Lower Danube Discovery with Transylvania

Fly from the UK to Budapest. Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe’s oldest and prettiest cities.  

This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Balcony suites have windows that convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you fresh air and uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Bratislava after lunch. Choose to spend your morning in your Space-Ship’s wellness centre enjoying a soothing massage^, or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of the Sun Deck.  

Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious, resplendent with medieval and Gothic architecture. It’s topped by the well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates back to the 9th century and still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city.

Freechoice:
This afternoon, choose one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Bratislava city tour: Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the heart of the city, just a short walk to the Old Town. A city of contrasts, Bratislava features a mixture of medieval, Gothic and Baroque architecture. With your local guide you will see the highlights of this beautiful city such as Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.

Coffee & Cake with a local family: Immerse yourself in Slovak life and enjoy coffee and cake with friendly locals. Gain understanding of life in Slovakia during modern times.

Communism walking tour: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to learn about its time behind the Iron Curtain, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII. Discover what the city was like during the communist regime and how this directly impacted the Slovaks.

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and is located along the Danube a river on the borders of Austria and Hungary. The city is surrounded by the Little Carpathians Mountains and vineyards as well as its iconic reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooking Old Town. The castle offers a picturesque view of the city, the neighbouring countries and is home to the Museum of History. Bratislava offers a blend of historic and modern attractions including the Old Town Hall, now home to the Bratislava City Museum, the UFO Bridge, Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and Blue Church St Elizabeth’s. Bratislava is home to one of the oldest city parks in Central Europe and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists as is the city forest park and foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is popular for its locally brewed beers and has many micro-breweries and underground beer cellars. The local cuisine of Bratislava is an eclectic influence of European cultures including Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and German and serves as a reminder of the history of this cosmopolitan city. However, visitors will find an array of offerings to suit all tastes with lunch being the main meal of the day and roast goose with lokse considered a signature dish of the area.

This morning you’ll have free time on board, perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler or simply relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the scenery of the Danube rolling by while cruising through Slovakia and into Hungary.  

Enrich
Tonight, immerse yourself in Budapest’s Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllõ Royal Palace, one of the favourite residences of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary.

You will wake this morning in Budapest, the Hungarian capital and one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the city was united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. Budapest is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a dazzling nightlife scene.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube that make up the city. Starting on the Buda side, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.

Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

Jewish Heritage Tour: Discover Jewish history on a tour with an expert local guide, learning about the significant events from history that have shaped the culture of today. The tour includes the Synagogue, cemetery, memorial park and a guided tour of the Jewish Museum.

Budapest’s Past & Present: This walking and coach tour will give insight on Budapest’s communist past and life today as part of the European Union, including the 1956 Hungarian revolution and the significant Jewish events that have shaped modern culture.

This afternoon you will have free time as your luxury Space-Ship docks in Budapest overnight. Pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters. Szechenyi Baths are the largest, boasting 15 indoor baths and three vast outdoor pools. Or check out the Jewish Quarter’s famous ruin bars, which are housed in old and abandoned buildings that were left in decay after WWII.

You will arrive in Kalocsa this morning. This historic Hungarian town has some of the richest folk art in the world, like its beautifully decorated porcelain. It was an important agricultural centre in the 19th century and the region has retained much of its rural charm.

Freechoice:
Explore the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Hungarian Traditions: The region of Kalocsa is teeming with culture and traditions. It is famous for its traditional handicrafts such as needlework and embroidery. Learn about the origins of these beautiful designs as well as other crafts.

Hungarian Horse Show: Kalocsa is located on the Great Hungarian Plain, with an agricultural history dating back more than 2,000 years. Witness a traditional horse show, meet the local horsemen who will demonstrate impressive equestrian skills and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies.

This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail to Mohacs, arriving later tonight.

Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town was the site of the 16th century Battle of Mohacs, which led to the destruction of the Hungarian monarchy and the rise of Ottoman and Habsburg rule. From here, you will explore the surrounding regions.

Freechoice:
Choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Pecs city tour: First settled by the Romans and then later the Turks, and located close by the Croatian border, this richly historic and fascinating city is a melange of cultures. It’s filled with Roman and Turkish architecture and ruins, elegant Baroque buildings, and is famous for its decorative arts and crafts, in particular porcelain. On a guided tour, you will see the city’s first telephone exchange, which opened in 1885; the Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, which was demolished in the late 19th century but unearthed in the 1970s; the county library and more.

Villany wine village: The region of Villany is known for its big, bold red wines, which account for most of the local wine production thanks to its sub-Mediterreanean climate. The village is a charming place to visit, with rows of historic white wine cellars where you can sample some of the local reds. You will also visit an old mill.

Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853 and still in operation today, Zsolnay Porcelain has a proud history of creating hand-painted decorative, ornamental, and architectural porcelains, and is known for its signature eosin glaze technique. View a splendid historic collection at the museum in Pecs, which is housed in the company’s former factory.

Spend the afternoon on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as you sail towards the Croatian border, perhaps relaxing with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.

You will wake this morning in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history. Over the past 500 years it has been part of the Ottoman, Habsburg and Austro-Hungarian empires, and in the 1990s was the epicentre of the Croatian War of Independence. Many of the grand Baroque buildings remain standing but bear the scars of the war. Osijek is famous for its food, which is heavily influenced by Hungary and features plenty of paprika, locally made sausages and river fish.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of Osijek to see the highlights, including the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear some traditional and classical music popular in the region.

Cycling tour of Osijek: Explore the Kopacki Rit nature park on two wheels during a guided biking tour. This marshland area is a natural habitat for 293 different kinds of birds, 46 species of freshwater fish, several amphibians and reptiles, as well as wild boars and red deer. The ponds and lakes, which are teeming with reeds and white water lilies, are mostly surrounded by white willow trees and untouched nature. If you are lucky, you might even see the most famous inhabitant of Kopacki Rit, the white-tailed eagle.

After your touring this morning, you will visit the home of a local Croatian family and have lunch with the family members. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host’s garden. North-eastern Croatia is the ‘bread basket’ of the country so it is only natural that the villagers take great pride in their gardens. You’ll be treated to a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

This afternoon will be spent on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship to enjoy the amenities or relax in your suite. Many suites have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Serbia early this morning. Novi Sad is the country’s second largest city, a youthful place of music, art and liberal freedoms. It’s an ethnically diverse city, has a thriving contemporary art scene with several large-scale public murals and hosts vibrant festivals, all while nurturing its rich 500-year history.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided tour of Novi Sad: Novi Sad is a modern, vibrant city with a fascinating past. Join your local guide as you discover all that makes the city a true highlight of this region, from the Petrovaradin Fortress, completed in the 18th century with 10 gates and 400 cannon sites, to charming Dunavska Street, one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in the city. Soak up the appeal of this promenade lined with colourful buildings, popular for walking, gathering and dining.

Hike to Petrovaradin Fortress: The Petrovaradin Fortress is the symbol of the city and is often referred to as 'Gibraltar on the Danube'. Learn about its powerful history, dating back to the Middle Ages, as you hike to the fortress where you will be rewarded with magnificent views over the Danube River and the city below.

Excursion to Sremski Karlovci: Journey by coach to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of this charming Baroque town, which was once a hub of the cultural and political life of the Serbs. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own, followed by a visit to a local winery and honey museum for a delicious tasting.

Fruska Gora National Park with monastery and winery visit: Serbia’s oldest national park, Fruska Gora National Park was once an island but when the seas dried up 90 million years ago it became a solitary mountain. Its landscape is blanketed with oak and beech wood forests, and some 60-plus family vineyards. There are also 16 monasteries scattered throughout the park’s hidden valleys, the oldest dating to the 16th century. Visit this monastery and stop by a winery for a sample of their best drops.

Return to your Scenic Space-Ship for a restful afternoon on board as you continue to cruise towards Belgrade. You may wish to spend some time in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

The capital of Serbia, Belgrade is known as the ‘Door to Central Europe’ and lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. This eclectic city is steeped in history, with Neolithic ruins found nearby, a fortress built by the Romans, Brutalist buildings that sit beside Art Nouveau buildings, and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided city tour with extended free time: By coach and foot, you’ll tour the major sites of the city with a guide. You will explore the city’s highlights such as cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress, an imposing structure that has been the site of more than 100 battles and offers panoramic views of the rivers below. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own.

Panoramic city tour including Tito's Memorial: Join a panoramic tour of Belgrade with a local guide. See and learn about the major sites of the city including the Ottoman heritage of the old town, the imposing fortress and Republic Square following by some free time in the city centre. During this tour you will also visit the memorial dedicated to Tito, the former ruler of Yugoslavia.

Cycling tour along the Danube: Trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels during this guided cycling tour.

