2010 – 12 Days from $4,290
Chart a leisurely course along the romantic lower Danube River aboard Tauck's luxury riverboats ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel, exploring rich cultural legacies. Cruise by medieval monasteries, citadels and villages, and through the Iron Gate of the Danube. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, and see performances of folkloric dancing and horsemanship skills. Examine fascinating museums of fine art, traditional homesteads and folk art. Share local specialties with your Bulgarian contemporaries at a special home-hosted lunch; choose to visit a former royal Romanian residence or the isolated island monastery where the original Dracula is said to be entombed; and put your feet in the Black Sea. One of several Danube cruises from Tauck, this memorable journey travels through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, with two nights on land at 5-star hotels in Budapest and Bucharest.
Eastbound
Click here for Westbound itinerary.
Experience the romance of Old Europe on
Inclusive Prices
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Cruises – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your cruise. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the cruise cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your cruise.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, riverboat, airline, train and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Airline Security Measures –
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at Le Méridien Hotel Budapest. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel on the last day of the tour. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your cruise for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Travel Document Requirements –
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into each of the countries visited on this tour. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of the countries visited for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited to determine what travel documentation is required.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.
We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Air Conditioning – The hotels, riverboat and motor coaches are air conditioned for your comfort.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this cruise to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.
Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each guest room at the hotels and in each cabin on board the riverboat.
The riverboat provides limited valet laundry services for a fee and no dry cleaning. Ironing facilities are available.
We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise on the Danube:
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is 1,776 ft (541 m).
Health – While a cruise from Budapest to the Black Sea is very relaxing and the pace leisurely,to enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at yur discretion. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps.
Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator runs between the Diamond and Ruby decks only and does not go up to the Emerald or Sun decks. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.
On the Emerald deck, you will find a Wellness Center, which is complimentary and available on a sign-up basis by obtaining a key from the Font Desk. The center includes a tanning bed, Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and toilet.
Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this cruise. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you.
The water on board the ship is potable, and complimentary bottled water is placed in your cabin each day. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.
On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.
Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour. You may also purchase Tauck Travel Protection.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania or Bulgaria. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited on this tour to determine whether vaccinations are required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions –
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here.
We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage - General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary.
Currency and Exchange Rates - Although it is not necessary for you to exchange money prior to your trip, it may be useful to have a small amount of local currency with you when sightseeing. If upon arrival you require local currency, you can visit one of the many currency exchange facilities at the airport or use an ATM. There are foreign currency exchange services available at the hotels in Budapest and Bucharest. The riverboat does not exchange currency, but does accept Euro, American Express, MasterCard and Visa as methods of settling shipboard accounts.
In all the countries visited on this tour credit cards and travelers’ checks are not widely accepted, fees are often charged for currency exchange, and ATMs are often not found outside of main cities. In these countries, paying cash for purchases in the local currency – and often in U.S. dollars - is preferable.
The official currency of each country and its corresponding universal currency code is listed below:
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
New for 2010! Two special departures -
Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube
2010 Itinerary
Eastbound
Click here for Westbound itinerary.
