Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam this afternoon and board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship. The city's known for its narrow lanes, canals, and 17th-century architecture that line the waterways. After settling into your cabin, join the welcome reception to meet other guests traveling with you on this journey.
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canals - Day 2
Amsterdam
The full day is yours to explore Amsterdam using Scenic Freechoice options. You can take a canal cruise to see Golden Age mansions and historic bridges, go on a walking tour to learn about Dutch culture and try local herring, rent an e-bike and ride through the countryside, or take a day trip to the windmill village of Schermerhorn and the cheese town of Alkmaar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise - one-hour cruise along Amsterdam's 100+ kilometres of canals to see Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges
- Walking tour of Amsterdam - guided exploration of canals, bridges, history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture with herring tasting
- Dutch countryside e-bike tour - small ferry ride to outskirts with guided biking tour learning about everyday Dutch life
- Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar - visit authentic 16th-century windmills in Schermerhorn, then explore charming Alkmaar with historic buildings and picturesque canals
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canals Schermerhorn Windmills Alkmaar - Day 3
Cologne to Bonn
You'll arrive in historic Cologne early afternoon and have time to walk through the beautifully restored Old Town with its World Heritage Cologne Cathedral and impressive architecture. Later this evening, you'll travel to Bonn for an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall before heading back to meet your ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Gala Dinner at La Redoute Recital Hall accompanied by classical music)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne Old Town - guided exploration of historic buildings, beautiful squares and World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral
- Gala Dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall - lavish dinner accompanied by classical music in the 1792 recital hall in Bonn
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Cologne on your own
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral La Redoute Recital Hall - Day 4
Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim
The ship cruises through the Rhine Gorge, a 65-kilometer stretch with roughly 40 hilltop castles spanning 1,000 years. You'll spot the Lorelei statue along the way. After disembarking in Rüdesheim, surrounded by steep vineyards and half-timbered houses, choose between visiting Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum with a cable car ride or hiking through vineyards with a cable car back.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge - scenic cruise through 65-kilometre stretch with 40 hilltop castles and fortresses, Lorelei statue viewing
Optional Activities
- Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum - guided tour of mechanical musical instruments with option to take cable car to Niederwald Monument
- Hike & Cable Car - guided hike through Rüdesheim vineyards with spectacular countryside and Rhine River views, then cable car return to town
Landmarks/POIs Rhine Gorge Lorelei Niederwald Monument Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum - Day 5
Miltenberg
As the ship cruises toward Miltenberg, you can relax with a spa massage or try the Salt Therapy Lounge. Once you arrive at this beautifully preserved German town with pastel-colored half-timbered houses, you can choose guided excursions to nearby wineries, castles, local farms, or schnapps distilleries.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Wertheim tour and winery - orientation tour of Miltenberg, explore nearby town of Wertheim, visit local winery to meet winemaker and learn about production
- Gamburg Castle tour - guided castle tour with private reception hosted by Baron and Baroness over sparkling wine
- Miltenberg tour and local farm visit - guided town tour followed by charming farmstead visit to meet owners, see animals and enjoy local delicacy tastings
- Schnapps tasting - orientation tour and free time in Miltenberg, then visit local schnapps distiller to learn production and taste multiple flavours, transfer to Wertheim to meet ship
- Spa massage - available on board
- Salt Therapy Lounge - on board with natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties
Landmarks/POIs Zum Riesen Inn Miltenberg Gamburg Castle Wertheim - Day 6
Würzburg
You'll explore elegant Würzburg with its Baroque and Rococo architecture in Franconian wine country. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Würzburg Residence with its manicured gardens, or take a coach along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg with its well-preserved old town. This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck or in your suite while cruising toward Bamberg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour and Würzburg Residence - guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Baroque palace with valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture, then free time in the city
Optional Activities
- Romantic Road to Rothenburg - coach drive to medieval town along the famed Romantic Road trading route, guided tour of well-preserved old town with free time
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residence Old Main Bridge Romantic Road Rothenburg - Day 7
Bamberg
After lunch you'll dock in Bamberg, a World Heritage town built on seven hills with cobblestoned streets, medieval buildings, and a unique island Town Hall. Choose a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town or a coach excursion to nearby Coburg with its impressive castle and museums of carriages, weapons, and artwork.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town - walking tour through UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with one of Europe's largest intact medieval centres, learning about fascinating history
