Bucharest, Istanbul & The Black Sea

12 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
41 reviews  
90%
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River Cruise
This tour is been discontinued instead see:     Budapest to Istanbul Beijing to Istanbul Istanbul Experience     Ancient Vikings navigated Danube and Black Sea waters all the way to Constantinople of old and back. You’ll trace a similar route on this unique 12-day itinerary, its centerpiece a cruise on the western Black Sea. Here, the tides of...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Explore Odessa’s stately 19th-century architecture and take in its blend of Russian heritage and Mediterranean sensibilities
    • Witness the lush preserve of Romania’s Danube Delta.

What's this trip about?

    This tour is been discontinued instead see:     Budapest to Istanbul Beijing to Istanbul Istanbul Experience     Ancient Vikings navigated Danube and Black Sea waters all the way to Constantinople of old and back. You’ll trace a similar route on this unique 12-day itinerary, its centerpiece a cruise on the western Black Sea. Here, the tides of history have left fascinating vestiges from ancient civilizations on Romanian and Bulgarian shores. You’ll also witness the lush preserve of Romania’s Danube Delta. And during overnight stays, enjoy ample time to explore Bucharest, Romania’s cosmopolitan capital, and Istanbul, where East meets West on the glorious shores of the Bosporus Strait.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range50 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBucharest
End CityIstanbul

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Romania
  • Turkey

Attractions

  • Istanbul

Activities

  • Historic sightseeing
  • River cruise

Trip includes

    • 8-day river cruise with river-view stateroom
    • 2 nights each at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel & Conrad Istanbul (or similar)
    • 8 guided tours with audio headset
    • All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, including 3 lunches in local restaurants & hotel breakfasts
    • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service
    • Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    • Culture Curriculum: Lectures on the Danube Delta, history of Ukraine & Ottoman Empire; learn how to make your own varenyky; enjoy authentic flavors of Eastern Europe
    • Free Wi-Fi, connection speed may vary
    • All port charges

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Bucharest, Romania
Accommodation : Bucharest Church Patriarch, Romania Arrive at the Bucharest airport and transfer to the superior first-class Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest (or similar) in the heart of the city for a 1-night stay.* Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or do some exploring on your own.

Day 2: Bucharest, Romania
Meals : B, L Accommodation : Romanian countryside Discover Romania’s glorious capital city today. An included tour introduces you to the Romanian Athenaeum, a graceful domed concert hall and the pride of Romania; Stavropoleos Monastery, a stunning example of Byzantine a...
Day 3: Tulcea, Romania
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : After breakfast, transfer to the Danube port city of Tulcea. Upon arrival in Tulcea enjoy a guided visit of the Danube Delta Museum before embarking your ship. Danube Delta

Day 4: Danube Delta
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : UNESCO Odessa, Ukraine Sail the Danube Delta, one of Europe’s most ecologically diverse regions and one of the continent’s largest delta systems. Myriad bird species thrive here amidst countless rivulets and channels. Join an included nature cruise on a small boat to explore this unspoiled UNESCO World Heritage Site up close.

Day 5: Odessa, Ukraine
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : Odessa, Ukraine Cruise into the open waters of the Black Sea to call on the Ukrainian port of Odessa. A half-day city tour reveals the highlights of this elegant city of terraced hills and landscaped parks. Travel along Primorski Boulevard, see Potemkin Steps and visit the Cathedral of the Transfiguration. This evening, attend a performance at the Odessa Opera and Ballet House.

Day 6: Odessa, Ukraine
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : Constanţa Casino, Romania Today you have a full day to explore Odessa’s stately 19th-century architecture and take in its blend of Russian heritage and Mediterranean sensibilities as you stroll along its charming boulevards. You may choos...
Day 7: Constanța, Romania
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : Assumption Cathedral, Varna, Bulgaria You will hug the shores of the western Black Sea this morning. After lunch, call on Romania’s port of Constanţa. This was a favored stop on Viking trade routes en route to Constantinople, today’s Istanbul. On an included tour, you’ll view the city’s highlights such as the grand seaside Constanţa Casino and Ovid Square.

Day 8: Varna, Bulgaria
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : Boats harbored in the Black Sea, Nessebar, Bulgaria Explore Bulgaria’s Black Sea port of Varna today. Gold treasure dating to 4750 BC, the oldest in the world, has been uncovered here. You’ll see this priceless Varna gold for yourself on ...
Day 9: Nessebar, Bulgaria
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : UNESCO Uncover the rich past of Nessebar today. Three millennia of history have unfolded on this beautiful peninsula, leaving behind an incredible repository of architecture and relics. You’ll see many of them on an included walking tour ...
Day 10: Istanbul, Turkey
Meals : B, L Accommodation : Istanbul, Turkey This morning, you’ll disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your short flight to Istanbul. After arrival in this exotic city, transfer to your hotel.

Day 11: Istanbul, Turkey
Meals : B Accommodation : Istanbul, Turkey This morning, explore the intoxicating sights of Istanbul on an included tour. You’ll stop to admire Hagia Sophia, the former church and mosque, whose exquisite mosaics and frescoes glimmer under a soaring dome. Look closely fo...
Day 12: Istanbul, Turkey
Meals : B After breakfast, proceed to the Istanbul airport. Or, continue your stay here with an additional 2-night extension so you can take in more of this thrilling city.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,006
Price per day$251
Last Updated: 8/19/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Viking River Cruises.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Viking River Cruises Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Average
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Terrible
2
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Viking River Cruises

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Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail.

We call this the Viking Experience. It’s the way your bartender has your drink prepared at just the right moment. The gentle guidance from your tai chi master during your lesson in China. Or the handwritten directions from your concierge to the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna. Every aspect of your time with Viking, from expertly prepared meals to carefully created enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships, is planned to bring you closer to experiencing the most from your destination.

With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, we offer behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set us apart from other travel companies.

While we deliver the expected and iconic, such as visits to museums and landmarks, we also go beyond. On every itinerary, you can experience local life through such excursions as home-hosted visits or trips to local markets. We also offer the opportunity to see the working world of bakers and artisans, and the option for our guests to experience priviledged access to museums, private collections and after-hours events that we thoughtfully curate.

DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION

Our daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people of the land.

GAIN GREATER INSIGHT

Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. Our Culture Curriculum, an enriching onboard program, infuses every cruise and brings history to life.

CAPTURE THE CULTURE

Accompany us on a shopping trip to the local market. Walk through the door of a centuries-old cathedral or visit a contemporary art museum. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. Our tastings and demonstrations expand your mind and satisfy your senses.

EXPLORE ASHORE

Have you yearned to visit the vaults of the famed Hermitage Museum? Attend a classical concert in Vienna? Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian? Your Program Director can organize a variety of optional tours.

PERSONALIZE

An appointment at the best spa in Prague or dinner at one of Lyon’s Michelin-star restaurants? Our onboard Viking Concierge is there to assist you with special requests.

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What they’re known for
Classy European and Asian river cruises with premium offerings like personal excursions and private access to attractions.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
50 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
viking-bucistvik

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