Day 1 - Your adventure begins in Budapest
This most exciting of Danube cruises and tours begins at 6:00 PM at Le Méridien Budapest. A transfer is included from Budapest's Ferihegy Airport to Le Méridien Budapest in the heart of the city's Pest section. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors at the welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner in the hotel this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Budapest, Hungary
Day 2 - Discover bustling Budapest, past and present
Your exploration of Budapest begins with a special visit to the opulent State Opera House in Pest, opened in 1884. Later, view the Parliament building, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece; Heroes' Square, bounded by some of the finest architectural works in Hungary; and such Budapest treasures as City Park, Central Market Hall, and tree-lined Andrassy Avenue.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Le Méridien Budapest, Hungary
• Day 3 - Visit Budapest landmarks and set off on your cruise
After a morning at leisure, tour Buda's Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided walking tour; see architectural landmarks such as iconic Fishermen's Bastion and 700-year-old Matthias Church. Board your Tauck luxury riverboat to launch this most extraordinary of Danube cruises, bound for Solt. Note: Matthias Church may be closed on some departures due to services.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 4 - Horses and folkways in Hungary
A horse-drawn wagon ride takes you to the Equestrian Center, where you'll see Puszta horsemen demonstrating traditional skills. Then cruise to Kalocsa, celebrated for its paprika and folk art, where you'll visit the beautiful Baroque library in the Bishop's Palace, housing one of the finest early collections in Europe.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 5 - Cruise to Croatia's historic cities
As your discovery of the lower Danube cruises into Croatia, attend an on-board lecture on the country's culture and history. Travel overland to the Baroque city of Vukovar, once showcasing opulent 18th-century mansions, but now poignantly symbolizing the effects of the 1990s war as it rebuilds. Continue cruising to Serbia this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 6 - Serbia's cosmopolitan capital, Belgrade
Dock early morning in Belgrade, Serbia's modern capital at the juncture of the Danube and Sava rivers, with roots dating back to 3 BC. A shipboard lecture sets the stage for sightseeing including visits to Tito's Memorial, St. Sava Church, and Kalemegdan Fortress, one of the city's key historic sites. You'll also see busy Slavija Square in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia's Parliament complex, Republic Square, the National Theatre and City Hall. Back aboard your riverboat, enjoy some leisure time before dinner, which is followed by a music and dance presentation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 7 - The Iron Gate, King Decebalus and more
Continuing one of Tauck's popular Danube cruises, relax on a day's cruise past the fields and vineyards of Eastern Europe; shipboard activities which may be offered during your cruise range from cooking demonstrations to folkloric, music and dance performances. Pass into Romania and through the Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate of the Danube, a two-mile-long series of narrow gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. As you glide along the Bulgarian / Romanian border, look for the massive monument to the 2nd-century Dacian King Decebalus - Europe's tallest rock sculpture, completed in 2004 - carved into the riverbank on the Romanian side, as well as spectacular views of the Transylvanian Alps.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 8 - Big day in Bulgaria
Learn all about Iconography with a lecture and demonstration as your journey along the lower Danube cruises to Svishtov, Bulgaria, for excursions to nearby towns. Travel to the medieval capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo, whose ancient walled fortress and castle are set atop three hills overlooking the Yantra River. In the nearby town of Arbanassi, you'll enjoy a unique opportunity to meet and share local specialties with your Bulgarian contemporaries at a private, home-hosted lunch. A busy day concludes with an on-board presentation on Bulgarian customs, as well as special music and dance perfomances.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 9 - Exploring Romania’s Black Sea coast
Arrive in Cernavoda and head off on a day trip to Romania's Black Sea coast, stopping at the seaside resort towns of Constanta - where you'll take a guided tour - and Mamaia, set at the edge of the Black Sea. You may want to take a walk along one of Mamaia's fine beaches - they're the only ones in Europe sporting pure-white sand, and have helped make Mamaia a popular vacation destination for more than a century. Please join us aboard the riverboat for the Captain's farewell cocktail reception and dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Day 10 - Bucharest beckons
After disembarking your riverboat and bidding the crew goodbye in Cernavoda, travel through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, capital of Romania and once regarded as the "Paris of the Balkans." A sightseeing tour includes Revolution Square and the Triumphal Arch; erected to commemorate Romania's reunification and those who fell in World War I, it is a smaller but exact copy of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. You'll also pay a visit to the massive People's Palace, home to Romania's Parliament; the world's second-largest building after the Pentagon, some parts of it are reportedly still unfinished! Tonight you'll spend the first of two nights at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel in the heart of the city.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Bucharest, Romania
Day 11 - Castles, monasteries and mysteries in Romania
A choice of sightseeing in Romania today invites you to opt for a full day's excursion to tour fairy-tale Peles Castle in Sinaia - built for Romania's royal family in the 1880s - or a boat ride to Snagov Island to visit isolated Snagov Monastery, said to be the final resting place of Vlad Tepes, the historical model for Bram Stoker's character of Dracula. Both groups return to Bucharest as Tauck's memorable Danube cruise draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Bucharest, Romania
Day 12 - Homeward bound
Tour ends in Bucharest, Romania. A transfer is included from the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel to Bucharest Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Experience the romance of Old Europe on
this most memorable of Danube cruises - book today!
