North Sea to the Black Sea with Turkey

Your journey into wonder begins here, with a three night stay in Istanbul.

Freechoice: Try your hand at a cooking class or join a calligraphy course and master the ancient art of writing. Or relax and rejuvenate during your visit to a traditional Turkish bath.

This morning visit Hagia Sophia and spend some time wandering the evocative Grand Bazaar before an afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy a fascinating tour of Homer’s Troy – the legendary site of the Trojan Wars. Afterwards, travel to Canakkale for a two night stay.

Visit the Gallipoli Peninsula, the site of WWI landings by the Allied Forces, including ANZAC troops. There are over 31 cemeteries on the peninsula, which is now a national park. Explore and gain a unique perspective on this moving and historically poignant location.

Journey from Canakkale to Bulgaria and stay two nights in Nessebar.

Enjoy a tour of Nessebar. Tonight, delight in delicious local cuisine and take in a folklore show.

See a diverse range of scenery as you pass through Bulgaria to Romania’s capital, Bucharest, where you will check into a centrally located hotel.

Later, travel to Giurgiu where you will be personally welcomed by your friendly dedicated staff on board your luxury Scenic Space-Ship.

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

Freechoice: Visit Rousse, where you’ll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi.

Relax and admire the scenery as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gates, a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. It’s a spectacular setting for a cruise and also the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

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 before time at leisure. Alternatively, choose a guided bicycle ride along the Danube, or journey to Sremski Karlovci, where you can wander the town with our experts and marvel at the beautiful Baroque elements. Or, for some true insight into everyday life, take a walk through the city with a local.

Freechoice: Explore Osijek on a guided city tour, or if you’re the more active type, you can opt to take a blissful guided bike ride through Osijek’s countryside.

Enrich
As a special 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 will be a magnificent meal and a rare opportunity to meet people who understand the local way of life intimately.

Today witness a traditional Hungarian horse show.

Today enjoy Budapest at your leisure; perhaps wander the streets of the old town for local crafts or simply relax on board.

Freechoice: Make the most of Budapest with a guided tour, or relax and unwind at the local Thermal Baths and Spa. Alternatively, take a hike to Buda Hill or experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock.

As you cruise the mighty Danube, relax in one of the lounges and viewing areas and enjoy the scenery as your Scenic Space-Ship sails towards Vienna.

Freechoice: Take a tour of Bratislava or Schönbrunn Palace. Alternatively, visit the famous Spanish Riding School and either tour the stables or see the famous Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program. Or explore Vienna on a guided cycling tour.

Freechoice: Embark on a guided bike ride along the river from Dürnstein to Melk, or be guided through Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey. Alternatively, visit a local winery and sample some of
its fine wines.

Sundowners
As the day ends, enjoy the fine view of the breathtakingly beautiful Wachau Valley.

Enrich
Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place. Based on the timeless movie of the same name, this exclusive production is performed in the rolling hills of Salzburg.

Regensburg offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its medieval Old Town to the Bavarian Forest on its border.

Welcome to this fascinating Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century.

Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Bamberg, alive with history. With your knowledgeable local guide, walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did.

Freechoice: Visit the Bishop’s Residenz Palace and sample some exquisite local wine, or explore the famous Romantic Road – an important trade route during the Middle Ages. Then take in the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, a medieval gem that overlooks the Tauber River.

Soak in the vistas of the Main River as you spend a full day relaxing on board. Be mesmerised by passing scenery while commentary from your Scenic Tailormade device describes the captivating view unfolding before you. Or simply indulge in the on board amenities of your 5-star floating hotel.

Immerse yourself in charming Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Then enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument.

Freechoice: Take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the twin towers of the famous cathedral, or take a walking tour with a difference and learn about the Jewish history of the city. Alternatively, take a guided cycling tour through Cologne.

Freechoice: Explore the city by bicycle or by foot. Alternatively, experience an iconic canal cruise or enjoy a slice of quintessential Holland at Zaanse Schans.

Depart today after breakfast, taking wonderful memories with you.