Passage to Eastern Europe 2014 At-A-Glance

Transcription

1 Passage to Eastern Europe 2014 At-A-Glance Let us take you to the cities, towns and natural wonders of Eastern Europe, where so many fairy tales began. Experience two nights in bustling Budapest, cosmopolitan capital of Hungary; sail past dramatic natural wonders like the soaring white cliffs of the Iron Gate region; visit the Serbian capital of Belgrade and the Croatian town of Osijek; discover historical treasures of Bulgaria; and admire the graceful charms of the Romanian capital of Bucharest where you will enjoy one overnight stay. This itinerary is, quite simply, a revelation. Sail dates available March to November 2014 Budapest to Bucharest or Bucharest to Budapest Ship sailing this itinerary: Viking Aegir, Viking Embla or Viking Rinda 14BUD-OTP CST:

2 Page 2 of 10 Passage to Eastern Europe Included Features 7-day cruise with river-view stateroom 2 nights at the moderate deluxe Budapest Hilton & 1 night at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest (or similar) 8 guided tours with audio headset All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner and Captain s Farewell Dinner, plus breakfast at Budapest & Bucharest hotels Visit 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site Culture Curriculum SM : Enjoy folkloric performances; attend lectures on Serbia today, Dracula & the European Union; learn about icons & orthodox religion; enjoy authentic flavors of Eastern Europe Included Tours: Budapest city tour Kalocsa city tour Osijek excursion Belgrade city tour Belogradchik Fortress excursion Veliko Tarnovo excursion Nativity Church tour Bucharest city tour Optional Tours: Optional Szentendre Excursion Optional Gödöllö Palace Visit Optional Kovacica Excursion Optional tours are purchased on board ship and are subject to availability & minimum participation See your travel agent or call Viking River Cruises at

3 Page 3 of 10 Passage to Eastern Europe Journey Highlights The Danube s Iron Gate The Iron Gate area of the lower Danube River is one of the world s most scenic river gorges. Enormous white chalk cliffs flank the river, which forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania; at times the gorge is quite narrow. Marvel at the large carved face of the ancient Dacian king Decebalus on the cliff sides. Home on the Puszta Stretching across Hungary is a vast prairie known as the Puszta. Here the hardy, whipcracking horse herders known as csikós lived and worked. Like the fabled cowboy of the American west, the 19th-century csikós has been romanticized in Hungarian folk songs, dances and literature. Enjoy an exciting demonstration of traditional Puszta horsemanship and other folk arts. Lunchtime in Bulgaria Disembark for a full day s excursion to Bulgaria s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. Explore Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle there, then proceed to Arbanasi for lunch with the locals. Try a typical dish like shopska salad, made from chopped vegetables and a white brined cheese called sirene. Taste some moussaka, Bulgarian sausage or tarator, a cold yogurt-based soup. For dessert, have some halvah or baklava, a pastry made with honey and phyllo. The Best of Budapest The Danube River divides this Hungarian capital city and UNESCO site into Buda and Pest. Explore both parts, starting with Pest s National Opera House and historic Heroes Square. In Buda, stroll Fishermen s Hill to Fishermen s Bastion and Matthias Church. Take free time to explore the city s spas and shopping. Beautiful Belgrade Discover Serbia s beautiful capital, Belgrade, whose history dates back some 7,000 years. Walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress and peek inside the Orthodox cathedral. Take the afternoon to enjoy the city s gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums. After dinner, check out Belgrade s famous nightlife before a late departure. See your travel agent or call Viking River Cruises at

