Summary
Short description
Experience the very best of the Danube with Scenic River Cruises
British Airways Sale
The British Airways Sale is now on, with superb savings to a wide range of worldwide destinations. Book by 25 January 2025.
Highlights
- Explore Buda and Pest, the two districts of the city that are separated by the mighty Danube
- Listen to a private concert in the gilded halls of the Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna
- Discover the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov— a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets
- Uncover the 2,000-year history of Regensburg
- Cruise the spectacular Wachau Valley
In Brief
- 2 Nights Budapest
- 1 Night Bratislava
- 1 Night Vienna
- 1 Night Dürnstein
- 1 Night Salzburg
- 1 Night Regensburg
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
All-inclusive | Escorted tour | History & culture | Photography
Explore the myriad highlights of the river Danube from ancient landscapes, to fairy-tale medieval old towns and historic cities and all in style with Scenic. From Budapest’s juxtaposing Gothic sights to Vienna’s picture-perfect gardens and gilded palaces to the cobbled old-towns of Bratislava and Regensburg this ultra-luxury river cruise provides historic city experiences aplenty. And cruising along the stunningly beautiful Wachau Valley to picturesque Durnstein and Melk completes an extraordinary week-long immersion into the very best the Danube has to offer.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Budapest, Hungary
Fly to Budapest from one of up to 15 UK regional airports, where you’ll be transferred to your Scenic Space-Ship. Settle into your suite, before enjoying the evening’s dinner.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: D
Day
2
Budapest, Hungary
Discover the two distinct sides of this Hungarian capital—the cobbled hills of Buda and the grand boulevards of Pest, linked by eight stately bridges that span the Danube. You'll have a choice of included excursions today - or explore at your own pace. Perhaps climb historic Castle Hill to see the Royal Palace and see Matthias Church, the stunning setting for the coronations and weddings of the Habsburg royalty. Alternatively, explore Budapest through the lens of its Jewish history; hike the Buda Hills that rise beyond the city center; or venture to the charming riverfront town of Szentendre, home to a thriving artist colony.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Bratislava, Slovakia
Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town boasts medieval and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has history dating back to the 9th century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city. Explore Bratislava with an expert guide on a walking tour through the cobbled streets of the old town. Alternatively, enjoy a tasting tour and introduction to Slovakia's wines. Whilst still a relatively new venture, Slovakia’s Wines are starting to be noticed for their flavour and quality. After the fall of Communism, new wineries emerged on the Banks of the Danube, taking advantage of the cold weather and optimal soils. Embark on a journey through the different regions of Slovakia while tasting various wines in one of Bratislava’s cellars.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Vienna, Austria
Cruise the Danube toward Vienna, tracing the border of Hungary and Slovakia before crossing into Austria. Relax in the lounge in views of colorful waterfront towns and hilltop fortifications. This evening arrive in Vienna for a private concert in the gilded halls of the Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of celebrated Austrian composers Strauss and Mozart.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Durnstein & Melk, Austria
Your ship will dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein this morning, where you have some time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193.
As you continue sailing the scenic Wachau Valley, you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. This afternoon, you will dock in the small and picturesque town of Melk. The city’s breath-taking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region. Or take a more active excursion, e-biking along the Danube from Dürnstein to Melk or hiking to the hilltop ruins of a medieval castle. This evening, sip sundowners in a beautiful location in the Wachau Valley.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Salzburg, Austria or Ceský Krumlov, Czech Republic
Today, choose between excursions to two World Heritage sites. Your ship will dock in Brandstatt, from where the first option is to explore Salzburg, strolling the storybook streets of the Old Town and visiting the Schloss Mirabell and its stunning manicured gardens. Or head to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov— a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets with medieval, baroque, and Renaissance houses; lively cafés; and hidden squares. Alternatively, stay on board this morning as you cruise to Passau. Situated at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, Passau has been an important trading route for centuries, in particular for its trade of the 'White Gold', Salt. Visit the Old Town, situated on a narrow peninsula at the confluence of the 3 rivers and admire the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Regensburg, Germany
Set at the confluence of the Danube, Naab, and Regen Rivers, Regensburg once served as a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings and within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. On a guided visit, see the town’s splendid Gothic cathedral, 12th-century stone bridge, and the Porta Praetoria—the ancient Roman city gate. Alternatively, take a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded by monks in approximately 600AD. Explore the Abbey and Cloister Church, then sample the award-winning beer produced on site, which has been produced here since the year 1050 making it the oldest monastic brewery in the world.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Regensburg to the UK
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Munich airport for your flight back to the UK.
Alternatively, you can extended your experience with a choice of pre- or post-cruise extensions. Choose from hotel stay packages in Prague, Munich and Nuremburg. Or choose the 'Best of Bavaria' 4-night post-cruise extension for an in depth exploration of Southern Germany, with stays and experiences in Nuremberg, Schwangau and Munich. All extensions include guided tours, daily breakfast and transfers. Please speak to one of our specialists for more details.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
8-day river cruise
from £1,995 pp incl. flights
-
Gems of the Danubefrom £1,995 pp.
Save up to £1,800 pp. -
Gems of the Danube with Nurembergfrom £2,450 pp.
Save up to £1,800 pp. -
Gems of the Danube with Praguefrom £2,645 pp.
Save up to £1,800 pp. -
Gems of the Danube with Munichfrom £2,715 pp.
Save up to £1,800 pp. -
Gems of the Danube with Best of Bavariafrom £4,795 pp.
Save up to £200 pp.
Gems of the Danube
Special Offer
Early booking offer & free business class flight upgrade: Save up to £1,800 pp.
Book by: 31 January 2025
2025 departures from
from £1,995 pp. incl. flights
2026 departures from
from £3,145 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
- Selected departure dates in July and August 2025 from just £1,995 pp
Includes:
- Return scheduled flights from the UK
- 7-night cruise aboard Scenic Amber or another Scenic 'Space-Ship' depending on date
- Transfers to/from airports
- 20 meals – 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day
- Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
- 19 included 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
Frequent departures from March to October. Price varies by departure date and stateroom availability, please call for details.
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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