Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled & Gems of the Danube with Prague: 19 days Bucharest to Prague

Welcome to Bucharest and the start of your journey. 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.

You will be staying in a luxury hotel tonight before boarding your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship tomorrow. This gives you the chance to explore Bucharest after dark.

Wake in Bucharest. After a turbulent past, the city is now a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist-era architecture sit alongside wide, tree lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art and thriving nightlife.

Take an orientation tour of the city by coach, from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace stopping to see its squares, including Union, University, Roman, Victoryand Charles de Gaulle squares.

Scenic Freechoice:
After the city tour, personalise the rest of your morning with the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Ceausescu’s Spring Palace: Located in one of the wealthiest districts in Bucharest, this 1960s residence is made up of 80 distinctive and elegant rooms decorated with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by famous Romanian painters, mosaics, marble, chandeliers and mirrors made of Murano glass.

Village Open Air Museum: Explore the ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture at the Village Open Air Museum. The museum depicts authentic houses, barns, churches and more, rebuilt by craftsmen using traditional techniques.

Afterwards, transfer to Giurgiu to board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Arrive in Silistra today. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries. A major Turkish fortress and trade centre 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. To learn more about local culture, you can choose to visit a local village and school, an experience available only to Scenic guests.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: Take an active guided walking tour of the 19th century fort and learn about its history. It is the best preserved of the six points of the Turkish fortification system.

Visit Alfatar village: This exclusive excursion takes you to the small village of Alfatar, located just outside of Silistra. Visit the ethnographic museum featuring a typical country house, see customary attire and visit the Alfatar school to meet local children with a charming choir performance and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians.

Sveshtari Thracian secrets and local delights: Discover the rich heritage and flavours of Bulgaria on this unique guided tour. Explore the ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, a World Heritage site dating back to the 3rd century BC, then visit local producers of exquisite brandy for a tasting.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the Bulgarian town of Rousse today, which has been described as ‘Little Vienna’. Here you will have the choice to disembark and take a walking tour of the city. Alternatively, join a full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, known as the ‘City of the Kings’

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover more on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Walking tour of Rousse: Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of this opulent town where you will learn about traditional Bulgarian handicrafts, sample some delicious local wine and delight in a short piano recital.

Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi: Take a full day excursion from Svishtov to Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns. Enjoy the panoramic views of the old town and see the Asenevtsi Brothers Monument. You will then venture to the nearby leafy village of Arbanassi.

Today you’ll cruise through the spectacular scenery of Djerdap Gorge, known as 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 feature a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. Perhaps head to the Sun Deck or mingle with other guests in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.

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, Brutalist and Art Nouveau buildings and a bohemian vibe. It’s one of the oldest capitals in Europe and has stood at the crossroads between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires for centuries. Thanks to these centuries of conflict, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore the city today one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions.

Tour of Belgrade: Explore the iconic sites of the city with a local guide. You will explore the city’s highlights such as cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Belgrade on your own.

Panoramic tour of Belgrade with Tito’s Memorial: Join a panoramic tour of Belgrade with a local guide. See and learn about the major sites of the city including the Ottoman heritage of the Old Town and visit the memorial dedicated to Tito, the former ruler of Yugoslavia.

Cycling tour along the Danube: Choose this active excursion to trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels with a guided cycling tour. During the 16km ride, you’ll learn about the history of Yugoslavia and Belgrade, and see the Belgrade Waterfront, the fomer concentration camp Staro Sajmiste, and Ada Island.

Central Belgrade stroll with coffee and cake: Starting from the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, wander down Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade's bustling pedestrian boulevard, lined with charming shops and cafes. Pause to enjoy a cup of expertly brewed coffee paired with a signature cake from one of the city's beloved bakeries.

This afternoon, you’re free to explore Belgrade further. You might like to soak up the bohemian culture with a wander along the cobblestoned Skardalija Street, a district once frequented by writers and artists and other creative souls, now home to traditional restaurants, local stores and galleries.

Scenic Enrich
Concert in the Crypt of St. Sava Church: Visit St. Sava Temple, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Admire the fresco-lined walls of the cathedral’s crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. The crypt’s remarkable acoustics make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as white marble adorns the remarkable ceilings.

