Lower Danube Discovery with Turkey

Welcome to Istanbul. Home to more than 15 million people, it’s the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Istanbul will inspire all your senses, an exhilarating blend of cultures, cuisines, architecture, history and style. 

The wonders of Istanbul await you today on a guided tour. There have been settlements on this important site, occupying both banks of the Bosphorus Strait, for thousands of years. The modern city began life as Constantinople in the 4th century, before changing its name to Istanbul in 1930. At every turn, you’re walking through history. See two of the city’s most famous landmarks, sitting on either side of the central Sultanahmet Park; Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which you will also visit during your guided tour. Afterward visit Topkapi Palace.

Today, we leave Istanbul behind and visit the city of Canakkale. Sitting on the edge of the Dardanelle Strait, Canakkale has been at the forefront of history for centuries. It’s the gateway to the World War One battlefield of Gallipoli and the ancient city of Troy. 

At the same time, Canakkale also has a sizeable student population that makes for a great food scene and buzzing nightlife. Tonight, why not make the most of your evening at leisure and join the locals along the waterfront promenade to get a taste of modern Turkish culture. 

Today you are bound for Gallipoli, a site that holds a special place in the heart of Australians and New Zealanders. As the first major battle for ANZAC troops in the First World War, it was a brutal introduction to global conflict for the new nations. Though the Gallipoli campaign was ultimately a failure, the bravery and strength of the ANZAC soldiers became legendary and helped shape our cultural identity.  

The Gallipoli peninsula where the eight-month campaign took place is now a national park and your guide will take you through the most significant sites. Stand on the beach at ANZAC Cove, where the soldiers first came ashore on 25 April 1915. Contemplate the courage and sacrifice that took place at battlegrounds like Lone Pine and the Nek. Walk through some of the 31 cemeteries that dot the peninsula and where more than 10,000 Anzac soldiers are buried. A visit to Gallipoli is a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

Kalè polis, meaning beautiful city, is the name ancient Greek mariners bestowed on Gallipoli, with good reason. Situated on a mound, the Old Town with its labyrinth of winding lanes, emerges from the Ionian Sea. It is connected to the mainland and modern Gallipoli via a 17th-century bridge. The area lies on the Salentina Peninsula in the extreme southeast end of Italy, commonly referred to as the heel of the boot. The Salento region was inhabited already in prehistoric times; later centuries were marked by Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque cultures. It is a land of farms, castles, works of art, myths and legends. Many heroic battles were fought; fierce resistance was shown by Gallipoli’s citizens against numerous invaders that included Romans, Vandals, Swabians, Venetians, French and lastly the English in 1809. In addition to its tumultuous history and natural beauty, the city’s claim to fame rests in its art treasures, most notably, the Basilica of Sant’Agata with its majestic 17th-century façade. Inside, the church contains a rich and important art collection with numerous works by its great native son, Giovanni Andrea Coppola.

This morning you’ll be venturing to a place that is shrouded in mystery and legend, the ancient city of Troy. For more than 3,000 years, the tales of Troy and the Trojan War were thought to be mythical, made most famous by Greek poet Homer’s epic work, the Iliad. But in the late 19th century, the ruins of Troy were discovered in modern day Turkey and centuries of history were instantly rewritten. Take a tour through the 4,000-year-old ruins, see a giant replica of the famous Trojan Horse and learn the true story behind this illustrious city. 

Then we make our way back to the mighty city of Istanbul. 

The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.

Freechoice:
Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice experience:

The tastes of Turkey: Turkish cuisine is the ultimate in fusion, bringing together Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Eastern European flavours. Learn its secrets in a cooking class where you’ll be taught to make delicious traditional dishes.

Grand Bazaar: Choose to visit the colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, a vast undercover market made up of thousands of shops along wide plazas and tiny laneways. Traders have been coming here to sell their wares since the 15th century and it’s still the place to buy ceramics, carpets, glassware, jewellery and textiles. Peruse the stalls and afterwards join your local guide for a traditional Turkish coffee from a local vendor.
 

Enrich
Tonight, you have a special treat await you with our Scenic Enrich event.

