Lower Danube Discovery with Vienna

• Day 1 Vienna (Austria)

  Welcome to Vienna. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury hotel in the centre of town. The day is free for you to explore at your own pace. 

• Day 2 Vienna

  This morning , discover more of Vienna or the surrounding area on an excursion.

  Freechoice: Art Tour of Vienna, or visit the remarkable Schönbrunn Palace. Alternatively, journey outside the city centre to learn about Vienna’s popular wine region during a tasting.

• Day 3 Vienna - Budapest (Hungary)

  After breakfast, say farewell to Vienna, taking many wonderful memories with you. For guests joining a Europe river cruise, you will be transferred to Budapest.

• Day 4 Bratislava (Slovakia)

  Freechoice: Explore beautiful Bratislava on a guided walking tour. Alternatively, journey behind the Iron Curtain to discover Bratislava’s communist-era history, or join a guided cycling tour of the city.

   

• Day 5 Bratislava - Budapest

  Enjoy a relaxing day on board your Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise through Slovakia and back into Hungary. Request a coffee from your butler and enjoy it in the comfort of your Scenic Sun Lounge, as the beautiful Danube scenery rolls by. Work out in the gym, book in for a massage or be soothed by the healing properties of the Salt Therapy Lounge. This evening, you will arrive in Budapest.

• Day 6 Budapest

  Wake in Budapest this morning. 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. It’s 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. Freechoice: Join a guided hike of Buda or explore Budapest's communist past in a walking and coach tour. Visit Beethoven's favourite getaway on a trip to Brunszvik Castle, or the wineries and vineyards of the Etyek region. Alternatively, discover the city's Jewish heritage with a local guide.

  This afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy, with the Scenic Space-Ship staying in Budapest until late. Feel free to explore the city and take in its historic beauty at your own pace.

• Day 7 Ordas - Mohács

  You will arrive in Hungary's Great Plain region this morning. Known for its rich history, this region is renowned for producing some of the world's most intricate and beautiful folk art, particularly its detailed embroidery. Today, the region has retained much of its rural charm. Freechoice: Learn about Hungary's traditional craft of embroidery and needlework or travel to Kolocsa and enjoy the Hungarian Horse Show excursion.

  This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise to Mohács, arriving later tonight.

• Day 8 Mohács - Osijek (Croatia)

  Nestled in a gentle bend along 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 ruler. From here, you will explore the surrounding regions. Discover the city of Pécs, or explore the village of Villány. Alternatively, tour the Busóudvar Museum. 

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

• Day 9 Vukovar

  Wake this morning in the Croatian town of Vukovar, a poignant 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. Freechoice: take a coach trip to Osijek for a walking tour of the city or visit the Baranja region famous for its white wines. Alternatively the discover the 'Hero Town' of Vukovar's resilliance and bravery in the struggle for Croatian independence.

  After your touring this morning, you will visit the home of a local Croatian family for lunch. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience as you enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host’s garden. North-eastern Croatia is the ‘breadbasket’ 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 as you cruise towards Serbia.

• Day 10 Novi Sad (Serbia)

  Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia, a lively 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: a guided tour of Novi Sad or hike to the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress overlooking the city. Experience a unique cooking demonstration at a traditional farmstead (or Salaš) or explore the oak and beech forests of the Fruška Gora National Park with a stop for a wine tasting.

  Your Scenic Space-Ship will remain in Novi Sad until late tonight, so you can go on shore and soak up the atmosphere of the city after dark.

• Day 11 Belgrade

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

  Today, take a guided bicycle ride along the Danube, or enjoy an in-depth city tour including Tito’s Memorial. Scenic Enrich - Visit the temple of St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt.

• Day 12 Golubac - Donji Milanovac

  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 Gates gorge.

  Enjoy a guided tour of Golubac Fortress, or visit Lepenski Vir Archaeological site and museum, or hike to the Djerdap National Park with a park ranger and a local guide.

  After your Scenic Freechoice excursion, 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.

• Day 13 Vidin (Bulgaria)

  You will arrive early in Vidin, Bulgaria, this morning. This historic town has a well-preserved medieval fortress and sits between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. The region boasts a fertile landscape where wine has been grown for almost a century. Tour Vidin on foot, or perhaps join a hiking tour to the Belogradchik Fortress constructed during the Roman Empire. Alternatively, head to a local winery for a tasting. 

• Day 14 Rousse

  This morning, dock in the town of Rousse, often described as ‘Little Vienna’. Join a local guide on a sightseeing tour of this opulent town this morning, resplendent in Belle Epoque architecture and leafy manicured squares. You will also learn about traditional Bulgarian handicrafts, sample some delicious local wine and delight in a short piano recital. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy some free time to wander, before returning to the ship.

• Day 15 Silistra - Constanta (Romania)

  Wake in Silistra this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries. It was a major Turkish fortress and trade centre in the 15th century, 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.

  Silistra is home to a fascinating selection of historical landmarks, including an Ottoman Fort. Join a walking tour and see the Silistra Fort or travel to a local village and visit a primary school for an insight into daily life.

   

• Day 16 Constanta

  Cruise towards Constanta, Romania, this morning. Sitting on the Black Sea coast, Constanta is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, dating back to 600 BC. Join a guided tour to learn about this long and fascinating heritage. Visit Ovid Square, Orthodox Cathedral, the stunning promenade and Genovese Lighthouse. Enjoy some free time before you return to your Scenic Space-Ship.

• Day 17 Constanta - Bucharest

  Farewell your Scenic Space-Ship this morning and transfer to Bucharest, 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 along 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 (home to the infamous Ceausescus), stopping to see its grandest 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.

• Day 18 Bucharest

  Transfer to Bucharest airport for your return flight home. Travel to one of up to 9 UK regional airports.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.

Lower Danube Discovery with Vienna ItineraryThis 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.