4 Page 4 of 10 Passage to Eastern Europe Budapest to Bucharest Itinerary Day 1 Budapest, Hungary Budapest airport transfer* Hotel Check-in Free time to explore Budapest Day 2 Budapest, Hungary Tour of Budapest, a UNESCO Site, including the National Opera House, Heroes Square, Parliament, Fishermen s Bastion, Matthias Church, Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge Included Meals: Breakfast Day 3 Budapest, Hungary Embark ship Free day to explore Budapest Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Day 4 Kalocsa, Hungary Kalocsa city walk including visit to Archbishop s Palace Puszta horsemanship performance Day 5 Osijek, Croatia Osijek excursion Day 6 Belgrade, Serbia Guided city walk including Kalemegdan Fortress, Orthodox cathedral & Square of the Republic Free time to explore Belgrade Day 7 Iron Gate, Serbia Scenic cruising through the Danube s Iron Gate Day 8 Vidin & Belogradchik, Bulgaria Belogradchik Fortress excursion Free time to explore Vidin Day 9 Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi, Bulgaria Full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo including Tsarvavets Hill and ruins of the royal castle Lunch at local restaurant in Arbanasi Tour of Nativity Church Day 10 Giurgiu & Bucharest, Romania Disembark in Giurgiu Hotel check-in Tour of Bucharest including Arch of Triumph, the Antim Monastery, former Royal Palace and the Palace of Justice Free time to explore Bucharest Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 11 Bucharest, Romania Bucharest airport transfer* Included Meals: Breakfast * Airport transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Transfers must be with flights that arrive/depart on ship or included hotel check-in or check-out day only. See your travel agent or call Viking River Cruises at

5 Page 5 of 10 Passage to Eastern Europe Bucharest to Budapest Itinerary Day 1 Bucharest, Romania Bucharest airport transfer* Hotel check-in Free day to explore Bucharest Day 2 Bucharest & Giurgiu, Romania Tour of Bucharest including Arch of Triumph, the Antim Monastery, former Royal Palace and the Palace of Justice Board ship in Giurgiu Welcome Reception & Dinner Day 3 Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi, Bulgaria Full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo including Tsarvavets Hill and ruins of the royal castle Lunch at local restaurant in Arbanasi Tour of Nativity Church Day 4 Vidin & Belogradchik, Bulgaria Belogradchik Fortress excursion Free time to explore Vidin Day 5 Iron Gate, Serbia Scenic cruising through the Danube s Iron Gate Day 6 Belgrade, Serbia Guided city walk including Kalemegdan Fortress, Orthodox cathedral & Square of the Republic Free time to explore Belgrade Day 7 Osijek, Croatia Osijek excursion Day 8 Kalocsa, Hungary Kalocsa city walk including visit to Archbishop s Palace Puszta horsemanship performance Day 9 Budapest, Hungary Tour of Budapest, a UNESCO Site, including the National Opera House, Heroes Square, Parliament, Fishermen s Bastion, Matthias Church, Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge Disembark ship Hotel Check-in Free time to explore Budapest Included Meals: Breakfast Day 10 Budapest, Hungary Free time to explore Budapest Included Meals: Breakfast Day 11 Budapest, Hungary Budapest airport transfer* Included Meals: Breakfast * Airport transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Transfers must be with flights that arrive/depart on ship or included hotel check-in or check-out day only. See your travel agent or call Viking River Cruises at

6 Explore More More days means more to discover. We offer exciting ways to see even more of the region with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking journey. Budapest Extension Itinerary 2 nights From $399 per person Page 6 of 10 Explore this legendary Hungarian capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its elegant boulevards, Parisian atmosphere and outstanding museums. Take a stroll in the parks of Margaret Island, discover the hidden medieval courtyards of the castle district and eat your fill of savory Hungarian cuisine. Extension package includes two nights at a Budapest hotel, daily breakfasts and hotel/ship transfers along with the services of a Viking host. The moderate deluxe Hilton Budapest Hotel is located in the heart of the city s Castle District, a UNESCO Site, next to the Fishermen s Bastion and Matthias Church. The hotel has a restaurant, lobby lounge and bar; room service and laundry service; fitness room, a business center and gift shop. Rooms feature mini bar; television; telephone with voic ; in-room safe and hair dryer. The deluxe Corinthia Hotel is located in the heart of Budapest within walking distance of the Opera House and major theaters. The hotel has three restaurants, a café, lobby lounge and bar; room service; laundry services; spa with indoor swimming pool, fullservice business center; a beauty salon and gift shop. Rooms feature minibar; television telephone with voic ; in-room safe and hair dryer. The Budapest Marriott Hotel is the only hotel in Budapest offering magnificent Danube river views from all of its 364 rooms, boasting a prime location in the heart of the city. Located on the mezzanine floor of the Budapest Marriott, the World Class International fitness center offers everything within the field of health and fitness. Rooms feature air conditioning, direct-dial telephone and voic , Internet access, iron and ironing board and minibar. Ideally located in the heart of Budapest, a few steps from the blue Danube, Le Méridien Budapest welcomes you into the city s World Heritage sites, to its unique historic and artistic life. Within walking distance you may discover the Parliament, the historic Buda castle, Europe s largest Synagogue and many more. The hotel has two restaurants and bar, 24 hour room service available. Rooms feature minibar; television telephone with voic ; in-room safe and hair dryer. * Hotels are subject to change without notice, at which time a comparable alternative will be offered. See your travel agent or call us at

