Lower Danube Discovery with Turkey: 22 days Istanbul to Budapest

Welcome to Istanbul. Home to more than 15 million people, it’s the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Istanbul will inspire all your senses, an exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, history and style.

There have been settlements in what is now Istanbul, occupying both banks of the Bosphorus Strait, for thousands of years. The modern city began life as Constantinople in the 4th century, before changing its name to Istanbul in 1930. Wherever you go, you’re walking through history. See two of the city’s most famous landmarks, sitting on either side of the central Sultanahmet Park; Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and visit Topkapi Palace.

Today, we leave Istanbul behind and visit the city of  Çanakkale. Sitting on the edge of the Dardanelle Strait, Çanakkale has been at the forefront of history for centuries. It’s the gateway to the World War One battlefield of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy.

Tonight, why not make the most of your evening at leisure and join the locals along the waterfront promenade to get a taste of modern Turkish culture.

Today you are bound for Gallipoli, a special place in the heart of Australians and New Zealanders.  

The Gallipoli peninsula where the eight-month WWI campaign took place is now a national park and your guide will take you through the most significant sites. Stand on the beach at ANZAC Cove, where the soldiers first came ashore on 25 April 1915. Contemplate the courage and sacrifice that took place at Lone Pine and the Nek. Walk through some of the 31 cemeteries that dot the peninsula. Visiting Gallipoli is a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

This morning you’ll be venturing to a place that is shrouded in mystery and legend, the ancient city of Troy. For more than 3,000 years, the tales of Troy and the Trojan War were thought to be mythical, made most famous by Homer’s Iliad. But in the late 19th century, the ruins of Troy were discovered in modern day Turkey and centuries of history were instantly rewritten. Take a tour through the 4,000-year-old ruins, see a giant replica of the famous Trojan Horse and learn the true story behind this illustrious city.

Afterwards, return to Istanbul.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose how to spend your morning with today’s Scenic Freechoice experiences : 
 
The tastes of Turkey: Turkish cuisine brings together Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Eastern European flavours. Learn its secrets in a cooking class where you’ll learn to make delicious traditional dishes. 
 
Grand Bazaar: Visit the colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, a vast undercover market made up of thousands of shops along wide plazas and tiny laneways. Peruse the stalls and afterwards join your local guide for a traditional Turkish coffee from a local vendor.

Scenic Enrich
Tonight, a special treat awaits you with our Scenic Enrich event.

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait. This strategic waterway has played a major role in world trade for centuries and is still one of the most important global shipping routes. This evening, you’ll cruise along the strait, winding between ferries and fishing boats and passing famous monuments and historic minarets. Then return to shore for a farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant. Enjoy outstanding views over the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus, and dine on exceptional Turkish cuisine as you raise a glass to an unforgettable journey.

Before you farewell Istanbul, take a moment this morning to listen out for the call to prayer before the sun rises. The traditional Muslim call rings out over the city five times a day and is a reminder of the nation’s strong ties to its faith. In the relative calm and silence of the morning, it’s a particularly moving sound.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport where you board your included flight to Bucharest.

Following a guided tour of Bucharest this morning you will be transferred to Constanta where our friendly crew await your arrival and welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Balcony suites have windows that convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you fresh air and uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise a glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.

Sitting on the Black Sea Coast, Constanta is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, dating back to 600BC. Join a guided tour to learn about this long and fascinating heritage. Visit Ovid Square, Orthodox Cathedral, scenic promenade and Genovese Lighthouse.

After lunch, your Scenic Space-Ship will depart for the Bulgarian town of Silistra.

Arrive in Silistra after lunch. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries. It was a major Turkish fortress and trade centre in the 15th century, 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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: Take a 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, which played an important role in the Russo-Turkish wars.

Visit Alfatar Village: Travel to this small village, located just outside of Silistra. Learn how its people have lived over the centuries and kept their traditions alive in the ethnographic museum and see the beautifully restored Holy Trinity temple, a treasured symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox religion. You’ll also visit the school to meet local children and hear about daily life for young Bulgarians.

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.

