Lower Danube Discovery with Transylvania (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 center 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 favorite 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. 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.

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 center in the 19th century and the region has retained much of its rural charm. Explore the region's culture and traditions, famous for its traditional handicrafts such as needlework and embroidery. Learn about the origins of these beautiful designs as well as other crafts. 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. Choose from one of today's Scenic Freechoice activities: a city tour of Pecs, a visit to the wine village of Villany, or a tour of the Zsolnay Ceramics Museum. Spend the afternoon on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as you sail towards the Croatian border.

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 epicenter 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. Explore your way with one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities: a walking tour of Osijek or a cycling tour of the Kopacki Rit nature park.

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. Explore your way with one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities: a guided tour of Novi Sad, a hike to Petrovaradin Fortress, an excursion to Sremski Karlovci, or a visit to Fruska Gora National Park.

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. Explore your way with one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities: a guided city tour, a panoramic city tour, a cycling tour along the Danube, or an educational visit with the Roma community. Tonight, we have a special treat in store for you with our Scenic Enrich event: a classical concert at St. Sava Temple.

This morning visit 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. Choose one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice excursions: a guided tour of Golubac Fortress, a visit to the Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site, or a hike through Djerdap National Park. After your Scenic Freechoice excursions, the ship will be waiting for you downriver at the town of Donji Milanovac.

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. Choose one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice excursions: a hiking tour to the Belogradchik Castle Ruins, a visit to a local winery, a traditional banica making class, or a Triangle of Tolerance walking tour.

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. Choose one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice excursions: an active walk to Silistra Fort or a visit to Alfatar Village.

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. Upon arrival, all guests will take a guided tour of the city by coach.

This morning, you'll begin your journey into Transylvania. This mountainous region of Central Romania is wrapped up in ancient myths, folklore and legendary literature. Its landscape has barely changed in more than 600 years, dotted with perfectly-preserved medieval villages and spectacular castles amid deep green forest. Peles Castle is a Neo-Classical masterpiece built in the 1870s by the first king of Romania as a summer residence for the royal family. Inside, the rooms are exquisitely decorated with paintings, carved wood and stained glass, and there's a fascinating collection of artwork and artifacts. 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. Your final destination for today is Brasov, a colourful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares and Soviet-era concrete.

This morning a local guide will take you on a tour of the sights of this colourful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares and Soviet-era concrete. Dracula is Transylvania's most famous figure. Writer Bram Stoker based his famous novel on the real life prince Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler. Though 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. Back in Brasov, finish your day with a delicious dinner in one of Brasov's finest restaurants.

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. Choose one of this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities: explore the walled city or hike the hill. This afternoon, it's on to Sibiu, another medieval town with a rich Saxon history. As you admire the historic buildings during your guided tour, you might get the feeling that they are looking back at you – many of the buildings here have unique dormer windows in the roof that resemble human eyes.

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 Cozia Monastery. Built between 1386 and 1388, it's one of the most architecturally and culturally important monasteries in Romania and many other religious complexes have been modelled after it. Sitting on the edge of the Olt River and with mountain peaks behind, it's a breathtaking site that has long been inspiring spiritual connections. With the villages and vistas of Transylvania behind you, you'll make your way back to the capital Bucharest this evening.

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 come to life will stay with you long after your journey.