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait, with one half of the city in Europe and the other in Asia. This strategic waterway has played a major role in world trade for centuries and is still one of the most important global shipping routes. This evening, you’ll take a scenic cruise along the strait, winding between ferries, barges and fishing boats, and passing famous monuments and historic minarets on shore before returning to shore where a special treat awaits for your farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant with its outstanding views over the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus. You’ll dine on exceptional Turkish cuisine and raise a glass to an unforgettable journey.   

Before you farewell Istanbul, take a moment this morning to listen out for the call to prayer before the sun rises. The traditional Muslim call rings out over the city five times a day and is a reminder of the nation’s strong ties to its faith. In the relative calm and silence of the morning, it’s a particularly moving sound.

After breakfast, you’ll take a final transfer to the airport where you board your included flight to Bucharest.

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. Nearby, the historic Lipscani district is home to an energetic nightlife scene as well as tiny Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, where Prince Vlad III (“The Impaler”) once ruled.

Today transfer from Bucharest to Constanta where our friendly crew await your arrival and welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

This morning your local guide will take you on an exploration of the sea side city of Constanta. Sitting on the Black Sea Coast, Constanta is a historic city with a long and fascinating history and you have the chance to learn about its historical monuments and ancient ruins.

After lunch, your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail towards the Bulgarian town of Silistra.

Arrive in Silistra after lunch, a Bulgarian town that played a significant role in the Russian-Turkish wars.

Freechoice:
This afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: Transfer to Silistra Fort by coach. Upon arrival take a guided walking tour of the fort and learn about its history. It is the best preserved of the six points of the Turkish fortification system, which played an important role in the Russian-Turkish wars.

Visit Alfatar Village: Take an excursion to the small village of Alfatar, located just outside of Silistra. Visit the ethnographic museum featuring a typical country house, where visitors will see how the residents of this region have lived over the centuries and have kept their traditions alive. Also see the beautifully restored Holy Trinity temple, a treasured symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox religion, and visit the Alfatar school to meet local children and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians.

Return to your Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and enjoy time at leisure. You may wish to stretch your legs on the walking track up on the Sun Deck.

This morning visit the town of Rousse, often described as ‘Little Vienna’. Join a local guide on a sightseeing tour of this opulent town this morning, resplendent in Belle Epoque architecture and leafy manicured squares.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing on board. Perhaps you’d like to spend some time in the state-of-the-art gym doing an invigorating workout or if you’d prefer to wind down, head to the wellness centre for a relaxing massage.

This morning you will dock in Vidin, Bulgaria, an historic town with a medieval fortress between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. This region boasts a fertile landscape where wine is grown.

Freechoice:
This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Hiking to Belogradchik Castle Ruins: Take an active hiking tour to the Belogradchik Fortress. Admire the unique rock formations and the ruins of the ancient stronghold constructed when the region was part of the Roman Empire.

Visit to a local winery: Venture to Negovanovtsi village and the Dos Alamos Winery for a tour and tasting. Established in 2013, this boutique vineyard grows Bulgarian Rubin grapes (used for high-quality reds) as well as sauvignon blanc and semillon.

Ancestry of the Kitchen: Banica making class: Traditions and recipes have long been passed down through generations and often kept as a long-held family secret. Today you’ll meet with a local who will speak all about life in this region as well as divulge a family recipe of traditional banica, a delicious cheese-filled pie made with filo pastry.

Triangle of Tolerance walking tour: Take part in a walking tour of Vidin and learn its history and the extreme tolerance among its residents. You will see the Metropolis Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar, the Osman mosque, and the Synagogue.

Early this morning you will cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates. This stretch of the Danube is the natural border between Serbia and Romania and features four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs and the might rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king.

Freechoice:
This afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice:

Golubac Fortress: Take a guided tour of Golubac Fortress, which was built in the 14th century on a steep embankment of the Danube. Located in the Djerdap National Park, the fortress comprises nine towers connected by ramparts and has been an imposing figure above the river for centuries.

Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site: One of the most significant archaeological sites in the region, it was first inhabited some 12,000 years ago. Archaeologists found 136 building ruins, a central square, and fireplaces in each building, as well as stone idols. Learn how it was discovered, tour the excavation site and gain a fascinating insight into Europe’s early stone age.

Hike through Djerdap National Park: Join a local park ranger and local guide and hike through the Djerdap National Park. Enjoy spectacular sights along the way such as Golubac Fortress and the incredible views over the Danube River.
 