- Excursion to Coburg - coach journey to Coburg to visit impressive castle overlooking city with museum collection of carriages, weapons, armoury and paintings by renowned artists
Landmarks/POIs Bamberg Old Town Bamberg Town Hall Bamberg Cathedral Coburg Castle - Day 8
Nuremberg
You'll arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, dominated by the 12th-century Imperial Castle. The city has a complex history including WWII damage and reconstruction. Pick between a guided Old Town tour seeing the castle and market square, a WWII historical tour, or an active walking tour exploring castle and medieval city walls.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town - coach ride to city centre with walking tour to see Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church and market square
- World War II tour - guided tour highlighting main WWII events during Nazi regime with visits to important sites
- Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls - active walking tour following cobblestone streets around Imperial Castle and viewing impressive medieval city walls
Landmarks/POIs Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church Nuremberg Market Square Nuremberg City Walls - Day 9
Regensburg
After lunch you'll arrive in Regensburg, a city with 2,000 years of history and one of Germany's best-preserved medieval town centers with over 900 World Heritage buildings. Choose a guided walking tour of medieval landmarks, a ferry trip to Weltenburg Abbey with beer tasting, an active walk to Thurn und Taxis Castle, or a cycling trip to Walhalla Memorial.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Regensburg - guided walking tour on the confluence of three rivers to see old stone bridge, Church of St James and Porta Praetoria
- Weltenburg Abbey - ferry through Danube Gorge to oldest monastery in Bavaria founded approximately 600 AD, explore Abbey and Cloister Church, sample award-winning beer produced on site since 1050
- Thurn und Taxis Active Walking Tour - active walking tour to castle with guided tour followed by free time, historic German noble family castle
- Cycle to Walhalla Memorial - guided cycling tour through Donau Valley scenery along river and countryside to Walhalla Memorial commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria
Landmarks/POIs Regensburg Old Town Stone Bridge Church of St James Porta Praetoria Weltenburg Abbey Thurn und Taxis Castle Walhalla Memorial - Day 10
Passau
You'll arrive early in Passau at the confluence of three rivers near the Austrian border, a historically important trading point. Pick from full-day excursions to Salzburg, Austria (Mozart's birthplace), Český Krumlov in Czech Republic (a World Heritage site), or a local walking tour of Passau's colorful waterfront and St Stephens Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg - guided tour of storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks, learn about art and music scene, visit Mozart's birthplace, see Hohensalzburg fortress, lunch at local restaurant with free time
- Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov - guided tour of World Heritage Czech town with well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, lunch in local restaurant
- Highlights of Passau - guided walking tour admiring colourfully coloured buildings lining waterways, visit St Stephens Cathedral originally built in 450 AD but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in Baroque style
Landmarks/POIs St Stephens Cathedral Salzburg Mozart's Birthplace Hohensalzburg Fortress Ceský Krumlov - Day 11
Dürnstein
You'll spend the morning in Dünstein in Austria's scenic Wachau Valley, a World Heritage-listed town perched on the Danube's edge with ancient terraced vineyards all around. Choose between touring Göttweig Abbey with its Baroque staircase, sampling wines from a local winemaker, or e-biking along the Danube Valley to Krems.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Göttweig Abbey - guided tour of abbey founded in sixth century, rebuilt after 18th-century fire to become magnificent Wachau Valley abbey, see magnificent frescoes and largest Baroque staircase in Austria
- Wachau Valley wine tasting - visit local winemaker to learn about age-old winemaking traditions while sampling delicious wines produced on site
- E-biking from Dürnstein to Krems - guided bicycle tour along Danube to Krems village passing charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes with stops to enjoy Danube views
Landmarks/POIs Dürnstein Wachau Valley Göttweig Abbey Krems - Day 12
Vienna
You'll arrive in Vienna, Austria's imperial capital and center of art, music, and culture. A coach transfer takes you to the city center for a walking tour of the Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral, and Belvedere Palace. This evening, enjoy an exclusive classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with Austrian Sekt, ballet, vocals, and performances of Strauss and Mozart surrounded by world-famous art.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with fine Austrian Sekt)
Included Activities
- Coach transfer to Vienna city centre
- Walking tour of Vienna highlights - see Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral and Belvedere Palace
- Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein - exclusive private concert with fine Austrian Sekt, ballet dancers, vocalists and renowned orchestra performing Strauss and Mozart surrounded by world-famous art
Optional Activities
- Afternoon free time to wander Vienna or relax on board
Landmarks/POIs Vienna Opera House St Stephen's Cathedral Belvedere Palace Palais Liechtenstein Ringstrasse - Day 13
Vienna
You have the full day to explore Vienna at your own pace. The city's known for its grandeur, Habsburg monuments, and the world-renowned Ringstrasse boulevard. Choose between touring Schönbrunn Palace with its ornate rooms and gardens, cycling to Danube Island, or taking an excursion to Bratislava, Slovakia to see the Old Town and hilltop castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Schönbrunn Palace - explore former Habsburg summer residence with ornately designed rooms, hear tales about royal family and see impressive gardens