This morning, dock in the town of Rousse, often described as ‘Little Vienna’. Join a local guide on a sightseeing tour of this opulent town this morning, resplendent in Belle Epoque architecture and leafy manicured squares. You will also learn about traditional Bulgarian handicrafts, sample some delicious local wine and delight in a short piano recital.  

Spend the rest of the day relaxing on board. Perhaps you’d like to visit the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout or, if you’d prefer to wind down, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage^.

You will arrive early in Vidin, Bulgaria, this morning. This historic town has a well-preserved medieval fortress and sits between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. The region boasts a fertile landscape where wine has been grown for almost a century. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice morning excursions:

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: Travel to Negovanovtsi village and 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 – Banitsa cooking demonstration: Recipes have long been passed down through generations and are often kept as a family secret. Meet with a local who will tell you about life in this region as well as divulge a family recipe of traditional  Banitsa, a delicious cheese-filled pie made with filo pastry.

Triangle of Tolerance walking tour: Join a walking tour of Vidin to learn its history and the legacy of tolerance among its residents. You will see the Metropolis Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar, the Osman Mosque, and the Synagogue.

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. 

Later, 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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from one of these afternoon Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Golubac Fortress: Take a guided tour of the 14th-century fortress, built on a steep embankment of the Danube in the Djerdap National Park. It has nine towers connected by ramparts and has been an imposing figure above the river for centuries.

Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site: One of the most significant archaeological sites in the region, Lepenski Vir was first inhabited some 12,000 years ago. Tour the excavation site of 136 building ruins, a central square, fireplaces and stone idols. Learn how it was discovered and gain a fascinating insight into Europe’s early stone age.

Hike through Djerdap National Park: Join a local park ranger and local guide and hike through the Djerdap National Park. Enjoy spectacular sights along the way such as Golubac Fortress and incredible views over the Danube River.

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 architecture, and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided city tour : By coach and foot, you’ll tour the major sites of the city with a guide. See the cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress, which has been the site of more than 100 battles and offers panoramic views of the rivers below. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own.

Panoramic city tour including Tito's Memorial: Join a local guide to tour the city’s highlights, including the Ottoman old town, Kalemegdan Fortress and Republic Square, followed by some free time. You will also visit the memorial dedicated to Tito, the former ruler of Yugoslavia.

Cycling tour along the Danube: Trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels, admiring the beautiful scenery and learning about the fascinating history of Belgrade from your local guide.

Education with the Roma community: Visit the Bread of Life project, which works to reduce the prejudices against Roma people, help Roma children to finish primary school and integrate better into society. See how the project is benefiting the community and meet some of the children to hear about the challenges they face.

Scenic Enrich
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. Due to the acoustics in the crypt, this incredible performance is a once of a lifetime opportunity.

Arrive in Novi Sad early this morning. Serbia’s second largest city is a lively place of music, art and liberal freedoms. It is also an ethnically diverse city, has a thriving contemporary art scene with several large-scale public murals and hosts ibrant festivals, all while nurturing its rich 500-year history.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided tour of Novi Sad: Join your local guide as you discover all that makes this city a true highlight of this region, from the 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress, to charming Dunavska Street, lined with colourful buildings and a popular place for walking, gathering and dining.

Hike to Petrovaradin Fortress: A symbol of the city, the fortress is often referred to as 'Gibraltar on the Danube'. Learn about its powerful history, dating back to the Middle Ages, as you hike to and be rewarded with magnificent views over the Danube River and city below.

Excursion to Sremski Karlovci: Journey by coach for 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.

Fruska Gora National Park: Explore Serbia’s oldest national park, where the landscape is blanketed with oak and beech wood forests, more than 60 family vineyards, and 16 monasteries. Visit the oldest monastery, dating to the 16th century, and stop by a winery for a tasting.

Cross into Croatia this morning and dock in 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.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of this charming city, visiting , the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress.

Cycling tour: Explore the Kopacki Rit Nature Park on two wheels on this guided tour. The park is home to 293 kinds of birds, 46 species of freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles, wild boars and red deer, and the ponds and lakes are teeming with water lilies. You may even see the most famous inhabitant, the white-tailed eagle.

Baranja wine region: The fertile soil of the Baranja region is famous for its exceptional white wines. You will tour family-owned wineries to savour locally produced wine in rustic cellars or outdoor terraces with sweeping views of the vines.

