Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.
This cruise has already sailed
12 Night Eastern Europe and Balkans Unveiled with Transylvania Cruise and Land Tour from Budapest
Ship: Scenic Opal
Cruise Line: Scenic Cruises
Sailed: Monday, Apr 28, 2025 from Budapest, Hungary
Ended: Saturday, May 10, 2025
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Monday, Apr 28, 2025
departure of the Scenic Opal. If Scenic Cruises modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing
, the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Today, board your Scenic Space-Ship. At tonight's welcome reception, raise your glass to the wonderful cruise ahead. Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 5 PM.
Day 2 - Tuesday - Apr 29, 2025
Mohacs, 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 one of the Scenic Freechoice excursions.
Day 3 - Wednesday - Apr 30, 2025
Osijek, Croatia
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive 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.
Day 4 - Thursday - May 1, 2025
Belgrade, Serbia
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.
Day 5 - Friday - May 2, 2025
Iron Gates
Today, we 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 mighty rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king. Spend some time relaxing in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. Sweat it out in the state-of-the-art gym or take time out in the wellness center, then mingle with other guests as you sit back with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.
Day 6 - Saturday - May 3, 2025
Svishtov, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Rousse, Bulgaria
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov this morning. Here, you will have the choice to disembark and take an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, known as the City of the Kings, or stay onboard and sail towards Rousse (or Ruse), which has been described as 'Little Vienna'.
Day 7 - Sunday - May 4, 2025
Silistra, Bulgaria
Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries; a major Turkish fortress and trade center 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.
Day 8 - Monday - May 5, 2025
Giurgiu, Romania
Cruise Ends
Bus Travel
Bucharest, Romania
This morning, farewell your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Bucharest. 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. Upon arrival, take an orientation tour of the city by motorcoach, from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace stopping to see city's squares, including Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square, and Charles de Gaulle Square. This evening, you will enjoy dinner with your fellow guests before heading to your hotel.
Day 9 - Tuesday - May 6, 2025
Bucharest, Romania
Bus Travel
Bran Castle, Romania
Bus Travel
Brasov, Romania
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. 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. Your final destination for today is Brasov, a colorful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares, and Soviet-era concrete. Finish your day with a delicious dinner in one of Brasov's finest restaurants.
Day 10 - Wednesday - May 7, 2025
Brasov, Romania
Bus Travel
Sinaia, Romania
Bus Travel
Brasov, Romania
This morning, a local guide will take you to Peles Castle, 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. Afterwards, your guide will show you the sights of Brasov, a colorful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares, and Soviet-era concrete.
Day 11 - Thursday - May 8, 2025
Brasov, Romania
Bus Travel
Sighisoara, Romania
Bus Travel
Sibiu, Romania
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 colorful buildings that have remained largely unchanged since the 12th century. This afternoon, it's on to Sibiu; check into your hotel before enjoying a delicious dinner in one of the best restaurant in the city.
Day 12 - Friday - May 9, 2025
Sibiu, Romania
Bus Travel
Bucharest, Romania
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 Romanian capital, Bucharest.
Day 13 - Saturday - May 10, 2025
Bucharest, Romania
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.
