Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled with Transylvania

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Welcome to Budapest, the Hungarian capital and one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. 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. The city is 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.

Board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Join your fellow guests on the Sun Deck to toast the start of a one-of-a-kind journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

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 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 bold red wines. Visit the charming village, where you will learn about everyday life in Hungary then explore 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.

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 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.

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

Tour of Belgrade: Explore the iconic sites of the city with your local guide. You will 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 kilometre ride, you’ll 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.

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.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov today. Here you will 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.

Scenic Freechoice:
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. You will 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 will 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 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.

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. This unique experience available only to Scenic guests.

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, 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.

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, head to your luxury hotel before dining with your fellow guests.

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. Nearby, the historic Lipscani district is home to an energetic nightlife scene as well as tiny Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, where Prince Vlad III (“The Impaler”) once ruled.

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. Nearby, the historic Lipscani district is home to an energetic nightlife scene as well as tiny Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, where Prince Vlad III (“The Impaler”) once ruled.

Your luxury river cruise journey concludes in Bucharest this morning. Begin your travels in Transylvania with a seamless transfer to the medieval city of Brasov, surrounded by the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. 

Along the way, a local guide will take you to Peles Castle, a Neo-Classical masterpiece built in the 1870s by the first king of Romania as a summer residence. Inside, the rooms are exquisitely decorated with paintings, carved wood and stained glass. Nearby, Sinaia Monastery is the oldest monastery in the region and is home to two churches, one from the 17th century and one built by the royal family in the 19th century.

Arrive in Brasov later today. After checking in to your luxury hotel, join your fellow travellers for a delicious dinner in one of Brasov’s finest restaurants.

This morning, your guide will show you the sights of Brasov, a colourful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares and Soviet-era concrete.

Dracula is Transylvania’s most famous figure. Though author Bram Stoker never visited Romania, he is said to have been inspired by the place you’ll visit this afternoon – Bran Castle. Perched dramatically on a clifftop, this white stone fortress was built in the 14th century and is a maze of narrow passageways, hidden rooms and sunny courtyards.

This morning travel to the village of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. It’s also one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, with cobblestone lanes and colourful buildings that have remained largely unchanged since the 12th century.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today you can choose from the following Scenic Freechoice:

Explore the walled city: The World Heritage-listed walled city at the centre of Sighisoara was built by the Saxons between the 12th and 17th centuries and much of it still stands today. A local guide will show you the highlights.

Hike the hill: If you’re feeling more active, hike up the covered stairway to the 14th century Church on the Hill. It’s a spectacular example of Gothic Transylvanian architecture and has been restored many times throughout history. The climb rewards you with superb views over the city.

This afternoon, journey on to Sibiu. Check in to your hotel before enjoying a delicious dinner in one of the best restaurants in the city.

After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, cross back over the Southern Carpathian Mountains to return to the Romanian capital, Bucharest.

Check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. Nearby, the historic Lipscani district is home to an energetic nightlife scene as well as tiny Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, where Prince Vlad III (“The Impaler”) once ruled.

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. Nearby, the historic Lipscani district is home to an energetic nightlife scene as well as tiny Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, where Prince Vlad III (“The Impaler”) once ruled.

After a final breakfast in Bucharest, it’s time to depart this fascinating part of Eastern Europe. The spectacular landscapes, medieval villages and storied history coming to life will stay with you long after your 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. Please refer to our terms and conditions.