Danube Delta Discovery with Turkey

Fly from the UK to Vienna. Welcome to the Austrian capital city of Vienna, where your cruise begins. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. This city oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. 

Toast the occasion during an evening reception on board your state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship.

Wake this morning with Vienna on your doorstep. You’ll be awed by the city’s grand Imperial palaces, a legacy of the six-century rule of the powerful Habsburg dynasty; its dazzling galleries and museums; and its citizens’ obvious taste for the good life.
 

Freechoice:
Today, choose from one of these Scenic Freechoice activities:

Schönbrunn Palace: Join your local guide on an exploration of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Journey through centuries of history as you explore the imperial apartments, countless rooms of great beauty created by famous artists and craftsmen from many different epochs, and learn the history and tales of the royal family that lived within these walls. Wander the impressive gardens before returning to the ship.

Guided city tour: Take a coach to the city centre for a guided walking tour. You’ll see the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral and Belvedere Palace. Afterwards, you have free time to discover the beauty of the city for yourself. Vienna is a city where history, art and architecture combine to make a truly breath-taking city.

Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.

Sisi Museum: Empress Elisabeth, commonly referred to as Sisi, was the Empress of Austria and Queen of Vienna after marrying Emperor Franz Joseph I. Learn about her fascinating life during a guided tour of the Sisi Museum located in a former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. 

Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious, resplendent with medieval and Gothic architecture. It’s topped by the well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates back to the 9th century and still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city.
 

Freechoice:
Today, choose one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Bratislava City Tour: Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the heart of the city, just a short walk to the Old Town. A city of contrasts, Bratislava features a mixture of medieval, Gothic and Baroque architecture. With your local guide you will see the highlights of this beautiful city such as Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.

Coffee & Cake with a local family: Immerse yourself in Slovak life and enjoy coffee and cake with friendly locals. Gain understanding of life in Slovakia during modern times.

Communism walking tour: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to learn about its time behind the Iron Curtain, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII. Discover what the city was like during the communist regime and how this directly impacted the Slovaks.

You will arrive early this morning in 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, the city was united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. Budapest 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 dazzling nightlife scene.
 

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

Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube that make up the city. Starting on the Buda side, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square. Afterwards, you will visit the Parliament Building, which sits proudly along the Danube and is the third largest Parliament building the world.

Guided hike to Buda Hill: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike up to the World Heritage-listed site of Buda Hill. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

Jewish Heritage Tour: Discover Jewish history on a tour with an expert local guide, learning about the significant events from history that have shaped the culture of today. The tour includes the Synagogue, cemetery, memorial park and a guided tour of the Jewish Museum.
 

This afternoon you will have free time as your luxury Space-Ship docks in Budapest overnight. 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.
 

Enrich
Immerse yourself in Budapest’s Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllõ Royal Palace, one of the favourite residences of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary. 

This morning you’ll have free time on board. Relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the scenery of the Danube rolling by. Download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you’re passing.  

You will arrive in Kalocsa at lunch time. This historic Hungarian town has some of the richest folk art in the world, like its beautifully decorated porcelain. It was an important agricultural centre in the 19th century and the region has retained much of its rural charm.
 

Freechoice:
This afternoon, explore the region 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. Witness a traditional horse show, meet the local horsemen who will demonstrate impressive equestrian skills and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies.

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.
 

Freechoice:
Choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Pecs city tour: First settled by the Romans and then later the Turks, and located close by the Croatian border, this richly historic and fascinating city is a melange of cultures. It’s filled with Roman and Turkish architecture and ruins, elegant Baroque buildings, and is famous for its decorative arts and crafts, in particular porcelain. On a guided tour, you will see 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; the county library and more.

Villany wine village: The region of Villany is known for its big, bold red wines, which account for most of the local wine production thanks to its sub-Mediterreanean climate. The village is a charming place to visit, with rows of historic white wine cellars where you can sample some of the local reds. You will also visit an old mill.

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

Spend the afternoon on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as you sail towards the Croatian border, perhaps relaxing with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar. 

You will wake this morning in the Croation town of 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.
 

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

Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of Osijek to see the highlights, 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.

Boat cruise at Kopacki Rit: Kopacki Rit is one of the largest natural wetlands in Europe, covering 238 hectares, and you will have the opportunity to explore it by boat. Learn more about this beautiful untouched piece of nature in the easternmost part of Croatia through a presentation by one of the park’s rangers. During a 50-minute boat ride, you will cruise among lush greenery, hundred-year-old willow woods and meadow, spotting the variety of flora and fauna including deer, wild boar, white tailed eagle and black stork.

