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Morning light in Budapest

Black Sea Explorer

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Scenic Ruby
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Begin your journey in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe: Hungary's capital, Budapest. Board your luxurious ship and embark upon your cruise down the Danube through pristine countryside, dotted with towns and cities that still look as they may have in the last century. Stop in Kalocsa and learn about traditional Hungarian culture by watching a Puszta horse show; discover a slice of everyday life with a bike ride in Osijek, Croatia; pass through the spectacular gorge of the Iron Gates, a natural border between Romania and Serbia. Disembark in Giurgiu before transferring to Bucharest and continuing on your Eastern European exploration or returning home.
Cruise through the Iron Gates gorgeExplore BucharestBudapest, the capital city of HungaryAdmire the architecture of BelgradeParliament Palace in Bucharest, RomaniaDiscover the architecture and history of BudapestMorning light in Budapest
Highlights
  • Enjoy a guided bike ride through Osijek’s pristine countryside
  • Relax on board and admire the scenery as you cruise through the Iron Gates
  • Witness a traditional Hungarian Puszta horse show in Kalocsa
  • Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the village of Arbanassi
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Budapest | Embark

After a day of exploring the incredible architecture and rich history of Budapest, board your ship and settle in. At tonight’s welcome reception, raise your glass to the wonderful cruise ahead.

Day 2: Kalocsa

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located on the Great Hungarian Plain, Kalocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. Today you will have the opportunity to witness a traditional Puszta horse show. Be greeted by the horsemen of the Puszta region where this type of activity has been practiced for centuries.

Day 3: Osijek

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Freechoice:
Explore Osijek on a guided city tour, or take a blissful guided bike ride through Osijek’s countryside.

Enrich:
As a Scenic guest, you’ll be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this is a rare opportunity to meet people who intimately understand the local way of life.

Day 4: Belgrade

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Freechoice:
Join your local guide for an in-depth discovery of Belgrade and visit Tito’s Memorial, or see Belgrade on an orientation tour before time at leisure. Alternatively, choose a guided bike ride along the Danube, or journey to Sremski Karlovci, where you can explore the town and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements. You also have the option of gaining some true insights into everyday life on a walking tour with a local.

Enrich:
Visit the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt.

Day 5: Iron Gates

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Relax on board and admire the scenery as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gates – a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Not only is it a spectacular setting, but it’s also the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Sundowners:
Raise a toast to the end of a wonderful day in this spectacular location.

Day 6: Svishtov | Rousse

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Freechoice:
Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the village of Arbanassi. Or stay on board and cruise to the town of Rousse, where you’ll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour.

Day 7: Silistra

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Freechoice:
Discover the Silistra Fort during an active walking tour, or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Or tour a local village, including a visit to the primary school, and learn about life in Bulgaria.

Day 8: Giurgiu | Disembark | Bucharest

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bid a fond farewell to your crew as you disembark your ship and travel to Bucharest.

Freechoice:
Explore Bucharest and learn about its communist past, including a visit to Ceausescu’s Spring Palace. Or tour the Village Open Air Museum and discover ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture.

Later, check-in for your stay at your centrally located hotel.

Day 9: Depart for Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, prepare to head home. It may be the end of your journey, but it’s the beginning of a lifetime of fond memories.

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Ruby

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Select a Date
Standard Stateroom E
160ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
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Standard Stateroom D
160ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
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Single Balcony Suite BS
160ft2. Single Balcony Suites are located on the Sapphire Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
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Balcony Suite C
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Balcony Suite BA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Select a Date
Balcony Suite BB
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Select a Date
Balcony Suite B
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Select a Date
Junior Balcony Suite BJ
These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire Deck, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.
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Balcony Suite A
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Balcony Suite P
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Select a Date
Balcony Suite PA
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Select a Date
Balcony Suite PP
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Select a Date
Junior Balcony Suite RJ
These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Diamond Deck, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.
Select a Date
Royal Balcony Suite RA
315ft2. These suites are located on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
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Royal Balcony Suite R
315ft2. These suites are located on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
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Royal Panorama Suite RS
At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.
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Royal Owner's Suite RO
520ft2 including the outdoor balcony. These Suites are located on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.

Notes

All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Porterage
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Complimentary beverages
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
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