Lower Danube Discovery (Start Bucharest, End Budapest)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovakia. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, from the bustling streets of Bucharest to the tranquil Danube Delta, the vibrant city of Belgrade, the historic town of Osijek, and the enchanting capital cities of Budapest and Bratislava. You'll enjoy luxurious accommodation, delectable local cuisine, and a variety of activities, including guided city tours, wine tastings, hiking, cycling, and even a private classical music concert. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure, filled with unique insights into the local life, traditions, and heritage of these fascinating destinations.
Included
44 meals – 15 breakfasts (B), 14 lunches (L) and 15 dinners (D)
Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day* – not just at meal times
5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 163 guests
Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
Scenic Opal : Royal Owner's Suite ,Royal Suite ,Junior Suite ,Deluxe Suite ,Suite ,Standard Suite, Scenic Jasper: Royal Owner's Suite ,Royal Suite ,Junior Suite ,Deluxe Suite ,Suite ,Standard Suite
Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
2 Scenic Enrich experiences including a classical concert at Gödöllõ Royal Palace and a mesmerising choir performance in the Crypt of St. Sava Temple
Personalise your trip with 29 included Scenic Freechoice activities
Enjoy a choice of up to five on board dining experiences, from casual to fine dining
Butler service for every suite
Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area
The freedom of our e-bikes – electrically assisted bicycles
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
Return airport transfers^
All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore
The Scenic Difference
In the heart of Belgrade visit St. Sava Temple, enjoy a choir performance in the temple crypt
Cruise in 5-star luxury to the Danube Delta, the best preserved in Europe
Kopacki Rit is one of the largest natural wetlands in Europe
Learn about local life in small villages and towns of the lower Danube
Cruise the splendid natural beauty of the Iron Gates, the natural border between Serbia and Romania
Tailor your journey with a variety of Scenic Freechoice including Active, Your Way excursions, Moments, Masters & Music activities and Interactive Encounters
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest
- Bucharest - Arrival day
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- Palace of the Parliament
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Welcome to the vibrant city of Bucharest, Romania's capital. Once known as the Paris of the East, Bucharest now presents a unique blend of Art Nouveau remnants, Brutalist-era architecture, and splendid Orthodox churches. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to a luxury hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay. Don't miss the chance to explore the city's highlights, including the gargantuan Palace of Parliament.
Day 2 – Day 2: Transfer to Braila
- Bucharest
- Brăila
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Today, we transfer to Braila, where we board our luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. This marks the beginning of our incredible journey along the Danube River. Check into your suite and spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring the ship's amenities. Enjoy the uninterrupted views of the river life from your Scenic Sun Lounge as we cruise the Danube.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discover Saint George and the Danube Delta
- Brăila
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- Pădurea Letea
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Start your day with a walking tour in the quaint Romanian fishing village of Saint George. Following this, embark on a small boat cruise through the wetlands of the Danube Delta, Europe's best-preserved delta teeming with wildlife. Depending on the season, you might spot migratory birds, pelican chicks, or blooming water lilies. Spend the afternoon mingling with fellow guests on board your luxury Space-Ship.
Day 4 – Day 4: Explore Silistra and Alfatar
- Silistra
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- Srebarna
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Arrive in Silistra, a Bulgarian town with a significant role in the Russian-Turkish wars. Choose between a guided walking tour of the well-preserved Silistra Fort or an excursion to the small village of Alfatar. In Alfatar, visit the ethnographic museum, the beautifully restored Holy Trinity temple, and the local school to learn about daily life for young Bulgarians. Return to your Scenic Space-Ship in the afternoon and enjoy some leisure time.
Day 5 – Day 5: Visit Rousse
Day 5: Visit Rousse
This morning, visit the town of Rousse, often described as 'Little Vienna'. Join a local guide on a sightseeing tour of this opulent town, resplendent in Belle Epoque architecture and leafy manicured squares. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on board. You might want to visit the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout or head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discover Vidin
- Vidin
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- Belogradchik Fortress
- Стамбол капия
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Dock in Vidin, Bulgaria, an historic town nestled between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. Choose between a hiking tour to the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, a visit to the boutique Dos Alamos Winery for a tour and tasting, a traditional banica making class, or a walking tour of Vidin to learn about its history and the extreme tolerance among its residents.
