Raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception. (D)
Freechoice: Tour the city of Vienna, or visit the remarkable Schönbrunn Palace. Alternatively, join a guided bicycle tour to Danube Island, or journey outside the city centre to learn about Vienna’s popular wine region during a tasting. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Explore beautiful Bratislava on a guided walking tour. Alternatively, journey behind the Iron Curtain to discover Bratislava’s communist-era history, or join a guided cycling tour of the city. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Join a guided city tour, or take an active walking tour of Buda. Alternatively, discover Budapest’s Jewish heritage with a local guide.
Enrich: Attend an exclusive classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllõ Royal Palace. (B/L/D)
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)
Freechoice: Discover the city of Pécs, or explore the village of Villány. Alternatively, tour Zsolnay Porcelain Museum. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Be guided through the town of Osijek on foot, bike or boat.
Later, join a local family for a hearty home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Join a local guide for a city tour, or journey to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci. Alternatively, visit Fruška Gora National Park, or take an active hike to Petrovaradin Fortress. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Enjoy an in-depth city tour including Tito’s Memorial, or join an orientation tour of the city. Alternatively, take a cycling tour along the river, or see another side of Belgrade as you kayak on the Danube. Alternatively, join a local charitable organisation that is dedicated to educating the Roma community as they raise awareness and help the children from the local population.
Enrich: Visit the temple of St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Enjoy spectacular views over the Danube on a tour of Golubac Fortress, or visit the Lepenski Vir Archaeological site and museum. Later, admire the scenery as you cruise the Iron Gates. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Tour Vidin on foot, or opt for a hike to Belogradchik Fortress. Alternatively, venture to a local winery for a tasting, or learn to make traditional Banica, a delicious cheese filled filo pastry pie. (B/L/D)
Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cruise the mighty Danube towards Silistra. (B/L/D)
Freechoice: Discover Silistra Fort during an active walking tour, or journey to a nearby local village where you’ll visit a local school. (B/L/D)
Sail to the Black Sea coast. Admire spectacular scenery during your small boat cruise to Mile 0, where the mighty Danube River meets the Black Sea. (B/L/D)
This morning disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and travel to Bucharest for an overnight stay. (B/L/D)
Journey from Bulgaria to Canakkale, Turkey for a two night stay. (B/D)
Enjoy a tour of Nessebar, followed by free time. (B/D)
Journey from Bulgaria to Canakkale, Turkey for a two night stay. (B/D)
Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, the site of WWI landings by the Allied Forces, including ANZAC troops. There are over 31 cemeteries on the peninsula, which is now a national park. Gain a unique perspective on this moving and historically poignant location. (B/L/D)
Enjoy a fascinating tour of Homer’s Troy, the legendary site of the Trojan Wars. You’ll even see a giant replica of the famous Trojan Horse. Later, travel to Istanbul for a three night stay. (B/D)
Explore Istanbul including visits to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahce Palace.
Freechoice: Enjoy a cooking class, where you will make traditional Turkish favourites. Alternatively, relax and rejuvenate during your visit to the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami Turkish Baths. (B)
Take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait and spend time wandering the evocative Grand Bazaar before an afternoon at leisure.
Enrich: A special treat awaits for your farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant with its outstanding views over the Golden Horn, accompanied by the call to prayer that echoes from the numerous surrounding mosques. (B/D)
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul airport. 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.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)
Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe's oldest and prettiest cities.
This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Balcony suites have windows that convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you fresh air and uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception. (D)
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Bratislava after lunch. Choose to spend your morning in your Space-Ship's wellness centre enjoying a soothing massage^, or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of the Sun Deck.
Slovakia's capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious, resplendent with medieval and Gothic architecture. It's topped by the well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates back to the 9th century and still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city.
Freechoice: This afternoon, choose one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:
This morning you'll have free time on board, perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler or simply relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the scenery of the Danube rolling by while cruising through Slovakia and into Hungary.
