Scenic River Cruises

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Budapest

   Hungary

   

   Budapest, divided by the Danube into the hilly Buda of thermal baths and medieval castle lanes on one bank and the grand Pest of coffee-house culture and Art Nouveau splendor on the other, delivers the most theatrical first impression of any European capital — whether approached by river as the neo-Gothic Parliament materializes from the water or by night from the Citadella's sweep of illuminated panorama below. The city's celebrated thermal bath culture, rooted in Ottoman-era hammams and perfected in palatial Secession-era pools like the Széchenyi, is an experience entirely unlike anything else in Europe. Visit spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; Vienna is two and a half hours west by train.

2. Day 2

   Mohacs

   Hungary

   

   Mohács is a historically significant Hungarian town on the Danube, renowned for the pivotal 1526 battle and the UNESCO-listed Busójárás winter festival featuring dramatic masked processions. Visitors should not miss the fiery halászlé fisherman's soup prepared with fresh Danube catch, and a wine excursion to the nearby Villány appellation for world-class reds. The ideal season to visit is late spring through early autumn for warm riverside days, though February offers the unforgettable spectacle of Busójárás.

3. Day 3

   Istanbul

   Turkey

   

   For more than fifteen centuries, Istanbul has been the pivot upon which empires turned — Byzantium, Constantinople, the Ottoman capital — and nowhere else on earth compresses so much history into a single horizon. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace form an incomparable trinity of architectural genius along the Golden Horn; the Grand Bazaar's four thousand shops offer a sensory immersion unlike any other marketplace. Must-dos include a Bosphorus sunset cruise and a meal of mezze along the waterfront at Karaköy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most gracious climate for this inexhaustible city.

4. Day 3

   Vukovar

   Croatia

   

   Vukovar, Croatia's largest river port, sits at the confluence of the Vuka and Danube rivers, offering a rich historical narrative and vibrant local culture. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional dishes like fiš paprikaš and exploring nearby attractions such as Trogir and Solin. The best time to visit is in late spring and early autumn when the weather is pleasant and the local events are in full swing.

5. Day 4

   Belgrade

   Serbia

   

   Belgrade, the 'White City' rebuilt at least forty times at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, surprises every visitor with its raw, uncurated vitality — a capital that wears its turbulent history lightly while embracing the present with irresistible energy. The Kalemegdan Fortress, fortified for over two thousand years, offers the most dramatic river panorama on the entire Danube; below it, the Skadarlija cobblestone quarter fills nightly with kafana musicians and the aromas of Serbian rakija and roasted meats. Belgrade's nightlife — centered on the floating river clubs called splavovi — is genuinely legendary in Europe. Spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable conditions; the Iron Gate gorge is two hours downstream by river.

6. Day 5

   At Sea

   

7. Day 5

   Istanbul

   Turkey

   

   For more than fifteen centuries, Istanbul has been the pivot upon which empires turned — Byzantium, Constantinople, the Ottoman capital — and nowhere else on earth compresses so much history into a single horizon. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace form an incomparable trinity of architectural genius along the Golden Horn; the Grand Bazaar's four thousand shops offer a sensory immersion unlike any other marketplace. Must-dos include a Bosphorus sunset cruise and a meal of mezze along the waterfront at Karaköy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most gracious climate for this inexhaustible city.

8. Day 6

   Svishtov

   Bulgaria

   

   Svishtov is a historic Bulgarian Danube town where Russian forces crossed the river to liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman rule, featuring beautifully preserved National Revival-era merchants' houses and the birthplace of the nation's most famous writer. Must-dos include the Aleko Konstantinov House-Museum, day trips to Veliko Tarnovo's medieval fortress, and tasting traditional Bulgarian kavarma and local wines. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions.

9. Day 7

   Istanbul

   Turkey

   

   For more than fifteen centuries, Istanbul has been the pivot upon which empires turned — Byzantium, Constantinople, the Ottoman capital — and nowhere else on earth compresses so much history into a single horizon. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace form an incomparable trinity of architectural genius along the Golden Horn; the Grand Bazaar's four thousand shops offer a sensory immersion unlike any other marketplace. Must-dos include a Bosphorus sunset cruise and a meal of mezze along the waterfront at Karaköy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most gracious climate for this inexhaustible city.

10. Day 7

    Silistra

    Bulgaria

    

    Silistra is an ancient Danube river port in northeastern Bulgaria, founded as the Roman garrison of Durostorum over two thousand years ago. Visitors should explore the remarkably preserved Roman tomb frescoes, climb to the Ottoman Medjidi Tabia fortress for river panoramas, and taste Danubian fish alongside robust local wines. May through September offers the warmest weather and most pleasant conditions for riverside exploration.

11. Day 8

    Giurgiu

    Romania

    

    Giurgiu, a historic port city on the Danube River, is a vibrant gateway to Romania's rich culture and medieval towns. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies like "mămăligă" and visiting nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Sighișoara. The best season to visit is spring or early autumn, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most picturesque.

12. Day 8

    Giurgiu

    Romania

    

    Giurgiu, a historic port city on the Danube River, is a vibrant gateway to Romania's rich culture and medieval towns. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies like "mămăligă" and visiting nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Sighișoara. The best season to visit is spring or early autumn, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most picturesque.

