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8 Night Black Sea Explorer with Bucharest Cruise and Land Tour from Budapest

Ship: Scenic Ruby
Cruise Line: Scenic Cruises
Sailed:  Monday, Apr 15, 2024 from Budapest, Hungary
Ended: Tuesday, Apr 23, 2024
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Monday, Apr 15, 2024 departure of the Scenic Ruby. If Scenic Cruises modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Monday - Apr 15, 2024
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary      
Today, board your Scenic Space-Ship. At tonight's welcome reception, raise your glass to the wonderful cruise ahead. Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 5 PM.
Day 2 - Tuesday - Apr 16, 2024
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary      
Meszesidunapart, Hungary      
Bus Travel      
Kalocsa, Hungary      
Bus Travel      
Meszesidunapart, Hungary      
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 3 - Wednesday - Apr 17, 2024
Osijek, Croatia
Osijek, Croatia      
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 4 - Thursday - Apr 18, 2024
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia      
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 5 - Friday - Apr 19, 2024
Iron Gates
Iron Gates      
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 6 - Saturday - Apr 20, 2024
Svishtov, Bulgaria
Svishtov, Bulgaria      
Bus Travel      
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria      
Bus Travel      
Rousse, Bulgaria      
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 7 - Sunday - Apr 21, 2024
Silistra, Bulgaria      
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 8 - Monday - Apr 22, 2024
Giurgiu, Romania
Giurgiu, Romania      
Cruise Ends      
Bus Travel      
Bucharest, Romania      
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 9 - Tuesday - Apr 23, 2024
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest, Romania      
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.