Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled with Transylvania & Budapest

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. 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.  Check in to your luxury hotel for a two-night stay in this fascinating European capital.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps visit one of the city’s famed coffee houses such as the New York Café or Ruszwurm Cukrászda. Budapest developed a strong coffee culture in the 19th century and many elegant cafes are still charmingly dotting the city. You can mingle with locals and tourists, admire the opulently painted interiors, savour regional delicacies and listen to live music.

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.

After breakfast, explore Budapest with today’s Scenic Freechoice activities and discover why this region is one of the most beautiful in Europe. 

Freechoice:
Brunszvik Castle: Located in picturesque Martonvásár, Hungary, Brunszvik is a stunning 18th-century neo-Gothic castle closely associated with composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who frequently visited. Today, the castle houses a Beethoven Memorial Museum.

Etyek Region Wineries: Often called the ‘vineyard of Budapest’, the Etyek region is renowned for its crisp, aromatic white and sparkling wines. Explore charming cellar rows, boutique wineries and scenic landscapes as you enjoy a wine tasting.

This afternoon is yours to explore, perhaps hike the iconic Buda Hill that offers panoramic view of the Danube River and the city.

Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant tonight before returning to your hotel. 

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.

This morning will be at your leisure to explore Budapest at your own pace. Perhaps you’d like to pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of the city’s thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters. Széchenyi Baths are the largest, boasting 15 indoor baths and three vast outdoor pools.

Transfer to your Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

You will arrive in Mohács this morning. Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town 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.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Guided tour of Pecs: 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.

Villány wine village: The region of Villány is known for its big, bold red wines. Visit the charming village, with rows of historic wine cellars where you can sample local drops.

Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853, Zsolnay Porcelain has a proud history of creating hand-painted ceramics. View a splendid collection housed in the company’s former factory.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive this morning in the Croation town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history. Many of the grand Baroque buildings remain standing but bear the scars of the war. Osijek is famous for its food, which features plenty of paprika, locally-made sausages and river fish. 

Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of Osijek to see the highlights of the town including the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress. 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 scenic vineyards. Enjoy a tasting experience blending bold notes, local culture and breathtaking landscapes.

After your touring this morning, visit the home of a local Croatian family and have lunch with the family members. 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, Brutalist and Art Nouveau buildings and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times. 

Freechoice:
Explore more of the region on one of these Freechoice excursions:

Walking tour of Belgrade: Tour the iconic sites of the city with a 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 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 during this guided cycling tour.

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
Visit St. Sava Temple, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Have a chance to admire the frescos-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 this morning. 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, which has been described as ‘Little Vienna’. 

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 morning cruising to Rousse. Upon arrival join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of this opulent town and an exclusive piano recital.

Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries. As 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. 

Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

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

Visit Alfatar Village: Take an excursion 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: Explore the ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari and discover the rich heritage and flavours of Bulgaria on this unique guided tour.

This morning, farewell your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Bucharest. 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. 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. 

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 hotel and dine 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.

This morning, you’ll begin your journey into Transylvania. Your destination for today is Brasov.

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 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 himself. 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.

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. Much of it still stands today, making it one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. 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, it’s on to Sibiu. Check in to your hotel before enjoying a delicious dinner in one of the best restaurants in the city.

This morning your local guide will walk you through the highlights of Sibiu during a guided tour before you cross back over the Southern Carpathian Mountains to reach the Romanian capital, Bucharest.

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 farewell this fascinating part of Eastern Europe. The spectacular landscapes, medieval villages and sense of fairy tales 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.