This afternoon, you will dock in the charming town of Golubac, which is home to one of Europe’s best preserved medieval fortresses. It was strategically built at the section of the Danube River that narrows to form the ‘Iron Gate’ gorge.

The capital of Serbia, Belgrade is known as the ‘Door to Central Europe’ and lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. This eclectic city is steeped in history, with Neolithic ruins found nearby, a fortress built by the Romans, Brutalist buildings that sit beside Art Nouveau buildings and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times.

Freechoice:
This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Guided city tour with extended free time: By coach and foot, you’ll tour the major sites of the city with a guide. You will explore the city’s highlights such as cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress, an imposing structure that has been the site of more than 100 battles and offers panoramic views of the rivers below. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own.

Panoramic city tour including Tito's Memorial: Join a panoramic tour of Belgrade with a local guide. See and learn about the major sites of the city including the Ottoman heritage of the old town, the imposing fortress and Republic Square following by some free time in the city centre. During this tour you will also visit the memorial dedicated to Tito, the former ruler of Yugoslavia.

Cycling tour along the Danube: Trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels during this guided cycling tour.

Education with the Roma community: The Bread of Life project helps to reduce the prejudices against Roma people, which prevail among the non-Roma population in schools, local authorities, and institutions. It highlights the need for positive action to improve living conditions in Roma communities. The project is designed to help Roma children to finish primary school and integrate better into society. On this engaging tour, you will visit the tutoring space to see how the project is benefiting the community, and even have the chance to meet some of the children and learn about the challenges they face.

Enrich
Tonight, we have a special treat in store for you with our Scenic Enrich event:

Classical concert at St. Sava Temple: Visit St. Sava, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Have a chance to explore the frescos-lined walls of the cathedrals crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. Because of the acoustics in the crypt, this is a once of a lifetime opportunity.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia, early this morning. The country’s second largest city is a youthful city of music, art and liberal freedoms. It’s an ethnically diverse city, has a thriving arts scene with several large-scale public murals, hosts vibrant festivals, all while nurturing its 500-year history.

Freechoice:
This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Guided tour of Novi Sad: Novi Sad is a modern, vibrant city with a fascinating past. Join your local guide as you discover all that makes the city a true highlight of this region, from the Petrovaradin Fortress, completed in the 18th century with 10 gates and 400 cannon sites, to charming Dunavska Street, one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in the city, a promenade lined with colourful buildings, popular for walking, gathering and dining.

Excursion to Sremski Karlovci: Journey by coach to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of this charming Baroque town, which was once a hub of the cultural and political life of the Serbs. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own, followed by a visit to a local winery and honey museum for a delicious tasting.

Hike to Petrovaradin Fortress: The Petrovaradin Fortress is the symbol of the city and is often referred to 'the Gibraltar on the Danube'. Its history dates from the Middle Ages. Learn about its strong history as you hike to the fortress where you will be rewarded with magnificent views over the Danube River and the city below.

Fruska Gora National Park with monastery and winery visit: Serbia’s oldest national park, Fruska Gora National Park was once an island but when the seas dried up it became a solitary mountain. Its landscape is blanketed with oak and beech wood forests, and some 60-plus family vineyards. There are also 16 monasteries scattered throughout the park’s hidden valleys, the oldest dating to the 16th century. Visit this monastery and stop by a winery for a sample of their best drops.

You will arrive this morning in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history; it was at the epicentre of the 1990s war of which scars are still evident on its building today.

Freechoice:
Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of Osijek to see the highlights of the town including the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear some traditional and classical music popular in the region.

Cycling tour of Osijek: Explore the Kopacki Rit nature park on two wheels during a guided biking tour. This marshland area is a natural habitat for 293 different kinds of birds, 46 species of freshwater fish, several amphibians and reptiles, as well as wild boars and red deer. The ponds and lakes, which are teeming with common reed and whose surface is covered with White Water lilies, are mostly surrounded by white willow trees and untouched nature. If you are lucky, you might even see the most famous inhabitant of Kopacki Rit, the white-tailed eagle.

After your touring this morning, all guests will visit the home of a typical Croatian family and have lunch with the family members. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host’s garden. North-eastern Croatia is the ‘bread basket’ of the country so it is only natural that the villagers take great pride in their gardens, from which ingredients are used to make a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town was the site of the 16th century Battle of Mohacs, which led to the destruction of the Hungarian monarchy and the rise of Ottoman and Habsburg rule. From here, you will explore the surrounding regions.

