Welcome to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. It has a complex – and sometimes confronting – past, having spent more than four decades under Communist rule. But today, it’s a dynamic, modern, and energetic city with a thriving café culture, excellent museums, and pockets of glorious Belle Epoque architecture. 

This morning join your fellow guests for a sightseeing tour of Budapest. Explore this magical city by coach and foot, crossing the bridge between Buda and Pest. Commence your tour on the Buda side where you will see Vrkert Bazar before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi and Elisabeth squares.

Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant tonight before returning to your hotel.

This afternoon board your ship. At tonight’s welcome reception, raise your glass to the wonderful cruise ahead.

You arrive in Mohacs this morning. Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town is the site of the 16th-century Battle of Mohacs, which leads to the destruction of the Hungarian monarchy and the rise of Ottoman and Habsburg rule. From here, explore the surrounding regions with one of the following Scenic Freechoice excursions.

Freechoice:

Pecs city tour: First settled by the Romans and later the Turks, and located near the Croatian border, this historic city offers a fascinating blend of cultures. Filled with Roman and Turkish architecture, elegant Baroque buildings, and renowned for its decorative arts and crafts—especially porcelain—it is a cultural gem. On a guided tour, see the city’s first telephone exchange from 1885, the unearthed Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, the county library, and more.

Villany wine village: Known for its big, bold red wines, the Villany region thrives on its sub-Mediterranean climate. The village charms with its rows of historic white wine cellars, where you can sample local reds. Visit an old mill as part of this delightful experience.

Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853, Zsolnay Porcelain has a rich history of creating hand-painted decorative, ornamental, and architectural porcelains. Renowned for its eosin glaze technique, the museum in Pecs, housed in the company’s former factory, showcases a splendid historic collection.

Your Scenic Space-Ship arrives this morning in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small 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, it serves as the epicenter of the Croatian War of Independence. Many grand Baroque buildings remain standing, bearing the scars of the war. Osijek is renowned for its food, heavily influenced by Hungary, featuring paprika, locally-made sausages, and river fish.

Freechoice:
Explore the region today with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour to see the highlights of the town, including the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress. Enjoy the opportunity to listen to traditional and classical music popular in the region.

Ancestry of the Kitchen: Discover recipes passed down through generations. Meet a local who shares a family recipe for traditional fish stew while chatting about life in this region.

After your morning tour, visit the home of a local Croatian family and enjoy lunch with them. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience with an authentic meal prepared using fresh vegetables from the host’s garden. As northeastern Croatia’s ‘breadbasket,’ villagers take great pride in their gardens, offering a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

The capital of Serbia, Belgrade is known as the "Door to Central Europe" and sits at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. This eclectic city blends rich history with diverse architecture, from nearby Neolithic ruins and a Roman-built fortress to Brutalist and Art Nouveau buildings. Boasting a bohemian atmosphere, Belgrade is one of Europe’s oldest capitals, having been rebuilt nearly 40 times.

Freechoice:
Explore the city your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guided city tour with extended free time: Tour the city’s major sites by coach and on foot with a guide. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and visit Kalemegdan Fortress, an imposing structure that has witnessed over 100 battles and offers stunning views of the rivers below. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore independently.

Panoramic city tour including Tito's Memorial: Join a panoramic tour of Belgrade with a local guide. Visit the city’s major landmarks, including the Ottoman heritage of the Old Town, the fortress, and Republic Square, followed by free time in the city center. The tour also includes a visit to Tito's Memorial, dedicated to the former ruler of Yugoslavia.

Cycling tour along the Danube: Follow the banks of the Danube on a guided cycling tour.

This afternoon, spend time at your leisure exploring Belgrade further. Wander through Skardalija Street, a cobblestoned bohemian district once frequented by writers and artists, now home to traditional restaurants, local shops, and galleries.

Enrich
Tonight, enjoy a special Scenic Enrich experience:

Classical concert at St. Sava Temple: Visit St. Sava, the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans. Explore the fresco-lined walls of the cathedral’s crypt, where the church choir performs hymns exclusively for you. The crypt’s exceptional acoustics make this a truly unforgettable experience.

Today, cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates. This stretch of the Danube forms the natural border between Serbia and Romania, featuring four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs, and the mighty rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king.

Relax in your suite, many of which feature a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, offering uninterrupted views of the rolling tapestry of river life along the Danube. Work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym, unwind in the wellness center, or mingle with fellow guests as you enjoy a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.

Your Scenic Space-Ship arrives in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov this morning. Here, you have the choice to disembark and take an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, known as the City of the Kings, or stay on board and sail toward Rousse (or Ruse), often referred to as ‘Little Vienna.’

Freechoice:
Choose one of today’s 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, built among lush, forested hills along the banks of the twisting Yantra River. In the 14th century, as the Byzantine Empire weakens, Veliko Tarnovo serves as the Bulgarian capital and earns the nickname “the third Rome.” On the way to town, stop to enjoy panoramic views of the old town and see the Asenevtsi Brothers Monument. Then, head to the nearby leafy village of Arbanassi, stopping to visit the 17th-century Konstantsalieva House for insight into how affluent locals live, and explore the Christ Nativity Church.

Guided city tour of Rousse:
Stay on board your Scenic Space-Ship and enjoy a relaxing morning sailing to Rousse. Upon arrival, join a local guide on a sightseeing tour of this opulent town, resplendent in Belle Epoque architecture and leafy, manicured squares. Afterward, enjoy a short piano recital and some free time to explore before returning to the ship.

Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town changes hands many times over the centuries. A major Turkish fortress and trade center in the 15th century, it plays a significant role in the Russo-Turkish wars of the 1870s, briefly becomes part of Romania after the Second Balkan War, and finally reverts to Bulgaria in 1940. The town is dotted with historic sites stretching back to late Roman times.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with this morning’s Scenic Freechoice options:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: Transfer to Silistra Fort by coach. Upon arrival, 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, which plays an important role in the Russo-Turkish wars.

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, where visitors see how the residents of this region live over the centuries and keep their traditions alive. Also, see the beautifully restored Holy Trinity temple, a treasured symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox religion, and visit the Alfatar school to meet local children and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians.

Excursion to Varna: Take a full-day excursion to the Black Sea coast. Varna is a cosmopolitan city, home to Roman bath ruins, a white-sand beach, and many open-air bars and restaurants. Your local guide shows you through the city, including the recently renovated Cathedral and the Military Naval Museum.

This morning, bid farewell to your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Bucharest. The capital of Romania is known as the ‘Paris of the East,’ though WWII reshaped much of the city, with its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture largely destroyed. Today, a unique blend of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist-era architecture stands alongside wide, tree-lined boulevards, leafy squares, hidden street art, and a vibrant nightlife.

Upon arrival, take an orientation tour of the city by coach, traveling from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace. Along the way, see its notable squares, including Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square, and Charles de Gaulle Square.

Freechoice:
After the orientation tour, discover more of this captivating city with Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Ceausescu’s Spring Palace: Located in one of Bucharest’s wealthiest districts, this 1960s residence features 80 elegant rooms adorned with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by renowned Romanian artists, mosaics, marble, chandeliers, and mirrors crafted from Murano glass.

Village Open Air Museum: Explore the ethnographic exhibits showcasing Romania’s heritage and culture. The museum features authentic peasant houses, barns, churches, and more, reconstructed by craftsmen using traditional techniques.

This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow guests before settling in at your hotel.

This morning, you begin your journey into Transylvania. This mountainous region of Central Romania is steeped in ancient myths, folklore, and legendary literature. Its landscape remains largely unchanged for over 600 years, dotted with perfectly preserved medieval villages and spectacular castles amid deep green forests.

Peles Castle stands as a Neo-Classical masterpiece built in the 1870s by Romania's first king as a summer residence for the royal family. Inside, the rooms are exquisitely decorated with paintings, carved wood, and stained glass, showcasing a fascinating collection of artwork and artifacts. Nearby, Sinaia Monastery, the oldest in the region, houses two churches—one from the 17th century and another built by the royal family in the 19th century.

Your final destination today is Brasov, a colorful town blending Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares, and Soviet-era concrete.

This morning, a local guide takes you on a tour of the sights in this colorful town, where Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares, and Soviet-era concrete come together.

Dracula is Transylvania’s most famous figure. Writer Bram Stoker bases his famous novel on the real-life prince Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler. Although Stoker never visits Romania, he is said to draw inspiration from Bran Castle, the place you visit this afternoon. Perched dramatically on a clifftop, this white stone fortress, built in the 14th century, is a maze of narrow passageways, hidden rooms, and sunny courtyards.

Back in Brasov, end your day with a delicious dinner at one of Brasov’s finest restaurants.

This morning, travel to the village of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. It’s also one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, with cobblestone lanes and colorful buildings that remain largely unchanged since the 12th century.

Freechoice:
Today’s Scenic Freechoice offers the following options:

Explore the walled city: The World Heritage-listed walled city at the center of Sighisoara was built by the Saxons between the 12th and 17th centuries. Much of it still stands today, making it one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. A local guide shows you the highlights.

Hike the hill: If you're feeling more active, hike up the covered stairway to the 14th-century Church on the Hill. It’s one of the most spectacular examples of Gothic architecture in Transylvania and has been restored many times throughout history. The climb is difficult, but you're rewarded with superb views over the city.

This afternoon, head to Sibiu, another medieval town with a rich Saxon history. As you admire the historic buildings during your guided tour, you might feel as though they are looking back at you—many of the buildings here feature unique dormer windows that resemble human eyes.

Afterward, enjoy free time to take in the beauty of this city at your leisure. Perhaps join the locals for an al fresco coffee in the Big Square (Piata Mare) or Little Square (Piata Mica), both just meters apart in the center of the old town, or take a moment to duck inside the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Romanian Orthodox church built just over 100 years ago. The elaborate paintings and stained-glass windows across the ceiling will take your breath away.

This morning, your local guide walks you through the highlights of Sibiu during a guided tour before you cross back over the Southern Carpathian Mountains to reach the Cozia Monastery. Built between 1386 and 1388, it’s one of the most architecturally and culturally important monasteries in Romania, with many other religious complexes modeled after it. Sitting on the edge of the Olt River, with mountain peaks behind, it’s a breathtaking site that continues to inspire spiritual connections.

With the villages and vistas of Transylvania behind you, you make your way back to the capital, Bucharest, this evening.

After a final breakfast in Bucharest, it’s time to farewell this fascinating part of Eastern Europe. The spectacular landscapes, medieval villages, and sense of fairy tales coming to life stay with you long after your journey.