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Parliament Building at night, Budapest

Black Sea Explorer

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Scenic Crystal
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Begin your journey in Hungary's capital, Budapest, regarded by many as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Board your luxurious ship to cruise the Danube through unspoiled lands, where lush landscapes are dotted with towns and cities that still look as they might have over a hundred years ago. Stop in Kalocsa and learn about traditional Hungarian culture; discover a slice of everyday life in Osijek, Croatia; pass through the spectacular gorge of the Iron Gates, a natural border between Romania and Serbia. End your adventure with tours of Svishtov, Rousse, Silistra, and Giurgiu, before disembarking in Bucharest and continuing on your Eastern European exploration. 
Cruise through the Iron GatesDiscover the history of BelgradeRomanian Athenaeum Of Bucharest, RomaniaExplore Romania's capital city, BucharestDiscover the architecture and history of BudapestParliament Palace in Bucharest, RomaniaPanoramic view of Budapest cityscapeParliament Building at night, Budapest
Highlights
  • Witness a traditional Hungarian horse show in Kalocsa
  • Take a blissful guided bike ride through Osijek’s countryside
  • Relax on board and admire the scenery as you cruise through the Iron Gates
  • Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the village of Arbanassi
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Budapest | Embark

Board your shop after a day of exploring Budapest. At tonight’s welcome reception, raise your glass to the wonderful cruise ahead.

Day 2: Kalocsa

Located on the Great Hungarian Plain, Kalocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. Today you will have the opportunity to witness a traditional Puszta horse show. Be greeted by the horsemen of the Puszta region where this type of activity has been practiced for centuries.

Day 3: Osijek

Freechoice:
Explore Osijek on a guided city tour, or take a blissful guided bike ride through Osijek’s countryside.

As a Scenic guest, you’ll be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this is a rare opportunity to meet people who understand the local way of life intimately.

Day 4: Belgrade

Freechoice:
Enjoy an in-depth tour of one of Europe’s oldest capitals, Belgrade, including a visit to Tito’s Memorial, or take an orientation tour of Belgrade and see the highlights of the city before enjoying time at leisure to wander this beautiful city. Alternatively, choose a guided bicycle ride, or for a true insight into everyday life, take a walk through the city with a student or journey to Sremski Karlovci, where you can wander the town with our experts and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements.

Enrich:
Visit the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt.

Day 5: Iron Gates

Relax on board and admire the scenery as you cruise through the spectacular Iron Gates – a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Not only is it a spectacular setting, but it’s also the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Sundowners:
Raise a toast to the end of a wonderful day in this spectacular location.

Day 6: Svishtov | Rousse

Freechoice:
Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the village of Arbanassi. Or stay on board and cruise to the town of Rousse, where you’ll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour.

Day 7: Silistra

Discover the Silistra Fort during an active walking tour, or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Or tour a local village, including a visit to the primary school, and learn about life in Bulgaria.

Day 8: Giurgiu | Disembark | Bucharest

Bid a fond farewell to your crew as you disembark your ship and travel to Bucharest.

Freechoice:
Explore Bucharest and learn about its communist past, including a visit to Ceausescu’s Spring Palace. Or tour the Village Open Air Museum and discover ethnographic exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture.

Later, check-in for your stay at your centrally located hotel.

Day 9: Bucharest

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for your onward flight. It may be the end of your cruise, but there are many wonderful memories to recall!

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Crystal

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Danube River Cruises.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Standard Suite E
Dimensions: 160ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
Standard Suite D
Dimensions: 160ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
Balcony Suite C
Dimensions: 205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite BA
Dimensions: 205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Single Balcony Suite BS
Dimensions: 205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite BB
Dimensions: 205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Deluxe Balcony Suite BD
Dimensions: 225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Junior Balcony Suite BJ
Dimensions: 250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite A
Dimensions: 205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PA
Dimensions: 205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PP
Dimensions: 205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Deluxe Balcony Suite PD
Dimensions: 225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Junior Balcony Suite RJ
Dimensions: 250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Royal Balcony Suite RA
Dimensions: 315ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Balcony Suite R
Dimensions: 315ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Panorama Suite RS
Dimensions: 325ft2. At 325ft², these are the largest suites on the ship. Located on the Diamond Deck, both suites enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from your private balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. Each Suite has a lounge area and a luxurious bathroom.
Royal Owner's Suite RO
Dimensions - 520ft2 including outdoor balcony. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.

Notes

All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Porterage
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Complimentary beverages
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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