Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul
You'll arrive in Istanbul and get settled at your hotel. The city sits across two continents with over 15 million people, so there's a real sense of cultural crossroads here. This first day gives you time to acclimate and start soaking in the energy of this major metropolitan area.
- Day 2
Istanbul
Head out to Sultanahmet Park this morning where you'll see the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque side by side. Both are in the heart of the old city, making it easy to take in their architecture. After that, you'll walk through Topkapi Palace and get a sense of Ottoman history across several centuries. It's a full day of major landmarks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Hagia Sophia
- Visit Blue Mosque
- Visit Topkapi Palace
Landmarks/POIs Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Topkapi Palace Sultanahmet Park - Day 3
Istanbul to Çanakkale
Leave Istanbul today and travel to Çanakkale, a town positioned right on the Dardanelles Strait. This location has real historical significance as a gateway to Gallipoli and Troy. By evening you'll have time to walk along the waterfront and experience the local culture at a relaxed pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore waterfront promenade at leisure
Landmarks/POIs Dardanelles Strait - Day 4
Gallipoli
You'll spend this day on the Gallipoli peninsula, which was a major WWI battlefield and is now a national park. Your guide will take you through ANZAC Cove where troops first landed in 1915, plus sites like Lone Pine and the Nek. You'll also see 31 cemeteries throughout the area. It's a sobering experience that honors the soldiers and history of the campaign.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Gallipoli peninsula
- Visit ANZAC Cove
- Visit Lone Pine
- Visit the Nek
- Visit Gallipoli cemeteries
Landmarks/POIs Gallipoli Peninsula ANZAC Cove Lone Pine The Nek - Day 5
Troy to Istanbul
Travel to Troy today and explore ruins that have stood for roughly 4,000 years. You'll see the famous replica Trojan Horse and learn the actual history beyond Homer's stories. After touring the site, you'll head back to Istanbul for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Troy ruins
- View replica of Trojan Horse
Landmarks/POIs Troy - Day 6
Istanbul
This morning you can either take a cooking class to learn traditional Turkish dishes or browse the Grand Bazaar's thousands of shops before having local Turkish coffee. Later, you'll board a Bosphorus cruise that passes ferries and fishing boats alongside historic monuments. Dinner happens at Hamdi Restaurant with views overlooking the Golden Horn.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner at Hamdi Restaurant with views over the Golden Horn, exceptional Turkish cuisine)
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Bosphorus cruise
- Scenic Enrich: Farewell dinner at Hamdi Restaurant
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Turkish cooking class
- Scenic Freechoice: Grand Bazaar visit with traditional Turkish coffee
Landmarks/POIs Grand Bazaar Bosphorus Strait Golden Horn - Day 7
Istanbul to Bucharest
Start your morning hearing the call to prayer as the sun comes up over Istanbul, a spiritual moment tied to the city's heritage. After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport and fly to Bucharest. Once you arrive in Romania's capital, you'll check into your luxury hotel. Bucharest blends Art Nouveau buildings with Brutalist architecture in an interesting way.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Included flight to Bucharest
Landmarks/POIs Bucharest - Day 8
Bucharest to Giurgiu
You can choose from Scenic Freechoice activities to explore Bucharest at your own pace. Later, you'll take a panoramic coach tour hitting Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square, and Charles de Gaulle Square, then Primaverii Palace. Afterward, you'll transfer to Giurgiu and board your river cruise ship to begin the Danube journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Panoramic coach tour of Bucharest
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Ceausescu's Spring Palace tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Village Open Air Museum
Landmarks/POIs Union Square University Square Roman Square Victory Square Charles de Gaulle Square Primaverii Palace Ceausescu's Spring Palace Village Open Air Museum - Day 9
Silistra
The ship arrives early in Silistra, a Bulgarian town with a complicated history stretching from late Roman times through Ottoman fortress periods to modern day. Your morning choice: walk through the well-preserved Silistra Fort, visit Alfatar Village to meet locals, or explore the ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided walking tour of Silistra Fort
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to Alfatar Village with ethnographic museum and local school visit
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Sveshtari Thracian Tomb
Landmarks/POIs Silistra Fort Alfatar Village Sveshtari Thracian Tomb - Day 10
Rousse
You'll reach Rousse, Bulgaria's elegant 'Little Vienna,' known for its Belle Epoque architecture and neat squares. Pick your morning activity: either take a full day trip to medieval Veliko Tarnovo and the leafy Arbanassi village, or do a walking tour of Rousse itself with an exclusive piano recital included.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Full day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Rousse with piano recital
Landmarks/POIs Veliko Tarnovo Asenevtsi Brothers Monument Arbanassi - Day 11
Djerdap Gorge
The ship cruises through the Djerdap Gorge system, also called the Iron Gates, which forms the natural border between Serbia and Romania. You'll see four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs, and a rock carving of King Decebalus. Relax in your suite or head to the Sun Deck and Panorama Lounge to take in the scenery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Djerdap Gorge
Landmarks/POIs Djerdap Gorge Iron Gates Rock carving of Decebalus - Day 12
Belgrade