- Cycle to Danube Island - guided e-bike tour to Danube Island recreational playground with beaches and open spaces where locals come for bathing, boating and cycling
- Excursion to Bratislava - travel to Slovakia's capital since 1993, guided tour of Old Town, hilltop castle, Hlavné Námestie main square and Old Town Hall, see contrast of glorious Old Town with brutalist socialist architecture
Landmarks/POIs Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island Bratislava Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie - Day 14
Budapest
You'll arrive in Budapest, Europe's diverse capital divided by the Danube with Buda and Pest unified in 1873. The city is an architectural treasure with Gothic to Art Nouveau styles and famous for hot springs and thermal baths. Choose city tours exploring bridges and historic sites, the underground Hospital in the Rock, a guided hike through Buda, or a culinary market tour.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Budapest in depth - coach tour starting in Buda to see Várkert Bazár, cross Margaret Bridge to Pest to see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square, end with piano recital at Institute for the Blind
- Budapest's past and present - walking and coach tour of communist past and modern EU life including 1956 Hungarian revolution and significant Jewish events
- Hospital in the Rock - explore underground labyrinths beneath Castle district, secret WWII hospital later converted to nuclear bunker
- Guided hike of Buda - walking tour of Buda district seeing Varket Bazar and landscaped gardens with views over Danube and city architecture
- Hungarian culinary market tour - foodie tour visiting Grand Central Market, tasting local delicacies and hearing stories about city's traditions
Landmarks/POIs Danube River Margaret Bridge Várkert Bazár Széchenyi Square Elizabeth Square Hospital in the Rock Grand Central Market - Day 15
Budapest
You have the full day at leisure in Budapest to explore at your own pace. Often considered Europe's most beautiful city, there's plenty to see from thermal baths to historic neighborhoods to riverside views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 16
Mohács
You'll arrive in Mohács, a small Hungarian town straddling the Danube and site of the 16th-century Battle of Mohács. Choose a guided tour of Pécs near the Croatian border, explore the Villány wine village with historic cellars, or visit the Zsolnay Ceramics Museum.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Pécs - city tour near Croatian border including first telephone exchange opened in 1885 and Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi unearthed in 1970s
- Villány wine village - explore charming wine village with rows of historic wine cellars to sample local bold red wines
- Zsolnay Ceramics Museum - view splendid collection of hand-painted ceramics from company founded in 1853, housed in former factory
Landmarks/POIs Pécs Villány Zsolnay Ceramics Museum - Day 17
Osijek
You'll arrive in Osijek, Croatia, a small city with turbulent history where grand Baroque buildings bear scars of war. The city's famous for cuisine featuring paprika, locally-made sausages, and river fish. Choose a guided walking tour with traditional music, explore the Baranja wine region, or visit a local Croatian family home for lunch.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch with local Croatian family), Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Osijek - guided walking tour of town highlights including well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress with traditional and classical music
- Baranja wine region - picturesque wine-making region straddling Croatia and Hungary, explore rich wine tradition and scenic vineyards with tasting experience
- Local Croatian family lunch - visit home of local Croatian family for lunch with family members, enjoy authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from host's garden
Landmarks/POIs Osijek Old Town Baranja Wine Region - Day 18
Belgrade
You'll arrive in Belgrade, Serbia's capital known as the 'Door to Central Europe' at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. The eclectic city blends Brutalist and Art Nouveau architecture with a bohemian vibe. Choose walking or panoramic tours with Kalemegdan Fortress, cycling along the Danube, then this evening visit St. Sava Temple for Orthodox hymns in the acoustically remarkable crypt.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit St. Sava Temple - largest Orthodox temple in Balkans with frescoed walls, church choir performs beautiful hymns in crypt with remarkable acoustics and white marble ceilings
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Belgrade - guided tour of iconic sites including Bohemian Quarter cobbled streets and Kalemegdan Fortress with free time
- Panoramic tour of Belgrade with Tito's Memorial - guided panoramic tour of major city sites including Ottoman heritage Old Town and Tito memorial
- Cycling tour along the Danube - guided cycling tour tracing Danube banks
Landmarks/POIs Kalemegdan Fortress Bohemian Quarter Skardalija Street St. Sava Temple Tito Memorial 
- Day 19
Djerdap Gorge
The ship cruises through the spectacular Djerdap Gorge system, the natural border between Serbia and Romania featuring four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs, and the mighty rock carving of Decebalus. Relax in your suite with Scenic Sun Lounge views or on the Sun Deck while observing river life.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Djerdap Gorge - scenic cruise through Iron Gates system of four narrow gorges with soaring cliffs and rock carving of Decebalus
Landmarks/POIs Djerdap Gorge Iron Gates Decebalus Rock Carving - Day 20
Svishtov or Rousse
You'll arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov with a choice to take a full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo (City of the Kings) with a village visit, or stay on ship cruising to Rousse, called 'Little Vienna,' for a guided sightseeing tour and exclusive piano recital.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi - full day excursion from Svishtov to one of Bulgaria's oldest towns with panoramic views of old town, Asenevtsi Brothers Monument, venture to leafy village of Arbanassi
