Day 1 - October 27, 2009 - Tuesday:  Dallas - Atlantic Ocean - Franfurt (D)  We leave the Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) (above left) on Lufthansa Airlines Flight 439 leaving at 5:15 p.m. bound for Frankfurt in our comfortable state-of-the-art Airbus A340-300 (above right) where we arrive the next day at 9:00am. It is also possible to leave from other Lufthansa based airports in the United States such as Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta and meet in Istanbul. Join Lufthansa's Miles and More for flight awards by clicking here

Day 2 - October 28, 2009  - Wednesday:  Frankfurt and Istanbul (B,L,D)  We leave Frankfurt at 1:20pm and arrive in Istanbul at 5:05pm on Lufthansa's Flight 3342. We are met at the airport and transfer to the 5 star Ritz-Carlton Hotel (above photos of tower, room with view, and entry) which stands in the center of this fascinating, flavorful city, epitomizing its welcoming spirit and the harmonic convergence between East and West, and past and present. Bathed in Ottoman-inspired splendor that pays homage to the rich historical traditions of Turkey. The Ritz-Carlton has exceptional restaurants and bars as well as well-appointed guest rooms, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, authentic Turkish Hamam, and fitness center.

Day 3 - October 29, 2009  - Thursday:  Istanbul (B)  This morning's comprehensive city tour will show us the old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Suleymaniye Mosque (outside is above left and interior is right). Later, we can explore the town on our own or choose an optional tour.

         Day 4 - October 30, 2009  - Friday:  Istanbul (B)  Today, our guided sightseeing tour will take us to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkap (above) home to every single Sultan from the 15th to the end of the 19th-century. During our tour, we admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, we enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. This evening is free to explore the town on our own.

Day 5 - October 31, 2009  - Saturday:  Istanbul and Plovdiv (B,D)   This morning we will leave Istanbul by bus and continue to Plovdiv, Bulgaria (above left), where we will stay the evening at the 5 star Novatel Hotel (its indoor pool above right) which is situated on the northern bank of Maritza river and  overlooks the gorgeous slopes of the Rhodopi mountain and the Old town. See the Novotel's indoor pool above right. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and see the highlights of Plovdiv Old Town. (see photo above left)

Day 6 - November 1, 2009 - Sunday:  Plovdiv - Veliko Turnavo - Rousse  (B,L,D) This morning we leave Plovdiv by bus and our first stop is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here we will tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. We will see the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church, as well as the Baldwin’s Tower. Those passengers who wish to shop can instead visit Samovodska Charshia - traditional market street. Before continuing on to Rouse, we enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch in a local restaurant. Late this afternoon we arrive in Rousse and board the Amacello (above) which is the pride of Amawaterway's fleet built in 2008. The standard fare cabins are beautifully appointed and are 170 square feet which are substantially larger then the normal 110 square foot cabin.

Day 7 - November 2, 2009 - Monday:  Giurgiu and Bucharest, Romania (B,L,D)  Today we enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. This “Paris of the East” is famed for its Belle Epoque Era buildings dating from the 19th-century. The French influence (see above right) is paramount in many of the restored buildings of the former aristocracy and monarchy. The post war communist era of grandiose architecture is brought home by the world’s second largest building, the Parliament Palace (above left). During the morning city tour you will see the Arch of Triumph, the Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum and Library, and visit the Parliament Palace (above right). In the afternoon, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, and then choose to have some free time or visit the Open Air Museum, with typical village builds from throughout Romania.

Days 8 through 15 - Click Here