Day 7 – Day 7: Cruise through the Iron Gates and Explore Golubac
- Golubats
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- Golubac Fortress
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Cruise through the spectacular Iron Gates, the natural border between Serbia and Romania, featuring four narrow gorges and soaring cliffs. In the afternoon, choose between a guided tour of the 14th-century Golubac Fortress, a visit to the significant Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site, or a hike through the Djerdap National Park. Dock in the charming town of Golubac, home to one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses.
Day 8 – Day 8: Explore Belgrade
- Belgrade
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- Kalemegdan
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Arrive in Belgrade, Serbia's eclectic capital known as the 'Door to Central Europe'. Choose between a guided city tour with extended free time, a panoramic city tour including Tito's Memorial, a cycling tour along the Danube, or an educational visit to the Roma community. In the evening, enjoy a special treat with a private classical concert at the majestic St. Sava Temple, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans.
Day 9 – Day 9: Discover Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci
- Novi Sad
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Arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city, known for its music, art, and liberal freedoms. Choose between a guided tour of Novi Sad, an excursion to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, a hike to Petrovaradin Fortress, or a visit to Fruska Gora National Park with a monastery and winery visit. Each option offers a unique insight into the region's rich history and vibrant culture.
Day 10 – Day 10: Visit Osijek
- Osijek
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Arrive in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history. Choose between a guided walking tour of Osijek, featuring the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress, or a cycling tour of the Kopacki Rit nature park. After your tour, visit the home of a typical Croatian family for an authentic lunch, immersing yourself in the local culture and culinary delights.
Day 11 – Day 11: Explore Mohacs, Pecs, and Villany
- Osijek
- Pécs
- Villány
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Arrive in the small Hungarian town of Mohacs, the site of the 16th-century Battle of Mohacs. Choose between a city tour of Pecs, filled with Roman and Turkish architecture and ruins, a visit to the wine village of Villany, known for its bold red wines, or a visit to the Zsolnay Ceramics Museum in Pecs, home to a splendid historic collection of hand-painted decorative porcelains.
Day 12 – Day 12: Discover Kalocsa
- Budapest
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Arrive in the historic Hungarian town of Kalocsa, known for its rich folk art. Choose between a cultural tour learning about the region's traditions and handicrafts or a visit to a traditional horse show, where you'll meet local horsemen and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies. In the afternoon, sail to Budapest.
Day 13 – Day 13: Explore Budapest
- Budapest
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- Hungarian Parliament Building
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Arrive in Budapest, one of Europe's most diverse and vibrant destinations. Choose between a comprehensive city tour exploring both Buda and Pest, a guided hike through the Buda district, a Jewish Heritage Tour, or a walking and coach tour giving insight into Budapest's communist past and life today. In the evening, attend an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllő Royal Palace.
Day 14 – Day 14: Cruise to Bratislava
- Bratislava
- Budapest
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Spend the morning on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as we cruise towards the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. Enjoy the scenery of riverside villages or visit the wellness centre for a soothing massage. In the afternoon, explore Bratislava your way, with options including a city tour, a coffee and cake session with a local family, or a communism walking tour.
Day 15 – Day 15: Return to Budapest
- Budapest
- Bratislava
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After lunch, your luxury Space-Ship docks in Budapest. Spend your free time exploring the city. Perhaps visit one of Budapest's thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters or check out the Jewish Quarter's famous ruin bars, housed in old and abandoned buildings left in decay after WWII.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Budapest
- Budapest - Departure day
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After breakfast, transfer to Budapest airport for your onward journey. Take away a lifetime of wonderful memories from this incredible multi-day tour through Eastern Europe. Please note that the itinerary may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water.
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