Gems of the Danube & Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled: 16 days Munich to Bucharest

Welcome to Germany and the start of your Danube river cruise. Passau has a rich history spanning 2,000 years and is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria.

Settle in to your spacious suite, then join your fellow guests for a welcome reception and toast to the start of an exciting journey. You will remain docked in Passau overnight, so you can also set out to explore the city after dark if you wish.

Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.

Often referred to as the ‘City of Three Rivers’ due to its unique location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, it was an important trading route for centuries.It was also a significant town in the Holy Roman Empire and the charming Old Town was mostly built by powerful prince-bishops in an Italianate style. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Take your pick from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Highlights of Passau: Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style.

Cross border cycling: Travel further afield on a guided e-bike ride along the River Inn, during which you will cross the border from Germany to Austria. Cycle through charming towns and admire the spectacular views of the region.

Passau photography safari: Bring your camera to capture the beauty of Passau. Your expert guide will take you to some of the city’s best vantage points, such as picturesque streets, the Old Town Hall and the point where the three rivers meet.

Depart for Linz early this afternoon.

Wake up in Austria this morning, where your Space-Ship will be docked in the heart of Linz. This city is known for its vibrant music and arts scene and beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and lifestyle. The city’s quaint old town and Main Square are resplendent in Baroque architecture; while its harbour doubles as an outdoor street art gallery.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, choose to explore your way with Scenic Freechoice:

Explore Linz by foot: Join a local guide on a walking tour to discover the balance between the city’s vibrant history and contemporary living.

Full day excursion to Salzburg: Cross the border into Salzburg, Austria, a storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks and best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. On a guided tour, learn about its art and music scene, visit Mozart’s birthplace, and see the vast Hohensalzburg Fortress. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and some free time.

Full day excursion to Ceský  Krumlov: Journey to the Czech town of Ceský  Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

This morning your Space-Ship will dock in the small town of Melk, tucked inside Austria’s picturesque Wachau Valley. The town is dominated by its dramatic, World Heritage-listed Benedictine Abbey, which towers above it from a rocky outcrop.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning offers a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from:

Guided tour of Melk Abbey: Wander the halls of this grand 18th-century abbey, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.

Artstetten Castle: Meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle, which dates to the 13th century. It was once home to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum, before hearing tales from decedents of the royal family dynasty that were influential in European history.

Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau Valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age-old traditions of winemaking while sampling the delicious wines produced on site.

This afternoon, cruise through the Wachau Valley where you will be mesmerised by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. Then dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193.

While on board, you can also join an informative talk on the production of schnapps and taste some local varieties.

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a centre of art, music and culture. The city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from these Scenic Freechoice activities this afternoon:

Schönbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Wander its ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lives here and see the impressive gardens.

Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come for bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.

Belvedere Museum: Visit one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque landmarks and explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.

Central Vienna: Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to explore as you wish.

Scenic Enrich
Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists, and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
As we dock in the city centre, this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions are just steps away:

Walking tour of Bratislava: Join a knowledgeable local guide to see the highlights of the city, including the Hlavné Námestie (main square) and the Old Town Hall while learning about the history of the city. You’ll also learn what everyday life was like behind the Iron Curtain and taste some local delicacies.

Wines of Slovakia: After the fall of Communism, new viticulturers set up on the banks of the Danube, taking advantages of the cold weather and optimal soils. This young wine region is now earning praise for it flavour and quality. Embark on a journey through the different regions of Slovakia while tasting various wines in one of Bratislava’s cellars.

Arrive in Budapest early this morning, the capital of Hungary and 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. 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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from a range of Scenic Freechoice activities on offer this morning:

Budapest in depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.

Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

Jewish Heritage Tour: During this tour you will learn about the significant Jewish events from history that have shaped the culture of today. You will also visit the fascinating Jewish Museum and impressive Synagogue.

Excursion to Szentendre: Journey to the riverside town Szentendre, known for its museums, galleries, and artists. Experience the Mediterranean atmosphere and discover its charms on a guided city tour.

Budapest is often considered to be the most beautiful city in Europe and you have a full day at leisure to see why.

