THE GRAND DANUBE

Departures

ONLY A FEW CABINS REMAINING!


The scenic heart of Eastern Europe, centred along the shores of one of the continent's greatest rivers, is the theme of this very special cruise/tour. Our journey begins in legendary Istanbul, the city where Asia and Europe join hands. Travelling by private coach we cross into Bulgaria and spend a night in the ancient centre of Plovdiv. We continue to Rousse, where we embark on the gracious Amadeus Amadante and cruise up the Blue Danube through the heart of Eastern Europe to magnificent Budapest. Great cities, historic palaces and monasteries, picturesque medieval walled towns and some of the most spectacular river scenery in the world - this cruise has it all.

Our river boat is the brand new Amadeus Amadante carrying up to 150 passengers in spacious comfort.

Designed with you in mind, this cruise/tour moves at a leisurely pace, the days filled with scenic cruising and exciting ports of call. Almost everything is included: most meals, full insurance coverage, all tips, all taxes, even your shore excursions, leaving you free to enjoy every minute of your cruise/tour. Call today to reserve your places.

Itinerary

October 14, Wednesday : Depart CANADA
Tour members from across Canada fly to Istanbul, Turkey.

October 15, Thursday : ISTANBUL, Turkey
On arrival in Istanbul, we will be met and taken to the Ritz Carlton Hotel (or similar - 3 nights). Balance of the day is at leisure.