Cycling tour of Osijek: Explore the Kopacki Rit nature park on two wheels during a guided biking tour. This marshland area is a natural habitat for 293 different kinds of birds, 46 species of freshwater fish, several amphibians and reptiles, as well as wild boars and red deer. The ponds and lakes, which are teeming with reeds and white water lilies, are mostly surrounded by white willow trees and untouched nature. If you are lucky, you might even see the most famous inhabitant of Kopacki Rit, the white-tailed eagle.

After your touring this morning, all guests will 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. North-eastern Croatia is the ‘bread basket’ 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.  

This afternoon will be spent on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship to enjoy the amenities or relax in your suite. Many suites have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Serbia early this morning. Novi Sad is the country’s second largest city, a youthful place of music, art and liberal freedoms. It’s an ethnically diverse city, has a thriving contemporary art scene with several large-scale public murals and hosts vibrant festivals, all while nurturing its rich 500-year history.  

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

Guided tour of Novi Sad: Novi Sad is a modern, vibrant city with a fascinating past. Join your local guide as you discover all that makes the city a true highlight of this region, from the Petrovaradin Fortress, completed in the 18th century with 10 gates and 400 cannon sites, to charming Dunavska Street, one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in the city. Soak up the appeal of this promenade lined with colourful buildings, popular for walking, gathering and dining.

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

Excursion to Sremski Karlovci: Journey by coach to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci. Upon arrival enjoy 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 for a delicious tasting.

Fruska Gora National Park with monastery and winery visit: Serbia’s oldest national park, Fruska Gora National Park was once an island but when the seas dried up 90 million years ago it became a solitary mountain. Its landscape is blanketed with oak and beech wood forests, and some 60-plus family vineyards. There are also 16 monasteries scattered throughout the park’s hidden valleys, the oldest dating to the 16th century. Visit this monastery and stop by a winery for a sample of their best drops.

Return to your Scenic Space-Ship for a restful afternoon on board as you continue to cruise towards Belgrade. You may wish to spend some time in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which has natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. 

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

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

Guided city tour with extended free time: By coach and foot, you’ll tour the major 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, an imposing structure that 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.

Guided city tour including Tito's Memorial: Join a more in-depth 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, the imposing fortress and Republic Square following by some free time in the city centre. During this tour 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 during this guided cycling tour. Learn about the region and its people, including the history of Yugoslavia and Belgrade from WWII to today. You will see the Palace of Serbia (the former seat of the government of Yugoslavia); the historic neighbourhood centre of Zemun, which became part of Belgrade in the early 1900s and still has a distinct character; and Staro Sajmiste, a former concentration camp.

Educating the Roma community: The Bread of Life project helps to reduce the prejudices against Roma people, which prevail among the non-Roma population in schools, local authorities, and institutions. It highlights the need for positive action to improve living conditions in Roma communities. The project is designed to help Roma children to finish primary school and integrate better into society. On this engaging tour, you will visit the tutoring space to see how the project is benefiting the community, and even have the chance to meet some of the children and learn about the challenges they face.

Enrich
Tonight, we have a special treat in store for you with our Scenic Enrich event:

Classical concert at St. Sava Temple: Visit the 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. Because of the acoustics in the crypt, this is a once of a lifetime opportunity.

This morning you will be docked 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. 

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

Golubac Fortress: Take a guided tour of Golubac Fortress, which was built in the 14th century on a steep embankment of the Danube. Located in the Djerdap National Park, the fortress comprises 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. Archaeologists have found 136 building ruins, a central square, and fireplaces in each building, as well as stone idols. Learn how it was discovered, tour the excavation site and gain a fascinating insight into Europe’s early stone age. 

After your Scenic Freechoice excursions, the ship will be waiting for you downriver at the town of Donji Milanovac. This afternoon, 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.

You will arrive early in Vidin, Bulgaria, an historic town with a medieval fortress between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. This region boasts a fertile landscape where wine is grown. 

Freechoice:
Choose one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice 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: Venture to Negovanovtsi village and the 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. Enjoy a city tour of Vidin from the bus as you drive back to town.

Ancestry of the Kitchen: Banica making class: Traditions and recipes have long been passed down through generations and often kept as a long-held family secret. Today you’ll meet with a local who will speak all about life in this region as well as divulge a family recipe of traditional banica, a delicious cheese-filled pie made with filo pastry.

Triangle of Tolerance walking tour: Take part in 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 17th-century church of St. Panteleimon, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar, the Osman mosque, and the Synagogue.

Arrive in Silistra early this morning. 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.
 