7 Bucharest & Transylvania Extension 3 nights From $699 per person Page 7 of 10 Extend your Passage to Eastern Europe journey with three nights in Romania. Encounter the mysteries of Transylvania with an excursion to Brasov featuring tours of Peles and Dracula s Castle. Itinerary includes one night at the Ramada Hotel, Brasov and two nights at Radisson Blu (or similar). The first class Ramada Brasov is ideally located adjacent to the heart of the city s business district. The hotel has a gym/fitness center; sauna and steam room; and free shuttle service to the city center. Room amenities include television, internet access and safe, iron/ironing board, coffee maker and hair dryer. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest is located across from the former Royal Palace on Calea Victoriei. Its location affords guests optimal proximity to culture, shopping and business. The rooms are decorated in warm tones, and blend leisure and sophistication to create pure relaxation. With views of the nearby landscaped garden, each room provides guests with both modern amenities and picturesque surroundings. Room amenities include LCD TV, internet access, iron/ironing board and individual climate control. From authentic pasta enjoyed on the patio to superb cognac savored in the late-night lounge, fabulous dining awaits guests at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest. Built in 1914 and set in the heart of the city at the Hilton Athenee Palace Bucharest hotel you can enjoy local attractions including the Romanian Athenaeum and the former Royal Palace. Theatres, shops and cafés are all located within walking distance. Enjoy the heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and well equipped gym or indulge in a luxurious treatment in the hotel s beauty center. Spend the evening in our onsite casino or dine in one of 3 restaurants. The English Bar offers a large selection of whiskies. Feast on authentic Italian delights in Roberto s restaurant. Relax and watch on demand movies on the TV or pamper yourself in the marble bathroom. Rooms include cable/pay per view television, coffee/tea making facilities, individual climate control, safe, minibar and hairdryer. * Hotels are subject to change without notice at which time, a comparable alternative will be offered. See your travel agent or call us at

8 Prague Extension Itinerary 3 nights From $699 per person Page 8 of 10 Discover the Czech Republic s vibrant capital, the City of a Hundred Spires. Tour Hradcany Castle and its palaces, churches and museums; visit Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral; and stroll along Charles Bridge. Explore Prague s Jewish heritage in the Josefov Quarter and encounter history and culture in Wenceslas Square. Extension package includes three nights at a Prague hotel, daily breakfasts and hotel/ship transfers, Prague city tour, along with the services of a Viking host. The superior first class Hilton Prague is conveniently located on the right bank of Vltava River within walking distance from the city center and major attractions, and the bus and underground stations are only a five-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel has three restaurants, a bar and a wide selection of shops; a health club and spa offering a swimming pool, dry and wet sauna, jacuzzi, gym, health bar; beauty salon and other amenities. Air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a television, telephone, safe and hair dryer. Hilton Prague Old Town hotel is centrally located in the heart of Prague at the gates of the Old Town. Just 30 minutes from the Prague Ruzyne Airport, and within walking distance of beautiful historical attractions like Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square, Jewish Quarter or Charles Bridge, it is well placed for leisure. Zinc restaurant serves the famous Hilton Breakfast as well as modern European cuisine with Asian flavors. Zinc lounge & bar is an ideal place for a light snack, coffee or after dinner cocktail. Rooms feature minibar; television, telephone; in-room safe and hair dryer. The Prague Marriott is steps from Old Town Square and all the major Prague attractions, with a casino on site. It is well known for its first-class service and conference facilities, while its World Class Health Academy is the largest of its kind in Prague. Guests may dine at the hotel's Brasserie Praha, Expressamente Illy, the lobby bar or at one of the many nearby cafes and restaurants. Rooms have comfortable work areas and are equipped with broadband Internet access, 32-inch LCD TV screens, safe, mini-bar, individual climate control, hair-dryer and iron. Prague Premier Hotel 2 nights From $1,399 per person Four Seasons Hotel Prague interweaves centuries of remarkable history and architecture with all the conveniences of modern technology. In the middle of vibrant Old Town, experience an enclave at the edge of the Vltava River, just steps from the Charles Bridge. Rooms are decorated in either a Modernist style of black and grey with hints of turquoise or a warm rust and red color scheme. The room's marble bath boasts a single vanity, separate glass shower, deep soaking tub and separate bathroom. Rooms feature air conditioning, direct-dial telephone and voic , Internet access, iron and ironing board and refrigerated private bar. * Hotels are subject to change without notice, at which time a comparable alternative will be offered. See your travel agent or call us at

