Day 1 - Monday - Sep 2, 2024
Welcome to Bucharest. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - Tuesday - Sep 3, 2024
Today, journey to the historic Bulgarian capital of Sofia, your base for the next two nights.
Day 3 - Wednesday - Sep 4, 2024
With your local guide, discover neoclassical Stalinist architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and buildings by 19th-century Russian and Viennese architects.
Day 4 - Thursday - Sep 5, 2024
| Ohrid, Macedonia, North Macedonia |
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Your first stop today is Skopje, which has been inhabited since 4000 BC. Continue through Macedonia before arriving in Ohrid, where you'll stay for two nights.
Day 5 - Friday - Sep 6, 2024
| Ohrid, Macedonia, North Macedonia |
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Tour the town with your knowledgeable guide this morning. With its temples, ruins, and Byzantine basilicas, Ohrid is one of the most ancient towns in the Balkans.
Day 6 - Saturday - Sep 7, 2024
| Ohrid, Macedonia, North Macedonia |
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Arrive in the Byzantine city of Tirana and check into your hotel, before embarking on a city tour of the Albanian capital.
Day 7 - Sunday - Sep 8, 2024
Today, travel to picturesque Montenegro and arrive in Budva. On arrival, take an orientation tour before continuing onto Kotor for your overnight stay.
Day 8 - Monday - Sep 9, 2024
Let a local guide show you around the stunning Bay of Kotor. Then, take in the amazing vistas as you journey to Dubrovnik. You'll enjoy a two-night stay.
Day 9 - Tuesday - Sep 10, 2024
This morning, see Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace, and visit the Old Pharmacy in the Franciscan Monastery. Tonight, visit a local farm house, meet the owners, and taste delicious home grown produce during dinner.
Day 10 - Wednesday - Sep 11, 2024
| Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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| Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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En route to Sarajevo, stop in the beautiful city of Mostar. Visit the Turkish House and the renowned Old Bridge. Later, check into your hotel for two nights.
Day 11 - Thursday - Sep 12, 2024
| Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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Explore the treasures of Sarajevo, including Gazi Husrev Beg's Mosque and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.
Day 12 - Friday - Sep 13, 2024
| Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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Continue to the Croatian capital, where you will enjoy an overnight stay.
Day 13 - Saturday - Sep 14, 2024
| Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, Croatia |
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Discover Zagreb on a guided tour, before travelling to Plitvice National Park. Wander meandering pathways, passing emerald green lakes, linked by magnificent waterfalls.
Day 14 - Sunday - Sep 15, 2024
Journey to Budapest and stay overnight.
Day 15 - Monday - Sep 16, 2024
Explore this beautiful city before boarding your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.
Day 16 - Tuesday - Sep 17, 2024
This morning, you'll have free time onboard as you sail towards Kalocsa. 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 17 - Wednesday - Sep 18, 2024
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive 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. 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.
Day 18 - Thursday - Sep 19, 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. This afternoon is free at leisure to explore Belgrade further. You might like to soak up the bohemian culture with a wander along cobblestoned Skadarlija Street, a district once frequented by writers and artists and other creative souls, now home to traditional restaurants, local stores, and galleries.
Day 19 - Friday - Sep 20, 2024
Today, we 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. Spend some time relaxing 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. Sweat it out in the state-of-the-art gym or take time out in the wellness center, then mingle with other guests as you sit back with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.
Day 20 - Saturday - Sep 21, 2024
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov this morning. Here, you will have the choice to disembark and take an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, known as the City of the Kings, or stay onboard and sail towards Rousse (or Ruse), which has been described as 'Little Vienna'.
Day 21 - Sunday - Sep 22, 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.
Day 22 - Monday - Sep 23, 2024
Upon arrival, take an orientation 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 enjoy dinner with your fellow guests before heading to your hotel.
Day 23 - Tuesday - Sep 24, 2024
After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport or train station 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.
