Scenic Crystal, 11 Night Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled & Budapest ex Bucharest to Budapest ex Bucharest, Romania to Budapest, Hungary

Day 1
Welcome to Bucharest and the start of your journey. 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.You will be staying in a luxury hotel tonight before boarding your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship tomorrow. This gives you the chance to explore Bucharest after dark.

Day 2
Wake in Bucharest. After a turbulent past, the city is 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.Take an orientation tour of the city by coach, from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace stopping to see its squares, including Union, University, Roman, Victoryand Charles de Gaulle squares.

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, transfer to Giurgiu to board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Day 3
Arrive in Silistra today. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries. 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. To learn more about local culture, you can choose to visit a local village and school, an experience available only to Scenic guests.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:Active walk to Silistra Fort: Take an active guided walking tour of the 19th century fort and learn about its history. It is the best preserved of the six points of the Turkish fortification system.Visit Alfatar village: This exclusive excursion takes you 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 and local delights: Discover the rich heritage and flavours of Bulgaria on this unique guided tour. Explore the ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, a World Heritage site dating back to the 3rd century BC, then visit local producers of exquisite brandy for a tasting.

Day 4
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the Bulgarian town of Rousse today, which has been described as ‘Little Vienna’. Here you will have the choice to disembark and take a walking tour of the city. Alternatively, join a full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, known as the ‘City of the Kings’

Scenic Freechoice: Discover more on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:Walking tour of Rousse: Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of this opulent town where you will learn about traditional Bulgarian handicrafts, sample some delicious local wine and delight in a short piano recital.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.

Day 5
Today you’ll cruise through the spectacular scenery of Djerdap Gorge, known as 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 head to the Sun Deck or mingle with other guests in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.

Day 6
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. It’s one of the oldest capitals in Europe and has stood at the crossroads between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires for centuries. Thanks to these centuries of conflict, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the city today one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions.Tour of Belgrade: Explore the iconic sites of the city with a local 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 Belgrade 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: Choose this active excursion to trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels with a guided cycling tour. During the 16km ride, you’ll learn about the history of Yugoslavia and Belgrade, and see the Belgrade Waterfront, the fomer concentration camp Staro Sajmiste, and Ada Island.Central Belgrade stroll with coffee and cake: Starting from the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, wander down Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade’s bustling pedestrian boulevard, lined with charming shops and cafes. Pause to enjoy a cup of expertly brewed coffee paired with a signature cake from one of the city’s beloved bakeries.

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 Concert in the Crypt of St. Sava Church: Visit St. Sava Temple, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Admire the fresco-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.

Day 7
Cross the border into Croatia and dock in Vukovar, a historically significant city strategically positioned along the Danube River at the confluence with the Vuka River. Known as ‘The Hero Town’, it is famed for its historic resilience, especially its fierce defence during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s, which left a lasting mark on its landscape and collective memory.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of nearby Osijek. This small city has a turbulent history and many of the grand Baroque buildings in the Old Town bear the scars of war. 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 picturesque vineyards. Enjoy a tasting experience blending bold notes, local culture and breathtaking landscapes.Vukovar chronicles – A river town’s tale of resilience: With roots dating back to medieval times, Vukovar was historically a vibrant trade and industrial centre. Though heavily damaged by war, the city has been rebuit. On this tour, discover Vukovar’s spirit of resilience and stories of bravery that remain central to the city’s character, with museums and monuments preserving its legacy of sacrifice and hope.

After this morning’s excursions, visit the home of a local Croatian family and have lunch. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host’s garden.

Day 8
Arrive in Mohács today. Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town holds an outsized position in Hungarian history. It 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 Pécs: 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 stories: The region of Villány is known for its big, bold red wines. Learn about everyday life in Hungary, then proceed to a historic wine cellar where you can sample local drops.Mohács traditions and flavours: Experience Mohács, a town where Hungarians, Croats, and Serbs live in unity, sharing rich traditions and multicultural heritage. Visit the Busóudvar Museum to learn about the World Heritage-listed Busójárás festival and taste authentic halászlé, a flavourful stew made with fresh Danube River fish and Hungarian paprika.

Day 9
Welcome to Budapest, the Hungarian capital and one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, it was united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. The city is 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, housed in colourful, ornate buildings.Enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own or explore further afield with two excursions that are exclusive to Scenic.

Scenic Freechoice: Discover the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:Beethoven’s favourite getaway – Brunszvik Castle: The snow white Brunsvik Castle is a stunning example of 18th century neo-Gothic architecture surrounded by a sprawling English style park. Famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven, was a frequent visitor and today the castle houses a Beethoven Memorial Museum.Etyek region wineries & vineyards: Often called the ‘vineyard of Budapest’, Etyek is renowned for its crisp, aromatic white wines and sparkling wines. Take a tour of a vineyard, learn about the winemaking process and sample local vintages.

You will be staying in a luxury hotel for the next two nights. This gives you plenty of opportunities to discover Budapest’s legendary nightlife.