You'll explore Belgrade, known as the 'Door to Central Europe,' where the Sava and Danube rivers meet. Your morning options include a guided tour of Kalemegdan Fortress and the Bohemian Quarter, a panoramic city tour with Tito's Memorial, or a cycling tour along the Danube. The afternoon is free, or you can attend an exclusive concert at St. Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Concert at St. Sava Temple with choir performance
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Belgrade
- Scenic Freechoice: Panoramic tour with Tito's Memorial
- Scenic Freechoice: Cycling tour along the Danube
- Self-guided exploration of Skardalija Street
Landmarks/POIs Kalemegdan Fortress Bohemian Quarter Tito's Memorial St. Sava Temple Skardalija Street Old Town - Day 13
Osijek
The ship docks in Osijek, a Croatian town famous for paprika, local sausages, and river fish. Choose between a walking tour of the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress with traditional music, or explore the Baranja wine region that straddles Croatia and Hungary. Later you'll visit a local Croatian family's home for lunch featuring fresh garden vegetables.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch with local Croatian family prepared with fresh vegetables from the host's garden), Dinner
Included Activities
- Lunch with local Croatian family
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Osijek
- Scenic Freechoice: Baranja wine region tour with tasting
Landmarks/POIs Osijek Old Town Osijek Fortress Baranja wine region - Day 14
Mohács
You'll arrive in Mohács, a small Hungarian town on the Danube that saw the historic 16th century Battle of Mohács. This morning you can either take a tour of nearby Pécs to see its telephone exchange and Turkish baths, sample bold red wines in Villány wine village, or visit the Zsolnay Ceramics collection in Pécs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Pécs
- Scenic Freechoice: Villány wine village visit with wine tasting
- Scenic Freechoice: Zsolnay Ceramics Museum visit
Landmarks/POIs Pécs Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi Villány wine village Zsolnay Ceramics Museum - Day 15
Budapest
You'll have a full free day in Budapest to explore at your own pace. The city is often called one of Europe's most beautiful, with architecture that draws people back again and again. It's a good chance to wander and discover what interests you most about the place.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Budapest - Day 16
Budapest
Explore Budapest, which is split by the Danube into Buda and Pest, united since 1873. Pick a morning activity: an in-depth coach tour seeing Vár Castle Bazaar with a piano recital, a walking/coach tour covering communist history and the 1956 revolution, go underground into Hospital in the Rock's WWII complex, hike through Buda's landscapes, or take a foodie market tour. The afternoon is free to relax and visit thermal baths.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activities (choose one morning option)
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Budapest in depth coach and piano recital tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Budapest's past and present walking and coach tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Hospital in the Rock underground tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided hike of Buda
- Scenic Freechoice: Hungarian culinary market tour
Landmarks/POIs Vár Castle Bazaar Margaret Bridge Széchenyi Square Elizabeth Square Institute for the Blind Hospital in the Rock Castle district Grand Central Market - Day 17
Budapest to Vienna
Spend the day cruising toward Vienna while scenic landscapes pass by. You might enjoy coffee in your suite as you travel. You'll arrive in Vienna this afternoon, Austria's capital known for art, music, and culture that inspired Mozart and Beethoven. Tonight features an exclusive classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with Strauss and Mozart performed by an orchestra with ballet and vocals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Fine Austrian Sekt with classical concert)
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich: Private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein
Landmarks/POIs Palais Liechtenstein - Day 18
Vienna
You'll have a full day to explore Vienna's grandeur and imperial legacy. Your morning choices include touring Schönbrunn Palace and its ornate gardens, cycling to Danube Island on an e-bike, taking a guided trip to Bratislava Slovakia, or discovering hidden gems like Greek Quarter courtyards and cafes. The afternoon stays free for more exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activities (choose one morning option)
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Schönbrunn Palace tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Cycle to Danube Island e-bike tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to Bratislava
- Scenic Freechoice: Hidden Gems of Vienna tour
Landmarks/POIs Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie Bratislava Old Town Schwedenplatz Prater Augarten park Greek Quarter St Stephen's Cathedral - Day 19
Krems and Dürnstein
You'll dock in Krems in the spectacular Wachau Valley. Choose your morning: tour the magnificent Göttweig Abbey with its Baroque staircase and frescoes, visit a local winemaker to learn traditional practices and taste wines, or e-bike from Krems to pretty Dürnstein along scenic vineyards. Later you'll dock in picturesque Dürnstein, a World Heritage town surrounded by terraced vineyards with free time to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Dock and free time in Dürnstein
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Göttweig Abbey guided tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Wachau Valley wine tasting with local winemaker
- Scenic Freechoice: E-biking from Krems to Dürnstein
Landmarks/POIs Göttweig Abbey Krems Wachau Valley Dürnstein - Day 20
Passau
After a short stop in Brandstatt, you'll reach Passau, situated where three rivers meet. This was an important Holy Roman Empire trading town. Your day options include a full trip to storybook Salzburg to see Mozart's birthplace and Hohensalzburg fortress, a journey to World Heritage Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or a local walking tour of Passau's colorful buildings and Baroque St Stephen's Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Included in full day excursion activities), Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Full day excursion to Salzburg with Mozart's birthplace and Hohensalzburg fortress
