Lower Danube Discovery (Start Budapest, End Bucharest)

Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe's oldest and prettiest cities. In the afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Balcony suites have windows that convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you fresh air and uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Bratislava after lunch. Choose to spend your morning in your Space-Ship's wellness centre enjoying a soothing massage, or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of the Sun Deck. 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.

This morning you'll have free time on board, perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler or simply relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the scenery of the Danube rolling by while cruising through Slovakia and into Hungary. Tonight, immerse yourself in Budapest's Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllő Royal Palace, one of the favourite residences of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary.

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.

You will arrive in Kalocsa this morning. 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. This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail to Mohacs, arriving later tonight.

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.

You will wake this morning in the Croatian 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.

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.

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.

This morning visit the 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. 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.

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.

This morning visit 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. Afterward you'll enjoy some free time to wander, before returning to the ship.

This morning you will be docked in the charming town of Silistra, which 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.

Start the day with a walking tour in the Romanian fishing village of Saint George, also known as Sfantu Gheorghe. Following this, you will take a cruise on a small boat through the wetlands of the Danube Delta to Mile 0, where the mighty Danube River meets the Black Sea. The vast 580,000-hectare Danube Delta is the best-preserved delta in Europe and is teeming with wildlife, including more than 300 species of birds.

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.

After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe.