Iconic Danube

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River View
$4,707
Balcony
$6,480
Suite
Sold Out
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Munich
8 Day Iconic Danube Itinerary (Scenic)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
Cruise Line
Scenic
Ship
Departures
Passengers
163
Crew
59
Launched
2016
Cruise Code
PABD-2

Overview

Exceptional architecture and remarkable experiences Journey through some of Europe's most beautiful cities and be entranced by the power and rich history of the mighty Danube. Be amazed at the remarkable architecture of Budapest, with the impressive Parliament building and the iconic Chain Bridge, and let Vienna's State Opera House and St. Stephens Cathedral show you the opulence of the Habsburg Empire. Step back in time to discover poignant World War II memories and enjoy exploring on foot as your Scenic Space-Ship docks in the heart of quaint medieval cities Passau, Linz and Melk. Stunning scenery,...read more rich history, delightful culinary experiences... The Danube has it all.

Itinerary

Welcome to Hungary and its vibrant capital, Budapest. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between.

This afternoon is at leisure to settle into your luxurious suite on board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship. Most suites have an all-weather balcony that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube.

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM. (D)

The diverse city of Budapest is a cultural melting pot, renowned for its thermal baths and vibrant nightlife scene, peppered with Roman ruins, Gothic buildings, bohemian coffee houses, world-class operas, and an historical Jewish quarter where the scars of WWII can still be seen to this day.

Freechoice: A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from this morning:

  • 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.
  • Budapest’s Jewish history: Discover Jewish history on a tour with an expert local guide and learn about the significant events that have shaped the culture of today. The tour includes Synagogue, cemetery, memorial park and guided tour of the Jewish Museum.
  • City Tour and Hospital in the Rock: Start your coach tour with a visit to Gellert Hill for magnificent views across the city, followed by a tour of Budapest. See the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church before visiting the Hospital in the Rock – a former top-secret nuclear bunker and emergency hospital.
  • Guided hike to Buda Hill: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike up to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Buda Hill. See Matthias Church and walk to the Fisherman’s Bastion while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city landscape.

Your 5-star Space-Ship will depart Budapest late this evening, allowing you free time to explore the city on your own. Pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters, or perhaps set out to explore the Central Market Hall – the largest market in the city, built in neo-Gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. Alternatively, check out the Jewish Quarter’s famous ruin bars, which are housed in old and abandoned buildings that were left in decay after WWII. (B/L/D)

Today, perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler. Be sure to download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight into the villages and sites you’re passing as you relax on board while cruising to Bratislava.

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

Freechoice: Docking in the city centre, this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice excursions are just steps away:

  • Walking tour of Bratislava: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to see all the highlights of the city such as the Hlavné Námestie (the main square) and the Old Town Hall while learning about the history of the city including what everyday life was like under the Iron Curtain era, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII.
  • Coffee & Cake at Kormuth Bakeri: Immerse yourself in modern Slovak life with a visit one of the city’s most famous and historic coffee houses, where you’ll enjoy coffee and cake with friendly locals. Delight in the history of the building, which is decorated in Renaissance-style paintings and frescoes. (B/L/D)

Vienna is Austria’s imperial capital – a city full of grandeur, featuring the world’s most beautiful boulevard, the Ringstrasse, and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century.

Freechoice: Spend the day exploring the city and take your pick from a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:

  • Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history. As you wander its countless ornately designed rooms, you’ll hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.
  • City Tour of Vienna: Take a coach ride from the ship to the city centre where guests will have a walking tour taking in highlights such as the Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Belvedere Palace. Your tour will end with ample free time for you to explore at your leisure.
  • Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.

This afternoon is free to wander around Vienna, so perhaps join one of the provided shuttles to the city centre or simply relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship.

Enrich: This evening, join an unforgettable Scenic Enrich experience.

  • Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you’ll be seated in Vienna’s largest secular baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein this morning, where you have some time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193.

As you continue sailing the scenic Wachau Valley, be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. This afternoon, the ship will dock in the small and picturesque town of Melk. The breathtaking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region.

Freechoice: There are a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from today:

  • E-biking from Dürnstein to Melk: Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from the quaint village of Dürnstein to Melk. You'll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.
  • Glorious Melk Abbey: No visit to Melk would be complete without a guided tour of its magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed halls, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, which is adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.
  • Artstetten Castle: Meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle, which dates to the 13th century. It was once home to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum. (B/L/D)

Wake up this morning with your Space-Ship docked in the heart of Linz. This city is known for its vibrant music and arts scene, beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, and attractive lifestyle. The city’s quaint old town and Main Square are resplendent in Baroque architecture; while its harbour doubles as an outdoor street art gallery.

Freechoice: This morning choose to explore your way with Scenic Freechoice:

  • Explore Linz by foot: Join a local guide on a walking tour to discover the balance between the city’s vibrant history and contemporary living.
  • Mauthausen WWII Concentration Camp: Venture out of the city to Mauthausen’s former concentration camp that housed more than 190,000 people between 1938 and 1945, during the reign of the National Socialist party. Learn about the conditions and treatment that the prisoners lived under during this sombre tour.
  • Hike to Postlingberg: Perched high on a hill overlooking the city of Linz you will find Postlingberg Church. Join your local guide for an active hike up to the church where you will have the chance to take in the views of the town from above before entering the historic place of worship.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail this late this evening so you have the afternoon at leisure to explore this wonderful city. (B/L/D)

Set on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading city since medieval times, particularly for salt, which was commonly known as ‘white gold'. Each river is distinct in colour and some days you can clearly see the green, blue and black hues where the waters meet. At the centre of the Baroque city, the 13th century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways tunnels and archways, including an ‘Artist's mile' where old buildings are occupied by artist studios, workshops and galleries.

Freechoice: Decide how you will spend your afternoon from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

  • Highlights of Passau walking tour: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral; originally built in the year 450, the church proudly stood in Passau's Old Town until a devastating fire ripped through it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its current form with an Italian-style exterior complete with a Baroque stucco interior, and nowadays houses the world's largest Catholic church organ, which boasts 17,974 pipes and 233 registers.
  • Cross border cycling: Travel further afield on a guided e-bike ride along the Inn River, during which you will cross the border from Germany to Austria. Cycle through charming towns and admire the spectacular views of the region. (B/L/D)

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Munich Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 02:00 PM.

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. (B)

Life Onboard Scenic Amber

Scenic All Inclusive
Scenic All Inclusive

Scenic Space-Ships offer a truly all-inclusive luxury package. No hidden extras, just exceptional experiences. Read more

Scenic Freechoice
Scenic Freechoice

These are hand-selected activities for you to choose from and enjoy at a pace that suits you. Read more

Scenic Enrich
Scenic Enrich

These are experiences that offer once-in-a-lifetime multi-sensory moments that are completely inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. Read more

The Nth Degree
The Nth Degree

Scenic go above and beyond, making your trip a truly carefree, all-inclusive experience. Read more

Scenic Wellness
Scenic Wellness

You'll have access to a range of health and wellness amenities on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Read more

Scenic Tailormade
Scenic Tailormade

You’ll find Scenic Tailormade invaluable and it always knows the story of where you are. Read more

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When you cruise the waterways of Europe with Scenic, the experience is in a class of its own. Scenic river cruises are meticulously designed and offer immersive experiences, blending the captivating European countryside with our signature truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury philosophy.

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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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