Inclusive Prices
Cruise prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All riverboat accommodations, motor coach transportation, port charges, land excursions, admissions, entertainment, special dinners, wine with dinner aboard the riverboat, all-day soft drinks, sightseeing, porterage, and the services of the Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, hotel and ship staff, local guides and drivers are included. Transportation from Budapest Ferihegy International Airport to the Le Méridien Hotel Budapest is included, regardless of the date and time of your arrival, provided that you have furnished us with accurate air arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Transportation from the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel to Henri Coandă International Airport, formerly known as Bucharest Otopeni International Airport is also included, whenever you choose to depart.Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other Tauck guests.
Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations - The cruise price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations. Our standard is to provide the best available hotel accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of one hotel may differ slightly from another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels.
The ms Swiss Sapphire, and the ms Swiss Jewel each accommodate only 118 guests. Your well-appointed, outside-facing cabin is equipped with a plasma television, mini-bar, radio, international direct-dial telephone, safe and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and an en suite bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds that do slide together. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this cruise.
Other riverboat facilities include a lounge with a panoramic bar and dance floor, a spacious restaurant that can accommodate all guests in one seating, a large sun deck with deck chairs as well as a whirlpool, sauna, solarium, library, fitness center and small boutique.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
An ample buffet breakfast, both hot and cold, is served in the spacious restaurant. At lunch, you are presented with a choice of entrée with several courses, or a delicious buffet. Dinner’s choice of entrée is accompanied with an international selection of wines. Please let us know about your special dietary requirements when booking your cruise; vegetarian and special diets are available with advance notice, however kosher meals cannot be accommodated. We will be pleased to meet your special dietary requirements whenever possible.
Complimentary all-day soft drinks, coffee and tea service, cookies and fruit are available in the Lido Bar. A continental breakfast of muffins, pastries, fruit and yogurt is served here daily.
The legal drinking age aboard the riverboat is 21 years old.
Tauck Director – Each Budapest to the Black Sea riverboat cruise has one Tauck Director for every 40 guests and one Tauck Cruise Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Directors are professional, fully trained employees of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for the hotel and ship staff, local guides, drivers, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director are included.
No Options Sold - Your Tauck Directors will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations - The cruise price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations. Our standard is to provide the best available hotel accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of one hotel may differ slightly from another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels.
The ms Swiss Sapphire, and the ms Swiss Jewel each accommodate only 118 guests. Your well-appointed, outside-facing cabin is equipped with a plasma television, mini-bar, radio, international direct-dial telephone, safe and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and an en suite bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds that do slide together. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this cruise.
Other riverboat facilities include a lounge with a panoramic bar and dance floor, a spacious restaurant that can accommodate all guests in one seating, a large sun deck with deck chairs as well as a whirlpool, sauna, solarium, library, fitness center and small boutique.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
An ample buffet breakfast, both hot and cold, is served in the spacious restaurant. At lunch, you are presented with a choice of entrée with several courses, or a delicious buffet. Dinner’s choice of entrée is accompanied with an international selection of wines. Please let us know about your special dietary requirements when booking your cruise; vegetarian and special diets are available with advance notice, however kosher meals cannot be accommodated. We will be pleased to meet your special dietary requirements whenever possible.
Complimentary all-day soft drinks, coffee and tea service, cookies and fruit are available in the Lido Bar. A continental breakfast of muffins, pastries, fruit and yogurt is served here daily.
The legal drinking age aboard the riverboat is 21 years old.
Tauck Director – Each Budapest to the Black Sea riverboat cruise has one Tauck Director for every 40 guests and one Tauck Cruise Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Directors are professional, fully trained employees of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for the hotel and ship staff, local guides, drivers, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director are included.
