Day 1 - Tuesday - Apr 2, 2024
Welcome to the Austrian capital city of Vienna, where your cruise begins. 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. Toast the occasion during an evening reception onboard your state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship.
Day 2 - Wednesday - Apr 3, 2024
Wake this morning with Vienna on your doorstep. You'll be awed by the city's grand imperial palaces, a legacy of the six-century rule of the powerful Habsburg dynasty; its dazzling galleries and museums; and its citizens' obvious taste for the good life.
Day 3 - Thursday - Apr 4, 2024
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.
Day 4 - Friday - Apr 5, 2024
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. 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.
Day 5 - Saturday - Apr 6, 2024
This morning, you'll have free time onboard. Relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the scenery of the Danube rolling by. Download the Scenic Tailormade app to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you're passing. You will arrive in Kalocsa at lunch time. This historic Hungarian town has some of the richest folk art in the world, like its beautifully decorated porcelain. It was an important agricultural center in the 19th century and the region has retained much of its rural charm.
Day 6 - Sunday - Apr 7, 2024
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. Spend the afternoon onboard 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.
Day 7 - Monday - Apr 8, 2024
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 epicenter 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. After your touring this morning, all guests 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 onboard 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.
Day 8 - Tuesday - Apr 9, 2024
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. Return to your Scenic Space-Ship for a restful afternoon onboard as you continue to cruise towards Belgrade. You may wish to spend some time in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.
Day 9 - Wednesday - Apr 10, 2024
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.
Day 10 - Thursday - Apr 11, 2024
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. 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 mighty rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king.
Day 11 - Friday - Apr 12, 2024
You will arrive early in Vidin, Bulgaria, a historic town with a medieval fortress between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. This region boasts a fertile landscape where wine is grown.
Day 12 - Saturday - Apr 13, 2024
| Cruising Danube Canal, Austria |
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Leaving Vidin later this morning, you will spend today relaxing onboard. 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 center for a relaxing massage or spend some time in the Salt Therapy Lounge.
Day 13 - Sunday - Apr 14, 2024
Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries; a major Turkish fortress and trade center 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. 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 onboard.
Day 14 - Monday - Apr 15, 2024
This afternoon, you will arrive at the seaside city of Constanta. Sitting on the Black Sea Coast, Constanta is a historic city with a long and fascinating history and you have the chance to learn about its historical monuments and ancient ruins with a local guide during your city tour.
Day 15 - Tuesday - Apr 16, 2024
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 motorcoach, 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.
Day 16 - Wednesday - Apr 17, 2024
After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest 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.