Cross the border into Croatia and dock in Vukovar, a historically significant city strategically positioned along the Danube River at the confluence with the Vuka River. Known as ‘The Hero Town’, it is famed for its historic resilience, especially its fierce defence during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s, which left a lasting mark on its landscape and collective memory.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of nearby Osijek. This small city has a turbulent history and many of the grand Baroque buildings in the Old Town bear the scars of war. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear some traditional and classical music popular in the region.

Baranja wine region: In this picturesque region straddling Croatia and Hungary, explore a rich wine-making tradition and picturesque vineyards. Enjoy a tasting experience blending bold notes, local culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Vukovar chronicles - A river town’s tale of resilience: With roots dating back to medieval times, Vukovar was historically a vibrant trade and industrial centre. Though heavily damaged by war, the city has been rebuit. On this tour, discover Vukovar’s spirit of resilience and stories of bravery that remain central to the city’s character, with museums and monuments preserving its legacy of sacrifice and hope.

After this morning’s excursions, visit the home of a local Croatian family and have lunch. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host’s garden.

Arrive in Mohács today. Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town holds an outsized position in Hungarian history. It was the site of the 16th century Battle of Mohács, which led to the destruction of the Hungarian monarchy and the rise of Ottoman and Habsburg rule.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Guided tour of Pécs: Located close to the Croatian border, this guided tour will take you to the city’s first telephone exchange, which opened in 1885; the Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, demolished in the late 19th century but unearthed in the 1970s, and more.

Wine tasting in Villány: The region of Villány is known for its big, bold red wines. Visit the charming village, where you will learn about everyday life in Hungary then explore the rows of historic wine cellars where you can sample local drops.

Mohács traditions and flavours: Experience Mohács, a town where Hungarians, Croats, and Serbs live in unity, sharing rich traditions and multicultural heritage. Visit the Busóudvar Museum to learn about the World Heritage-listed Busójárás festival and taste authentic halászlé, a flavourful stew made with fresh Danube River fish and Hungarian paprika.

Budapest is often considered to be the most beautiful city in Europe and you have a full day at leisure to see why.

Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the Hungarian capital became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. With its breathtaking architecture, romantic cobblestone streets, a thriving culinary scene and grand thermal baths, the Hungarian capital is a feast for the senses.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities on offer this morning:

Budapest in depth with piano recital: Discover the highlights of Budapest by coach and on foot. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár then cross the Margaret Bridge to Pest and wander Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.

Guided hike of Buda: Take a beautiful hike to the World Heritage-listed Buda Hill. Starting at Batthyány Square, you’ll wind upwards through narrow cobbled streets and past beautifully landscaped gardens to reach the hill, with its spectacular views back over the town and river.

Excursion to Szentendre: Travel to the colourful riverside town of Szentendre, where its distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere has inspired generations of artists. A guided walking excursion takes you through the old town and to the Kovács Magrit Museum before some free time.

Etyek region wineries & vineyards: Called the ‘vineyard of Budapest’, Etyek is a small wine region known for its crisp aromatic whites and sparkling wine. Visit one of its charming boutique wineries to experience the blend of wine, culture and natural beauty that makes it unique.

Your 5-star Space-Ship will depart Budapest later this afternoon, allowing you some free time to explore the city on your own. Pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters or perhaps explore the Central Market Hall.

Bratislava is a living monument to history, from its ninth century castle to the medieval and Gothic Old Town and the socialist architecture of the 20th century. The capital of Slovakia since independence in 1993, this modern multicultural metropolis is split across two banks of the Danube. Its home to museums and galleries, excellent restaurants and leafy parks.

Scenic Freechoice:
As we dock in the city centre, this today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions are just steps away.

Walking tour of Bratislava: Hear the fascinating stories of Bratislava on a guided walking tour. Take a short stroll from the ship to see the city highlights, including the Hlavné Námestie (main square), Old Town Hall and St Martin’s Cathedral.

