Danube Delta Discovery with Vienna & Transylvania

Welcome to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. It has a complex – and sometimes confronting – past, having spent more than four decades under Communist rule. But today, it's a dynamic, modern and energetic city with a thriving café culture, excellent museums and pockets of glorious Belle Epoque architecture.

Check in to your hotel. Sitting directly opposite the imposing Parliament building, the hotel is dripping with luxury, complete with white marble floors, lavish décor, six restaurants and an opulent indoor pool.

This morning, you'll begin your journey into Transylvania. This mountainous region of Central Romania is wrapped up in ancient myths, folklore and legendary literature. Its landscape has barely changed in more than 600 years, dotted with perfectly-preserved medieval villages and spectacular castles amid deep green forest.

Your final destination for today is Brasov. (B)

This morning a local guide will take you on a tour of the sights of this colourful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares and Soviet-era concrete.

Back in Brasov, finish your day with a traditional Romanian dinner accompanied by folklore tales and traditional stories. (B)

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

This afternoon, it's on to Sibiu, another medieval town with a rich Saxon history. As you admire the historic buildings during your guided tour, you might get the feeling that they are looking back at you – many of the buildings here have unique dormer windows in the roof that resemble human eyes.

Afterwards you have free time to take in the beauty of this city at your leisure. Perhaps join the locals for an al fresco coffee in the Big Square (Piata Mare) or Little Square (Piata Mica), both just metres apart in the centre of the old town or take a moment to duck inside the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Romanian orthodox church that was built just over 100 years ago. The elaborate paintings and stained-glass windows across the ceiling will take your breath away. (B)

This morning your local guide will walk you through the highlights of Sibiu during a guided tour before you cross back over the Southern Carpathian Mountains to reach the Cozia Monastery. Built between 1386 and 1388, it's one of the most architecturally and culturally important monasteries in Romania and many other religious complexes have been modelled after it.

Sitting on the edge of the Olt River and with mountain peaks behind, it's a breathtaking site that has long been inspiring spiritual connections. With the villages and vistas of Transylvania behind you, you'll make your way back to the capital Bucharest this evening. (B)

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:

• Hiking to Belogradchik Castle Ruins: Take an active hiking tour to the Belogradchik Fortress. Admire the unique rock formations and the ruins of the ancient stronghold constructed when the region was part of the Roman Empire.
• Visit to a local winery: Venture to Negovanovtsi village and the Dos Alamos Winery for a tour and tasting. Established in 2013, this boutique vineyard grows Bulgarian Rubin grapes (used for high-quality reds) as well as sauvignon blanc and semillon.
• Ancestry of the Kitchen - Banica making class: Traditions and recipes have long been passed down through generations and often kept as a long-held family secret. Today you'll meet with a local who will speak all about life in this region as well as divulge a family recipe of traditional banica, a delicious cheese-filled pie made with filo pastry.
• Triangle of Tolerance walking tour: Take part in a walking tour of Vidin and learn its history and the extreme tolerance among its residents. You will see the Metropolis Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, the 17th-century church of St. Panteleimon, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar, the Osman mosque, and the Synagogue. (B/L/D)

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:Classical concert at St. Sava Temple: Visit St. Sava, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Have a chance to explore the frescos-lined walls of the cathedrals crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. Because of the acoustics in the crypt, this is a once of a lifetime opportunity. (B/L/D)

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:

• Guided tour of Novi Sad: Novi Sad is a modern, vibrant city with a fascinating past. Join your local guide as you discover all that makes the city a true highlight of this region, from the Petrovaradin Fortress, completed in the 18th century with 10 gates and 400 cannon sites, to charming Dunavska Street, one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in the city, a promenade lined with colourful buildings, popular for walking, gathering and dining.
• Excursion to Sremski Karlovci: Journey by coach to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of this charming Baroque town, which was once a hub of the cultural and political life of the Serbs. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own, followed by a visit to a local winery and honey museum for a delicious tasting.
• Hike to Petrovaradin Fortress: The Petrovaradin Fortress is the symbol of the city and is often referred to 'the Gibraltar on the Danube'. Its history dates from the Middle Ages. Learn about its strong history as you hike to the fortress where you will be rewarded with magnificent views over the Danube River and the city below.
• 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 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)

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:

• Pecs city tour: First settled by the Romans and then later the Turks, this richly historic and fascinating city located close by the Croatian border is a melange of cultures. It's filled with Roman and Turkish architecture and ruins, elegant Baroque buildings, and is famous for its decorative arts and crafts, in particular porcelain. On a guided tour, you will see the building of the city's first telephone exchange, which opened in 1885, the Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, which was demolished in the late 19th century but unearthed in the 1970s, the county library and more.
• Villany wine village: The region of Villany is known for its big, bold red wines, which account for most of the local wine production thanks to its sub-Mediterranean climate. The village is a charming place to visit, with rows of historic white wine cellars where you can sample some of the local reds. You will also visit an old mill.
• Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853 and still in operation today, Zsolnay Porcelain has a proud history of creating hand-painted decorative, ornamental, and architectural porcelains, and is known for its signature eosin glaze technique. View a splendid historic collection at the museum in Pecs, which is housed in the company's former factory. (B/L/D)

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:

• 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.
• Coffee & Cake with a local family: Immerse yourself in Slovak life and enjoy coffee and cake with friendly locals. Gain understanding of life in Slovakia during modern times.
• Communism walking tour: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to learn about the Iron Curtain era, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII. Discover what the city was like during the communist regime and how this impacted directly on the Slovaks. (B/L/D)

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)