Southern Danube Highlights Danube 7 Countries & 5 Capitals Cruise Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Osijek, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Vidin & Bucharest 12 days / 11 nights Ms Navigator Cruise from Vienna to Bucharest Itinerary: Day 1 Depart Australia via overnight flights to Vienna, Austria. International airfare not included. Please check with us for special airfares. Day 2 Vienna, AUSTRIA Embarkation after 2 pm Meal: D Welcome to Austria! Upon arrival at Vienna airport meet our guides outside of the customs area. Board your buses for a short spin through the city (money exchange etc) before arriving at the ship for check-in. Prior to dinner, meet your fellow passengers and Cruise Staff for a cocktail, crew introduction followed by an information meeting. Then enjoy your first dinner on board, followed by a well deserved rest. Day 3 Vienna, AUSTRIA Meal: B/L/D Your morning city sightseeing tour will introduce you to the most attractive sights of this Imperial capital. Starting with Hundertwasserhaus, you will continue on to Belvedere Palace for a tour of the grounds and gardens. Then it s on to the city center via the Vienna Ringstrasse to view famous architectural gems such as the State Opera, the Parliament, the Burgtheatre, the Votiv Church and others. The next stop will be in the old center of Vienna to view St. Stephan s Cathedral and take a walk through the pedestrian zone from Graben and Kohlmarkt to Michaela Square ending at the entrance of the Hofburg (Imperial Palace). From this point, continue past the Spanish Riding School to Albertina Square, where you will see the State Opera and the famous Hotel Sacher. Then it s back on board the bus for a drive past the famous "Prater" with its Giant Ferry Wheel. Return to the ship in time for lunch. The balance of the day is at leisure. You may choose to explore Vienna on your own or purchase an optional tour. Set sail for Bratislava, Slovakia before midnight. Day 4 Bratislava, SLOVAKIA (From 04:00 to 23.00) Meal: B/L/D Welcome to Slovakia! Enjoy a morning walking tour of the lovely city center, past St. Martin's Cathedral and the Primate's Palace. The sightseeing will end with a walk through the Old Town Michael's Gate, Michael's Tower, Main Square, Old Town Hall and Slovak National Theatre. Enjoy free time for shopping and strolling and return to the ship for lunch. Set sail. Dinner on board and an evening free to waltz the night away! Day 5 Budapest, HUNGARY (From 13:00 - Overnight) Meal: B/L/D Welcome to Hungary! Morning set sail. In the afternoon, your morning motor coach tour of this lovely city will include the most popular sights: The Parliament Building, St. Stefan Cathedral, the Opera, the Square of Heroes, (the Millennium monument) and the town park with the Vajdahunyad Castle, etc. There will be stops at the Square of Heroes, the Fisherman s Bastion and Gellert Hill. Return to the ship for dinner. In the evening we recommend the optional Hungarian Folk Show. 34 I CBT Holidays
SOUTHERN DANUBE DISCOVERY CRUISE wild, yet attractive nature. This danger was finally overcome in 1972, with the building of the Djerdap Hydroelectric and Navigation System, the largest of its kind in Europe. The Romanian and Yugoslav builders carried out this gigantic construction project by building a huge concrete dam which raised the level of the water from 30 to 90 meters. On both sides of the dam, two locks and two hydroelectric stations were built which today produce an average annual output of 10 billion kwh and enable safe passage for passenger and cargo ships all the way to the Black Sea. Arrive in Vidin, Bulgaria in the evening where you will overnight. Day 6 Budapest, HUNGARY (From 00:00 to 21:00) Meal: B/L/D Full free day to explore and enjoy pedestrian friendly Budapest on your own, or partake in one of our optional excursions as outlined below! Day 7 Osijek, CROATIA (From 15:00 to 23:00) Meal: B/L/D Welcome to Croatia! View the passing vistas from the sun deck, as you sail into the Drava River toward Osijek, Croatia s 4th largest city. In the afternoon enjoy a bus and walking tour of the Old Town including the Tvrdja (Citadel), the best-preserved and largest ensemble of baroque buildings in Croatia. At the end of the tour enjoy a refreshment drink with snacks in the garden of the Franciscan Monastery accompanied with traditional Croatian music played on tamburica, a cross