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