No Options Sold - Your Tauck Directors will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Cruises – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your cruise. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the cruise cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your cruise.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, riverboat, airline, train and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:
- Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
- Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
- Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
- Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
- Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
- File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
- Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
- Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures –
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at Le Méridien Hotel Budapest. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel on the last day of the tour. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your cruise for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing to Go
Travel Document Requirements –
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into each of the countries visited on this tour. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of the countries visited for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited to determine what travel documentation is required.
You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― There are no babysitting services available on the riverboat. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety during the cruise. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Babysitting ― There are no babysitting services available on the riverboat. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety during the cruise. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Air Conditioning – The hotels, riverboat and motor coaches are air conditioned for your comfort.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this cruise to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.
Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each guest room at the hotels and in each cabin on board the riverboat.
The riverboat provides limited valet laundry services for a fee and no dry cleaning. Ironing facilities are available.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.
We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise on the Danube:
- Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
- Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
- An optional jacket and tie for men
- Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Swimwear
- Gym wear
- A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
- Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and/or plenty of film
- Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Battery-operated travel alarm clock
- Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
- Zipper-lock bags
- Daypack for camera equipment
- Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Health – While a cruise from Budapest to the Black Sea is very relaxing and the pace leisurely,to enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at yur discretion. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps.
Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator runs between the Diamond and Ruby decks only and does not go up to the Emerald or Sun decks. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.
On the Emerald deck, you will find a Wellness Center, which is complimentary and available on a sign-up basis by obtaining a key from the Font Desk. The center includes a tanning bed, Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and toilet.
Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this cruise. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you.
The water on board the ship is potable, and complimentary bottled water is placed in your cabin each day. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.
On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.
Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour. You may also purchase Tauck Travel Protection.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania or Bulgaria. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited on this tour to determine whether vaccinations are required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions –
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here.
We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage - General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary.
Currency and Exchange Rates - Although it is not necessary for you to exchange money prior to your trip, it may be useful to have a small amount of local currency with you when sightseeing. If upon arrival you require local currency, you can visit one of the many currency exchange facilities at the airport or use an ATM. There are foreign currency exchange services available at the hotels in Budapest and Bucharest. The riverboat does not exchange currency, but does accept Euro, American Express, MasterCard and Visa as methods of settling shipboard accounts.
In all the countries visited on this tour credit cards and travelers’ checks are not widely accepted, fees are often charged for currency exchange, and ATMs are often not found outside of main cities. In these countries, paying cash for purchases in the local currency – and often in U.S. dollars - is preferable.
The official currency of each country and its corresponding universal currency code is listed below:
- Bulgaria - Lev (BGN)
- Romania - New Lei (RON)
- Serbia - Dinar (CSD)
- Croatia - Kuna (HRK)
- Hungary - Forint (HUF)
To obtain the most current exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website, oanda.com, by clicking here
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country visited has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with each country’s specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country visited has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with each country’s specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
Croatia – VisaHQ.com
Romania - VisaHQ.com
Romania - VisaHQ.com
Serbia – VisaHQ.com
Bulgaria – VisaHQ.com
Hungary – VisaHQ.com
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Each of the countries visited levies a Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Each of the countries visited levies a Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services.
- Hungary - 20%
- Croatia - 22%
- Serbia - 18%
- Romania - 19%
- Bulgaria - 20%
The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods. As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The hotels in Hungary and Bulgaria, and the riverboat, are powered by a 220 V, 50Hz, AC, electrical system, which accommodates standard European plugs with two round prongs. However, on the riverboat, cabins are also equipped with a 110 V outlet for shavers. If you bring an electrical device that is not compatible, you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Le Méridien Budapest - High-speed access for a fee in public areas
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel - High-speed wired and wireless access in guest rooms; wireless access in public areas
Riverboats - Complimentary internet access is available; stationary computers are located in the lido bar. Please be advised that the accessibility is through cellular service and is spotty at times due to the ship’s location on the river. Internet connectivity recommendations and sign-up sheets for the stationary computer are available on board. You may bring your own laptop aboard the riverboats but you should be aware of the challenges with internet access on the rivers.
