vienne. (Sat.) The twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the River Rhône and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France’s oldest medieval cities. Vienne is another charming little town surrounded by steep hills. (FB,L,D)

Day 8:
Lyon. (Sun.) Lyon is France’s second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 B.C., the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century, and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and Renaissance architecture delight visitors. Survey the city from FOURVIÈRE HILL; explore Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways; and see Place Terraux and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the “Beaujolais Nouveau” is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. An optional dinner gives gourmets an insight into the local haute cuisine. (FB,L,D)

Day 9:
Mâcon–Tournus. (Mon.) Playing an important role in the wine trade, Mâcon, situated on the River Saône, has a rich history. See the Old St. Vincent, the cathedral founded in the 6th century that is now a symbol of the city; La Charité; the Town Hall; and the Half-Timbered House, dating from the 15th-16th centuries. A number of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, are available. This evening, enjoy free time to explore the lovely town of Tournus. (FB,L,D)

Day 10:
Chalons-sur-Saône–(Disembarkation)–Beaune–Paris. (Tue.) After breakfast, head for Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area which produces the Burgundy region’s finest vintages. Its most famous historical site, the Hôtel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement, and is one of France’s architectural highlights. After lunch, continue north past the forest of Fontainebleau to Paris, the “City of Light.” (FB)

Day 11:
Paris. (Wed.) Paris’ famous sights are living history: magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (BB)

Day 12:
Paris. (Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

NICE
Orientation walk of Old Town

ARLES
Welcome reception
Guided sightseeing
Visit the Roman Amphitheater

AVIGNON
Guided sightseeing
Visit Palace of the Popes

TOURNON
Orientation walk

LYON
Guided sightseeing
Picture stop at Fourvière Hill

MÂCON
Guided walking tour

BEAUNE
Orientation walk

PARIS
Guided sightseeing
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Day 2:
Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland. (Embarkation) (Sun.) Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambiance. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in worldrenowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard. (D)

Day 3:
Arnhem–Dordrecht. (Mon.) One of the major tragedies of World War II was the Battle of Arnhem, featured vividly in the AIRBORNE MUSEUM HARTENSTEIN and the inspiration for the movie A Bridge Too Far. Sitting between two branches of the Rhine, charming Dordrecht inspired many painters in the 17th and 18th centuries. Nearby is KINDERDIJK with its picturesque row of windmills. (FB,L,D)

Day 4:
Antwerp, Belgium. (Tue.) Antwerp is Belgium’s secondlargest city and one of the world’s most important ancient seaports. Its superb architecture, the GROTE MARKT with its beautiful city hall, and the Church of Our Lady make this city well worth a visit. An optional excursion to nearby Brussels, Belgium’s capital and home of the European Union, is available. (FB,L,D)

Day 5:
Ghent. (Wed.) In a unique way, Ghent, the “diamond” of Flanders, has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. The city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success. From here, an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available. (FB,L,D)

Day 6:
Middelburg, Holland–Veere–Delta Works. (Thu.) It is certain that Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city with great wealth invested in the construction of important buildings such as the town hall. The eye-catching high tower of the town hall dominates the charming town of Veere, which was once an important wool-trading center. One of the most complex engineering projects, the DELTA WORKS, is located nearby. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defense in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. (FB,L,D)

Day 7:
Rotterdam. Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens. (Fri.) Rotterdam is a bustling port city that was leveled by German bombs in WWII. Today, it has a modern, high-tech look and boasts the world’s busiest port. The gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Millions of flower bulbs are grown here that present a spectacular display of blooms every year. (FB,L,D)

Day 8:
Amsterdam–Volendam. Excursion to Edam. (Sat.) There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” To the north of the city, located on the IJsselmeer, is Volendam, a maze of fishermen’s houses built on poles and a unique open harbor. The small timbered church dates back to 1658. Edam cheese has become famous worldwide, and cheese markets are still held in the town of Edam in the summer months. The old town center, especially the Kwakelsteeg, features lovely characteristic Waterland houses. (FB,L,D)

Day 9:
Amsterdam (Disembarkation) (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

AMSTERDAM
Welcome reception; canal cruise

ARNHEM
Guided sightseeing; visit the Airborne Museum Hartenstein and War Cemetery

DORDRECHT
Picture stop at Kinderdijk

ANTWERP
Guided sightseeing

GHENT
Guided sightseeing; visit St. Baaf''s Cathedral

MIDDELBURG
Guided sightseeing

VEERE
Orientation and excursion to the Delta Works

ROTTERDAM
Guided sightseeing; visit Keukenhof Gardens

VOLENDAM
Orientation and excursion to Edam
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation) (Sun.) Flights into Zurich must arrive before 3 p.m. Basel is situated on the Rhine where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. This afternoon, the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard. (D)

Day 3:
Strasbourg, France. (Mon.) Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Beer Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (FB,L,D)

Day 4:
Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany–Mainz. (Tue.) Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame, a world-famous love musical. The ruins of the imposing HEIDELBERG CASTLE, built of red sandstone, tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! (FB,L,D)

