Welcome to Istanbul. Home to more than 15 million people, it's the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Istanbul will inspire all your senses. It's an exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, history, and style.
There have been settlements in what is now Istanbul, occupying both banks of the Bosphorus Strait, for thousands of years. The modern city began life as Constantinople in the 4th century, before changing its name to Istanbul in 1930. Wherever you go, you're walking through history. On a guided tour today, you'll see two of the city's most famous landmarks, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, sitting on either side of the central Sultanahmet Park, and visit the city's grandest royal residence, Topkapi Palace. ... Read More
Today, you'll leave Istanbul behind and visit the city of Canakkale. Sitting on the edge of the Dardanelles Strait, Canakkale has been at the forefront of history for centuries. It's the gateway to the World War I battlefield of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy. Enjoy a ferry journey along this storied waterway. Tonight, why not make the most of your evening at leisure and join the locals along the waterfront promenade to get a taste of modern Turkish culture. ... Read More
Land Segment of Itinerary
Thursday - Oct 21, 2027
Day 4
Canakkale, Turkey
Bus Travel
Gallipoli, Turkey
Bus Travel
Canakkale, Turkey
Today you are bound for Gallipoli. The Gallipoli peninsula where the eight-month WWI campaign took place is now a national park, and your guide will take you through the most significant sites. Stand on the beach at ANZAC Cove, where the soldiers first came to shore on 25 April 1915. Contemplate the courage and sacrifice that took place at Lone Pine, the Nek, and Shrapnel Valley. Walk through some of the 31 cemeteries that dot the peninsula, including the Chunuk Bair Memorial dedicated to New Zealand troops, and see the Cape Helles Memorial, which stands as a monument to those whose remains still lie on the battlefield. You'll also enjoy a picnic lunch at a picturesque spot. Visiting Gallipoli is a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave. ... Read More
This morning, you'll be venturing to a place that is shrouded in mystery and legend, the ancient city of Troy. For more than 3,000 years, the tales of Troy and the Trojan War were thought to be mythical, made most famous by Homer's Iliad. However, in the late 19th century, the ruins of Troy were discovered in modern day Turkey and centuries of history were instantly rewritten. 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. Afterwards, return to Istanbul. ... Read More
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight 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. You will be staying in a luxury hotel tonight before boarding your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship tomorrow. This gives you the chance to explore Bucharest after dark. ... Read More
Land Segment of Itinerary
Monday - Oct 25, 2027
Day 8
Bucharest, Romania
Bus Travel
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Day 8 - Monday - Oct 25, 2027
Day 8
Cruise Begins
Constanta, Romania
Following a guided tour of Bucharest this morning you will be transferred to Constanta where the friendly crew await your arrival and welcome you onboard your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Balcony Suites have windows that convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you fresh air and uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise a glass to the days ahead at this evening's welcome reception. ... Read More
Tuesday - Oct 26, 2027
Day 9
Constanta, Romania
Sitting on the Black Sea coast, Constanta is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, dating back to 600 BC. Join a guided tour to learn about this long and fascinating heritage. Visit Ovid Square, Orthodox Cathedral, the stunning promenade, and Genovese Lighthouse. After lunch, your Scenic Space-Ship will depart for the Bulgarian town of Silistra. ... Read More
Wednesday - Oct 27, 2027
Day 10
Silistra, Bulgaria
Wake up in Silistra this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries. It was a major Turkish fortress and trade center in the 15th century, 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. ... Read More
Thursday - Oct 28, 2027
Day 11
Rousse, Bulgaria
This morning, dock in 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. You will also learn about traditional Bulgarian handicrafts, sample some delicious local wine, and delight in a short piano recital. Spend the rest of the day relaxing onboard. Perhaps you'd like to visit the modern gym for an invigorating workout or, if you'd prefer to wind down, head to the wellness center for a relaxing massage. ... Read More
Friday - Oct 29, 2027
Day 12
Vidin, Bulgaria
You will arrive early in Vidin, Bulgaria, this morning. This historic town has a well-preserved medieval fortress and sits between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. The region boasts a fertile landscape where wine has been grown for almost a century.
Saturday - Oct 30, 2027
Day 13
Iron Gates
Golubac Fortress, Serbia
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 mighty rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king. Later, dock in the charming town of Golubac, which is home to one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses. It was strategically built at the section of the Danube River that narrows to form the Iron Gate gorge. ... Read More
Sunday - Oct 31, 2027
Day 14
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 architecture, and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times. ... Read More
Monday - Nov 1, 2027
Day 15
Novi Sad, Serbia
Arrive in Novi Sad early this morning. Serbia's second-largest city is a lively place of music, art, and liberal freedoms. It is also an ethnically diverse city, has a thriving contemporary art scene with several large scale public murals, and hosts vibrant festivals, all while nurturing its rich 500-year history. ... Read More
Tuesday - Nov 2, 2027
Day 16
Vukovar, Croatia
Cross into Croatia this morning and dock in Vukovar, a poignant 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. ... Read More
Wednesday - Nov 3, 2027
Day 17
Mohacs, Hungary
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.
Thursday - Nov 4, 2027
Day 18
Ordas, Hungary
You will arrive in Hungary's Great Plain region this morning. Known for its rich history, this region is renowned for producing some of the world's most intricate and beautiful folk art, particularly its detailed embroidery. Today, the region has retained much of its rural charm.
Wake in Budapest this morning. 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. It's 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. ... Read More
Enjoy a relaxing morning onboard your Scenic Space-Ship as you cruise through Hungary and into Slovakia. Request a coffee from your butler and enjoy it in the comfort of your Scenic Sun Lounge as the beautiful Danube scenery rolls by. Take a dip in the Vitality Pool, work out in the gym, book in for a massage, or be soothed by the healing properties of the Salt Therapy Lounge. Slovakia's capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious with medieval and Gothic architecture. Its well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates back to the ninth century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city. ... Read More
Return to Budapest today. Your ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship will dock after lunch, giving you free time to explore on your own this afternoon. 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. ... Read More
Your journey comes to an end this morning. After a final breakfast in your hotel, check out and transfer to Budapest Airport for your onward travels, leaving with cherish memories to last a lifetime.
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
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