Insight > Aegean Danube and Black Sea Explorer

Aegean Danube and Black Sea Explorer
14 Days starting from $2,699

Countries Visited:
Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Turkey

 

Length: 14 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Ancient Civilizations 2008
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E970
   
 
About This Tour


This tour is well balanced with mainly two and three-night stays. Some driving days are longer than usual, due to the terrain covered and smaller roads. However, this is off-set by the frequent stops for refreshments and photo opportunities.
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 14

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner with traditional entertainment in Istanbul (HD)
  • 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

14 Days ~ Turkey ~ Bulgaria ~ Romania ~ Greece

Tour Pace
This tour is well balanced with mainly two and three-night stays. Some driving days are longer than usual, due to the terrain covered and smaller roads. However, this is off-set by the frequent stops for refreshments and photo opportunities as well as the days at leisure.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Istanbul.

DAY 2 – SUN – ISTANBUL
Welcome to Istanbul! On arrival at Istanbul Airport, there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel. Settle in and relax, or start exploring the wonders of this glorious city. Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Barcelo Topkapi Eresin.

DAY 3 – MON – ISTANBUL SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing day reveals the glory of the city, both ancient and modern. Visit the Blue Mosque to see its six soaring minarets and vibrant blue and green tiled interior. Continue to Topkapi Palace, where the private palaces of the Sultans have been transformed into a series of glorious museums. Conclude the tour at the Grand Bazaar, a bustling trading centre since the 15th century where there are more than 4,000 shops, cafés and tea houses. Sip mint tea as you bargain with the stall owner in time-honoured ritual! Enjoy a Highlight Dinner with traditional entertainment. (BB,HD)

DAY 4 – TUE – ISTANBUL AT LEISURE
This morning enjoy a visit to the Cathedral of St Sophia, at one time a Cathedral and a mosque, and now a magnificent museum. The rest of the day is free to explore this exotic city! Perhaps cross the Bosphorus Bridge to visit Beylerbeyi Palace? (BB)

DAY 5 – WED – ISTANBUL – SUNNY BEACH
Head west towards Bulgaria, travelling through rich farmland, where the horse and cart is still widely used. Follow the shores of the Black Sea through the resort towns of Burgas and delightful Nesebar, with wooden fishing cottages and old churches, separated from the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Stay in the nearby modern resort of Sunny Beach for the next two nights.
Hotel: Meridian. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – THU – BLACK SEA AT LEISURE
A day to relax on the beach and enjoy lunch in one of the many seafront restaurants or take an excursion to visit the summer palace of Queen Marie of Romania in pretty Balchik. (BB)

DAY 7 – FRI – SUNNY BEACH – BUCHAREST
Cross the Danube and head towards the Romanian capital, Bucharest. On arrival, a sightseeing tour takes in the immense Parliament Palace, University Square and former Communist headquarters.
Hotel: Grand Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – SAT – BRAN CASTLE EXCURSION
Head north from Bucharest and follow the Prahova Valley to the elegant alpine resort of Sinaia, nestling beneath the Transylvanian Alps. Imagine a horse and carriage careering up a wet mountainous road – thunder and lightning illuminating the imposing medieval castle guarding the Transylvanian border. Discover if this popular image of Dracula’s castle is true or, like the vampire story itself, only a myth, as you visit Bran Castle – said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s book. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – SUN – BUCHAREST – SOFIA
Cross the Danube at Ruse and continue to the one-time capital of Bulgaria, Velika Turnovo, whose houses cling to the cliffs of the river Yantra. Cross the Balkan Mountains and drive over the plains to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, for the next two nights.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – MON – SOFIA
Sightseeing takes in the St Sofia Church across the square from the golden domed St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archeological complex, dominated by St George’s Church. The afternoon is at leisure. Why not visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, the most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. (BB)

DAY 11 – TUE – SOFIA – KALAMBAKA
Following the valley of the River Struma, head south into Greece. Cross the plains of Thessaly to Kalambaka.
Hotel: Divani Meteora. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – WED – KALAMBAKA – ATHENS
Visit the centuries-old monasteries of Metéora, with their precarious cliff-top settings, where early Christians worshipped. Drive through the centre of classical Greek civilisation with its ancient ruins and intricate mythology towards Delphi. See the dominating Temple of Apollo, site of the legendary Oracle of Antiquity, with Mount Parnassus rearing high above. Continue to Athens, ‘the City of the Gods’.
Hotel: Metropolitan. (BB)

DAY 13 – THU – ATHENS SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing tour delves deep into the glorious history of Athens. The main highlight is the visit to the Acropolis to admire the Parthenon, built in honour of the goddess Athena; then see the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. The afternoon is free to explore this ancient but lively city. (BB)

DAY 14 – FRI – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)

3 Night Greek Island Cruise and Athens Extension
Visiting Mykonos, Rhodes, Patmos & Kusadasi

Why not extend your stay in Greece & join a 3 night cruise around the Greek Islands & Turkey. An extra night’s accommodation on your return to Athens is also included.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
5/3/2008 - 5/16/2008
$2,699
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5/17/2008 - 5/30/2008
$2,699
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7/12/2008 - 7/25/2008
$2,699
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8/23/2008 - 9/5/2008
$2,699
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9/6/2008 - 9/19/2008
$2,699
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9/20/2008 - 10/3/2008
$2,699
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Hotels
Virtually all the hotels on this tour are modern or have been recently refurbished like the Grand Plaza in Bucharest. The Meridian is situated in the Black Sea resort of Sunny Beach, just a few steps from the sandy shore. From the Metropolitan you can see both the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea.

Fellow Passengers
This new addition to Insight’s portfolio of tours will attract the more adventurous traveler who wishes to explore Eastern European countries which for so long were closed to tourists. This is also a must for fans of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Highlights
A tour of contrasts! Compare the Temple of Apollo built by the ancient Greeks, with Ceausescu’s gargantuan Parliament Palace. Journey from the mosques of Istanbul into the Transylvanian Alps in search of Dracula and on to the Monasteries of Metéora.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights
  • Visit the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and the Cathedral of St Sophia in Istanbul
  • See the ancient churches and cobbled streets of Nesebar
  • See the Parliament Palace and University Square in Bucharest
  • Visit Velika Turnovo, old capital of Bulgaria
  • See the golden dome cathedral, centuries old churches, and Soviet-era buildings of Sofia
  • Visit the ancient site of Delphi with its Temple of Apollo
  • See the Temple of Zeus in Athens
  • Temple of the Wingless Victory and Hadrian’s Arch.

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Bucharest, Sofia, Athens & Delphi
  • Orientation tours in Nesebar & Sinaia

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 14

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner with traditional entertainment in Istanbul (HD)
  • 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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