Time Zones – Hungary, Croatia and Serbia are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time); Romania and Bulgaria are 2 hours ahead. From late March through October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 and 3 hours ahead respectively.
To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather – The climate along the Danube River changes from temperate to continental to maritime as you cruise eastward. Budapest experiences long, sunny summers that are warm and humid. Bucharest experiences hot and dry summers with moderate humidity. The Black Sea coast is similar in climate to the Mediterranean with moderating breezes off the water. From June through August, the average high temperatures increase slightly as you travel east along the river until you reach the Black Sea and range from 72 to 83°F (22 to 28°C). The average low temperatures range from 57 to 64°F (14 to 18°C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wettest seasons of the year. Conversely, as temperatures rise, rainfall decreases as you reach the Black Sea.
Electrical Current – The hotels in Hungary and Bulgaria, and the riverboat, are powered by a 220 V, 50Hz, AC, electrical system, which accommodates standard European plugs with two round prongs. However, on the riverboat, cabins are also equipped with a 110 V outlet for shavers. If you bring an electrical device that is not compatible, you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Le Méridien Budapest - High-speed access for a fee in public areas
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel - High-speed wired and wireless access in guest rooms; wireless access in public areas
Riverboats - Complimentary internet access is available; stationary computers are located in the lido bar. Please be advised that the accessibility is through cellular service and is spotty at times due to the ship’s location on the river. Internet connectivity recommendations and sign-up sheets for the stationary computer are available on board. You may bring your own laptop aboard the riverboats but you should be aware of the challenges with internet access on the rivers.
Time Zones – Hungary, Croatia and Serbia are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time); Romania and Bulgaria are 2 hours ahead. From late March through October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 and 3 hours ahead respectively.
To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather – The climate along the Danube River changes from temperate to continental to maritime as you cruise eastward. Budapest experiences long, sunny summers that are warm and humid. Bucharest experiences hot and dry summers with moderate humidity. The Black Sea coast is similar in climate to the Mediterranean with moderating breezes off the water. From June through August, the average high temperatures increase slightly as you travel east along the river until you reach the Black Sea and range from 72 to 83°F (22 to 28°C). The average low temperatures range from 57 to 64°F (14 to 18°C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wettest seasons of the year. Conversely, as temperatures rise, rainfall decreases as you reach the Black Sea.
|
|
Average Temperature
|
|||
|
|
Budapest, Hungary
|
Belgrade, Serbia
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
34 / 24
|
1 / -4
|
38 / 27
|
3 / -3
|
|
February
|
40 / 28
|
4 / -2
|
43 / 31
|
6 / -1
|
|
March
|
50 / 35
|
10 / 2
|
53 / 37
|
12 / 3
|
|
April
|
61 / 43
|
16 / 6
|
63 / 46
|
17 / 8
|
|
May
|
70 / 51
|
21 / 11
|
72 / 53
|
22 / 12
|
|
June
|
75 / 57
|
24 / 14
|
77 / 59
|
25 / 15
|
|
July
|
79 / 59
|
26 / 15
|
81 / 61
|
27 / 16
|
|
August
|
78 / 58
|
26 / 14
|
81 / 61
|
27 / 16
|
|
September
|
71 / 52
|
22 / 11
|
74 / 55
|
23 / 13
|
|
October
|
61 / 44
|
16 / 7
|
64 / 46
|
18 / 8
|
|
November
|
46 / 35
|
8 / 2
|
51 / 39
|
11 / 4
|
|
December
|
