Day 1 - Wednesday - May 29, 2024
Welcome to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. It has a complex - and sometimes confronting - past, having spent more than four decades under Communist rule. But today, it's a dynamic, modern, and energetic city with a thriving cafe culture, excellent museums, and pockets of glorious Belle Epoque architecture. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - Thursday - May 30, 2024
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. Peles Castle is a Neoclassical 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. Your final destination for today is Brasov, a colorful town that brings together Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares, and Soviet-era concrete. A local guide will take you on a tour of the sights before you check into your hotel. Finish with a traditional Romanian dinner accompanied by folklore tales and traditional stories.
Day 3 - Friday - May 31, 2024
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're visiting today - 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. Travel on 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.
Day 4 - Saturday - Jun 1, 2024
You'll be woken by the sound of church bells this morning, ringing out across the town squares in the same way they have done for centuries. Or perhaps by the laughter of children as they make their way to school. One of the most wonderful aspects of Sighisoara is that it is still a living town, not just a tourist site, so you'll be immersed in the everyday lives of the people who are lucky enough to live here. This afternoon, it's on to Sibiu, another medieval town with a rich Saxon history. As you admire the historic buildings during your guided tour, you might get the feeling that they are looking back at you - many of the buildings here have unique dormer windows in the roof that resemble human eyes. Afterwards you have free time to take in the beauty of this city at your leisure. Perhaps join the locals for an al fresco coffee in the Big Square (Piata Mare) or Little Square (Piata Mica), both just meters apart in the center of the old town, or take a moment to duck inside the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Romanian Orthodox church that was built just over 100 years ago. The elaborate paintings and stained-glass windows across the ceiling will take your breath away.
Day 5 - Sunday - Jun 2, 2024
Leaving Sibiu this morning, you'll cross back over the Southern Carpathian Mountains to reach the Cozia Monastery. Built between 1386 and 1388, it's one of the most architecturally and culturally important monasteries in Romania and many other religious complexes have been modelled after it. Sitting on the edge of the Olt River and with mountain peaks behind, it's a breathtaking site that has long been inspiring spiritual connections. With the villages and vistas of Transylvania behind you, you'll make your way back to the capital Bucharest this evening.
Day 6 - Monday - Jun 3, 2024
Today, you'll explore the city of Bucharest, with a guided tour of the city by motorcoach. Travel from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace, stopping to see its squares, including Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square, and Charles de Gaulle Square. This afternoon, you will be transferred to Giurgiu, where you will be welcomed onboard your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.
Day 7 - Tuesday - Jun 4, 2024
Arrive in Silistra early this morning, a Bulgarian town that played a significant role in the Russo-Turkish wars. Relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck this afternoon as you enjoy the scenery of the Danube rolling by. Download the Scenic Tailormade app to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you're passing.
Day 8 - Wednesday - Jun 5, 2024
This morning, you'll arrive in Rousse (or Ruse), which has been described as 'Little Vienna'. This afternoon, relax onboard as you continue to sail along the Danube. Mingle with other guests as you sit back with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar and soak up the scenery.
Day 9 - Thursday - Jun 6, 2024
Today, you will cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. 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. Or perhaps you'd prefer to sweat it out in the state-of-the-art gym or take time out in the wellness center.
Day 10 - Friday - Jun 7, 2024
Arrive in the capital of Serbia this morning. 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. This afternoon is free at leisure to explore Belgrade further. Soak up the bohemian culture with a wander along cobblestoned Skadarlija Street, a district once frequented by writers and artists and other creative souls, now home to traditional restaurants, local stores, and galleries.
Day 11 - Saturday - Jun 8, 2024
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive this morning in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history. Osijek was at the epicenter of the 1990s war, and its scars are still evident on its buildings today. After your touring this morning, all guests will visit the home of a typical Croatian family and have lunch with the family members. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host's garden. North-eastern Croatia is the 'bread basket' of the country, so it is only natural that the villagers take great pride in their gardens, from which ingredients are used to make a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
Day 12 - Sunday - Jun 9, 2024
This morning, you'll have free time onboard as you sail towards Kalocsa, one of the oldest towns in Hungary. This historic town has some of the richest folk art in the world and was an important agricultural center in the 19th century.
Day 13 - Monday - Jun 10, 2024
Arrive in Budapest this morning, one of Europe's most diverse and vibrant cities. 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. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene. You will disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and be transferred to a luxury hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy dinner with your fellow guests and enjoy the evening to wander around Budapest as the sky darkens and city lights begin to sparkle. Perhaps check out the Jewish Quarter's famous ruin bars, which are housed in old and abandoned buildings that were left in decay after WWII.
Day 14 - Tuesday - Jun 11, 2024
Today, you'll have the entire day at your own leisure to explore this magical city. You may wish to cross the bridge between Buda and Pest to see Matthias Church, the iconic Fisherman's Bastion where you'll have enchanting views of Budapest, and the medieval town on Castle Hill, located on a limestone plateau 170 meters above the city. Or pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of the city'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.
Day 15 - Wednesday - Jun 12, 2024
After breakfast, transfer to Budapest Airport for your onward journey. 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.
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