Welcome to Bucharest. 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 it offers a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist-era architecture along with wide, tree-lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art and thriving nightlife, splendid Orthodox churches, and a gargantuan Palace of Parliament.
Upon arrival, you will transfer to a luxury hotel for an overnight stay. (D)
Transfer to Braila this morning, where you will board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. This is where your incredible Danube River discovery will commence. Check-in to your suite and spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring the facilities on board.
This afternoon will be spent on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship to enjoy the amenities. Relax in your suite, many of which 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)
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. 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.
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)
Arrive in Silistra after lunch, a Bulgarian town that played a significant role in the Russian-Turkish wars.
Return to your Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and enjoy time at leisure. You may wish to stretch your legs on the walking track up on the Sun Deck. (B/L/D)
Today spend the day relaxing on board. Perhaps you’d like to spend some time in the state-of-the-art gym doing an invigorating workout or if you’d prefer to wind down, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage. (B/L/D)
This morning you will dock 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: This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:
Early this morning 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.
This afternoon, you will dock 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. (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.
Enrich: Tonight, we have a special treat in store for you with our Scenic Enrich event:
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia, early this morning. The country’s second largest city is a youthful city of music, art and liberal freedoms. It’s an ethnically diverse city, has a thriving arts scene with several large-scale public murals, hosts vibrant festivals, all while nurturing its 500-year history.
Freechoice: This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:
You will arrive this morning in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history; it was at the epicentre of the 1990s war of which scars are still evident on its building today.
After your touring this morning, all guests will visit the home of a typical 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, from which ingredients are used to make a feast for both the palate and the eyes. (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: Today’s Scenic Freechoice options:
The historic Hungarian town of Kalocsa has some of the richest folk art in the world and was an important agricultural centre in the 19th century.
This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail to Budapest. (B/L/D)
You will arrive early this morning in Budapest, in Hungary, one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant destinations. 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. An architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between, the city is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.
Enrich: This afternoon we set sail for the Hungarian town of Vac, from here we have a special treat in store for you with a fabulous Scenic Enrich event. Immerse yourself in Budapest’s Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllõ Royal Palace, one of the favourite residences of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary. (B/L/D)
As we progress down the beautiful Danube, spend the morning on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as we 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.
Freechoice: This afternoon see Bratislava your way, with one of the following Scenic Freechoice activities.
This afternoon you will have free time as your luxury Space-Ship docks in Budapest after lunch. Perhaps, 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)
Disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Vienna, a city that oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.?
You will spend the next two nights in a luxurious hotel in Austria’s grand capital. Known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century. The city boasts the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, a legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. (B)
This morning, embark on a guided tour to see the city's highlights, such as the opulent Opera House, City Hall, the Hellenic-style Parliament Building, the sprawling landscaped gardens of Stadtpark, and Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles).
This afternoon, you have free time to discover the city as you wish. Perhaps, venture out to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family or explore one of the world-class museums that are dotted around the city, such as the Belvedere Museum, where you can explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. (B)
Your journey concludes today.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)
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