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AmaWaterways Arrow Europe 2024 Arrow 2024 : Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas) : 7- Night Cruise With 2 Nights Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Post-Cruise : Vienna to Istanbul : ms AmaBella
2024 : Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas) : 7- Night Cruise With 2 Nights Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Post-Cruise : Vienna to Istanbul : ms AmaBella

CRUISE FROM : Budapest to Giurgiu

From Vienna to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, the holiday season is a beautiful time of year along the lower Danube. Immerse yourself in the winter magic of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities await as they burst with traditional holiday cheer. You will relish the sight of beautiful landscapes, perhaps glistening with snow; discover Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastical shapes; and journey through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates. Wine and food lovers will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, and savor local seasonal sweets during Winterfest in Novi Sad, the first Christmas Market in Serbia. Be treated to the diverse culture and holidayjoy on this unforgettable journey down the Danube.

COUNTRIES: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Romania

RIVERS: Danube

Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas)

At A Glance

On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Included Features

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

    AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

    AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef's Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaine des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

    A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

    Land Program

  • 2 nights hotel in Vienna at the Intercontinental Vienna (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the hotel in Vienna to Budapest with city tour
  • Transfer from the ship in Giurgiu to Bran Castle and then Brasov
  • 2 nights hotel in Brasov at the Kronwell Brasov Hotel (or similar), including city tour, Sighisoara excursion and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the hotel in Brasov to Peles Royal Castle in Sinaia and then to Bucharest
  • 2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast

    Detailed Itinerary

    Day 1 : ARRIVE IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA
    Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel.

    Day 2 : VIENNA
    The 'City of Waltzes' offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered on your city tour. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. Following your city tour, spend your afternoon enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets. (B)

    Day 3 : VIENNA - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - EMBARKATION
    Transfer from Vienna via motorcoach to Budapest where you'll be taken on a city tour. Visit the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica and the Chain Bridge. (B,D)

    Day 4 : MOHACS - PECS
    Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs. You'll then visit Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city.You'll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pecs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. Or for wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohacs. (B,L,D)

    Day 5 : VUKOVAR, CROATIA - NOVI SAD, SERBIA
    Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas Market. Embrace the holiday cheer and rich culture as you listen to Christmas melodies, taste sweet and savory delights and shop for traditional handcrafted goods. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the 'Serbian Athens.' Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. Experience firsthand unique Orthodox traditions at Serbia's first and oldest Winter Market where you'll see the grand Singing Christmas Tree where choirs from all over the region gather to perform every day. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)

    Day 6 : BELGRADE
    Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. You'll have time to explore Belgrade's Winter Fest where the main square brims with holiday delights with colorful Christmas Market stalls, an ice-skating rink, concerts and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

    Day 7 : SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES
    Visit Golubac Fortress - a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River - before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)

    Day 8 : VIDIN, BULGARIA
    Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)

    Day 9 : ROUSSE - GIURGIU, ROMANIA
    Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the 'Little Paris of the East.' Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D)

    Day 10 : GIURGIU - DISEMBARKATION' BUCHAREST - ISTANBUL, TURKEY
    Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and board a motorcoach to journey through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest. Later, board your flight to Istanbul, where you'll check into your hotel. (B)

    Day 11 : ISTANBUL
    Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women's quarters) and the Imperial Treasury's vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond. (B)

    Day 12 : ISTANBUL
    Depart your hotel for an enriching guided walking tour, during which you will explore the Hagia Sophia, formerly a church before becoming a mosque and finally a museum. A beautiful example of Old-World architecture, this museum showcases lovely Christian murals and Islamic symbols throughout. After the Hagia Sophia, visit Istanbul's similarly beautiful Blue Mosque, named for the Blue Ä°znik tiles that cover its interior. For those who are interested, be guided to the lively Grand Bazaar and venture through the market before returning to your hotel. (B)

    Day 13 : DEPART ISTANBUL
    Bid farewell to Istanbul as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

  • Details
    Cruise LineAmaWaterways
    Duration
    13 Days
    Cruise Ship
    ms AmaBella
    Click for more information on this ship.
    Itinerary
    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Vienna  
    Day 2Vienna  
    Day 3Budapest  
    Day 4Pecs  
    Day 5Vukovar  
    Day 6Belgrade  
    Day 7Scenic Cruising Through The Iron Gates  
    Day 8Vidin  
    Day 9Giurgiu  
    Day 10Istanbul  
    Day 11Istanbul  
    Day 12Istanbul  
    Day 13Istanbul  
    Dates/Pricing
    Click Quote or call (410) 458-1854 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
    December 14, 2024 $5,858.00 (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer

    Notes:

    ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

    Port Charges not included in cruise price$224 per person.

    Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.

    Single Supplement for Cruise (AmaMagna)Category E and D 25% of twin price; Category AB, AA, SB and SA 50% of twin price; Category Grand Suite and Owners Suite 100% of twin price.

    Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

    VisaA Turkish Tourist Visa is required for entry into Istanbul, Turkey. All guests traveling to Turkey must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to their departure date.

    BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

    Terms & Conditions:

    All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

      
     
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