Enrich: Tonight's Scenic Enrich:
You will arrive early this morning in Budapest, the Hungarian capital and one of Europe's most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the city was united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. Budapest 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 dazzling 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)
You will arrive in Kalocsa this morning. This historic Hungarian town has some of the richest folk art in the world, like its beautifully decorated porcelain. It was an important agricultural centre in the 19th century and the region has retained much of its rural charm.
Freechoice: Explore the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:
This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail to Mohacs, arriving later tonight. (B/L/D)
Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town was the site of the 16th century Battle of Mohacs, which led to the destruction of the Hungarian monarchy and the rise of Ottoman and Habsburg rule. From here, you will explore the surrounding regions.
Freechoice: Choose from one of today's Scenic Freechoice activities:
Spend the afternoon on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as you sail towards the Croatian border, perhaps relaxing with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar. (B/L/D)
You will wake this morning in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history. Over the past 500 years it has been part of the Ottoman, Habsburg and Austro-Hungarian empires, and in the 1990s was the epicentre of the Croatian War of Independence. Many of the grand Baroque buildings remain standing but bear the scars of the war. Osijek is famous for its food, which is heavily influenced by Hungary and features plenty of paprika, locally made sausages and river fish.
Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities:
After your touring this morning, you will visit the home of a local Croatian family and have lunch with the family members. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host's garden. North-eastern Croatia is the ‘bread basket' of the country so it is only natural that the villagers take great pride in their gardens. You'll be treated to a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
This afternoon will be spent on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship to enjoy the amenities or relax in your suite. Many suites have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. (B/L/D)
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Serbia early this morning. Novi Sad is the country's second largest city, a youthful place of music, art and liberal freedoms. It's an ethnically diverse city, has a thriving contemporary art scene with several large-scale public murals and hosts vibrant festivals, all while nurturing its rich 500-year history.
Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities:
Fruska Gora National Park with monastery and winery visit: Serbia's oldest national park, Fruska Gora National Park was once an island but when the seas dried up 90 million years ago it became a solitary mountain. Its landscape is blanketed with oak and beech wood forests, and some 60-plus family vineyards. There are also 16 monasteries scattered throughout the park's hidden valleys, the oldest dating to the 16th century. Visit this monastery and stop by a winery for a sample of their best drops. (B/L/D)
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, with Neolithic ruins found nearby, a fortress built by the Romans, Brutalist buildings that sit beside Art Nouveau buildings, and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times.
Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities:
Enrich: Tonight, we have a special treat in store for you with our Scenic Enrich event:
This morning you will be docked in the charming town of Golubac, which is home to one of Europe's best preserved medieval fortresses. It was strategically built at the section of the Danube River that narrows to form the ‘Iron Gate' gorge.
Freechoice: Choose one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice excursions:
After your Scenic Freechoice excursions, the ship will be waiting for you downriver at the town of Donji Milanovac. This afternoon, you will cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates. This stretch of the Danube is the natural border between Serbia and Romania and features four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs and the might rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king. (B/L/D)
You will arrive early in Vidin, Bulgaria, an historic town with a medieval fortress between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. This region boasts a fertile landscape where wine is grown.
Freechoice: Choose one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Leaving Vidin later this morning, you will spend today relaxing on board. Perhaps you'd like to enjoy some time in the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout? Or, if you'd prefer to wind down, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage or spend some time in the Salt Therapy Lounge. (B/L/D)
Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries; a major Turkish fortress and trade centre in the 15th century, it played a significant role in the Russo-Turkish wars of the 1870s, briefly became part of Romania after the Second Balkan War, and finally reverted to Bulgaria in 1940. The town is dotted with historic sites stretching back to late Roman times.
Freechoice: This morning's Scenic Freechoice:
Return to your Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and enjoy time at leisure. You may wish to take a turn around the walking track up on the Sun Deck to stretch your legs while enjoying the ever-changing scenery or join in one of the wellness activities on board. (B/L/D)
Start the day with a walking tour in the Romanian fishing village of Saint George, also known as Sfantu Gheorghe. Following this, you will take a cruise on a small boat through the wetlands of the Danube Delta to Mile 0, where the mighty Danube River meets the Black Sea. The vast 580,000-hectare Danube Delta is the best-preserved delta in Europe and is teeming with wildlife, including more than 300 species of birds.