between a Russian balalaika and Italian mandolin. Then enjoy some free time in the town before returning to your ship for dinner. Sail on! Day 8 Novi Sad, SERBIA (From 08:00 23:30) Meal: B/L/D Welcome to Serbia! Your first stop in this newly minted Balkan country will be in Novi Sad, Serbia s third largest city after Belgrade and Nis. You will be delighted with this pedestrian friendly town as you join your local guide for a walking tour through the town center. After the tour you will have free time to explore the many nooks and crannies of the town or enjoy a cappuccino and some people watching from the terrace of one of the many open air cafés. Or partake in the optional Serbian Country Side Tour. Dinner is on board as you set sail for White City Serbia s capital of Belgrade! Day 9 Belgrade, SERBIA (From 05:00 to 24:00) Meal: B/L/D A big day is ahead as your morning motor coach tour of this lively and vibrant city will include all of the major attractions: Kalemegdan Fortress, looming over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers; St. Sava s Orthodox Cathedral, perched on a hill which can be seen from every part of the city; the Parliament Building; Princess Ljubica's Manor; Mark's Church; and others. The tour will end with a stroll through Knez Mihajlova Street, the main pedestrian zone full of boutiques, open air cafés and galleries. The afternoon is free to explore Belgrade on your own or partake in the highly recommended optional tour to a local Serbian village where you will meet an authentic Serbian multi-generation family and enjoy a wonderful taste of Serbian home made food, live music and hospitality! See details below! The day is not over yet! After dinner, enjoy a private folklore show on board performed by members of Belgrade s renowned Talia ensemble. In between the dances, a special fashion show will introduce you to the wonderful hand made sweaters of Sirogojno made with special wool and local motifs. These sweaters are sold in some of the most fashionable boutiques worldwide for hundreds of dollars as each one is an individual work of art. If you live in cold climates, one of these sweaters would be a wonderful gift for a family member or yourself! Late night, set sail for Romania & Bulgaria. Day 10 Full day at sail & passage through The Iron Gate Gorge (Arrive Vidin 20:30 - overnight) Meal: B/L/D Enjoy a wonderful and relaxing day at sail as you marvel at the passing vistas, participate in interesting talks on Balkan History presented by your Cruise Director and other activities. The highlight of the day will be the passage through the "The Iron Gates", a great natural attraction, and the highest gorge on the Danube. Over 100 km long, this canyon, was a gigantic obstacle to navigation because of its pointed rocks, cliffs, and changing water levels, surrounded with very Day 11 Vidin, BULGARIA (From 00:00 18:00) Meal: B/L/D Welcome to Bulgaria! On arrival, embark on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to the 13th century fortress named Baba Vida ( Grandma Vida ), the best preserved medieval fortress in the country. Then enjoy some free time for strolling and shopping or take the optional Belogradchik Rock excursion. Tonight prepare for your Captain s Farewell Dinner! Day 12 Turnu Magurele - Bucharest ROMANIA (From 08:30 Disembarkation) END CRUISE Meal: B As all good things must come to an end so does your wonderful cruise adventure! Disembark after breakfast. Dock at the Romanian port of Turnu Magurele, transfer to the Paris of the East Bucharest, Romania s lovely capital! (2hrs). Upon reaching the city, a panorama tour will highlight the major attractions including Revolution Square, Arch de Triumph, the National Theatre, the Romanian Athenaeum and others. Stop for photographs at President Ceausescu s humongous "People's House" (today s Parliament), the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Then it s on to your first class hotel, where after check-in you will have free time to explore this lovely city at your leisure and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants on your own. (NOTE: If taking the optional Dracula Extension you will enjoy your last night in Bucharest after returning from Brasov). Day 13 Bucharest, ROMANIA Fly home Meal: B Enjoy a final breakfast before transferring to the airport for flights home. UNIQUE DESTINATIONS I 35
