Summary
British Airways Sale
The British Airways Sale is now on, The British Airways Sale is now on, with Club World and Club Europe savings to a wide range of destinations. Book by 19 March 2024.
Highlights
- Travel with National Geographic Expert Teresa Fisher, author of over 30 guidebooks
- Listen to a private concert in the gilded halls of the Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna
- Enjoy a choice of hand crafted, Scenic Enrich all-inclusive sightseeing
- Discover the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov— a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets
In Brief
- 2 Nights Budapest
- 2 Nights Vienna
- 1 Night Melk
- 1 Night Salzburg
- 1 Night Regensburg
- 1 Night Nuremberg
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
All-inclusive | Escorted tour | History & culture | Photography
On this National Geographic luxury river cruise, you’ll explore the myriad highlights of the river Danube. Walk among fairytale buildings and ancient landscapes, from Budapest’s juxtaposing Gothic sights to Vienna’s picture-perfect gardens and gilded palaces. On hand will be National Geographic Expert Teresa Fisher, author of over 30 guidebooks, and a National Geographic photographer who’ll gladly share tips on how to capture those perfect holiday snaps.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Budapest
Fly to Budapest from one of up to 15 UK regional airports, where you’ll be transferred to your Scenic Space-Ship. Your cruise begins here. Settle into your suite, before toasting at this evening’s dinner.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: D
Day
2
Budapest
Discover the two distinct sides of this Hungarian capital—the cobbled hills of Buda and the grand boulevards of Pest, linked by eight stately bridges that span the Danube. Climb historic Castle Hill to see the Royal Palace and see Matthias Church, the stunning setting for the coronations and weddings of the Habsburg royalty. Alternatively, explore Budapest through the lens of its Jewish history; hike the Buda Hills that rise beyond the city center; or venture to the charming riverfront town of Szentendre, home to a thriving artist colony.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Vienna, Austria
Cruise the Danube toward Vienna, tracing the border of Hungary and Slovakia before crossing into Austria. Relax in the lounge in views of colorful waterfront towns and hilltop fortifications. This evening arrive in Vienna for a private concert in the gilded halls of the Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of celebrated Austrian composers Strauss and Mozart.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Vienna or Bratislava, Slovakia
Choose from among several excursions today. Stay in Vienna to visit Schönbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence of the imperial family. You may also choose to take a guided tour of the Museum of Natural History for an inside look at its meteorite exhibit, co-curated by National Geographic grantee Ludovic Ferrière. Or opt to peruse the galleries of the Belvedere Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including “The Kiss.” Alternatively, visit Bratislava for a guided tour through the cobbled streets of the old town. Venture into St. Martin’s Cathedral, a massive Gothic structure built in the 13th century on the site of a Romanesque church, and see the simple Church of the Poor Clares.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Melk, Austria
Glide into Austria’s lush Wachau Valley and dock at Melk for a tour of its Benedictine abbey, one of the world’s most magnificent baroque buildings. Or take a more active excursion, cycling along the Danube from Dürnstein to Melk or hiking to the hilltop ruins of a medieval castle. Or visit a local winery for a guided tour of the cellars and vines, followed by a tasting of the region’s celebrated Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings. This evening, sip sundowners in a beautiful location in the Wachau Valley.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Salzburg or Ceský Krumlov, Czech Republic
Today, choose between excursions to two World Heritage sites. Explore Salzburg, strolling the storybook streets of the Old Town and visiting the Schloss Mirabell and its stunning manicured gardens. Or head to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov— a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets with medieval, baroque, and Renaissance houses; lively cafés; and hidden squares. Alternatively, venture to the historic salt mines outside of Salzburg and learn about the life and work of the miners.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Regensburg, Germany
Set at the confluence of the Danube, Naab, and Regen Rivers, Regensburg once served as a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. On a guided visit, see the town’s splendid Gothic cathedral, 12th-century stone bridge, and the Porta Praetoria—the ancient Roman city gate. Alternatively, tour the historic Kuchlbauer Brewery and its whimsical tower—a tribute to modern art. Or take a local ferry across the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, home to the world’s oldest monastic brewery. Explore the abbey, then head to the courtyard and sip on a pint of their popular Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel.
Stay: Scenic Amber
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Nuremberg > UK
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred by coach to the airport for you journey home.
Meals: B
Map
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