Freechoice:
This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: Transfer to Silistra Fort by coach. Upon arrival 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, which played an important role in the Russo-Turkish wars.

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, where visitors will see how the residents of this region have lived over the centuries and have kept their traditions alive. Also see the beautifully restored Holy Trinity temple, a treasured symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox religion, and visit the Alfatar school to meet local children and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians.

Return to your Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and enjoy time at leisure. You may wish to take a turn around the walking track up on the Sun Deck to stretch your legs while enjoying the ever-changing scenery or join in one of the wellness activities on board.  

This afternoon you will arrive at the sea side city of Constanta. Sitting on the Black Sea Coast, Constanta is a historic city with a long and fascinating history and you have the chance to learn about its historical monuments and ancient ruins with a local guide during your city tour.

Transfer to Bucharest this morning, stopping for lunch on the way. 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 sits alongside wide, tree-lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art and thriving nightlife. Admire the many splendid Orthodox churches and be awed by the gargantuan Palace of Parliament.

Upon arrival, all guests will take a guided 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.  

This evening you will check into a hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner.  

This morning sees us setting off from Bucharest and across the Bulgarian border towards the historic city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second largest city. Along the way, our first stop is a traditional Bulgarian village where you learn about the local way of life before a hearty lunch of typical Bulgarian cuisine. 

This afternoon we arrive in Plovdiv. Originally founded more than 8,000 years ago the city offers a rich history from prehistoric times, through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period right through to the present.  

Your local guide will be delighted to showcase this magnificent city including a visit to the Kapana district, also known as ‘The Trap’, which is lined with quaint, colourful buildings housing galleries, ateliers and local shops. You’ll also visit Tsar Simeon’s Garden, a beautiful 19th-century garden complete with impressive fountains and sculptures and the ancient amphitheatre that dates to the 2nd century AD.

Leaving Bulgaria, today you’ll travel south into Turkey and the city of Canakkale. Sitting on the edge of the Dardanelle Strait, Canakkale 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. 

At the same time, Canakkale also has a sizeable student population that makes for a great food scene and buzzing nightlife. After a delicious, included dinner, why not join the locals along the waterfront promenade to get a taste of modern Turkish culture.

Today you are bound for Gallipoli, a site that holds a special place in the heart of Australians and New Zealanders. As the first major battle for ANZAC troops in the First World War, it was a brutal introduction to global conflict for the new nations. Though the Gallipoli campaign was ultimately a failure, the bravery and strength of the ANZAC soldiers became legendary and helped shape the cultural identity of the two countries.

The Gallipoli peninsula where the eight-month 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 battlegrounds like Lone Pine and the Nek. Walk through some of the 31 cemeteries that dot the peninsula and where more than 10,000 Anzac soldiers are buried. A visit to 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 Greek poet Homer’s epic work, the 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. 

You’ll travel along the Marmara Coast this afternoon enroute to your final destination, 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.

The wonders of Istanbul await you today on a guided tour. There have been settlements on this important site, 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. At every turn, 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. Then your local guide will take you inside the 17th century Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, where you will marvel at the spectacular architecture and over 20,000 hand painted blue tiles. You’ll also visit two of the city’s grandest royal residences, Topkapi Palace and Dolmahbace Palace.

Freechoice:
Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice experience:

The tastes of Turkey: Turkish cuisine is the ultimate in fusion, bringing together Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Eastern European flavours. Learn its secrets in a cooking class where you’ll be taught to make delicious traditional dishes.

Soaking up culture:Relax and rejuvenate on a visit to the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami Turkish Baths. Built in the 16th century, the historic baths are some of the most luxurious in the city and the perfect place to experience this indulgent Turkish tradition.

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait, with one half of the city in Europe and the other in Asia. 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 morning, you’ll take a scenic cruise along the strait, winding between ferries, barges and fishing boats, and passing famous monuments and historic minarets on shore. Then it’s on to the colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, a vast undercover market made up of thousands of shops along wide plazas and tiny laneways. Traders have been coming here to sell their wares since the 15th century and it’s still the place to buy ceramics, carpets, glassware, jewellery and textiles.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Visit one of the city’s excellent museums or galleries, hunt for antiques in the busy Çukurcuma neighbourhood, inhale the aromas of the Spice Bazaar, or catch the bright red tram between the two main squares. Be sure to take some time out to indulge in the Turkish national pastime, tea drinking, ideally at a busy streetside café.

Enrich
Tonight’s Scenic Enrich:

A farewell to remember: A special treat awaits for your farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant with its outstanding views over the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus. You’ll dine on exceptional Turkish cuisine and 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 for your flight to the UK, taking off with a lifetime of memories.