Itinerary
- Day 1
Vienna
You'll arrive in Vienna and check into your luxury hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace, so you can wander around the neighborhoods, grab a bite, or simply get your bearings after your transfer.
Optional Activities
- Explore Vienna at your own pace
- Day 2
Vienna
Start the morning with a guided coach tour of Vienna's Ringstrasse boulevard with a local expert who'll give you the background on the grand avenue. From there, you'll walk through the city centre hitting the Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Belvedere Palace. After lunch, the afternoon is free so you can either continue exploring on your own or head to a traditional Viennese café for coffee and pastries.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Morning coach tour of Ringstrasse
- Walking tour of Vienna city centre
- Visit Opera House
- Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Visit Belvedere Palace
Optional Activities
- Afternoon exploration at your own pace
- Visit a traditional Viennese café
Landmarks Ringstrasse Opera House St. Stephen's Cathedral Belvedere Palace 
- Day 3
Vienna to Budapest
After breakfast, you'll transfer out of Vienna. If you're joining the Europe river cruise, you're headed to Budapest where the ship departs. The drive takes a few hours, so you'll settle in onboard or explore the city before your evening departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 4
Bratislava
The ship arrives in Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, where you can walk through the Old Town and see the medieval and Gothic architecture mixed with the hilltop castle that dates back to the 9th century. You'll also notice the contrast of brutalist socialist buildings scattered throughout. In the afternoon, pick one of three Scenic Freechoice excursions focusing on local culture and history.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Communist tour of Bratislava - guided tour about communist regime history and impact on Slovaks
- Walking tour of Bratislava - guided city highlights including Hlavn\u00e9 N\u00e1mestie (main square) and Old Town Hall
- Coffee and cake with a Slovakian family - visit local home for immersive cultural experience
Landmarks Bratislava Castle Hlavn\u00e9 N\u00e1mestie Old Town Hall - Day 5
Danube Cruise to Vac
Today is a relaxing day cruising the Danube River through Slovakia and into Hungary. You can use the onboard facilities like the gym, spa, or Salt Therapy Lounge, and your suite includes butler service. Later in the evening, you'll arrive in Vac and head to an exclusive classical concert at Gödöllő Royal Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Classical concert dinner at G\u00f6d\u00f6ll\u0151 Royal Palace)
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - classical concert at G\u00f6d\u00f6ll\u0151 Royal Palace
Optional Activities
- Relax in Scenic Sun Lounge
- Workout in gym
- Book spa treatment
- Use Salt Therapy Lounge
Landmarks G\u00f6d\u00f6ll\u0151 Royal Palace - Day 6
Budapest
You wake in Budapest, split between Buda on one side of the Danube and Pest on the other, connected by bridges built starting in 1873. The architecture ranges from Gothic to Art Nouveau, and the city's known for its hot springs and thermal baths. In the morning, choose from five Scenic Freechoice activities, then you'll have free afternoon time to explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided hike of Buda - see V\u00e1rkert B\u00e1z\u00e1r and landscaped gardens with Danube River and city views
- Budapest's past and present - walking and coach tour including 1956 Hungarian revolution and Jewish history
- Beethoven's favourite getaway - travel to Brunszvik Castle to view Neo Gothic architecture, grand gardens, and Beethoven Memorial Museum
- Etyek region wineries and vineyards - tour the 'vineyard of Budapest', taste crisp aromatic white wines and sparkling wines
- Jewish Heritage Tour - learn about significant Jewish history, visit Jewish Museum and Synagogue
Landmarks Danube River V\u00e1rkert B\u00e1z\u00e1r Brunszvik Castle Etyek Wine Region Jewish Museum Synagogue - Day 7
Kalocsa
The ship docks in Kalocsa, one of Hungary's oldest towns, where traditional folk art and intricate embroidery are part of the local heritage. Once an agricultural centre in the 19th century, it's kept its rural character. You can pick from two Scenic Freechoice excursions about local culture, then cruise toward Mohacs later.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Hungarian Traditions - learn about local needlework and embroidery crafts and their origins
- Hungarian Horse Show - watch traditional horsemanship on the Great Hungarian Plain with equestrian demonstrations and local delicacy tasting
Landmarks Great Hungarian Plain - Day 8
Mohacs
You arrive in Mohacs, a small Danube town known historically for the 16th century Battle of Mohacs. Three Scenic Freechoice activities let you explore the surrounding regions and learn about the area's past. Later, you'll cruise toward the Croatian border as the afternoon unfolds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Pecs - explore Roman ruins, Turkish baths, Baroque buildings, and decorative arts including porcelain
- Vill\u00e1ny wine village - visit charming wine region town, see historic wine cellars, sample local red wines, visit old mill
- Zsolnay Ceramics Museum - view historic hand-painted decorative and architectural porcelain collection in former factory in Pecs
Landmarks Pecs Vill\u00e1ny Wine Region Zsolnay Ceramics Museum 
- Day 9
Osijek
Osijek, Croatia comes into view, a small city with scars from the 1990s war but beautiful Baroque architecture still standing. The local cuisine reflects Hungarian influences with paprika, sausages, and river fish. A morning Scenic Freechoice activity is available, then you'll visit a local Croatian family home for lunch with fresh vegetables from their garden.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Authentic meal at local Croatian family home with fresh vegetables from host's garden), Dinner