Freechoice:
Today’s Scenic Freechoice

Pecs city tour: First settled by the Romans and then later the Turks, this richly historic and fascinating city located close by the Croatian border is a melange of cultures. It’s filled with Roman and Turkish architecture and ruins, elegant Baroque buildings, and is famous for its decorative arts and crafts, in particular porcelain. On a guided tour, you will see the building of the city’s first telephone exchange, which opened in 1885, the Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, which was demolished in the late 19th century but unearthed in the 1970s, the county library and more.

Villany wine village: The region of Villany is known for its big, bold red wines, which account for most of the local wine production thanks to its sub-Mediterranean climate. The village is a charming place to visit, with rows of historic white wine cellars where you can sample some of the local reds. You will also visit an old mill.

Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853 and still in operation today, Zsolnay Porcelain has a proud history of creating hand-painted decorative, ornamental, and architectural porcelains, and is known for its signature eosin glaze technique. View a splendid historic collection at the museum in Pecs, which is housed in the company’s former factory.

The historic Hungarian town of Kalocsa has some of the richest folk art in the world and was an important agricultural centre in the 19th century.

Freechoice:
Today’s Scenic Freechoice:

Hungarian Traditions: The region of Kalocsa is teeming with culture and traditions. It is famous for its traditional handicrafts such as needlework and embroidery. Learn about the origins of these beautiful designs as well as other crafts.

Hungarian Horse Show: Kalocsa is located on the Great Hungarian Plain, with an agricultural history dating back more than 2000 years. Witness a traditional horse show, meet the local horsemen who will demonstrate impressive equestrian skills and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies.

This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail to Budapest.

You will arrive early this morning in Budapest, in Hungary, one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant destinations. Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. An architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between, the city is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.

Freechoice:
Today’s Scenic Freechoice:

Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit both Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube that make up the city. Starting on the Buda side, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side where you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square. Afterwards, you will visit the Parliament Building, which sits proudly along the Danube and is the third largest Parliament building the world.

Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

Jewish Heritage Tour: Discover Jewish history on a guided tour with an expert local guide, during this tour you will learn about the significant Jewish events from history that have shaped the culture of today. Tour includes Synagogue, cemetery, memorial park and guided tour of the Jewish Museum.

Budapest’s Past & Present: This walking and coach tour will give insight on Budapest’s communist past and life today as part of the European Union, including the 1956 Hungarian revolution and the significant Jewish events that have shaped modern culture.
 

Enrich
This afternoon we set sail for the Hungarian town of Vac, from here we have a special treat in store for you with a fabulous Scenic Enrich event.

Classical concert at Gödöllõ Royal Palace: Immerse yourself in Budapest’s Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllõ Royal Palace, one of the favourite residences of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary.

As we progress down the beautiful Danube, spend the morning on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship as we cruise towards the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. Sit on the Sun Deck with a coffee in hand and enjoy the scenery of riverside villages or take the opportunity to visit the wellness centre for a soothing massage. 

Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious in medieval and Gothic architecture and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has history dating back to the 9th century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city.

Freechoice:
This afternoon see Bratislava your way, with one of the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Bratislava City Tour: Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the heart of the city and it is just a short walk to the Old Town. A city of contrasts, Bratislava features a mixture of medieval, Gothic and Baroque architecture. With your local guide, you will see the highlights of this beautiful city such as Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.

Coffee & Cake with a local family: Immerse yourself in Slovak life and enjoy coffee and cake with friendly locals. Gain understanding of life in Slovakia during modern times.

Communism walking tour: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to learn about the Iron Curtain era, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII. Discover what the city was like during the communist regime and how this impacted directly on the Slovaks.

This afternoon you will have free time as your luxury Space-Ship docks in Budapest after lunch. Perhaps, pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters. Szechenyi Baths are the largest, boasting 15 indoor baths and three vast outdoor pools. Or check out the Jewish Quarter’s famous ruin bars, which are housed in old and abandoned buildings that were left in decay after WWII.

After breakfast, transfer to Budapest airport for your onward journey, taking away a lifetime of wonderful memories with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.