- Walking tour of Rousse with piano recital - stay on ship and cruise to Rousse (Little Vienna), guided sightseeing tour and exclusive piano recital
Landmarks/POIs Svishtov Veliko Tarnovo Asenevtsi Brothers Monument Arbanassi Rousse - Day 21
Silistra
You'll arrive early in Silistra, a Bulgarian town on the Danube that has changed hands many times with a significant role in 15th-century Ottoman history. The town is dotted with historic sites from late Roman times. Choose an active walking tour of a Turkish fort, visit to Alfatar Village ethnographic museum, or a guided tour of the ancient Sveshtari Thracian Tomb.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Active walk to Silistra Fort - guided walking tour of best-preserved of six Turkish fortification points
- Visit Alfatar Village - excursion to small village featuring ethnographic museum with typical country house, customary attire, Alfatar school visit to meet children with choir performance and learn about daily life
- Sveshtari Thracian Secrets - guided tour of ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari to explore rich Bulgarian heritage and flavours
Landmarks/POIs Silistra Fort Alfatar Village Sveshtari Thracian Tomb - Day 22
Bucharest
You'll disembark from the Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Bucharest, Romania's capital once called the 'Paris of the East'. Architecture here blends Art Nouveau remnants with Brutalist style alongside wide tree-lined boulevards. Take an orientation coach tour covering Union, University, Roman, Victory, and Charles de Gaulle Squares. Choose between Ceausescu's Spring Palace with 80 elegant rooms or the Village Open Air Museum.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner with fellow guests at hotel)
Included Activities
- Orientation coach tour of Bucharest - coach tour from south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace, see Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square and Charles de Gaulle Square
Optional Activities
- Ceausescu's Spring Palace - visit 1960s residence in wealthy Bucharest district with 80 distinctive elegant rooms decorated with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by famous Romanian painters, mosaics, marble, chandeliers and Murano glass mirrors
- Village Open Air Museum - explore ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture with authentic houses, barns, churches rebuilt by craftsmen using traditional techniques
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 23
Bucharest
You'll have the day in Bucharest with the same orientation coach tour of city squares. Choose between Ceausescu's Spring Palace with its 80 elegant rooms decorated with fine materials and famous artworks, or the Village Open Air Museum showcasing authentic Romanian heritage with traditional houses and churches. Then head to your hotel and dine with fellow guests.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner with fellow guests at hotel)
Included Activities
- Orientation coach tour of Bucharest - coach tour from south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace, see Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square and Charles de Gaulle Square
Optional Activities
- Ceausescu's Spring Palace - visit 1960s residence in wealthy Bucharest district with 80 distinctive elegant rooms decorated with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by famous Romanian painters, mosaics, marble, chandeliers and Murano glass mirrors
- Village Open Air Museum - explore ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture with authentic houses, barns, churches rebuilt by craftsmen using traditional techniques
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 24
Transylvania
You'll spend the morning in Brașov, a colorful Transylvanian town with Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, and sprawling squares. In the afternoon, visit Bran Castle, the famous Dracula fortress perched on a clifftop with white stone construction from the 14th century, featuring a maze of narrow passageways, hidden rooms, and sunny courtyards.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Brașov - see sights of Brașov's Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares and Soviet-era architecture
- Bran Castle visit - dramatic 14th-century white stone fortress on clifftop, maze of narrow passageways, hidden rooms and sunny courtyards
Landmarks/POIs Brașov Bran Castle - Day 25
Sighișoara to Sibiu
You'll travel to Sighișoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns with cobblestone lanes and colorful buildings unchanged since the 12th century. Choose exploring the UNESCO-listed walled Saxon city with a local guide or hiking to the 14th-century Church on the Hill with Gothic architecture and city views. Later, transfer to Sibiu and check in to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Delicious dinner in one of the best restaurants in Sibiu)
Optional Activities
- Explore the walled city - guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage walled Saxon city built between 12th-17th centuries, one of best-preserved medieval cities in world
- Hike the hill - active hike up covered stairway to 14th-century Church on the Hill, spectacular Gothic Transylvanian architecture, climb rewards with superb city views
Landmarks/POIs Sighișoara Sighișoara Walled City Church on the Hill - Day 26
Sibiu to Bucharest
You'll have a morning guided tour with a local guide through highlights of Sibiu before crossing back over the Southern Carpathian Mountains to reach Bucharest.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Sibiu highlights - walking tour with local guide through Sibiu
Landmarks/POIs Sibiu Southern Carpathian Mountains - Day 27
Bucharest Departure
After a final breakfast in Bucharest, you'll depart this fascinating part of Eastern Europe. The spectacular landscapes, medieval villages, and fairy-tale atmosphere will stay with you long after your journey ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