You will arrive in Mohács this morning. Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town was the site of the 16th century Battle of Mohács, which led to the destruction of the Hungarian monarchy and the rise of Ottoman and Habsburg rule.

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Guided tour of Pecs: Located close to the Croatian border, this guided tour will take you to the city’s first telephone exchange, which opened in 1885; the Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, demolished in the late 19th century but unearthed in the 1970s, and more.

Villány wine village: The region of Villány is known for its big, bold red wines. Visit the charming village, with rows of historic wine cellars where you can sample local drops.

Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853, Zsolnay Porcelain has a proud history of creating hand-painted ceramics. View a splendid collection housed in the company’s former factory.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive this morning in the Croation town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history. Many of the grand Baroque buildings remain standing but bear the scars of the war. Osijek is famous for its food, which features plenty of paprika, locally-made sausages and river fish. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of Osijek to see the highlights of the town including the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear some traditional and classical music popular in the region.

Baranja wine region: In this picturesque region straddling Croatia and Hungary, explore a rich wine-making tradition and scenic vineyards. Enjoy a tasting experience blending bold notes, local culture and breathtaking landscapes.

After your touring this morning, visit the home of a local 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.

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, Brutalist and Art Nouveau buildings and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore more of the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Walking tour of Belgrade: Tour the iconic sites of the city with a guide. You will explore the city’s highlights such as cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own.

Panoramic tour of Belgrade with Tito’s Memorial: Join a panoramic tour of Belgrade with a local guide. See and learn about the major sites of the city including the Ottoman heritage of the Old Town and visit the memorial dedicated to Tito, the former ruler of Yugoslavia.

Cycling tour along the Danube: Trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels during this guided cycling tour.

This afternoon, you’re free to explore Belgrade further. You might like to soak up the bohemian culture with a wander along the cobblestoned Skardalija Street, a district once frequented by writers and artists and other creative souls, now home to traditional restaurants, local stores and galleries. 

Scenic Enrich
Visit St. Sava Temple, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Have a chance to admire the frescos-lined walls of the cathedral’s crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. The crypt’s remarkable acoustics make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as white marble adorns the remarkable ceilings.

Today you’ll cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Djerdap Gorge system, or 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.  

Spend some time relaxing in your suite, many of which feature a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. Perhaps relax on the Sun Deck then mingle with other guests in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov this morning. Here you will have the choice to disembark and take an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, known as the City of the Kings, or stay on board and cruise towards Rousse, which has been described as ‘Little Vienna’. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover more on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi: Take a full day excursion from Svishtov to Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns. Enjoy the panoramic views of the old town and see the Asenevtsi Brothers Monument. You will then venture to the nearby leafy village of Arbanassi.

Walking tour of Rousse: Stay on board your Scenic Space-Ship and enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Rousse. Upon arrival join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of this opulent town and an exclusive piano recital.

Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries. As a major Turkish fortress and trade centre in the 15th century, it 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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: Take a guided walking tour of the fort and learn about its history. It is the best preserved of the six points of the Turkish fortification system.

Visit Alfatar Village: Take an excursion to the small village of Alfatar, located just outside of Silistra. Visit the ethnographic museum featuring a typical country house, see customary attire and visit the Alfatar school to meet local children with a charming choir performance and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians.

Sveshtari Thracian Secrets: Explore the ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari and discover the rich heritage and flavours of Bulgaria on this unique guided tour.

This morning, farewell your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer 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. Now a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist – era architecture sit alongside wide, tree lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art and thriving nightlife. 

Upon arrival, take an orientation tour of the city by coach, 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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
After the city tour, personalise the rest of your morning with the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Ceausescu’s Spring Palace: Located in one of the wealthiest districts in Bucharest, this 1960s residence is made up of 80 distinctive and elegant rooms decorated with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by famous Romanian painters, mosaics, marble, chandeliers and mirrors made of Murano glass.

Village Open Air Museum: Explore the ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture at the Village Open Air Museum. The museum depicts authentic houses, barns, churches and more, rebuilt by craftsmen using traditional techniques.

Afterwards, head to your hotel and dine with your fellow guests.

After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for your onward journey, taking with you a treasure trove of wonderful memories. 

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. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.