September and October are good times to spot migratory birds, to see pelican chicks and to view the water lilies in bloom. From March to April, foliage is coming to life and you'll find a plethora of colourful flowers, and will often hear male birds singing to their mates.
Spend another wonderful afternoon on board your luxury Space-Ship; mingle with fellow guests in the Panorama Bar & Lounge, or take some time out in your spacious suite. (B/L/D)
Transfer to Bucharest this morning, stopping for lunch on the way. The capital of Romania was once called the Paris of the East, however WWII changed the face of the city with much of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture destroyed. Now a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist-era architecture sits alongside wide, tree-lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art and thriving nightlife. Admire the many splendid Orthodox churches and be awed by the gargantuan Palace of Parliament.
Upon arrival, all guests will take a guided 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.
This evening you will check into a hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)
This morning sees us setting off from Bucharest on an included flight to Istanbul. Home to more than 15 million people, it's the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Istanbul will inspire all your senses, an exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, history and style. (B)
The wonders of Istanbul await you today on a guided tour. There have been settlements on this important site, occupying both banks of the Bosphorus Strait, for thousands of years. The modern city began life as Constantinople in the 4th century, before changing its name to Istanbul in 1930. At every turn, you're walking through history. See two of the city's most famous landmarks, sitting on either side of the central Sultanahmet Park; Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which you will also visit during your guided tour. You'll also visit two of the city's grandest royal residences, Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace. (B/D)
Today, we leave Istanbul behind and visit the city of Canakkale. Sitting on the edge of the Dardanelle Strait, Canakkale has been at the forefront of history for centuries. It's the gateway to the World War One battlefield of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy.
At the same time, Canakkale also has a sizeable student population that makes for a great food scene and buzzing nightlife. Tonight, why not make the most of your evening at leisure and join the locals along the waterfront promenade to get a taste of modern Turkish culture. (B/L/D)
Today you are bound for Gallipoli, a site that holds a special place in the heart of Australians and New Zealanders. As the first major battle for ANZAC troops in the First World War, it was a brutal introduction to global conflict for the new nations. Though the Gallipoli campaign was ultimately a failure, the bravery and strength of the ANZAC soldiers became legendary and helped shape our cultural identity.
The Gallipoli peninsula where the eight-month campaign took place is now a national park and your guide will take you through the most significant sites. Stand on the beach at ANZAC Cove, where the soldiers first came ashore on 25 April 1915. Contemplate the courage and sacrifice that took place at battlegrounds like Lone Pine and the Nek. Walk through some of the 31 cemeteries that dot the peninsula and where more than 10,000 Anzac soldiers are buried. A visit to Gallipoli is a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave. (B/L/D)
This morning you'll be venturing to a place that is shrouded in mystery and legend, the ancient city of Troy. For more than 3,000 years, the tales of Troy and the Trojan War were thought to be mythical, made most famous by Greek poet Homer's epic work, the Iliad. But in the late 19th century, the ruins of Troy were discovered in modern day Turkey and centuries of history were instantly rewritten. Take a tour through the 4,000-year-old ruins, see a giant replica of the famous Trojan Horse and learn the true story behind this illustrious city.
Then we make our way back to the mighty city of Istanbul. (B)
Freechoice: Choose from today's Scenic Freechoice experience:
This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Visit one of the city's excellent museums or galleries, hunt for antiques in the busy Çukurcuma neighbourhood, inhale the aromas of the Spice Bazaar, or catch the bright red tram between the two main squares. Be sure to take some time out to indulge in the Turkish national pastime, tea drinking, ideally at a busy streetside café. (B/D)
Before you farewell Istanbul, take a moment this morning to listen out for the call to prayer before the sun rises. The traditional Muslim call rings out over the city five times a day and is a reminder of the nation's strong ties to its faith. In the relative calm and silence of the morning, it's a particularly moving sound.
After breakfast, you'll take a final transfer to the airport.
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.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)
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