Southern Danube Highlights Cruises 2017 SEVEN Danube Countries - FIVE Capitals 2017 Departure dates & Prices 7-COUNTRY CRUISE: Per person / twin in A$ D Category Depart AU Embark Rotation Disembark Fly Home Land/Cruise 1. Apr 15 (SAT) APR 16 (SUN) VIE-BUH APR 26 (WED) April 27(THU) $3690 2. May 05 (FRI) MAY 06 (SAT) VIE-BUH MAY 16 (TUE) May 17 (WED) $3850 3. May 25 (THU) MAY 26 (FRI) VIE-BUH JUNE05 (MON) JUNE 06 (TUE) $3980 4. Jun 14 (WED) JUNE 15 (THU) VIE-BUH JUNE 25 (SUN) June 26 (MON) $3690 5. July 14 (FRI) JULY 15 (SAT) VIE-BUH JULY 25 (TUE) July 26 (WED) $3690 6. Aug 23 (WED) AUG 24 (THU) VIE-BUH SEP 03 (SUN) Sept 04 (MON) $3850 7. Sep 12 (TUE) SEPT 13(WED) VIE-BUH SEP 23 (SAT) SEP 24 (SUN) $3980 8. Oct 02 (MON) OCT 03 (TUE) VIE-BUH OCT 13 (FRI) Oct 14 (SAT) $3690 Port & Cruise fuel charges- A$235 UPGRADES with surcharge: Cat C (Middle bow) A$410 pp, Cat B (Middle-Aft): $550 pp, Cat A (Upper French Balcony): $820 Jr. Suite: A$1360, Grand Suite: A$1780 Twin Cabin for Single Occupancy: Add %50 of the cabin rate, Suite for single use Add %100 of the cabin rate - subject to availability. INCLUDED FEATURES: Arrival and departure transfers (if airfare purchased through us) Cruise Accommodations for 10 nights/11 days in all outside cabins in D category (upgrade optional) 1 night first class hotel with buffet breakfast in Bucharest (Novotel or similar) Total of 30 meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners Free wine/beer/soft drink/water for dinner daily while on cruise Water/coffee/chocolate station 24 hours + early riser breakfast and late night snacks free of charge Shore excursions, daily sightseeing programs, onboard lectures and folklore performances/music concerts as well as wine tasting and other surprises as outlined in the itinerary (excludes optional) Live 2 piece band playing each evening Professional English speaking Cruise Directors and local, Englishspeaking guides throughout. Any travel and document fees including Visa requirements (none currently required) Cost of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs, etc. Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, local guides and other staff along the route. (10 EU pp/per day) Any increases in costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as additional fuel surcharges, exchange rates or Government imposed taxes and fees not known at this time. 8 INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING TOURS AND SHORE EXCURSIONS VIENNA, AUSTRIA BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA BUDAPEST, HUNGARY OSIJEK, CROATIA NOVI SAD, SERBIA BELGRADE, SERBIA VIDIN, BULGARIA BUCHAREST, ROMANIA City tour including Belvedere Palace City tour including Primate Palace City tour including Fisherman s Bastion City bus and walking tour with wine tasting Walking tour City by bus & walking tour City Tour including Baba Vida s Fortress City tour including Parliament House (outside) ON BOARD SPECIAL CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS: Welcome drink on arrival and info meeting Lectures on Balkan History and Modern Balkans Today Serbian Folklore performance and fashion show on board (Belgrade) Farewell cocktails and Captains Gala Dinner AUDIVOX aids for all shore excursions and FREE WI-FI (wherever available) NOT INCLUDED: Any air tickets. Port fees and cruise fuel surcharges (listed separately) Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only (must be arranged and paid for in advance) 36 I CBT Holidays
Optional Extension Tour Dracula SOUTHERN DANUBE HIGHLIGHTS OPTIONAL 2 NIGHT/3 DAY DRACULA EXTENSION $690 pp/twin, $820 single Day 1 (12) Ship Disembark (Magurele) Brasov, ROMANIA (D) After saying goodbye to your fellow cruise passengers, board separate buses and head north through the beautiful Romanian countryside towards Brasov, Romania s second largest city and renowned winter resort. On the way, stop at Sinaia and tour the impressive Peles Castle*, the residence of the last Romanian King. Arrive and check in to your first class hotel in time for dinner and overnight. *If Peles is closed on this particular day of the week you will visit and tour the Palace on your way back to Bucharest. Day 2 (13) Brasov, Romania(B, SD) After a buffet breakfast, begin your half day sightseeing tour with a short bus ride to the infamous Bran Castle, the historic home of Count Vlad the Impaler popularized world over in Bram Stoker s novels featuring the blood-thirsty Count Dracula. This imposing castle and the surrounding museum site will both entertain and educate you about the true life figure of Count Vlad, the Romanian national hero who fought the bloody Turkish occupation with equal ferociousness. The afternoon is free to explore this lively city on your own. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at one of the popular local restaurants featuring national specialties and live entertainment. Day 3 (14) Brasov Bucharest (B) After breakfast it s time to check out of your hotel and board your bus for the leisurely 2- hour ride back towards Bucharest. On arrival, check in to your first class hotel and enjoy the balance of the day exploring this friendly city on your own, shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a dinner at one of the many local restaurants or cafés. Day 4 (15) Bucharest HOME (B) After a final breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flights home. BON VOYAGE INCLUDED: Round trip transfers between Bucharest and Brasov (2 hrs), 2 nights first class 4* hotel accommodations (ARO Palace/ Ramada), 2 buffet breakfasts, 1 dinner at the hotel, sightseeing of Peles Castle, sightseeing of Brasov City, Bran Castle and a special Farewell Dinner. 1 night stay at Bucharest with breakfast. NOT included: Meals other than outlined, costs of a personal nature, tips to Escort and Driver. *IMPORTANT NOTE: While every effort will be made to adhere to the schedules outlined above, please note that all the timings listed are tentative and all stops and sights outlined are subject to change, substitution or alteration for reasons of passenger safety and reasons beyond our control including but not limited to: inclement weather, lock schedules, low or high water levels, museum closures and availability of specified attractions due to blackout periods, holidays or similar. Passenger compliance understanding and cooperation will sincerely be appreciated! UNIQUE DESTINATIONS I 37
Optional Off-shore Excursions: Day 3 - Schönbrunn Castle (afternoon): After lunch visit to Schönbrunn Castle, the home of Maria Theresa. The tour includes a stroll in the gardens and a visit to the imperial rooms of the former summer residence of the Hapsburg Royal Family. Estimated Price: 50 EU pp. Day 3 - Classical Vienna Concert (evening): 30 years ago musician and conductor Gert Hofbauer founded the "WIENER HOFBURG- ORCHESTER" which plays compositions by Johann Strauss and W.A. Mozart. Performing is an orchestra consisting of about 30 professional musicians and international soloists of the Vienna State Opera. A unique opportunity to enjoy a live classical concert within the historical ambience of one of Vienna s famous palaces the Hofburg, the Auersperg or similar (depending on the day of the week). Estimated Price: 55 EU pp. Day 4 - Red Stone Castle with Wine Tasting: In the afternoon visit the 16th century Red Stone Castle housing a museum of furnishings from the nobility of the time. This will be followed by a wine tasting featuring a selection of high quality but lesser known wines from Slovakia. Estimated Price: 55 EU pp. Day 5 - Evening Cultural Performance (20:00 23:30): Enjoy a rousing performance of the 40 member Hungarian National Folklore Ensemble. The concert will feature music, costumes and dances from various parts of Hungary and will be highlighted with numeras performed by the exquisite Gypsy Musicians! After the performance, a short bus tour will take you across the Chain Bridge and up to Fisherman s Bastion where you will be able to witness the gorgeous bridges over the Danube under the night s illumination! Estimated Price: 50 EU pp. Day 6 Afternoon Walking Tour of Downtown Pest (2.5 hrs): We highly recommend this casual yet delightful walking tour led by our Cruise Director! From the dock you will first visit the largest open air market in Budapest where you can purchase anything from superb Hungarian salami to a nightgown! Then you will proceed down Vaci Utca, the city s main pedestrian promenade full of shops, cafes and beautiful people! Your tour will end at the historic 140-year-old Gerreboud Coffee House where you can savor a delicious cup of brew or homemade ice cream. Estimated Price: 12 EU pp. Day 6 - Puzsta Tour and Equestrian Performance: In the afternoon, depart by motor coach for a visit to an authentic Puzsta, a horse farm with over 200 studs and other farm animals! The tour will include a drive in