Included Activities
- Lunch at local Croatian family home - authentic meal with fresh vegetables from host's garden
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Osijek - guided tour of charming city, well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress
- Cycling tour - guided tour of Kopacki Rit Nature Park with 293 bird species, 46 freshwater fish species, and wildlife including white-tailed eagles
- Baranja wine region - tour family-owned wineries, taste locally produced wines in rustic cellars or outdoor terraces
Landmarks Kopacki Rit Nature Park Baranja Wine Region - Day 10
Novi Sad
Novi Sad appears next, Serbia's second largest city known for its music scene, art, and festivals. The city brings together 500 years of history with contemporary public art and ethnic diversity. You can pick from four morning Scenic Freechoice activities, enjoy free afternoon time, and the ship stays late so you can explore the waterfront in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Novi Sad - discover the 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress and charming Dunavska Street
- Hike to Petrovaradin Fortress - 'Gibraltar on the Danube', learn history from Middle Ages, enjoy Danube and city views
- Excursion to Sremski Karlovci - guided tour of charming Baroque town, former cultural and political hub, visit local winery and honey museum
- Fruska Gora National Park - explore Serbia's oldest national park with oak and beech forests, 60+ family vineyards, 16 monasteries, visit 16th-century oldest monastery and winery
Landmarks Petrovaradin Fortress Dunavska Street Sremski Karlovci Fruska Gora National Park 
- Day 11
Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia's capital, sits where the Sava and Danube rivers meet, and it's called the 'Door to Central Europe' for good reason. You'll see Neolithic ruins, Roman fortresses, Brutalist buildings, and Art Nouveau architecture all mixed together. Choose from four morning activities, have free afternoon time, then head to an exclusive Scenic Enrich event at St. Sava church this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner with classical concert at St. Sava Orthodox Temple)
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - exclusive classical concert and service at St. Sava Orthodox Temple with church choir performance in cathedral crypt
Optional Activities
- Guided city tour - coach and foot tour of major sites including Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress with panoramic views
- Panoramic city tour including Tito's Memorial - tour city highlights, Ottoman old town, Kalemegdan Fortress, Republic Square, and Tito memorial
- Cycling tour along the Danube - trace Danube banks on two wheels with local guide learning city's history
- Education with Roma community - visit Bread of Life project, learn about prejudice reduction and Roma children's education, meet local children
Landmarks Kalemegdan Fortress Bohemian Quarter Republic Square St. Sava Orthodox Temple Bread of Life Project 
- Day 12
Golubac
The ship reaches Golubac, home to one of Europe's best preserved medieval fortresses. It sits strategically at the Danube's narrowing before the Iron Gate gorge. After picking one of three morning Scenic Freechoice activities, you'll cruise through the spectacular Iron Gates gorge with its narrow passages, soaring cliffs, and the Decebalus rock carving visible from the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Golubac Fortress - guided tour of 14th-century fortress on steep Danube embankment in Djerdap National Park with nine towers and ramparts
- Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site - explore 12,000-year-old site with 136 building ruins, central square, fireplaces and stone idols
- Hike through Djerdap National Park - guided hike with park ranger and local guide featuring Golubac Fortress views and Danube River vistas
Landmarks Golubac Fortress Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site Djerdap National Park Iron Gates Gorge Decebalus Rock Carving - Day 13
Vidin
You dock early in Vidin, Bulgaria, a historic town between the Bulgarian and Romanian borders with a well-preserved medieval fortress. The region's known for wine production dating back almost a century. Four morning Scenic Freechoice activities explore local culture, history, and heritage of the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Hiking to Belogradchik Castle Ruins - active hiking tour with unique rock formations and ancient Roman stronghold ruins
- Visit to a local winery - tour Dos Alamos Winery in Negovanovtsi village, established 2013, taste Bulgarian Rubin, sauvignon blanc, and semillon
- Ancestry of the Kitchen - Banitsa cooking demonstration - learn regional life history and family recipe for traditional cheese-filled filo pastry pie
- Triangle of Tolerance walking tour - tour Vidin's history and legacy of tolerance, visit Metropolis Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar, Osman Mosque, and Synagogue
Landmarks Belogradchik Fortress Metropolis Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar Osman Mosque Synagogue - Day 14
Rousse
Rousse is often called 'Little Vienna' for its Belle Epoque architecture and leafy squares. A local guide shows you around the opulent town and teaches you about traditional Bulgarian handicrafts. You'll sample local wine and listen to a short piano recital before having free time to wander the streets on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour of Rousse with Belle Epoque architecture
- Traditional Bulgarian handicrafts presentation
- Local wine tasting
- Piano recital
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Rousse
Landmarks Rousse - Day 15
Silistra
Silistra, Bulgaria greets you, a town with complicated history as borders shifted around it over centuries. It was a major Turkish fortress in the 15th century and played a role in Russo-Turkish wars before briefly belonging to Romania, then finally reverting to Bulgaria in 1940. Two morning activities are available, then you'll return to the ship for afternoon cruising.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Active walk to Silistra Fort - guided tour of 19th-century fort, learn about Russo-Turkish wars role