9 Page 9 of 10 The Viking Experience Quietvox Tour Earphones With our Quietvox tour earphones, there are no worries about missing any interesting details during your shore excursions. Each guest will receive a lightweight, portable receiver that can be worn around the neck or slipped into a pocket. The comfortable earpiece with individual volume control allows you to hear your guide s comments no matter where you are standing and makes every place on your tour the best seat in the house. Onboard Enrichment Culture Curriculum SM. To help you further appreciate the countries that you will visit, we complement your shore excursion with a broad range of immersive activities, on board and ashore. Enjoy folkloric performances; attend lectures on Serbia today, Dracula & the European Union; learn about icons & orthodox religion; enjoy authentic flavors of Eastern Europe. Expert Program Directors. Viking River Cruises Program Directors are selected for their comprehensive knowledge of the regions you will be visiting. They have a fine appreciation of each destination s nuances and a genuine passion for travel and are there to help from the first moment to the end of your journey. If you have any questions, would like recommendations or have any concerns during your itinerary, do not hesitate to contact your Program Director. General Physical Fitness Our tours and cruises are not physically demanding, however, because of the nature of many of the sites you will be visiting, this tour may not be appropriate for guests with certain medical conditions and physical restrictions. Walking tours are often on uneven ground or cobblestones and may include stairs and steep inclines. If you have concerns or questions, please discuss the nature of your itinerary with your Viking River Cruises Travel Consultant. Complimentary Wine with Onboard Dinner and Lunch Service Enjoy complimentary bottled wine with onboard dinner and lunch service. We feature two varietals one white and one red that pair beautifully with our onboard menu of contemporary and regional specialties. See your travel agent or call us at

10 Page 10 of 10 Before You Go Visit our website at vikingrivercruises.com (or vrc.com) where you can not only learn more about all the places you might go with Viking, but you can also immerse yourself in the experience from the comfort of your own home. There is information abound and you can watch videos of destinations, take a virtual tour of a cruise ship or get a list of recommended readings. Passports & Visas Passports are necessary however no visas are required for U.S. citizens for this itinerary. Non-U.S. citizens, please check your consulate for visa information. Viking s All-Inclusive Airfare & Transfers For your convenience, you can purchase roundtrip trans-oceanic air travel directly from Viking in conjunction with your river cruise or cruisetour. Viking s air packages are a great value because they include your transfers between airport and ship or hotel. And, when you reserve your air with Viking and purchase Viking s all-inclusive travel protection policy, your air travel is covered by the policy as part of your Viking itinerary. Select from more than 165 different gateways (additional gateways available) in economy or the upgraded service of Premium Economy or Business Class (trans-oceanic portion); once your reservation has been made, we will confirm your flight schedules 75 days before departure. E-Check Program Viking offers special incentives when you pay via e-check (electronic debit to your checking account) a quick and convenient way to pay for your vacation. Ask for details when making your reservation. Viking Travel Protection Viking Travel Protection allows you to cancel your trip for any reason. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that whatever may arise even a pre-existing medical condition you retain 100% of your travel value. Premiums are based on trip cost and start at only $249 per person! Climate Average High/Low Temperature ( F) Destination Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Belgrade 53/37/ 63/46 72/53 77/59 81/61 81/61 74/55 64/46 51/39 Bucharest 50/32 64/42 73/50 80/57 83/60 83/59 76/52 64/42 44/35 Budapest 51/37 62/45 71/53 77/58 80/61 80/60 72/54 61/46 47/37 *Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. See your travel agent or call us at