Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled & Gems of the Danube with Transylvania & Prague

Welcome to Prague, one of Europe's best-preserved and most beautiful cities, with a rich and fascinating history stretching back more than 1,000 years. The Vltava River, the longest in the Czech Republic, runs through the centre of Prague, with the historic Old Town on one bank and New Town on the other. Check in to your luxury hotel and explore the city in your own time tonight.

Wake to the sound of church bells ringing out across this ancient city. This morning, join your expert local guide to explore Prague in all its Gothic glory including the Old Town, the famous Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV. This afternoon, stroll this magnificent city at your leisure. Situated on the banks of the River Vltava in central Bohemia, Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world's most striking architectural wonders.

Journey by coach to Regensburg where you'll board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

This morning your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the small town of Melk, tucked inside Austria's picturesque Wachau Valley. The town is dominated by its dramatic, World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey, which towers above it from a rocky outcrop.

Scenic Freechoice: This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:

• Guided tour of Melk Abbey: Wander the halls of this grand 18th century abbey, visit the decorated marble hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.
• UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience: Embark on a guided cycle to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you e-bike from Melk to the quaint village of Dürnstein. You'll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.
• 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 onsite museum, before hearing tales from decedents of the royal family dynasty that were influential in European history.

This afternoon, cruise through the Wachau Valley where you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. Then dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free 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.

While on board later today, you can also join an informative talk on the production of regional delicacies and taste some local varieties.

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a centre of art, music and culture. The city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities this afternoon:

• Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Wander its ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.
• 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 for bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.
• Art tour of Vienna including Kunsthistorisches Museum: Vienna has an abundance of cultural institutions and a visit to the Kunsthistorisches provides something for everybody. Join a local guide who will give you an overview of the magnificent exhibits including its world class art collection and impressive ancient artefacts, before some time to wander the museum at your leisure.
• Central Vienna: Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to explore as you wish.

Scenic Enrich: 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. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists, and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you'll remember for a lifetime.

Budapest is often considered to be the most beautiful city in Europe and you have a full day at leisure to see why.

Cross the border into Croatia and dock in Vukovar, a historically significant city strategically positioned along the Danube River at the confluence with the Vuka River. Known as ‘The Hero Town,' it is famed for its historic resilience, especially its fierce defence during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s, which left a lasting mark on its landscape and collective memory.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of nearby Osijek. This small city has a turbulent history and many of the grand Baroque buildings in the Old Town bear the scars of war. You'll also have the opportunity to hear some traditional and classical music popular in the region.
• Baranja wine region: In this picturesque region straddling Croatia and Hungary, explore a rich wine-making tradition and picturesque vineyards. Enjoy a tasting experience blending bold notes, local culture and breathtaking landscapes.
• Vukovar chronicles - A river town's tale of resilience: With roots dating back to medieval times, Vukovar was historically a vibrant trade and industrial centre. Though heavily damaged by war, the city has been rebuilt. On this tour, discover Vukovar's spirit of resilience and stories of bravery that remain central to the city's character, with museums and monuments preserving its legacy of sacrifice and hope.

After this morning's excursions, visit the home of a local Croatian family and join them for lunch. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host's garden.

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 and Brutalist and Art Nouveau buildings. It's one of the oldest capitals in Europe and has stood at the crossroads between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires for centuries. Thanks to these centuries of conflict, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the city today one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Tour of Belgrade: Explore the iconic sites of the city with your local guide. You will admire highlights such as the cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Belgrade on your own.
• Panoramic tour of Belgrade with 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 and 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 with a guided cycling tour. During the 16 kilometre ride, you'll learn about the history of Yugoslavia and Belgrade, and see the Belgrade waterfront, Staro Sajmište (former concentration camp), and Ada Island.
• Central Belgrade stroll with coffee and cake: Starting from the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, then wander down Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade's bustling pedestrian boulevard, lined with charming shops and cafes. Pause to enjoy a cup of expertly brewed coffee paired with a signature cake from one of the city's beloved bakeries.

This afternoon, you're free to explore Belgrade further. You might like to soak up the bohemian culture with a wander along the cobblestoned Skardalija Street, a district once frequented by writers and artists and other creative souls, now home to traditional restaurants, local stores and galleries.

Scenic Enrich: Concert in the Crypt of St. Sava Church: Visit St. Sava Temple, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Admire the fresco-lined walls of the cathedral's crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. The crypt's remarkable acoustics make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as white marble adorns the remarkable ceilings.

Today you'll cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Djerdap Gorge system, known as Iron Gates. This stretch of the Danube is the natural border between Serbia and Romania, and features four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs and the mighty rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king.

Spend some time relaxing in your suite, many of which feature a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. Perhaps head to the Sun Deck or mingle with other guests in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.

This morning, farewell your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Bucharest. WWII changed the face of the Romanian capital with much of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture destroyed. Now a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist-era architecture sit alongside wide, tree lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art and thriving nightlife.

Upon arrival, take an orientation 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.

Scenic Freechoice: After the city tour, personalise the rest of your morning with the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Ceausescu's Spring Palace: Located in one of the wealthiest districts in Bucharest, this 1960s residence is made up of 80 distinctive and elegant rooms decorated with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by famous Romanian painters, mosaics, marble, chandeliers and mirrors made of Murano glass.
• Village Open Air Museum: Explore the ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture at the Village Open Air Museum. The museum depicts authentic houses, barns, churches, and more, rebuilt by craftsmen using traditional techniques.

Afterwards, head to your luxury hotel before dining with your fellow guests.

Begin your travels in Transylvania with a seamless transfer to the medieval city of Brasov, surrounded by the dramatic Carpathian Mountains.

Along the way, a local guide will take you to Peles Castle, a Neo-Classical masterpiece built in the 1870s by the first king of Romania as a summer residence. Inside, the rooms are exquisitely decorated with paintings, carved wood and stained glass. 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.

Arrive in Brasov later today. After checking in to your luxury hotel, join your fellow travellers for a delicious dinner in one of Brasov's finest restaurants.

This morning, your guide will show you the sights of Brasov, a colourful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares and Soviet-era concrete.

Dracula is Transylvania's most famous figure. Though author Bram 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.

This morning travel to the village of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. 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.

Scenic Freechoice: Today you can choose from the following Scenic Freechoice:

• 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 and much of it still stands today. 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 a spectacular example of Gothic Transylvanian architecture and has been restored many times throughout history. The climb rewards you with superb views over the city.

This afternoon, journey on to Sibiu. Check in to your hotel before enjoying a delicious dinner in one of the best restaurants in the city.

After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, cross back over the Southern Carpathian Mountains to return to the Romanian capital, Bucharest. Check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

After a final breakfast in Bucharest, it's time to depart this fascinating part of Eastern Europe. The spectacular landscapes, medieval villages and storied history coming to life will stay with you long after your journey.

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.