Day 5:
Mainz–Rüdesheim (Wed.) Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. The Old Town has many interesting shops, tea rooms, and restaurants, and a fountain on the Schillerplatz is decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every year. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and the GUTENBERG MUSEUM is well worth a visit. The pretty little town of Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Explore the Drosselgasse, pick up some souvenirs, and be sure to try one of the vintages in any of the little wine taverns! (FB,L,D)

Day 6:
Coblenz. (Thu.) Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river that is dotted every mile with castles. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Coblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. (FB,L,D)

Day 7:
Cologne (Fri.) Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral—which took more than 600 years to build—dominate the river skyline. The Germano- Roman Museum, located next to the cathedral, is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. The favorite local beer here is Kölsch. (FB,L,D)

Day 8:
Amsterdam, Holland. (Sat.) Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” (FB,L,D)

Day 9:
Amsterdam (Disembarkation) (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

BASEL
Welcome reception

STRASBOURG
Guided sightseeing
Visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral

HEIDELBERG
Guided visit of the castle

MAINZ
Visit the Gutenberg Museum

RÜDESHEIM
“Winzerexpress” mini train
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

COBLENZ
Guided sightseeing

COLOGNE
Guided sightseeing

AMSTERDAM
Canal cruise

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Day 2:
Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation) (Sun.) Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you on aboard. (D)

Day 3:
Amsterdam. (Mon.) There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (FB,L,D)

Day 4:
Cologne, Germany. (Tue.) Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent Gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns, and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.” (FB,L,D)

Day 5:
Coblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim. (Wed.) Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Coblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The Deutsches Eck, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Pretty Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Explore the Drosselgasse, pick up some souvenirs, and be sure to try one of the vintages in any of the little wine taverns. (FB,L,D)

Day 6:
Excursion to Heidelberg. (Thu.) Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. The ruins of the imposing red sandstone CASTLE tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! (FB,L,D)

Day 7:
Strasbourg, France. (Fri.) Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (FB,L,D)

Day 8:
Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest. (Sat.) Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is a charming little medieval town. Once surrounded by city walls, the gates to the city still stand today. Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region, an area of unrivalled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake. (FB,L,D)

Day 9:
Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation) (Sun.) Homebound flights should not leave Zurich Airport before 10 a.m. (FB)

Dates & Prices

AMSTERDAM
Welcome reception; canal cruise

COLOGNE
Guided sightseeing

COBLENZ
Guided sightseeing

RÜDESHEIM
“Winzerexpress” mini train
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

HEIDELBERG
Guided visit of the castle

STRASBOURG
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral

BREISACH
Excursion to the Black Forest

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Thu.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Budapest, Hungary. (Fri. & Sat.) Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famousChain 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. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (BB)

Day 3:
Budapest, Hungary. (Fri. & Sat.) Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famousChain 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. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (BB)

Day 4:
Budapest (Embarkation) (Sun.) Not far from the capital 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. After a visit and a demonstration of traditional Hungarian equestrian prowess performed by the csikós (wranglers in their picturesque costumes), return to Budapest for embarkation. The crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard! (BB,L,D)

Day 5:
Kalocsa. (Mon.) 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, now best known for paprika and folklore art. (FB,L,D)

Day 6:
Novi Sad, Serbia. (Tue.) 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 of struggle, victory, and defeat. (FB,L,D)

Day 7:
Belgrade. (Wed.) The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Its main sights include the city’s principal landmark, 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 cafés. (FB,L,D)

Day 8:
Iron Gates. (Thu.) The Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia are impressive sights on the right 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. (FB,L,D)

Day 9:
Svistov, Bulgaria–Veliko Târnovo–Arbanassi–Rousse. (Fri.) A comfortable ride away 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 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. Rousse today is Bulgaria’s largest inland port. (FB,L,D)

Day 10:
Black Sea Canal, Romania–Constanta. (Sat.) The 40-mile-long Black Sea Canal is the pride and joy of communist achievement and was completed in 1984. Constanta, situated on the coast of the Black Sea, is Romania’s most important commercial center and a popular resort. Interesting sights are the NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM and the PETER AND PAUL ORTHODOX CHURCH. (FB,L,D)

Day 11:
Oltenita (Disembarkation)–Bucharest. (Sun.) Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name “Paris of the East.” Much recent history has taken place in the 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. (FB)

Day 12:
Bucharest. (Mon.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

BUDAPEST
Guided sightseeing
Visit Fishermen''s Bastion
Puszta excursion with display of horsemanship
Welcome reception

KALOCSA
Guided sightseeing
Visit the Paprika Museum

NOVI SAD
Guided sightseeing

BELGRADE
Guided sightseeing
Visit Kalemegdan Fortress Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge

VELIKO TÂRNOVO
Guided sightseeing
Visit the Patriarch’s Church

ARBANASSI
Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity

CONSTANTA
Guided sightseeing
Visit the Natural History and Archaeological Museum and Peter and Paul Orthodox Church

BUCHAREST
Guided sightseeing
Visit the National Art Museum