Summary
Short description
Cruise the eastern Danube in style from Budapest to Bucharest with Scenic
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Highlights
- Explore historic Mohacs, the site of the 16th century battle that marked the end the Hungarian Monarchy
- Taste unique recipes handed down through the generations in Osijek
- Experience the eclectic vibe of Bohemian Belgrade
- Cruise through the spectacular 'Iron Gates'
- Discover the historic Bulgarian towns of Veliko Tarnovo and Silistra
In Brief
- 1 Night Budapest
- 1 Night Mohács
- 1 Night Osijek
- 1 Night Belgrade
- 1 Night Svishtov
- 1 Night Silistra
- 1 Night Bucharest
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
River cruise
Sail the eastern Danube from Hungary to Romania, passing though the spectacular 'iron gates' and soaking up the Roman, Habsburg and Ottoman history of the region. Boarding ship in Budapest, you’ll set sail through the Hungarian plains to historic Mohacs - one of the country’s oldest towns. Cross into Croatia to explore Osijek and its 18th-century citadel and then sail on on to the Serbian capital of Belgrade, with its Art-Nouveau and Habsburg vestiges. Next, sailing through the iconic Iron Gates gorge and into Bulgaria, you’ll take in unesco-listed villages, the Byzantine jewels of Veliko Tarnovo and the Ottoman fort of Silistra, before you end in Bucharest. See it all from your luxurious Scenic 'Space-Ship'.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Budapest
Enjoy complimentary UK airport lounge access before your flight to Budapest. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your luxurious Scenic 'Space-Ship'. You'll have a first taste of what it has to offer as you spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Day
2
Mohács, Hungary
You will arrive in Mohacs this morning. 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 with a choice of included excursions. Perhaps visit Pecs, a city with a rich history from Roman times through to Turkish rule in the 19th Century, or the charming Villany wine village, famous for big and bold red wines.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Osijek
Explore Osijek on a city tour, or take a bike ride through Osijek’s countryside. Alternatively, explore one of Europe’s largest natural wetlands, Kopacki Rit, during a boat cruise or join a local and learn to make a traditional fish stew. Later, as a special Scenic guest, be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this is a rare opportunity to meet people who understand the local way of life intimately.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Belgrade
Enjoy an in-depth city tour of one of Europe’s oldest capitals, Belgrade, including a visit to Tito’s Memorial, or take an orientation tour of Belgrade and see the highlights of the city before enjoying time at leisure to wander this beautiful location. Alternatively, choose a guided bicycle ride, or for a true insight into everyday life, take a walk through the city with a local student. Or, journey to Sremski Karlovci, where you can wander the town and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements. Later this evening, visit the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Iron Gates
Relax and admire the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. A magnificent setting for a cruise and the natural border between Serbia and Romania.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Svishtov or Rousse
Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi. Alternatively, stay on board and cruise towards the Bulgarian town of Rousse - described as 'Little Vienna' - where you’ll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Silistra
This Bulgarian town 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. Discover Silistra Fort during an active walking tour, or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Alternatively, visit a local village and a local school, and learn about life in Bulgaria.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Bucharest
Bid a fond farewell to your crew as you disembark your Scenic Space-Ship at Giurgiu and travel to the Romanian capital, Bucharest. Explore Bucharest and learn about its communist past including a tour of Ceausescu’s Spring Villa, or tour the Village Open Air Museum. Then, head to your hotel to enjoy an overnight stay.
Stay: Bucharest accommodation
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Depart for UK
After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for your flight back to the UK.
Alternatively, why not extend your cruise with a pre- or post- cruise stay in Budapest, or opt for a unique 4-night/5-day extension tour to Transylvania to uncover the stories of Dracula and Vlad the Impaler.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
9-day river cruise
from £2,655 pp incl. flights
Eastern Europe & the Balkans
Special Offer
Early booking offer & free business class flight upgrade: Save up to £1,500 pp.
Book by: 31 January 2025
2025 departures from
from £2,655 pp. incl. flights
2026 departures from
from £3,455 pp. incl. flights
Special offers:
- Early booking savings for selected departure dates in 2025 and 2026
- Plus enjoy a free upgrade to business class flights on selected dates in 2025
- 26 March 2025 departure from just £2,655 pp
Included:
- Return scheduled flights from up to 16 UK airports
- 7-night cruise aboard Scenic Crystal or another Scenic 'Space-Ship' depending on date
- Transfers to/from airports
- Al meals onboard
- Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day
- Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
- Selected Scenic Freechoice activities
- Butler service for every suite
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
- All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore
- Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
Departures on selected dates from March to October. Alternate departures operate the itinerary in reverse.
Price varies by departure date and stateroom availability.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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