13. Day 9

    Bucharest

    Romania

    

    Bucharest, Romania's sprawling and magnificently contradictory capital, layers Belle Époque mansions, communist-era boulevards, and a furiously creative twenty-first-century scene into a city that rewards the curious traveler who looks beyond the obvious. Ceaușescu's colossal Palace of the Parliament — the world's heaviest building and a monument to totalitarian hubris — is unmissable; equally essential is the neighborhood of Floreasca, where design studios, natural wine bars, and acclaimed restaurants have made Bucharest one of Europe's most exciting emerging food capitals. Visit April through June for the most pleasant weather. Transylvania, with Bran Castle and the medieval city of Brașov, lies two hours north through dramatic Carpathian scenery.

14. Day 10

    Istanbul

    Turkey

    

    For more than fifteen centuries, Istanbul has been the pivot upon which empires turned — Byzantium, Constantinople, the Ottoman capital — and nowhere else on earth compresses so much history into a single horizon. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace form an incomparable trinity of architectural genius along the Golden Horn; the Grand Bazaar's four thousand shops offer a sensory immersion unlike any other marketplace. Must-dos include a Bosphorus sunset cruise and a meal of mezze along the waterfront at Karaköy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most gracious climate for this inexhaustible city.

15. Day 11

    Istanbul

    Turkey

    

    For more than fifteen centuries, Istanbul has been the pivot upon which empires turned — Byzantium, Constantinople, the Ottoman capital — and nowhere else on earth compresses so much history into a single horizon. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace form an incomparable trinity of architectural genius along the Golden Horn; the Grand Bazaar's four thousand shops offer a sensory immersion unlike any other marketplace. Must-dos include a Bosphorus sunset cruise and a meal of mezze along the waterfront at Karaköy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most gracious climate for this inexhaustible city.

16. Day 12

    Canakkale

    Turkey

    

    Çanakkale is a vibrant Turkish university town commanding the Dardanelles strait, serving as the gateway to ancient Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields—two of the most emotionally powerful historical sites in the world. Must-dos include the Troy archaeological site and museum, Gallipoli memorials, and waterfront meyhane dining with fresh Dardanelles seafood. April through October is ideal, with spring best for Anzac Day and wildflower-covered battlefields.

17. Day 13

    Canakkale

    Turkey

    

    Çanakkale is a vibrant Turkish university town commanding the Dardanelles strait, serving as the gateway to ancient Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields—two of the most emotionally powerful historical sites in the world. Must-dos include the Troy archaeological site and museum, Gallipoli memorials, and waterfront meyhane dining with fresh Dardanelles seafood. April through October is ideal, with spring best for Anzac Day and wildflower-covered battlefields.

18. Day 14

    Mohacs

    Hungary

    

    Mohács is a historically significant Hungarian town on the Danube, renowned for the pivotal 1526 battle and the UNESCO-listed Busójárás winter festival featuring dramatic masked processions. Visitors should not miss the fiery halászlé fisherman's soup prepared with fresh Danube catch, and a wine excursion to the nearby Villány appellation for world-class reds. The ideal season to visit is late spring through early autumn for warm riverside days, though February offers the unforgettable spectacle of Busójárás.

19. Day 14

    Istanbul

    Turkey

    

    For more than fifteen centuries, Istanbul has been the pivot upon which empires turned — Byzantium, Constantinople, the Ottoman capital — and nowhere else on earth compresses so much history into a single horizon. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace form an incomparable trinity of architectural genius along the Golden Horn; the Grand Bazaar's four thousand shops offer a sensory immersion unlike any other marketplace. Must-dos include a Bosphorus sunset cruise and a meal of mezze along the waterfront at Karaköy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most gracious climate for this inexhaustible city.

20. Day 15

    Istanbul

    Turkey

    

    For more than fifteen centuries, Istanbul has been the pivot upon which empires turned — Byzantium, Constantinople, the Ottoman capital — and nowhere else on earth compresses so much history into a single horizon. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace form an incomparable trinity of architectural genius along the Golden Horn; the Grand Bazaar's four thousand shops offer a sensory immersion unlike any other marketplace. Must-dos include a Bosphorus sunset cruise and a meal of mezze along the waterfront at Karaköy. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most gracious climate for this inexhaustible city.

Cabin Categories

Balcony Suite

Suite

205 sq ftMax 2C

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableFree Mini BarTV+4

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Balcony Suite

Suite

205 sq ftMax 2A

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableFree Mini BarTV+4

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Deluxe Balcony Suite

Suite

225 sq ftMax 2PD

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 with our ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSuite Benefits+5

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Deluxe Balcony Suite

Suite

225 sq ftMax 2BD

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 with our ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSuite Benefits+5

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Single Balcony Suite

Suite

153–170 sq ftMax 2BS

Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveller. Enjoy fantastic views from your full size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroon with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.

One Single BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+3

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Standard Suite

Suite

160 sq ftMax 2E

Our Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest in amenities.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+3

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Junior Balcony Suite

Suite

250 sq ftMax 2B1J

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSuite Benefits+6

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Junior Balcony Suite

Suite

250 sq ftMax 2RJ

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSuite Benefits+6

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Junior Balcony Suite

Suite

250 sq ftMax 2BJ

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSuite Benefits+6

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Royal Balcony Suite

Suite

360 sq ftMax 2RR

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+7

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Royal Owner's Suite

Suite

315 sq ftMax 2RO

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+7

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Royal Panorama Suite

Suite

475 sq ftMax 2RP

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.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSuite Benefits+6

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