- Scenic Freechoice: Full day excursion to Český Krumlov
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour highlights of Passau
Landmarks/POIs Brandstatt Salzburg Mozart's Birthplace Hohensalzburg Fortress Český Krumlov St Stephen's Cathedral - Day 21
Regensburg
You'll arrive in Regensburg, Germany's best-preserved medieval city with 2,000 years of history and over 900 World Heritage buildings. Your morning choice: walk the old stone bridge and ancient churches, take a ferry through Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey to try award-winning medieval beer, join an active walk to Thurn und Taxis Castle, or cycle to Walhalla Memorial.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Regensburg
- Scenic Freechoice: Ferry through Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey
- Scenic Freechoice: Thurn und Taxis active walking tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Cycle to Walhalla Memorial
Landmarks/POIs Old stone bridge Church of St James Porta Praetoria Weltenburg Abbey Danube Gorge Thurn und Taxis Castle Walhalla Memorial Donau Valley - Day 22
Nuremberg
The ship cruises into Nuremberg, protected by ancient city walls and dominated by the 12th century Imperial Castle. The city has complex history spanning from Holy Roman Empire importance through Nazi favor, WWII destruction, and post-war trials. Choose between a guided Old Town tour, a World War II history tour, or an active walk along medieval castle and city walls.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town
- Scenic Freechoice: World War II tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls active walking tour
Landmarks/POIs Imperial Castle St Egidien's Church Market Square City walls - Day 23
Bamberg
You'll dock in World Heritage Bamberg, a charming town built on seven hills with cobblestoned streets, a Gothic cathedral, and a picturesque Town Hall sitting on its own island. You can explore the historic Old and New Residences or venture to impressive Coburg Castle. The afternoon is free to relax in your suite or enjoy the Sun Deck.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to Coburg
Landmarks/POIs Bamberg Old Town Town Hall Cathedral Old Residences New Residences Little Venice Coburg Castle - Day 24
Würzburg
You'll arrive in glamorous Würzburg, a Baroque and Rococo gem located in Franconian wine country. Pick your day: tour the World Heritage Würzburg Residence palace featuring valuable paintings and gardens, or drive along the famous Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg with its well-preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour and Würzburg Residence guided tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Romantic Road to Rothenburg excursion
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residence Old Main Bridge Romantic Road Rothenburg - Day 25
Wertheim and Miltenberg
You'll dock in picturesque Wertheim on the Main and Tauber Rivers, marked by a distinctive 13th-century pointed watchtower. Dive into local culture with options like touring Wertheim and visiting a winery, meeting the Baron and Baroness at Gamburg Castle, visiting a family farmstead with animal encounters and local tastings, or sampling traditional schnapps at a distillery. After exploring, you'll reboard in Miltenberg and cruise overnight toward Rüdesheim.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Wertheim tour and winery visit
- Scenic Freechoice: Gamburg Castle tour with Baron and Baroness reception
- Scenic Freechoice: Miltenberg tour and local farm visit
- Scenic Freechoice: Schnapps tasting and Miltenberg orientation tour
Landmarks/POIs Wertheim Spitze Turm Gamburg Castle Miltenberg - Day 26
Rüdesheim and Rhine Gorge
You'll disembark in Rüdesheim, surrounded by steep wine-growing vineyards. Walk through half-timbered houses and charming shops, then pick between visiting Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum with quirky mechanical instruments or hiking through vineyards with views of the Rhine. Later you'll cruise the fairytale Rhine Gorge with 40 hilltop castles spanning 1,000 years. Tonight features an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall in Bonn.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Gala dinner with classical concert)
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge
- Scenic Enrich: Gala dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum visit
- Scenic Freechoice: Hike and cable car through vineyards
Landmarks/POIs Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum Niederwald Monument Rhine Gorge Lorelei statue La Redoute Recital Hall - Day 27
Cologne to Amsterdam
You'll dock in Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city that suffered extensive damage in WWII but was painstakingly restored. Walk through the historic Old Town admiring beautiful squares and the World Heritage Cologne Cathedral. After lunch, you'll cruise to Amsterdam.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne Old Town
- Visit Cologne Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral Cologne Old Town - Day 28
Amsterdam
You'll explore Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, with its UNESCO-listed canals, 16th-century architecture, galleries, and vibrant cycling culture. Your day options include cruising 100+ kilometers of historic waterways, walking through the maze of bridges and canals, biking the Dutch countryside to learn about local life, or taking an excursion to charming Schermerhorn with 16th-century windmills and picturesque Alkmaar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic Freechoice: One-hour canal cruise
- Scenic Freechoice: Walking tour of Amsterdam
- Scenic Freechoice: Dutch countryside e-bike tour
- Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to Schermerhorn and Alkmaar
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam canals Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 29
Amsterdam
Your journey ends this morning in Amsterdam. You'll have one final breakfast on board the ship before departing with memories from your epic river adventure across Eastern and Central Europe.
- Meals
- Breakfast