Education with the Roma community: The Bread of Life project helps to reduce the prejudices against Roma people, which prevail among the non-Roma population in schools, local authorities, and institutions. It highlights the need for positive action to improve living conditions in Roma communities. The project is designed to help Roma children to finish primary school and integrate better into society. On this engaging tour, you will visit the tutoring space to see how the project is benefiting the community, and even have the chance to meet some of the children and learn about the challenges they face.

Enrich
Tonight, we have a special treat in store for you with our Scenic Enrich event:

Classical concert at St. Sava Temple: Visit the St. Sava, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Have a chance to explore the frescos-lined walls of the cathedrals crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. Because of the acoustics in the crypt, this is a once of a lifetime opportunity. 

This morning you will be docked in the charming town of Golubac, which is home to one of Europe’s best preserved medieval fortresses. It was strategically built at the section of the Danube River that narrows to form the ‘Iron Gate’ gorge.

Freechoice:
Choose one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Golubac Fortress: Take a guided tour of Golubac Fortress, which was built in the 14th century on a steep embankment of the Danube. Located in the Djerdap National Park, the fortress comprises nine towers connected by ramparts and has been an imposing figure above the river for centuries.

Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site: One of the most significant archaeological sites in the region, Lepenski Vir was first inhabited some 12,000 years ago. Archaeologists have found 136 building ruins, a central square, and fireplaces in each building, as well as stone idols. Learn how it was discovered, tour the excavation site and gain a fascinating insight into Europe’s early stone age.

Hike through Djerdap National Park: Join a local park ranger and local guide and hike through the Djerdap National Park. Enjoy spectacular sights along the way such as Golubac Fortress and the incredible views over the Danube River.
 

After your Scenic Freechoice excursions, the ship will be waiting for you downriver at the town of Donji Milanovac. This afternoon, you will cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates. This stretch of the Danube is the natural border between Serbia and Romania and features four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs and the might rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king.

You will arrive early in Vidin, Bulgaria, an historic town with a medieval fortress between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. This region boasts a fertile landscape where wine is grown.

Freechoice:
Choose one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Hiking to Belogradchik Castle Ruins: Take an active hiking tour to the Belogradchik Fortress. Admire the unique rock formations and the ruins of the ancient stronghold constructed when the region was part of the Roman Empire.

Visit to a local winery: Venture to Negovanovtsi village and the Dos Alamos Winery for a tour and tasting. Established in 2013, this boutique vineyard grows Bulgarian Rubin grapes (used for high-quality reds) as well as sauvignon blanc and semillon. Enjoy a city tour of Vidin from the bus as you drive back to town.

Ancestry of the Kitchen: Banica cooking demonstration: Traditions and recipes have long been passed down through generations and often kept as a long-held family secret. Today you’ll meet with a local who will speak all about life in this region as well as divulge a family recipe of traditional banica, a delicious cheese-filled pie made with filo pastry.

Triangle of Tolerance walking tour: Take part in a walking tour of Vidin to learn its history and the legacy of tolerance among its residents. You will see the Metropolis Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar, the Osman mosque, and the Synagogue.

This morning visit the town of Rousse, often described as ‘Little Vienna’. Join a local guide on a sightseeing tour of this opulent town this morning, resplendent in Belle Epoque architecture and leafy manicured squares. Afterward you’ll enjoy some free time to wander, before returning to the ship.

Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries; a major Turkish fortress and trade centre in the 15th century, it played a significant role in the Russo-Turkish wars of the 1870s, briefly became part of Romania after the Second Balkan War, and finally reverted to Bulgaria in 1940. The town is dotted with historic sites stretching back to late Roman times.

Freechoice:
This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: Transfer to Silistra Fort by coach. Upon arrival take a guided walking tour of the fort and learn about its history. It is the best preserved of the six points of the Turkish fortification system, which played an important role in the Russo-Turkish wars.

Visit Alfatar Village: Take an excursion to the small village of Alfatar, located just outside of Silistra. Visit the ethnographic museum featuring a typical country house, where visitors will see how the residents of this region have lived over the centuries and have kept their traditions alive. Also see the beautifully restored Holy Trinity temple, a treasured symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox religion, and visit the Alfatar school to meet local children and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians.
 

Return to your Scenic Space-Ship to enjoy an afternoon of cruising through unspoilded land. You may wish to take a turn around the walking track up on the Sun Deck to stretch your legs while enjoying the ever-changing scenery or join in one of the wellness activities on board.