37 / 28
|
3 / -2
|
41 / 31
|
5 / -1
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Constanta, Romania
|
Bucharest, Romania
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
38 / 27
|
3 / -3
|
34 / 22
|
1 / -6
|
|
February
|
40 / 30
|
4 / -1
|
39 / 26
|
4 / -3
|
|
March
|
46 / 35
|
8 / 2
|
50 / 32
|
10 / 0
|
|
April
|
56 / 44
|
13 / 7
|
64 / 42
|
18 / 6
|
|
May
|
66 / 53
|
19 / 12
|
73 / 50
|
23 / 10
|
|
June
|
74 / 61
|
23 / 16
|
80 / 57
|
27 / 14
|
|
July
|
78 / 64
|
26 / 18
|
83 / 60
|
28 / 16
|
|
August
|
78 / 64
|
26 / 18
|
83 / 59
|
28 / 15
|
|
September
|
72 / 58
|
22 / 14
|
76 / 52
|
24 / 11
|
|
October
|
62 / 49
|
17 / 9
|
64 / 42
|
18 / 6
|
|
November
|
52 / 41
|
11 / 5
|
50 / 34
|
10 / 1
|
|
December
|
43 / 32
|
6 / 0
|
38 / 27
|
3 / -3
|
|
|
Average Rainfall
|
|||
|
|
Budapest, Hungary
|
Belgrade, Serbia
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
1.3
|
33
|
1.9
|
48
|
|
February
|
1.2
|
30
|
1.5
|
46
|
|
March
|
1.1
|
28
|
2.0
|
51
|
|
April
|
1.5
|
38
|
2.3
|
58
|
|
May
|
2.2
|
56
|
2.8
|
71
|
|
June
|
2.5
|
64
|
3.6
|
91
|
|
July
|
2.1
|
53
|
2.6
|
66
|
|
August
|
2.0
|
51
|
2.0
|
51
|
|
September
|
1.6
|
41
|
2.0
|
51
|
|
October
|
1.3
|
33
|
1.6
|
41
|
|
November
|
2.1
|
53
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
December
|
1.6
|
41
|
2.3
|
58
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Constanta, Romania
|
Bucharest, Romania
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
1.2
|
30
|
1.6
|
41
|
|
February
|
1.1
|
28
|
1.4
|
36
|
|
March
|
1.0
|
25
|
1.5
|
38
|
|
April
|
1.2
|
30
|
1.8
|
46
|
|
May
|
1.5
|
38
|
2.8
|
71
|
|
June
|
1.6
|
41
|
3.0
|
76
|
|
July
|
1.2
|
30
|
2.5
|
64
|
|
August
|
1.3
|
33
|
2.3
|
58
|
|
September
|
1.1
|
28
|
1.7
|
43
|
|
October
|
1.2
|
30
|
1.3
|
33
|
|
November
|
1.7
|
43
|
1.9
|
48
|
|
December
|
1.5
|
38
|
1.7
|
43
|
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-30 days before departure
Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person
29-1 days before departure
Loss of 100% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person
Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.
You might also be interested in ...The Blue Danube - Eastbound
Wind your way past medieval landscapes on a Danube River cruise aboard ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel to discover castles, cathedrals, frescoes and Habsburg palaces in five European countries. Includes land stays featuring two nights each in Prague and Budapest at centrally located 5-star hotels.New for 2010! Two special departures -
Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube
Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat - Southbound
Tauck's Danube, Main, and Rhine cruise aboard ms Swiss Sapphire, ms Swiss Emerald or ms Swiss Jewel glides past ancient castles and soaring cathedrals, taking in great cities including Vienna, Köln, Nürnberg and Bratislava - and revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Schönbrunn Palace and Kölner Dam (Cologne Cathedral).Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat - Northbound
Tauck's Danube, Main, and Rhine river cruise aboard ms Swiss Sapphire, ms Swiss Emerald or ms Swiss Jewel glides past ancient castles and soaring cathedrals, taking in great cities including Vienna, Köln, Nürnberg and Bratislava - and revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Schönbrunn Palace and Kölner Dam (Cologne Cathedral).The Rhine and Moselle - Northbound
Explore two of Europe's most scenic rivers on a 12-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam aboard ms Swiss Emerald or ms Swiss Jewel. Glide along the Rhine in Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland; visit Luxembourg; and discover the castles, wineries and market towns of the Moselle Valley on one of Tauck's popular Rhine River tours.
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