October 16, Friday : ISTANBUL
Set on the banks of the Bosphorus where Europe and Asia meet, with the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south, Istanbul is truly a city rich in history. Our morning tour will show us the old city of Istanbul, including many of her Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. We will see the mighty defensive walls, Roman aqueduct and hippodrome; the Suleymaniye Mosque and church of the Pantocrator; as well as the Galata Tower. We will visit the Blue Mosque and one of Christendom¡¦s greatest churches, St Sophia. Dinner will be in a local Turkish folk restaurant.
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October 17, Saturday : ISTANBUL
This morning we will visit Topkapi, the Ottoman Sultans Grand Palace, home to every Sultan from the time of the conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century. The palace has many fine buildings, pavilions and courtyards. During our tour we will view the chambers of the Sultans, the Harem, the Treasury (home to the Topkapi diamond), Hagia Eirene Church (constructed by Constantine the Great in the 4th century) and the reception rooms of the Imperial court. This evening we can join an optional evening tour of Istanbul, including dinner.
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October 18, Sunday : ISTANBUL / PLOVDIV, Bulgaria
Departing early we travel by private coach into Bulgaria and to the country's second city, Plovdiv. Dating from the 12th Century BC, it is one of the oldest cities in Europe and retains many relics of the Roman era. Arriving late this evening we will have dinner at a local restaurant plus enjoy some time to see the highlights of the Old Town. Novotel Hotel (1night)
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October 19, Monday : VELIKO TURNAVO / ROUSSE
Our journey continues this morning through the countryside en route to Veliko Turnavo, the ancient capital of Bulgaria. Here we will explore Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city where we will see the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces, the Patriarchal Church and Baldwin's Tower. If tired of castles, you can enjoy the Samovodska Charshia, the traditional street market. Following a typical Bulgarian lunch, we continue to Rousse where we will embark on the Amadeus Amadente (7 nights).
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October 20, Tuesday : GIURGIU / BUCHAREST, Romania
Our full day excursion will take us to Bucharest. Capital and largest city in Romania, the "Paris of the East" is famed for its Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19th century. The post war communist era of grandiose architecture is brought home by the world's second largest building, the Parliament Palace. In the morning we will see the Arch of Triumph, Soseaua Kiseleff, Athenaeum and Library, as well as visit the Parliament Palace. Following lunch in a typical restaurant, we can enjoy free time for shopping and exploration or visit the open air museum, dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania.
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October 21, Wednesday : VIDIN, Bulgaria
The "Bada Vida" fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th century castle has thick walls and dark towers, which contrast with the natural green surroundings of the park within which it sits. We will also travel overland to see Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th century castle, located in a fairytale landscape of unusual rock formations.
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October 22, Thursday : CRUISING / IRON GATES
Today we enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most impressive natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube passes through narrow gorges, as the river winds between the Carpathian Mountains on one side of the river and the Balkan Mountains on the other. These natural borders today make up the frontier between Serbia and Romania.
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October 23, Friday : BELGRADE, Serbia
This morning you arrive in Belgrade, the Serbian Capital. The "white city - Bel Grad", dating back more than 2500 years, is located at the strategic meeting point of the Danube and Sava Rivers. The cultural and religious centre of Serbia, Belgrade has fortifications dating back to Celtic times, medieval tombs and Turkish baths. The Old Town streets are lined with 19th century buildings from the period of Serbian independence. The home of the Patriarch and St Sava, the largest Orthodox Church in the country, will be seen during our city tour, as well as the old and new towns. Highlights will include Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Square, Republic Square and Mihajlova Street; as well as Belgrade Fort, "Varoš" Gate and a visit to the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress.
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October 24, Saturday : NOVI SAD / VUKOVAR, Croatia
This morning we will visit Novi Sad in the heart of Serbia. Dominated by its huge fortress of Petrovaradin and the Fruska Gora Mountains, Novi Sad dates back to the Romans and Byzantines (it was the 13th century Tartar invasion that resulted in the original fortress). Ruled by the Ottoman Turks for 160 years, the current fortress, which we shall visit, was improved and modified by the Hapsburg Austrians. This afternoon we will visit the Croatian centre of Vukovar. Situated in Eastern Slavonia at the confluence of the Vuka and Danube Rivers, Vukovar has had many masters including the Austrians, Ottoman Turks, Germans, Croatians and Serbians. Our sightseeing excursion (by coach and on foot) will show us the Franciscan Monastery of St John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and the Churches of St Philip and St Roch. This evening we sail between Serbia and Croatia before crossing into Hungary.
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October 25, Sunday : MOHACS / PECS, Hungary
Our morning excursion will take us from Mohacs to Pecs, an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the centuries of Ottoman rule. Surrounded by rolling hills and vine clad slopes, the town has a Mediterranean feel. Our local guides will fascinate us with ancient tales on our walking excursion to the Synagogue, the former Turkish Mosque and Christian Basilica.
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October 26, Monday : BUDAPEST / DEBARK
Leaving our floating home this morning, our countryside excursion takes us into the Puszta, the vast Great Hungarian Plain, where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival we will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. We can take a ride in an Ox-cart, see a typical Gypsy village and marvel at the equestrian skills of the riders and drivers during the horse show. We will enjoy a light lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before we return to Budapest and Hotel Kempinski Corvinus (2 nights).
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October 27, Tuesday : BUDAPEST, Hungary
Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where we will have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Our tour also features the 500-year old Matthias Church, St. Stephen's Basilica, the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore the main square of ancient Buda, to visit the National Museum or to stroll in the Statue Park.
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October 28, Wednesday : BUDAPEST / CANADA
Our fascinating journey draws to a close as we transfer to the airport for our return flights to Canada.
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All cabin categories are subject to availability at time of booking - book early for best choice. A limited number of cabins can be used for single occupancy - early booking is essential. All prices are based on costs and exchange rates effective April 2008 and are subject to change.

Your tour price and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($225 per person). This insurance carries restrictions on pre-existing conditions - please discuss the insurance with our staff. See our website for more information. The deposit is refundable until May 15, 2009. Final payment is due July 16, 2009.

Prices from other cities are available on request. Cruise costs based on sharing an outside twin cabin (Cat E on Piano Deck - Aft).

Rating Level THREE - Passengers with limited walking should be aware that streets in many European cities are paved with cobblestones, making walking more difficult. Both city visits and shore excursions will involve considerable walking.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $1500 per person to Craig Travel's office.