Day 10
This morning, join a local guide to discover the flavours of Hungary on a Hungarian culinary market walk and tasting tour. This foodie tour in Budapest promises an unforgettable journey through the city’s culinary delights. Visit the bustling Grand Central Market and other locations for tasting the local delicacies, and hear fascinating stories about the city’s traditions.

Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the city at your leisure. You may like to bring your swimsuit and join the locals in one of the many thermal baths.

Day 11
Your journey concludes today. After breakfast, transfer to Budapest airport for your onward journey, taking with you a treasure trove of wonderful memories from this undiscovered corner of Europe.

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.

Scenic Crystal, Scenic Jewel and Scenic Jade joined the Scenic luxury fleet in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively.

These ships feature outdoor balconies that convert into all-weather Scenic Sun-Lounges on the European waterways and have newly designed guest rooms with 32-inch, flat screen, high definition televisions as well as six on board dining restaurants. Even the bar in the main lounge is made from sophisticated Port Laurent marble.

On both Scenic Crystal and Scenic Jewel we are delighted to offer the additional choice of a spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship, these suites offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites, with even more space to relax.

River cruising is a relaxed and intimate way to see the world, with smaller guest numbers on board at any one time, higher staff to guest ratios and the finest fleet of luxury river cruise ships in the world, everything is handcrafted to make your journey unique and personal.

A Scenic river cruise is truly an all-inclusive experience.

From an indulgent buffet breakfast until the moment lay your head on the pillow chosen from our carefully curated pillow menu, every moment you spend with us is one of all-inclusive luxury. Large, well-appointed suites, services of an experienced butler, and a range of on board dining options with all-inclusive beverages, all day every day. All inclusive luxury means you can put your wallet somewhere safe and have the time of your life as you explore the rivers of the world with Scenic from the exotic waterways of South East Asia, to the grand waterways of Europe.

At Scenic when we say all-inclusive river cruising, that is what you get.

Luxury is having a butler at your call, crisp white sheets, and your own private balcony to watch the sun rise and set in a different country. Luxury is having chef-prepared meals and top shelf beverages. Luxury is all-inclusive tours, events, experiences and having someone else arrange it all for you, to pick and choose as you please

And luxury certainly is not having to reach for your wallet for any of it. Welcome to the Scenic experience, where all-inclusive means exactly that. This is the essence of the Scenic experience.

Scenic Fleet: Our focus on innovation and luxury design ensures Scenic is the world leader when it comes to delivering the ultimate in river cruising on our state of the art fleet. With some of the largest suites on the river, a high staff-to-guest ratio plus incredible facilities on board, you’ll never want to leave.

Suites: We set the benchmark for the standard of suites on board, the most spacious on the river. Our balcony suites also feature innovative technology, transforming to a Sun Lounge at the touch of a button, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of extra space as well as the unfolding landscape.

Butler: We know it’s the small things that make your cruise special, and so do our butlers. From nightly turndown to laundry service included for all guests, our butlers are there to make your Scenic journey extra special. They won’t be happy unless you are.

Dining & Beverages: From casual fare to fine dining, we cater for every style on board. We source from regional suppliers so our food is both extremely fresh and in season. Our chefs draw inspiration from the countries we pass through so you’ll experience true regional cuisine. And of course there’s an extensive selection of complimentary beverages all day too.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Scenic Crystal - Jewel Deck

Scenic Crystal - Sapphire Deck

Scenic Crystal - Diamond Deck

Scenic Crystal - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Cat RO - Royal Owner's Suite

One bedroom suite including Scenic Sun Lounge – 48m2/520ft2 . These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (48m2/520ft2), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat BB - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat PP - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat R - Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (300-315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat RA - Royal Balcony Suite

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (300-315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Cat RJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and spacious shower.

Cat RS - Royal Panorama Suite

At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.

Cat PD - Deluxe Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 21m2/225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites but with even more space to relax.

Cat BD - Deluxe Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 21m2/225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of our private Balcony Suites but with even more space to relax.

Cat BJ - Junior Balcony Suite

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and spacious shower.

Cat PA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat BA - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat A - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat C - Balcony Suite

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 19m2/205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive ‘Sun Lounge’ system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Cat D - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms 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.

Cat E - Standard Suite

15m2/160ft2. Staterooms 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.

Cat BS - Single Balcony Suite

Suites are fitted with a modern flat screen TV, superior air conditioning system, internet access, minibar, hairdryer, personal safe, power points suitable for Australian appliances and a state-of-the-art inroom entertainment system offering a choice of over 1000 movies on demand. Exclusive to Scenic Tours, 82% of our staterooms are Private Balcony Suites, complete with a large teak balcony furnished with outdoor chairs and a table. This unique feature gives our guests the freedom to retire to their suite with a glass of fine wine and watch Europe’s spectacular scenery pass by from the comfort and privacy of their own balcony.