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| VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL |
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| Detailed Day by Day Itinerary |
| Eastern Europe & the Black Sea |
| Budapest to Bucharest |
| View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-13] |
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| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
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Depart Home / Budapest, Hungary / Embark Ship
When you arrive in Budapest, you’ll be greeted by a Vantage
Representative who will arrange your transfer to your Deluxe Vantage river cruise ship. Settle in and enjoy a Welcome Briefing where you can meet your fellow travellers and hear about the wonders in store for you. (Or, if you like, begin your trip four days earlier with our optional Vienna extension.)
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (L,D) |
3
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Budapest
Cultural Connection:
Attend a lecture on Hungarian history and traditions before disembarking for a panoramic city tour of regal Budapest. You’ll visit storybook Fishermen’s Bastion to take in the spectacular view across the Danube and St. Matthias Church. The rest of the day you’re free to explore Budapest at your own pace. If you like, join an optional Jewish Heritage Tour.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D) |
4
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Kalocsa, Hungary
Today you’ll venture into the vast Hungarian Puszta or Great Plain, where Hungary’s grand equestrian tradition is preserved. The scenery of the Puszta is unique in Europe, and this region, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is refreshingly unspoiled. The day’s highlight is a visit to a working horse ranch where you’ll enjoy a carriage ride and watch a daring equestrian show by authentic Hungarian csikós (cowboys), known across Europe for their prowess on horseback. Many are masters of the famous “Puszta Five,” a feat of equestrian skill that involves standing on two horses while steering three more in front. A Hungarian lunch is included. Back aboard ship, toast new friendships at the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner and admire the fantastic scenery as you cruise.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D) |
5
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Mohacs (Pecs), Hungary
From Mohacs, you'll set out on an excursion to Pecs. Your sightseeing
tour in Pecs features the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter and the
Roman Necropolis, together they are recognized as a UNESCO World
Heritage site.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D) |
6
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Vukovar (Osijek), Croatia
Cultural Connections: Following a lecture about Croatia’s struggle for independence, you’ll disembark to tour Vukovar and the vibrant university city of Osijek, where you’ll meet a Croatian family during lunch in their home. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about Croatia’s new-found independence first hand.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D) |
7
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Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Cultural Connection:
Attend a lecture on modern Serbia, then discover the newly independent country’s dynamic capital, Belgrade, on a half-day tour. Belgrade’s stormy 2500-year history has left the city somewhat disheveled — yet you’ll be impressed by the recent bold redevelopment and the positive outlook of the residents. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness a new page in Serbian history. You’ll have the afternoon free to experience Belgrade at your own pace. Or, you may take an optional tour via the Blue Train, the infamous private train of Joseph Broz Tito, former leader of now-defunct Yugoslavia. Cultural Connection: You’ll be treated to Serbian entertainment on board this evening.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D) |
8
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Cruising the Iron Gates of the Danube
Spend the morning taking in the scenery as centuries of history glide by. You’ll experience a travel milestone as your river ship passes through as series of gorges known as the Iron Gates of the Danube. This spectacular section of the river only recently became accessible to river traffic. As the ship passes through two sets of locks, you’ll hear commentary from the Bridge explaining the process. Best of all, you’ll witness where the river breaks through the barrier of the Southern Carpathian Mountains in a dramatic series of gorges, some less than 500 feet wide.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D) |
9
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Svistov, Bulgaria / Veliko Turnôvo & Arbanassi / Ruse
Step ashore for a full-day tour that takes you to Veliko Turnôvo, a 12th-century Bulgarian capital that was once second only to Constantinople as a regional power. A striking city of colorful houses perched dramatically along a winding gorge, Veliko Turnôvo has inspired centuries of artists — and there is still a thriving artists’ colony here. You’ll continue on to the 16th-century village of Arbanassi, where austere, fortress-like houses with high, solid walls and heavy gates hide lavish residences within. While in Arbanassi you’ll learn about life here by chatting with students during a restaurant lunch. Cultural Connection: Later, back aboard ship, an icon painter will demonstrate this centuries-old craft.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D) |
10
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Ruse
Cultural Connection:
This morning there’s a shipboard lecture about the European Union’s expansion to include Eastern Europe. Afterwards, disembark for a tour of the ancient port of Ruse, founded in the 1st century ad and located at the crossroads of Bulgarian history. Here you’ll see Bulgaria’s most magnificent city square, Svoboda Plaze and the Russian-style Sweta Trinity Church. Inside you’ll find well-preserved 16th-century murals, Eastern Orthodox icons, and gorgeous stained-glass windows. Enjoy a free afternoon. Cultural Connection: Back aboard ship, you’ll be delighted by a performance by a Bulgarian children’s dance group.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D) |
11
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Cernavoda (Constanta), Bulgaria
Today’s destination is the Black Sea resort of Varna, "the gem of the
Bulgarian Black Sea." Once a major trading port with Constantinope,
Venice, and Dubrovnik, Varna today is a vibrant seaside city that is
both a vacation resort destination and a college town. With the same
temperate climate as the French Riviera, Varna is a delight to visit at
any time of the year. See the highlights on a city tour and soak up the ambience during lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the captain's farewell party and dinner on board this evening.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B, L, D) |
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Oltenita, Romania / Disembark ship / Bucharest, Romania
Disembark in Oltenita and transfer to Bucharest, Romania's romantic capital. Take in Bucharest’s leafy, Old World boulevards during a panoramic city tour, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant and visiting the People’s Palace. After your tour, check into your hotel for the night.
InterContinental Hotel Bucharest  (B, L) |
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Bucharest / Return flight home
Or continue with our 4-night Transylvania extension.
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Breakfast, lunch & dinner included daily while on board your Vantage river cruise ship.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager or local representatives. In addition, should there be an extreme change in water levels, Vantage will do everything possible to provide either the included excursion or an alternate excursion at Vantage’s discretion.
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Vantage's ratings come from Travel Weekly's
Hotel & Travel Index, the industry's standard.
Deluxe / Moderate Deluxe 
Outstandng accommodations, offering superior service,
facilities, and location.
Superior First-Class 
Above average, with many special amenities, including
more restaurants, shops, and often a fitness center.
First Class / Moderate First-Class 
Comfortable, well-equipped standard rooms with private
bath and attractive public areas and amenities.
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