After your touring this morning, you will visit the home of a local Croatian family for lunch. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience as you enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host’s garden. North-eastern Croatia is the ‘breadbasket’ 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.

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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided tour of Pecs: First settled by the Romans and then later the Turks, and located close by the Croatian border, Pecs is a melange of cultures. On a guided tour, you can see its Roman ruins, Turkish baths, Baroque buildings, and decorative arts and crafts, like porcelain.

Villány wine village: Visit a charming town in the Villány wine region, known for its exceptional red wines, particularly bold, full-bodied varieties. See its rows of historic wine cellars, sample local wines and visit an old mill.

Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853, Zsolnay Porcelain has a proud history of creating hand-painted decorative, ornamental, and architectural porcelains. View a splendid historic collection at the museum in Pecs, which is housed in the company’s former factory.

Dock in Kalocsa, one of the oldest towns in Hungary.  Known for its rich history, this region is renowned for producing some of the world's most intricate and beautiful folk art, particularly its detailed embroidery. It was an important agricultural centre in the 19th century and the region has retained much of its rural charm.

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover more about local culture on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Hungarian Traditions: The region of Kalocsa is teeming with culture and traditions. It is famous for its traditional handicrafts such as needlework and embroidery. Learn about the origins of these beautiful designs as well as other crafts.

Hungarian Horse Show: Kalocsa is located on the Great Hungarian Plain, with an agricultural history dating back more than 2,000 years. Watch a traditional horse show, meet the horsemen who will demonstrate impressive equestrian skills and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies.

Wake in Budapest this morning. 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. It’s 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 vibrant nightlife scene.

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

Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Várkert Bazár and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

Budapest’s past and present: This walking and coach tour will give insight on Budapest’s communist past and life today as part of the European Union, including the 1956 Hungarian revolution and the significant Jewish events that have shaped modern culture.

Beethoven’s favourite getaway: Travel to Brunszvik Castle, a favourite retreat of the famed composer, to admire its Neo Gothic architecture and the grand gardens. Learn about Beethoven’s life in the dedicated Memorial Museum.

Etyek region wineries and vineyards: The Etyek wine region, often called the ‘vineyard of Budapest’, is renowned for its crisp, aromatic white wines and sparkling wines. Learn about its winemaking tradition and taste local vintages.

Jewish Heritage Tour: During this tour you will learn about the significant Jewish events from history that have shaped the culture of today. You will also visit the fascinating Jewish Museum and impressive Synagogue.

This evening, transfer to Vac for your exclusive Scenic Enrich event. 

Scenic Enrich
Tonight, step back into Hungary’s imperial past as you attend an exclusive classical concert inside Gödöllõ Royal Palace, one of the favourite residences of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary. The world’s second largest Baroque palace, it dates back to the 18th century.

Enjoy a relaxing morning on board your Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise through Hungary and into Slovakia. Request a coffee from your butler and enjoy it in the comfort of your Scenic Sun Lounge as the beautiful Danube scenery rolls by. Take a dip in the Vitality Pool~, work out in the gym, book in for a treatment in the spaˆ or be soother by the healing properties of the Salt Therapy Lounge.

Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious with medieval and Gothic architecture. Its well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates back to the ninth century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city.

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover the city on one of this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Communist tour of Bratislava: Journey behind the Iron Curtain and learn about Bratislava during the communist regime. Your local guide will share how this controversial regime impacted directly on the daily lives of Slovaks and shaped Bratislava’s complex identity.

Walking tour of Bratislava: Join a knowledgeable local guide to see the highlights of the city, including the Hlavné Námestie (main square) and the Old Town Hall while learning about the history of the city.

Coffee and cake with a Slovakian family: On this authentic and immersive experience, you’ll visit a local family home to gain an insight about the everyday lives of Slovaks, while enjoying delicious coffee and cake.

Return to Budapest today. Your luxury Space-Ship will dock after lunch, giving you free time to explore on your own this afternoon. 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.

Your journey comes to an end this morning. After a final breakfast, transfer to Budapest Airport taking away a lifetime of wonderful memories with you.

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.  

~Not available on all ships
^Spa services are an additional cost.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.