old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages, an unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship, followed by a taste of local "palinka" brandy, wine and snacks. Estimated Price: 50 EU pp. Day 8 - Serbian Countryside & Wine Tasting (Krushedol, Sremski Karlovci, Petrovaradin): We highly recommend this delightful bus excursion which will include a visit to Krushedol Monastery, located on the nearby mountain of Fruska Gora. Renowned for its fresco paintings dating from the 15th century, the monastery is also a burial place for legendary personalities from Serbian history, including King Milan Obrenovic and Duchess Ljubica. After the monastery visit you will continue on to the small town of Sremski Karlovci, the center of wine production of the region. Here you will visit the Zivanovic family, whose members have been producing their private label Bermet wine for over a century and whose products have been enjoyed by members of the Hapsburg Monarchy as well as the Russian Tsars! Your hosts will welcome you to their home, where you will tour their wine cellars and Museum of Honey which they also produce. In the lovely ambiance of their large garden, they will serve you several varieties of Bermet accompanied by honey and snacks. A great way to meet and experience Serbian hospitality. On the way back you will stop to tour Petrovaradin Fortress, referred to as the Gibraltar on the Danube. Built in the 18th century over 116 hectares, the fortress has 4 levels, more than 16 km of underground tunnels, 12,000 loopholes and 13 gates. Estimated Price: 30 Euro pp. Day 9 - Authentic Serbian Village and Home Hosted Lunch (substitutes lunch on board) 13:00-17:30 Instead of lunch on board, this tour will take you from downtown Belgrade to the little village of Jarak, where 3 generations of the Serbian Tosic family will welcome you to their farm! Here you will tour their home, their barns with various farm animals and their fruit orchards from which they brew their own slivovitz, or plum brandy, Serbia s national drink (also known as rocket fuel ). Then it's time for some homemade grub and festivities! Under a tent in their garden, the family and their neighbors will serve you a buffet lunch consisting of a vast array of Serbian delicacies from pita (cheese pie) to homemade kulen (special salami) to numerous fresh salads and the house specialty chicken paprikash! And while Grandpa Tosa enlivens you with his toasts and their two daughters serve you delicious treats, their sons-in-law and grandkids will pick up the harmonica and other instruments and entertain you with classic Serbian songs and dances! You may arrive as a tourist but we guarantee you will leave as a friend! All your food, wine, slivovitz, soft drinks and hospitality galore are included! Estimated Price: 35 Euro pp. Day 11 - Belogradchik Rocks - The most famous natural phenomena in Bulgaria, the Belogradchik Rocks, located in the nearby mountains around Belotintsi village boast of unique rock formations aptly named after - the Madonna, the Monk, Bear, Lion, Mushroom etc This unique product of Mother Nature is complemented by the Belogradhick Fortress some of whose walls and ramparts are over 2000 years old! Estimated Price: 25 Euro pp. Note: The above Optional Off-shore Excursions programs are for references and subject to change upon local arrangements. Please book and pay direct to the cruise after embarkation. 38 I CBT Holidays
SOUTHERN DANUBE CRUISE MS Navigator Deck Plan M/S RIVER NAVIGATOR : Built In 2002 and completely renovated from hull up in 2013 the River Navigator is the epitome of style and elegance! Her public areas consist of a one seat elegant restaurant, a 1950s-themed Rat Pack bar including an original juke box and statue of Frank Sinatra, a wonderful panorama lounge, a cozy library and an oversized covered sun deck offering fabulous views of the passing countryside. All standard twin cabins are 165sq feet in size and are spread over 4 decks. Low deck D cat. cabins have portholes, C category twin windows, B category big panoramic windows and A category full floor to ceiling French Balconies! Suites are double sized and include DVD s and mini bars. An elevator connects the middle and upper decks. With a maximum load of 134 passengers serviced by a crew of 36 the River navigator is sure to please even the most discriminating passengers! Non-smoking interiors on board currency Euro. UNIQUE DESTINATIONS I 39