22 Day Black Sea Explorer with the Best of the Balkans (Reverse)

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Cruise Length

22 Days

Cruise Starts

Budapest

Cruise Finishes

Budapest

22 Day Black Sea Explorer with the Best of the Balkans (Reverse) Itinerary (Scenic)

Countries Explored: Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia

Cruise Line

Scenic

58 Reviews

Ship

Scenic Pearl

Passengers

159

Crew

Launched

2011

Refurbished

2019

Cruise Code

BBBU-2

Overview

The Balkans have always stood right at the crossroads of Europe. The dynamics that have shaped its history have left deep impressions in the cultures that call this beautiful place home. That's partly what lends the towns and cities here such an enduring fascination. You'll have a rare opportunity to delve deeply into the stories that have forged these proud people, stretching from recent times all the way back to the Byzantine Empire that supplanted Rome. Of course, the allure of history is just one of the reasons to visit, and you'll find plenty of time to simply relax, and absorb some of the...read more

Itinerary

Welcome to the wondrous city of Budapest, one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful cities. Upon arrival transfer to your luxurious hotel and unpack for your overnight night stay. Tonight you will meet your fellow travellers and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner. (D)

Today we head south and cross the Croatian border, travelling to the capital Zagreb. Located on the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountain and on the banks of the Sava River, Zagreb is Croatia’s largest city and it beautifully encompasses its traditional European history with its modern function as the economical and governmental hub of the country. Upon arrival discover this majestic city on a guided tour. Then, check in to your hotel for your two night special stay. (B/D)

Today, journey to beautiful Plitvice National Park. Wander meandering pathways that pass emerald green lakes, stepped and linked by magnificent waterfalls. (B)

This morning we leave Croatia and journey to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is referred by many as the city with a soul; with its unique blend of Western and Eastern styles, the way of life and its pleasant and good natured people is what makes Sarajevo so alluring. This afternoon arrive at your hotel, your base for the next two nights. (B/L)

Explore the treasures of Sarajevo on a guided tour that includes Bascarsija in the heart of old Sarajevo, Gazi Husrev Beg’s Mosque and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. Enrich: Tonight you’ll be treated to a private home-hosted dinner of traditional Bosnian cuisine where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about everyday life in Sarajevo. (B/D)

Today we head towards the beautiful Mediterranean coast bound for the stunning city of Dubrovnik. On the way we stop in the beautiful city of Mostar. On your guided tour of the city, visit the Turkish house and the Old Bridge which was built by the Ottoman Empire in 1565. Enjoy some free time before continuing to Dubrovnik where you will be accommodated for the next two nights. (B)

This morning see Onofrio’s Fountain, the Rector’s Palace and visit the Old Pharmacy in the Franciscan Monastery. Freechoice: Take a scenic journey through the pretty countryside, visit the Konavle villages and the town of Cavtat. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more energetic, walk Dubrovnik’s medieval ramparts. This evening visit a local farm house where you will get to meet the owners and taste their delicious home grown produce during a mouth-watering dinner. (B/D)

After breakfast continue your journey to Montenegro; although the country is relatively small in terms of area, it boasts stunning mountainous landscapes, truly beautiful walled towns, dramatic coast lines and historic monuments. Today you will discover the Bay of Kotor, the pearl of the medieval Mediterranean, which is presented in its full beauty on your included guided tour.

Kotor is locked between a cliff on one side and the blue Adriatic Sea on the other; here you will wander through labyrinths of narrow and cobblestoned streets and see all the major sights including the Romanesque Cathedral of St Triphun which is encircled by walls and the fortress, and included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. (B/D)

Continuing through this beautiful region you will arrive in the historic town of Budva. On arrival take an orientation tour before continuing to the byzantine city of Tirana. The city was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614, and since then it has become the largest city and capital of Albania. (B/D)

After breakfast enjoy your informative city tour of Tirana taking in sights such as Skanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower and the Et’hem Bey Mosque. This afternoon we journey from Albania to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the fascinating town of Ohrid. The area has been declared a World Heritage protected site due to its outstanding natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage, this is your base for the next two nights.

Enrich: This evening enjoy a traditional Macedonian dinner and folklore show in a local restaurant. It’s a wonderful opportunity to absorb some of the regions unique culture. (B/D)

Today we enjoy an Included tour of Ohrid town. With its temples, ruins and Byzantine basilicas, Ohrid is considered one of the most ancient towns in the Balkans. The name Ohrid comes from its location – built on a hill; the whole town is surrounded by walls and its Fortress is considered to be the oldest and best-preserved in Macedonia. Freechoice: Take in the lush green scenery during a boat ride on stunning Ohrid lake or learn traditional recipes during a cooking class in a local village. Alternatively, if you are feeling more active, explore the lake by kayak. (B)

Your first stop today is Skopje which has been inhabited since 4000 BC. Skopje was part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires, these influences are still present in this modern capital. Continuing our journey we arrive in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and our centrally located hotel. (B)

With your local guide, you’ll get to discover neo-classical Stalinist architecture, tree-lined boulevards and balconied buildings by 19th-century Russian and Viennese architects. (B/D)

This morning enjoy the landscapes of Bulgaria as we journey to the Romanian capital of Bucharest for your overnight stay. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore Bucharest and learn about its communist past, including a visit to Ceausescu’s Spring Palace or, tour the Village Open Air Museum and discover ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture. Later, travel to Giurgiu where you will be personally welcomed on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Discover Silistra Fort on an active walk, or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Alternatively, visit a local village and school to learn about life in Bulgaria. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit Rousse, where you’ll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi. (B/L/D)

Relax and admire the scenery as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gates, a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. A magnificent setting for a cruise and the natural border between Romania and Serbia. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy an in-depth tour of Belgrade, including a visit to Tito’s Memorial, or take an orientation tour of Belgrade and see the highlights before time at leisure to wander this fascinating city. Alternatively, join a bicycle ride along the Danube, or for a true insight into everyday life in Belgrade, take a walk through the city with a local student.

Alternatively, journey to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci where you can wander the town and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements. Enrich: Visit the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Explore Osijek on a city tour or take a bike ride through Osijek’s countryside. Alternatively, explore one of Europe’s largest natural wetlands, Kopacki Rit, during a boat cruise or discover the ‘Ancestry of the Kitchen’ where you will join a local and learn to make a traditional fish stew.

Later, as a special Scenic guest, be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this is a rare opportunity to meet people who understand the local way of life intimately. (B/L/D)

Located on the Great Hungarian Plain, Kolocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. Today you will have the opportunity to witness a traditional Puszta horse show. Be greeted by the horsemen of the Puszta region where this type of activity has been practised for centuries. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, prepare to head home. It may be the end of your journey, but it’s the beginning of a lifetime of fond memories. 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)