Carpathian wine tasting: Wine has been grown in Slovakia for more than 3,000 years, with its cool climate producing excellent reds, whites and sparkling. On this guided tour, you’ll visit a local winery in the Carpathian wine region located just outside Bratislava, learn about viticulture in the region and sample their top wines.

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a centre of art, music and culture. The city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities today.

Cycle to Danube Island: Visit Danube Island on a guided e-bike tour. This urban playground is where the locals of Vienna come for bathing, boating and relaxing on its picturesque beaches.

Central Vienna with free time: Get a taste of the real Vienna on a guided tour with a local guide, introducing you to the city’s history, art and architecture. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore at your leisure.

Vienna wine stories: Visit Austria’s oldest wine estate, Klosterneuburg Abbey, which has been producing wine for 900 years. Explore the serene halls and magnificent Imperial Apartments, before a guided tasting inside the historic winery.

Art tour of Vienna including Kunsthistorisches Museum: Vienna has an abundance of cultural institutions and a visit to the Kunsthistorisches provides something for everybody. Join a local guide who will give you an overview of the magnificent exhibits including its world class art collection and impressive ancient artefacts, before some time to wander the museum at your leisure.

Scenic Enrich
Classical Concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a magnificent orchestra. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you’ll be seated in Vienna’s largest secular Baroque Hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

This morning your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein, in Austria’s Wachau Valley, home to the country’s most famous wine region. This small region has around 120 wineries, many of which have been owned by the same family for generations. It produces mostly Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, a traditionally Austrian white wine with spicy, peppery and tangy flavours.

Over lunch, cruise through the Wachau Valley where you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages, before arriving in Melk. The town of Melk itself is best known for its dramatic, World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey, which towers above it from a rocky outcrop.

Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from.

Tour of Melk Abbey: Admire the brightly coloured facade, ornately decorated rooms and elaborate frescoed ceilings of the 18th century Melk Abbey. Marvel at the library, filled with more than 80,000 books and medieval manuscripts.

UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience: Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from the quaint village of Dürnstein to Melk. You’ll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.

Wachau Valley wine tasting: Admire the picturesque landscapes of the Wachau Valley as you drive to one of its local wineries. Meet the winemaker, learn about the celebrated wine culture of the Wachau region, and taste local specialties like Riesling and Grüner Veltliner.

On board this afternoon, join an informative talk on the production of local wines and schnapps and taste some varieties.

Arrive in Passau today. Set at the meeting point of three rivers and close to the border with Austria, it was an important trading point for centuries. It was also a significant town in the Holy Roman Empire and the charming Old Town was mostly built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style.

Scenic Freechoice:
Take your pick from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions.

Full day excursion to Salzburg: Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, a storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks and best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. On a guided tour, learn about its art and music scene, visit Mozart’s birthplace, and see the vast Hohensalzburg Fortress. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and some free time.

Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov: Journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style.

Boasting a staggering 2,000 year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, Regensburg offers a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from:

Walking tour of Regensburg: On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best preserved medieval city in Germany. Guests will join a walking tour with a local guide to see the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria.

Bavarian beer tasting: Learn about intricacies of beer making and the region's rich brewing heritage than spans over 1,000 years and is a valued part of the regions culture. Visit a traditional brewery to taste a variety of distinctive Bavarian brews.

Journey by coach to Prague, and spend three nights at a city central hotel.

Wake to the sound of church bells ringing out across this ancient city. This morning, join your expert local guide to explore Prague in all its Gothic glory including the Old Town, the famous Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV. This afternoon, stroll this magnificent city at your leisure. Situated on the banks of the River Vltava in central Bohemia, Prague is rich in history and home to some of the world’s most striking architectural wonders.

Today, discover more of Prague.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Communist walk of Prague: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague’s famous sites and hidden gems and learn about everyday life under Communism. They will even share some of their personal experiences of growing up during the socialist regime.

Prague Castle tour: Explore Prague Castle, considered one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the grandest cathedral in the Czech Republic, the Old Royal Palace, former residence of Bohemian Royalty, and the picturesque Golden Lane.

Depart after breakfast, taking many wonderful memories with you. Transfer via coach to the airport for your journey home.

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. Please refer to our terms and conditions.