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Iconic Danube with Prague

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River View
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Balcony
$8,014
Suite
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* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Prague
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
11 Day Iconic Danube with Prague Itinerary (Scenic)
Countries Explored: Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Cruise Line
Scenic
Ship
Departures
Passengers
163
Crew
59
Launched
2016
Cruise Code
PPBD-2

Overview

Discover the delightful attractions along the banks of one of Europe’s most legendary waterways. Explore the iconic Danube on an eight-day luxury river cruise starting in Passau, the ‘city of three rivers’, and cruising all the way to Budapest, renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.

Itinerary

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.

Pull back the curtains of your hotel room this morning and you’ll see why Prague is known as the city of 100 Spires. More accurately, it should be called the city of 1,000 spires as a seemingly endless landscape of Baroque belfries, Gothic church spires and 19th-century clocktowers.

You’ll take a guided tour this morning, led by an expert local guide who will reveal the city’s secrets in all their Gothic glory. The red-roofed Old Town is a charming maze of cobblestone laneways, medieval buildings, bustling squares and elaborate statues. It’s compact and almost completely flat, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Don’t miss the Old Town Hall where you can hear the 14th-century Astronomical Clock chime, accompanied by a procession of the 12 Apostles.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through this magnificent city, situated on the Vltava River in central Bohemia. Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world’s most striking architectural wonders. Your Tour Director is on hand to help you plan. (B)

Freechoice: This morning choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

  • Prague Beer tasting walk: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague, taking in the city’s most famous sites and hidden gems. Prague is home to hundreds of small breweries, and you’ll have time to taste local beers that have been brewed here for generations, like pilsner larger and wheat beer.
  • Prague Castle tour: Journey to the hill overlooking the Vltava River and the city of Prague to explore the seat of Czech rulers at Prague Castle, a vast complex covering more than 70,000 square metres that’s considered the largest castle complex in the world. The castle has its roots in the 9th century, though there are buildings dating from every period of history spread throughout the grounds. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Czech Republic as well as the Old Royal Palace the former residence of Bohemian Royalty and the picturesque Golden Lane, the historic street lined with colourful houses, inhabited by soldiers, goldsmiths or alchemists in the past.
  • Terezin Memorial: Take an excursion outside of Prague to the nearby town of Terezin, a former Austrian imperial military fortress and location of the Theresienstadt Ghetto, which served as a concentration camp during World War II. Visit the Terezin Memorial sites including the small fortress and the Ghetto Museum to learn about the horrors committed during the Nazi occupation during World War II and pay your respects to those that lost their lives during this atrocity. Please note due to the amount of walking involved, this tour is only recommended for guest with a good degree of fitness.

The remaining day is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B)

Today travel to Passau, where you will be welcomed on board your state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship. Your cruise begins here, and you’ll get to toast the occasion at this evening’s welcome reception. (B/D)

Today you will explore the Baroque city of Passau, a 13th century Italianate Old Town packed with tight laneways tunnels and archways. The city is also home to an ‘Artist's Mile' where old buildings are occupied by artist studios, workshops and galleries.

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

  • 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, past charming villages, historic castles and bridges, and cross the border from Germany to Austria.

This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise along the Danube to Linz. Relax in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing uninterrupted views of the rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. (B/L/D)

Wake in the city of Linz, known for its vibrant music and arts scene, beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, and relaxed 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 and the cutting-edge Ars Electronica Center is known as the ‘museum of the future’.

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. Straddling the River Danube, Linz was founded as a Roman city that connected vital trading routes to Poland, Bohemia and Italy. During this guided tour you will see some of the main attractions including the restored Castle of Linz and Saint Martin's Church and the Main Square with its towering Holy Trinity column.
  • Mauthausen WWII Concentration Camp: Venture out of the city to Mauthausen’s former concentration camp that held 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. The site remains as a memorial to the inmates that were held in the camp over these years with the goal of keeping their memory alive so these types of atrocities don't happen again.
  • Hike to Postlingberg Church: Join a local guide for an active hike to Postlingberg Church, perched high on a hill overlooking the city of Linz. Take in the views of the town from above before entering the impressive place of worship, which was built in 1748. (B/L/D)

This morning your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Melk, a small and picturesque town located in Austria's scenic Wachau Valley. The city's breathtaking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region.

Freechoice: This morning's Scenic Freechoice options:

  • Glorious Melk Abbey: No visit to Melk would be complete without a guided tour to its magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed halls and manicured gardens, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.
  • E-biking from Melk to Durnstein: Embark on a guided 35-kilometre e-bike ride, soaking up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle 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 and his wife Duchess Sophie of Hohenberg, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum.

This afternoon your ship is docked 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 Durnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193.

While you indulge in the spectacular views this afternoon, it's also the perfect opportunity to indulge in some delicious local produce from the Wachau Valley. Your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you and invite a local producer on board to share some regional delicacies that are famous in this region. Sample some Apricot dumplings and local schnapps among other delights in this breath-taking location. (B/L/D)

We arrive in Vienna early this morning, Austria’s imperial capital. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. This city oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.

Freechoice: Explore Vienna on one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

  • Guided City Tour of Vienna: Take a coach ride from the ship to Vienna’s city centre where you will embark on a walking tour to see highlights such as the Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral and Belvedere Palace. The ship will be docked overnight in Vienna, so this afternoon and evening are free to wander around the city or to relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship.
  • Schonbrunn Palace: Join your local guide on an exploration of Schönbrunn palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. A guided exploration through the imperial apartments takes you on a journey through the centuries. Discover the countless rooms of great beauty created by famous artists and craftsmen from many different epochs and learn the tales of the royal family that lived inside these walls. After the guided tour, you will see the impressive gardens before returning to the ship.
  • 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. The 18-kilometre cycling route comprises mainly flat paths.

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)

Spend the morning on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise towards the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. Sit on the Sun Deck with a coffee in hand and enjoy the scenery of riverside villages or take the opportunity to visit the wellness centre for a soothing massage.

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

  • 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.
  • Bratislava City Tour: Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the heart of the city and it is 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. (B/L/D)

This morning you will arrive in Budapest, one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant capitals. 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. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths, and has a vibrant 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.
  • 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. On your walk, see Matthias Church and walk to the Fisherman’s Bastion. During this walk you will have great views over the Danube River and the city landscape.
  • 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.

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. (B/L/D)

Your journey ends in beautiful Budapest. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward 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. 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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