Lower Danube Discovery with Vienna & Istanbul (Start Istanbul, End Vienna)

Welcome to Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Home to more than 15 million people, Istanbul is a city that will inspire all your senses with its exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, history, and style. Spend the day at leisure, exploring the city and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Today, the wonders of Istanbul await you on a guided tour. Walk through history as you visit the city's most famous landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Each of these sites offers a glimpse into the city's rich past, from its beginnings as Constantinople in the 4th century to its modern-day status as a vibrant, multicultural metropolis.

Today, we leave Istanbul behind and journey to the city of Canakkale. Located 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. The city also boasts a vibrant food scene and buzzing nightlife, thanks to its sizeable student population. Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the waterfront promenade and sampling modern Turkish culture.

Today, we journey to Gallipoli, a site that holds a special place in the hearts 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. The Gallipoli peninsula is now a national park, and your guide will take you through the most significant sites. Stand on the beach at ANZAC Cove, contemplate the courage and sacrifice at battlegrounds like Lone Pine and the Nek, and walk through the cemeteries where more than 10,000 Anzac soldiers are buried.

This morning, we venture to the ancient city of Troy. Once thought to be mythical, the ruins of Troy were discovered in the late 19th century, rewriting centuries of history. 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. After our visit to Troy, we make our way back to the mighty city of Istanbul.

Today, choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice experiences. Learn the secrets of Turkish cuisine in a cooking class, visit the colorful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, or take a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. In the evening, enjoy a special treat with a farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant, which offers outstanding views over the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus.

Before you bid farewell to Istanbul, take a moment this morning to listen out for the call to prayer before the sun rises. This 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. After breakfast, you'll take a transfer to the airport where you board your included flight to Bucharest.

Transfer to Braila this morning, where you will board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. This is where your incredible Danube River discovery will commence. Check-in to your suite and spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring the facilities on board. Enjoy uninterrupted views as you cruise the Danube, watching a rolling tapestry of river life.

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. 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. Spend another wonderful afternoon on board your luxury Space-Ship, mingling with fellow guests or relaxing in your spacious suite.

Arrive in Silistra after lunch, a Bulgarian town that played a significant role in the Russian-Turkish wars. This afternoon, choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. Take an active walk to Silistra Fort, visit the small village of Alfatar, or simply enjoy some time at leisure on your Scenic Space-Ship.

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. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on board. Perhaps you'd like to spend some time in the state-of-the-art gym doing an invigorating workout or if you'd prefer to wind down, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage.

This morning you will dock 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 from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. Take an active hiking tour to the Belogradchik Fortress, venture to Negovanovtsi village and the Dos Alamos Winery for a tour and tasting, or take part in a walking tour of Vidin and learn its history and the extreme tolerance among its residents.

Early this morning 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. This afternoon, choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. Take a guided tour of Golubac Fortress, visit the Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site, or join a local park ranger and hike through the Djerdap 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. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. Take a guided city tour, join a panoramic tour including Tito's Memorial, trace the banks of the Danube on a guided cycling tour, or visit the Bread of Life project to learn about the challenges faced by the Roma community. In the evening, attend an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllő Royal Palace.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia, early this morning. The country's second largest city is a youthful city of music, art and liberal freedoms. It's an ethnically diverse city, has a thriving arts scene with several large-scale public murals, hosts vibrant festivals, all while nurturing its 500-year history. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. Take a guided tour of Novi Sad, journey to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, hike to Petrovaradin Fortress, or visit Fruska Gora National Park with a monastery and winery visit.

You will arrive this morning in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history; it was at the epicentre of the 1990s war of which scars are still evident on its building today. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. Take a guided walking tour of Osijek, explore the Kopacki Rit nature park on a guided biking tour, or immerse yourself in Slovak life and enjoy coffee and cake with friendly locals. After your touring this morning, all guests will visit the home of a typical Croatian family and have lunch with the family members.

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 a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. Take a city tour of Pecs, venture to the wine village of Villany, or take a Banica making class to learn a traditional family recipe.

The historic Hungarian town of Kalocsa has some of the richest folk art in the world and was an important agricultural centre in the 19th century. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. Learn about the region's culture and traditions, witness a traditional horse show, or simply enjoy some time at leisure on your Scenic Space-Ship.

You will arrive early this morning in Budapest, in Hungary, one of Europe's most diverse and vibrant destinations. 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. Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities. Explore the city in depth, strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district, discover Jewish history on a guided tour, or learn about Budapest's communist past and life today as part of the European Union.

As we progress down the beautiful Danube, spend the morning on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as we cruise towards the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. Sit on the Sun Deck with a coffee in hand and enjoy the scenery of riverside villages or take the opportunity to visit the wellness centre for a soothing massage. In the evening, immerse yourself in Budapest's Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllő Royal Palace.

This afternoon you will have free time as your luxury Space-Ship docks in Budapest after lunch. Perhaps, 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.

Disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Vienna, a city that oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. You will spend the next two nights in a luxurious hotel (or similar) in Austria's grand capital.

This morning, embark on a guided tour to see the city's highlights, such as the opulent Opera House, City Hall, the Hellenic-style Parliament Building, the sprawling landscaped gardens of Stadtpark, and Karlskirche (Church of St. Charles). This afternoon, you have free time to discover the city as you wish. Perhaps, venture out to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family or explore one of the world-class museums that are dotted around the city.

Your journey concludes today. After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and make your own onward travel arrangements. 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.