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2006 7 COUNTRIES 5 CAPITALS CRUISE:
Sample Itinerary
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12 Days / 9 Nights • Vienna - Bratislava - Budapest - Kaloscha - Vukovar
- Novi Sad - Belgrade - Turnu Severin - Vidin - Bucharest • MS
BEATRICE
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Day 01
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Day 02
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FLY USA TO EUROPE:
Depart the USA on your plane bound to Vienna, Austria. Meals and
services on board as per airline policy. Sit back and enjoy your flight.
VIENNA (Austria):
After arrival you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to
your floating hotel (boarding after 4pm). Tonight meet your fellow
passengers for Welcome Cocktails and dinner. (D)
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Day 03
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VIENNA (Austria):
Vienna was the capital of the Habsburg empire for almost seven
centuries. Its imperial past is still visible today, as with the
Hofburg, Schoenbrunn castle, the buildings along Ringstrasse and many
other sites throughout the city. In the morning enjoy a city tour of the
City of Music that will pass the Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace, City Hall
and Belvedere Palace. The balance of the day is free for optional
pursuits (Schoenbrunn Palace, opera,). Sail at 11 pm. (B L D)
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Day 04
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BRATISLAVA (Slovakia):
A guided tour of Bratislava (Slovakia's capital) reveals the city's
major sights: St. Martin's Cathedral, the Primate's Palace and Old Town.
From the 13th-century Bratislava Castle you will enjoy breathtaking
views overlooking Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. This eventful day will
end with an evening filled with enchanting Gypsy music performed on
board and wine tasting. Continue sailing at 2 pm. (B, L, D)
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Day 05
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BUDAPEST (Hungary):
Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant
cultural heritage. Recognizing the unique value of its traditions it has
managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as one of
the most beautiful cities in the world and the Queen of the Danube,
which flows north to south through the centre of the city. Your morning
sightseeing includes Hero's Square, the Parliament, St. Stephen's
Church, and other attractions. Optional Operetta Performance tonight.
(B, L, D)
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Day 06
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BUDAPEST (Hungary):
Budapest is truly one of the world’s most attractive cities, rich in
both natural and architectural beauty. It is no wonder that the Castle
District, the River Danube embankments and the whole of Andrassy ut have
been officially recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Full free day
to explore this beautiful city on your own or take some of optional
tours such as a visit to the artist colony of St. Andrej, a tour of the
Metro and Museums or join a walking tour with our Cruise Directors who
will take you through the local markets and lovely pedestrian zone of
Vaci Utca. (B, L, D)
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Day 07
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KALOSCA (Hungary):
The town of Kalosca is known as the paprika capital of the world. Enjoy
a tour of Erseki Palace and the unique Paprika Museum followed by a
special Organ Concert performed in the local cathedral. The organ has
4700 pipes and had been played by Franz Liszt on several occasions. The
afternoon is free for exploring Kalosca on your own or taking the
optional Puszta excursion highlighted by an equestrian show performed by
the Czikos or Hungarian Cowboys. (B, L, D)
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Day 08
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VUKOVAR (Croatia) - NOVI SAD (Serbia) :
Vukovar is located in Eastern Croatia, near Danube's junction with the
Vuka River, close to the Serbian border. According to the archeological
data, the orgins of present-day Vukovar go back very far. In the written
documents Vukovar was mentioned in the early 13th century. In the
morning take a tour of historic Vukovar and excursion to Osijek, the
local capital. A walking tour of lovely riverside town of Novi Sad is
scheduled in the afternoon. A wonderful on board folklore performance
and fashion show will round off the day. Sail at 11 pm. (B, L, D)
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Day 09
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BELGRADE (Serbia):
City tour features Kalemegdan Fortress, St. Sava's Cathedral, Town Hall
and St. Marks Church. Balance of the day is free to explore the city on
your own or take the optional Serbian Village tour which will stop at
Krusedol Monastery, followed by a visit to an authentic peasant house
where the hosts will serve up a typical Serbian Wedding Feast including
wine and entertainment - not to be missed! (B, L, D)
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Day 10
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TURNU SEVERIN (Romania):
Sail through the magnificent Iron Gates and pass through the
gigantic Djerdap Lock. Tourist attractions in Turnu Severin include many
historic sites. Roman ruins include a bridge that was once the largest
in the Roman Empire, the castrum (fortified place) built to guard the
bridge and athletic training grounds. The remains of a 13th-century
church and citadel also are here. On arrival in Turnu Severin, tour the
Museum of Ancient History and Trajan's Bridge. Captain's Gala Dinner.
(B, L, D)
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Day 11
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VIDIN (Bulgaria):
One of the most marvellous cities in the Bulgaria, Vidin was inhabited
by Celts, Romans, and Byzantines, but it was under the Bulgarian Tsars
and their Ottoman conquerors that the most frenzied fortress building
took place. Such a showpiece is the 13th century fortress of Baba Vida -
the biggest historical site of Vidin and the best preserved medieval
fortress in the country. Our guided city tour featuring the fortress of
Baba Vida Kula and St. Petka Church. Farewell concert on board performed
by our superb Gypsy band! (B, L, D)
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Day 12
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12 BUCHAREST (Romania):
Disembark in Giurgiu and transfer to Bucharest by motorcoach (approx. 1
hr). After a city tour that will include the gargantuan Peoples Palace
(Parliament) transfer to the airport for afternoon flights to your
European gateway or to your city hotel if adding an extra night in
Bucharest (not included in prices shown below). (B, L, D)
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