Summary
Short description
Pair the highlights of Croatia and Slovenia with a luxury cruise from Budapest to the Black Sea
Highlights
- Explore the sites of northern Croatia and Slovenia on an included land programme
- Sail the Danube through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania & Bulgaria
- Enjoy exclusive touring options along the way
- Sail in style aboard one of the world's most spacious river ships
- Indulge with gourmet dining and selected premium drinks
In Brief
- 2 Nights Zagreb
- 1 Night Ljubljana
- 1 Night Bled
- 1 Night Budapest
- 1 Night Kalocsa
- 1 Night Osijek
- 1 Night Belgrade
- 1 Night Svishtov
- 1 Night Silistra
- 1 Night Bucharest
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
River cruise
After a land-based showcase of some of Croatia and Slovenia’s highlights, sail the mighty Danube from Budapest to the Black Sea. You’ll start in Croatia’s largest city, Zagreb, contrasting its medieval centre with the beauty of Plitvice National Park’s emerald-green lakes before you hop the border into Slovenia. Here, you’ll take in the Baroque charm of its capital, Ljubljana, and Lake Bled, backdropped by the Alps. Then, boarding your ship in Budapest, you’ll set sail through the Hungarian plains to Kolocsa – one of the country’s oldest towns. It’s then back to Croatia to explore Osijek and its 18th-century citadel and on to the Serbian capital of Belgrade, with its Art-Nouveau and Habsburg vestiges. Next, sailing through the iconic Iron Gates gorge and into Bulgaria, you’ll take in unesco-listed villages, the Byzantine jewels of Veliko Tarnovo and the Ottoman fort of Silistra, before you end in Bucharest. There are also plenty of unique experiences along the way, from meeting traditional horsemen to enjoying choral performances in a temple crypt.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Zagreb
Enjoy complimentary UK airport lounge access before your flight to Zagreb. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your city-centre hotel. Located on the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountains and on the banks of the Sava River, Croatia’s largest city is rich mix of European elegance and forward-thinking modernity. You'll have a first taste of what it has to offer as you spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace.
Stay: Zagreb accommodation
Day
2
Zagreb & Plitvice National Park
This morning, you'll join your local guide for a tour of Zagreb, stopping to see the famous Cathedral. The tallest building in Croatia, this impressive landmark has two spires which can be seen from almost any point in the city. You'll also pass through the Stone Gate, the entrance to the upper town and Zagreb’s medieval centre, and visit Ban Jelacic Square at the heart of the city's modern district, a delightful contrast.
After some free time you'll then head out of Zagreb to Plitvice National park. Spend a wonderful afternoon exploring this World Heritage site, wandering along meandering pathways to views of emerald green lakes and impressive waterfalls.
Stay: Zagreb accommodation
Meals: B
Day
3
Ljubljana
Today, you'llcross the border and journey to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Although small in size and population this city doesn’t lack charm. With its many colourful buildings such as the Franciscan Church, lively town squares and baroque architecture, Ljubljana is one of the hidden gems of this region.
Your local guide will immerse you in a discovery of the city sitting on the Ljubljanica River. Explore the treasures such as the Opera House, National Museum, Franciscan Church and St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Stay: Ljubljana accommodation
Meals: B D
Day
4
Lake Bled
This morning journey to Bled, the small town surrounded by towering Alps and overlooking the glacial lake of the same name. Step back in time and take a traditional Pletna boat to the beautiful island sitting in the middle of Lake Bled. Visit the historic Church of St. Mary with its famous wishing well where you can ring the bell for good luck.
Stay: Lake Bled accommodation
Meals: B
Day
5
Budapest
After breakfast this morning your journey continues as you are transferred to your Scenic Space-Ship where you will receive a warm welcome from your friendly crew.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B D
Day
6
Kalocsa
Located on the Great Hungarian Plain, Kolocsa 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 practised for centuries.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Osijek
Explore Osijek on a city tour, or take a bike ride through Osijek’s countryside. Alternatively, explore one of Europe’s largest natural wetlands, Kopacki Rit, during a boat cruise or join a local and learn to make a traditional fish stew. Later, as a special Scenic guest, 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.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Belgrade
Enjoy an in-depth city 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 location. Alternatively, choose a guided bicycle ride, or for a true insight into everyday life, take a walk through the city with a local student. Or, journey to Sremski Karlovci, where you can wander the town and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements. Later this evening, visit the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Iron Gates
Relax and admire the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. A magnificent setting for a cruise and the natural border between Serbia and Romania.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Svishtov or Rousse
Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi. Alternatively, stay on board and cruise towards the Bulgarian town of Rousse, where you’ll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
11
Silistra
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 a local school, and learn about life in Bulgaria.
Stay: Scenic river ship
Meals: B L D
Day
12
Bucharest
Bid a fond farewell to your crew as you disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and travel to the Romanian capital, Bucharest. Explore Bucharest and learn about its communist past including a tour of Ceausescu’s Spring Villa, or tour the Village Open Air Museum. Then, head to your hotel to enjoy an overnight stay.
Stay: Bucharest accommodation
Meals: B L D
Day
13
Depart for UK
After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for your onwards flight.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Prices
Accommodation rating:
13-day luxury river cruise from £4,450 pp incl. flights
Departure: 1 October 2023
Save £1,300 per couple and free Business class flights
Book by: 03 April 2023
Included:
- Return flights from up to 16 UK airports
- Spacious Balcony Suites with innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
- Butler service for every suite with
- full mini-bar restocked daily
- All meals and complimentary
- beverages all day every day
- Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
- Personalise your cruise with Scenic
- Freechoice activities
- Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge plus fitness and wellness area
- Complimentary e-bikes and Scenic
- Tailormade App
- Return airport transfers
- And all tipping and gratuities
Early bird saving's and flight upgrade applies when paid in full at time of booking
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0615
Meet the team