Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled

Arrive in Budapest, the Hungarian capital and one of the most diverse, vibrant cities in Europe. Divided by the sweeping Danube River, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, the city officially united in 1873 once a newly constructed bridge connected the two halves. Marvel at an architectural treasure trove that surrounds your every step, showcasing beautiful styles ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau. During the visit, take time to experience the famous hot springs and thermal baths, or step out to explore a truly dynamic nightlife scene.

Step aboard your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship to begin the adventure. Head up to the Sun Deck to mingle with fellow guests and raise a glass, toasting the start of a truly one-of-a-kind journey. For a seamless embarkation, please ensure your flight is booked to arrive in Budapest prior to 5:00 PM.

Arrive in Mohács today to discover a small town straddling the Danube River that commands a massive presence in the nation's past. As you explore, reflect on its profound legacy as the site of the 16th-century Battle of Mohács. This pivotal conflict forever altered the region, triggering the collapse of the Hungarian monarchy and ushering in the ensuing eras of Ottoman and Habsburg rule.

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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 which was demolished in the late 19th century but unearthed in the 1970s, and more.

Villány wine stories: The region of Villány is known for its big, bold red wines. Learn about everyday life in Hungary, then proceed to a historic wine cellar where you can sample local drops.

Mohács traditions and flavors: 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 flavorful stew made with fresh Danube River fish and Hungarian paprika.

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 defense during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s, which left a lasting mark on its landscape and collective memory.

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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 can 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 center. Though heavily damaged by war, the city has been rebuilt. 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 join them for lunch. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host’s garden.

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 and Brutalist and Art Nouveau buildings. 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.

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Explore the city today one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Tour of Belgrade: Explore the iconic sites of the city with your local guide. Admire highlights such as the 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: Trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels with a guided cycling tour. During the 16 kilometer ride, learn about the history of Yugoslavia and Belgrade, and see the Belgrade waterfront, Staro Sajmište (former concentration camp), and Ada Island.

Central Belgrade stroll with coffee and cake: Starting from the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, then 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.

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.

Today, cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Djerdap Gorge system, 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.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov today. Here, you can have the choice to disembark and take an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, known as the ‘City of the Kings’, or stay on board and cruise towards Rousse.

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Discover more on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

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. Then, venture to the nearby leafy village of Arbanassi.

Walking tour of Rousse: Stay on board your Scenic Space-Ship and enjoy a relaxing cruise to Rousse. Upon arrival join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of this opulent town where you can learn about traditional Bulgarian handicrafts, sample some delicious local wine and delight in a short piano recital.

Arrive in Silistra today. 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.

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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. This unique experience available only to Scenic guests.

Sveshtari Thracian secrets and local delights: Discover the rich heritage and flavors of Bulgaria on this unique guided tour. Explore the ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, a World Heritage site, then visit local producers of exquisite brandy and artisanal cheese for a tasting.

This morning, farewell your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Bucharest. WWII changed the face of the Romanian capital with much of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture destroyed. 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.

Upon arrival, take an orientation tour of the city by coach, 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.

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After the city tour, personalize 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, head to your luxury hotel before dining with your fellow guests.

Your journey concludes today. After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for your onward journey, taking with you a treasure trove of wonderful memories from this undiscovered corner of Europe.

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 the terms and conditions.