We have included a selection of ways to travel to Bucharest - these are all included at no supplement. Fly from your choice of 15 regional airports with KLM via Amsterdam or from London Heathrow with British Airways. Welcome to Bucharest. Bucharest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient and fascinating cities. You will be met at the airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your hotel.
Two Night Stay: Bucharest
Journey through the farmland and valleys of The Transylvanian plateau today, passing medieval towns and castles as we venture into the Carpathian Mountains. Choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) We’ll visit Bran Castle, originally a stronghold of the Teutonic Knights and of strategic importance as a barrier to invading Ottoman forces. Of course, it is more widely known as the legendary home of Count Dracula, (2) A visit to Bucharest would not be complete without a day excursion to Snagov Lake. The main attraction here is the Monastery situated on an isolated island in the middle of the lake, only accessible by boat. This is the supposed burial place of the Legendary Dracula, Vlad Tepes.
Today enjoy an Included sightseeing tour of Bucharest. A more modern structure, Ceaucescu’s imposing Palace of Parliament is the largest building in Europe. This afternoon travel to Cernavoda where you will be personally welcomed by your friendly dedicated staff onboard your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’. After unpacking for the start of your voyage, join your fellow guests for a Welcome Cocktail in the lounge.
Next Twenty-One Nights: Cruising
Cernavoda in Romania is your ship’s base today for an excursion to the seaside town of Constanta, followed by a visit to the popular resort town of Mamaia. This popular resort town stretches 8 kilometres in length with only a 300 metre sliver of land separating the Black Sea shore from the waters of Lake Siutghiol.
Arriving in Russe travel to the nearby leafy village of Arbanassi which is included in UNESCO's world heritage list of valuable cultural sites. Venture to Veliko Tarnovo, a town with a rich historical past dating back to 3,000 BC. In the 14th century as the Byzantine Empire weakened the town was the Bulgarian capital and known as the third Rome. Continue to the former Roman fortress town of Svistov in Bulgaria before reboarding your ship.
Be sure to have your camera ready as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gate, a narrow gorge carved by the Danube between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania.
Today explore Serbia’s capital Belgrade, one of the oldest capital cities in Europe and site of the famous siege in 1456 which ‘decided the fate of Christendom’. Visit Tito’s memorial, Fortress Kalemegdan and St Sava Church on your Included tour.
Vukovar is situated at the confluence of the Vuka River and the Danube. This morning enjoy an orientation tour of the city. SCENIC ENRICH As a special Scenic guest, you will be invited into the home of a local family for a home cooked traditional lunch and an opportunity to learn about everyday life in Croatia. After lunch visit Ilok famous for its old cellars, for a wine and cheese tasting.
The Baroque provincial town of Kalocsa lies at the periphery of the great Hungarian plain and is renowned for its decorative embroidery and paprika production. Today visit a Hungarian Puszta horse farm and enjoy a show before tracing the Turkish origins of paprika. This evening arrive in the Hungarian capital, Budapest.
Today enjoy Budapest at your leisure; perhaps wander the streets of the old town for local crafts or simply relax onboard.
Discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during your Included guided city tour. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (2) Explore the lime stone caves under the Castle Labyrinth; or (3) Explore the history of classical music in Hungary.
As you cruise the mighty Danube perhaps relax in one of the three lounge and viewing areas on-board. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH Highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein followed by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.
To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) A guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; or (2) An excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava; or (3) Visit the world renowned Spanish Riding School for a guided tour or witness the famous Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program.†
This morning your ship docks in the town of Dürnstein. Enjoy leisure time to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region. Glide through the Wachau Valley onto Melk where you will discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to a SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks.
Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries, all offering their own unique charm: (1) A guided tour of Passau; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’; or (3) An excursion to the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.
Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and you’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour. Witness the beautiful white and gold Old Chapel before walking over the stone bridge across the Danube for a view of the cityscape. Included is a visit to the world’s oldest sausage kitchen.
Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) See the infamous WWII sites followed by a self-guided tour of the Documentation Centre; or (2) Learn about Nuremberg’s past before meeting with local students; or (3) A self-guided bicycle tour.
Bursting with character and charm enjoy the sights of Bamberg on your Included city tour. Back on-board, join your fellow passengers for the opportunity to experience some of the region’s finest brews including Bamberg’s famous Smoked Beer.
Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A guided walking tour of Würzburg including the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace and a wine tasting in the underground cellars; or (2) Enjoy an excursion down the Romantic Road to unforgettable Rothenburg.
SCENIC ENRICH Today you will be taken off the beaten track as an invited guest to experience Village life just for a day- Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Choose from a selection of activities from everyday life like cooking onion pie, or be welcomed into private castles and family wineries. Enjoy home-grown entertainment as you are invited to dine with the locals and relish on their specialities and delicacies prepared just for you.
Today in Rüdesheim board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, for a bird’s eye view overlooking the river. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a Medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine this 12th Century castle is the only one never to have been destroyed. Step back in time and enjoy a private tour of the castle.
Travel to historic Cologne. Join your guide on an Included tour to explore the OldTown. Tonight gather in the Crystal Dining Room for the Captain’s farewell Dinner.
Today cruise into the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) a guided bicycle tour or (3) An excursion to the windmills of Zaanse Schans and Edam or (4) A visit to Venlo for the 2012 Floriade (seasonal option, operates from the 5th April 2012 until the 7th October 2012).
After breakfast, transfer* to the airport for your flight to the UK, either directly with British Airways to London Heathrow, or with KLM to one of 15 regional UK airports; or travel Standard Premier aboard Eurostar from Amsterdam via Brussels to St. Pancras International.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Brochure: IS/ERC/GBP1213
Tour code: ABBU.2