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Danube to the Black Sea - European River Cruise Routes
Here is a typical itinerary for a river cruise on the Danube that takes you right down to the Black Sea. This one starts in Prague, in this case on the MS Poetry with AVALON. Most of these cruises last from 12 - 20 days, often with a couple of days spent in Prague or Budapest at the start. Avalon uses the Poetry, Trafalgar uses the River Countess and River Empress, and Uniworld the River Duchess. Tauck uses the MS Switzerland II or MS Swiss Diamond on similar trips.
When you check out the different tour aggregators' or agents' websites, you'll notice that many of them use the same copy, this is usually because they're taking it direct from the riverboat operator's brochure. In fact, I've noticed that even the different operators have very much the same information, so to some extent it's a case of read one, read 'em all (the links go to photos in our Destinations Gallery):
| Day 1-3 —
Prague, Czech Republic. (Thu.-Sat.)
Prague is a 1,000-year old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (BB daily)
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| Day 4 — Prague - Nuremberg, Germany. (Embarkation) (Sun.)After lunch drive to Nuremberg where the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you on board. (BB,D) |
| Day 5 — Nuremberg. (Mon.)
(Nuremberg info)
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg's traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metal working. (FB,L,D)
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| Day 6 — Regensburg. (Tue.)
Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and the Porta Pretoria — gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria's cultural centers. The Thurn und Taxis family, who until the second half of the 19th century had the monopoly on the German postal services, owns the impressive St. Emmerammus Abbey buildings making up the THURN UND TAXIS CASTLE. (FB,L,D)
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| Day 7 — Passau (info) - Linz (info), Austria. (Wed.)
Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with over 17,000 pipes. An optional full day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Linz, Austria's third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (FB,L,D)
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| Day 8 — Melk (photos or info) - Vienna. (Thu.)
Melk's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! Vienna, known as the "City of Music," inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (FB,L,D)
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| Day 9 — Vienna. (Fri.)
Once the center of the mighty Hapsburg Empire, Austria's capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. (FB,L,D)
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| Day 10-11 — Budapest, Hungary. (Sat. & Sun.)
Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the MATTHIAS CHURCH are sights not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika. Not far from the city and an integral part of Hungarian rural life is the Puszta, the vast grasslands where the country's beloved, fiery horses are reared. (FB,L,D daily). |
| Day 12 — Kalocsa (Mon.)
Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. The Archbishop's Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral dominate this quiet town, nowadays best known for paprika and folklore art. (FB,L,D)
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| Day 13 — Novi Sad, Serbia. (Tue.)
Overlooking the city of Novi Sad, with a spectacular view of the Danube and surroundings, is Marshal Vauban's unconquerable Petrovaradin Fortress. Dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region, resplendent with natural beauty and a proud history of struggle, victory, and defeat alike. (FB,L,D)
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Day 14 — Belgrade. (Wed.)
The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Its main sights include the city's principal landmark KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS, the world's largest Orthodox Church of St. Sava, and Marshal Tito's tomb and monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (FB,L,D) |
| Day 15 — Iron Gates. (Thu.)
The Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia are impressive sights on the right bank of the Danube. The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe's Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (FB,L,D)
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Day 16 — Svistov, Bulgaria-Veliko Târnovo-Arbanassi-Rousse. (Fri.)
A comfortable ride away from the river port of Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevits Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces and the PATRIARCH'S CHURCH. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY. Rousse today is Bulgaria's largest inland port. (FB,L,D)
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| Day 17 — Black Sea Canal, Romania-Constanta. (Sat.)
The 40-mile-long Black Sea Canal is the pride and joy of Communist achievement and was completed in 1984. Constanta, situated on the coast of the Black Sea, is the most important commercial center of Romania and a popular resort. Interesting sights are the NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM and the PETER AND PAUL ORTHODOX CHURCH. (FB,L,D)
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Day 18 — Oltenita (Disembarkation)-Bucharest. (Sun.)
Bucharest, Romania's lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name of "Paris of the East." Much recent history has taken place in the city. The impressive Parliament Building is the second-largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which finally led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. (FB) |
As you can see, the descriptions are a bit florid, but they give a pretty fair idea of the kind of experiences you can expect.
OUR ADVICE: concentrate on the ship you want to travel on and the route you want to travel, rather than the tour aggregator (of course, there's also price!). Be sure to check out our "Things to watch for" page too!
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