This afternoon you will arrive at the sea side city of Constanta. Sitting on the Black Sea Coast, Constanta is a historic city with a long and fascinating history and you have the chance to learn about its historical monuments and ancient ruins with a local guide during your city tour.

This morning, farewell your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Bucharest stopping for lunch on the way. The capital of Romania was once called the Paris of the East, however WWII changed the face of the city with much of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture destroyed. Now a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist-era architecture sits alongside wide, tree-lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art and thriving nightlife. Admire the many splendid Orthodox churches and be awed by the gargantuan Palace of Parliament.

Upon arrival, all guests will take a guided tour of the city by coach, from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace stopping to see its squares, including Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square and Charles de Gaulle Square.

This evening you will check into a hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. Nearby, the historic Lipscani district is home to an energetic nightlife scene as well as tiny Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, where Prince Vlad III (“The Impaler”) once ruled.

This morning, you’ll begin your journey into Transylvania. This mountainous region of Central Romania is wrapped up in ancient myths, folklore and legendary literature. Its landscape has barely changed in more than 600 years, dotted with perfectly-preserved medieval villages and spectacular castles amid deep green forest.

Peles Castle is a Neo-Classical masterpiece built in the 1870s by the first king of Romania as a summer residence for the royal family. Inside, the rooms are exquisitely decorated with paintings, carved wood and stained glass, and there’s a fascinating collection of artwork and artifacts. Nearby, Sinaia Monastery is the oldest monastery in the region and is home to two churches, one from the 17th century and one built by the royal family in the 19th century.

Your final destination for today is Brasov, a colourful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares and Soviet-era concrete.

This morning a local guide will take you on a tour of the sights of this colourful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares and Soviet-era concrete.  

Dracula is Transylvania’s most famous figure. Writer Bram Stoker based his famous novel on the real life prince Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler. Though Stoker never visited Romania, he is said to have been inspired by the place you’ll visit this afternoon – Bran Castle. Perched dramatically on a clifftop, this white stone fortress was built in the 14th century and is a maze of narrow passageways, hidden rooms and sunny courtyards. 

Back in Brasov, finish your day with a delicious dinner in one of Brasov’s finest restaurants.

This morning travel to the village of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler himself. It’s also one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, with cobblestone lanes and colourful buildings that have remained largely unchanged since the 12th century. 

Freechoice:
Today’s Scenic Freechoice to choose from:

Explore the walled city: The World Heritage-listed walled city at the centre of Sighisoara was built by the Saxons between the 12th and 17th centuries. Much of it still stands today, making it one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. A local guide will show you the highlights.

Hike the hill: If you’re feeling more active, hike up the covered stairway to the 14th century Church on the Hill. It’s the most spectacular examples of Gothic architecture in Transylvania and has been restored many times through history. The climb is difficult but you’ll be rewarded with superb views over the city.
 

This afternoon, it’s on to Sibiu, another medieval town with a rich Saxon history. As you admire the historic buildings during your guided tour, you might get the feeling that they are looking back at you – many of the buildings here have unique dormer windows in the roof that resemble human eyes. 

Afterwards you have free time to take in the beauty of this city at your leisure. Perhaps join the locals for an al fresco coffee in the Big Square (Piata Mare) or Little Square (Piata Mica), both just metres apart in the centre of the old town or take a moment to duck inside the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Romanian orthodox church that was built just over 100 years ago. The elaborate paintings and stained-glass windows across the ceiling will take your breath away. 

This morning your local guide will walk you through the highlights of Sibiu during a guided tour before you cross back over the Southern Carpathian Mountains to reach the Cozia Monastery. Built between 1386 and 1388, it’s one of the most architecturally and culturally important monasteries in Romania and many other religious complexes have been modelled after it. Sitting on the edge of the Olt River and with mountain peaks behind, it’s a breathtaking site that has long been inspiring spiritual connections. 

With the villages and vistas of Transylvania behind you, you’ll make your way back to the capital Bucharest this evening. 

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. Nearby, the historic Lipscani district is home to an energetic nightlife scene as well as tiny Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, where Prince Vlad III (“The Impaler”) once ruled.

After a final breakfast in Bucharest, it’s time to farewell this fascinating part of Eastern Europe. The spectacular landscapes, medieval villages and sense of fairy tales come to life will stay with you long after your journey.Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.