- Visit Alfatar Village - small village with ethnographic museum, restored Holy Trinity temple, school visit to meet local children
Landmarks Silistra Fort Alfatar Village Holy Trinity Temple - Day 16
Constanta
After docking overnight in Cernavoda, you cruise toward Constanta on Romania's Black Sea Coast. This city is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited places, dating back to 600BC. A guided tour covers its long heritage, and you'll visit Ovid Square, the Orthodox Cathedral, the scenic promenade, and the Genovese Lighthouse before having free time to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Constanta
- Visit Ovid Square
- Visit Orthodox Cathedral
- See scenic promenade
- Visit Genovese Lighthouse
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Constanta
Landmarks Ovid Square Orthodox Cathedral Genovese Lighthouse - Day 17
Constanta to Bucharest
You disembark from the river cruise this morning and transfer to Bucharest, stopping for lunch along the way. Once called the 'Paris of the East', Bucharest now blends remnants of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture destroyed in WWII with Brutalist-era buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and leafy squares. A guided coach tour takes you through south Bucharest's historic squares and past Primaverii Palace before you check into your hotel. Tonight brings a farewell dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Transfer from Constanta to Bucharest with lunch stop
- Guided coach tour of Bucharest
- Visit Union Square
- Visit University Square
- Visit Roman Square
- Visit Victory Square
- Visit Charles de Gaulle Square
- See Primaverii Palace
Landmarks Union Square University Square Roman Square Victory Square Charles de Gaulle Square Primaverii Palace Palace of Parliament - Day 18
Bucharest to Istanbul
You depart Bucharest this morning on an included flight to Istanbul. With over 15 million people, Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and one of the world's largest. It's a blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, and history all happening at once.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 19
Istanbul
Istanbul has hosted settlements for thousands of years on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait. What began as Constantinople in the 4th century became Istanbul in 1930. Everywhere you walk, you're walking through history. Today you'll visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which sit opposite each other across central Sultanahmet Park, and explore Topkapi Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Hagia Sophia
- Visit Blue Mosque
- Visit Topkapi Palace
Landmarks Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Topkapi Palace Sultanahmet Park - Day 20
Istanbul to Canakkale
You leave Istanbul and travel to Canakkale, sitting on the edge of the Dardanelle Strait. For centuries this town has been at the heart of history as the gateway to the WWI Gallipoli battlefield and the ancient city of Troy. In the evening, you're free to explore the waterfront promenade and experience modern Turkish culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Canakkale waterfront promenade at leisure
Landmarks Dardanelle Strait 
- Day 21
Gallipoli
Gallipoli holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders. The peninsula hosted the eight-month WWI campaign now preserved as a national park. Your guide takes you through significant sites including ANZAC Cove where soldiers landed on 25 April 1915, Lone Pine, the Nek, and 31 cemeteries scattered across the peninsula. It's a moving experience about courage and sacrifice.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Gallipoli National Park
- Visit ANZAC Cove
- Visit Lone Pine
- Visit the Nek
- Visit cemeteries across the peninsula
Landmarks ANZAC Cove Lone Pine Gallipoli National Park - Day 22
Troy
You venture to Troy, an ancient city wrapped in mystery and legend. For over 3,000 years, Troy existed only in Homer's Iliad before the ruins were discovered in late 19th century Turkey. The 4,000-year-old ruins are on display, you'll see a giant replica of the famous Trojan Horse, and learn the real history behind this legendary city. After touring, you return to Istanbul.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Troy ruins
- See Trojan Horse replica
Landmarks Troy - Day 23
Istanbul
Your last morning in Istanbul brings a choice between two Scenic Freechoice experiences exploring Turkish cuisine or visiting the famous Grand Bazaar. This evening, an exclusive Scenic Enrich event takes you on a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait, passing between ferries and fishing boats with famous monuments and historic minarets in view. You'll return to shore for a farewell dinner at Hamdi Restaurant overlooking the Golden Horn.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner at Hamdi Restaurant with views over Golden Horn, Turkish cuisine and toast to journey)
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich - Bosphorus Strait cruise and farewell dinner at Hamdi Restaurant
Optional Activities
- The tastes of Turkey - Turkish cooking class learning traditional dish preparation
- Grand Bazaar - vast undercover market with thousands of shops, peruse stalls and enjoy traditional Turkish coffee with local guide
Landmarks Grand Bazaar Bosphorus Strait Golden Horn - Day 24
Istanbul
Your final morning in Istanbul, listen for the traditional Muslim call to prayer ringing out before sunrise, happening five times daily throughout the city. In the early calm, it's a particularly moving sound reflecting the nation's strong ties to faith. After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for your departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Listen to call to prayer at sunrise
