11 Night Gems of the Danube with Zagreb and Ljubljana Cruise and Land Tour from Zagreb, Croatia

Welcome to Zagreb, the colorful and charismatic capital of Croatia. The city was founded more than 900 years ago, and its well-preserved districts range from the medieval lanes of the Upper Town to the elegant avenues of the 19th-century Lower Town. Alongside this rich cultural heritage, Zagreb is a youthful city with a buzzing cafe culture, sprawling parklands, quirky museums, and delicious markets. Check into your luxurious hotel in Zagreb for a two-night stay.

Join your local guide today for a journey of discovery through Zagreb. You'll start in the Upper Town, the oldest part of the city where some buildings date back to the 13th century. See the Neo-Gothic-style Zagreb Cathedral, a national landmark that literally towers over the city with twin spires standing 108-meters tall. Admire the ancient St. Mark's Church and its unique tiled roof; visit the Stone Gate, the oldest shrine in the city; and indulge in the lively sights of the bustling Dolac Market. You'll also visit the more modern Lower Town, including the grand Ban Jelacic Square. Leave the city this afternoon to be immersed in nature in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. The largest national park in Croatia, it's famous for its 16 sparkling lakes connected by underground aquifers and tumbling waterfalls. It's an easy walk along a network of paths that skirt the rocky shores or cross over the jewel-like waters. The park is a riot of wildflowers in spring, lush green through summer, and a kaleidoscope of red and gold in autumn.

This morning, you'll depart on a short journey across the border into Slovenia and its charming capital city, Ljubljana. One of Europe's smallest capitals, Ljubljana is often described as a 'jewel box' for its picture-perfect river, abundant parkland, red-roofed Old Town, and glorious architecture. Meet with your local guide for an engaging tour. The 900-year-old Ljubljana Castle stands on a hill overlooking the city. Its exquisitely restored buildings, quiet green spaces, and artistic installations give you a meaningful insight into Slovenian culture. The medieval Old Town area is off limits to cars, so is ideal for exploring on foot. During a guided tour you will see the 17th-century Franciscan Church (famed for its pale pink facade), the Baroque St. Nicholas Cathedral, the grand Opera House, and the excellent National Museum, housed in a former Neo-Renaissance palace. Enjoy a two-night stay in Ljubljana.

From a jewel box to a hidden gem; today you're traveling around 40 minutes north of the city to the chic resort town of Bled. It's a favorite holiday spot for Slovenians but not well known to international visitors, so you're in for a real treat. The glassy blue-green waters of the glacial Lake Bled reflect the lush green mountains and the boats bobbing at shore create a memorable setting. Board a traditional pletna boat to visit the Church of the Mother of God, perched on a tiny island in the middle of the lake. It was first built in 1142, though the current building dates to the 17th century, and visitors can ring the bell to make a wish to the mythical lady of the lake. Back in Ljubljana, why not join the locals by the Ljubljanica River tonight. Cafes set up outdoor seating along the banks, transforming it into a welcoming street party.

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.

The diverse city of Budapest is a cultural melting pot, renowned for its thermal baths and vibrant nightlife scene, peppered with Roman ruins, Gothic buildings, bohemian coffee houses, world-class operas, and an historical Jewish quarter where the scars of WWII can still be seen to this day. Your 5-star Space-Ship will only depart Budapest later this afternoon, allowing you some free time to explore the city on your own. Pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest's thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters, or perhaps set out to explore the Central Market Hall - the largest market in the city, built in Neo-Gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. Alternatively, check out the Jewish Quarter's famous ruin bars, which are housed in old and abandoned buildings that were left in decay after WWII.

Today, perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler. Be sure to download the Scenic Tailormade app to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you're passing as you relax onboard while sailing to the Austrian capital, Vienna. Vienna oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.

Vienna is Austria's imperial capital - a city full of grandeur, featuring the world's most beautiful boulevard, Ringstrasse, and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century. This afternoon is free to wander around Vienna, so perhaps join one of the provided shuttles to the city center or simply relax onboard your Scenic Space-Ship.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the quaint town of Durnstein this morning, where you have some time to wander at your leisure. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Durnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. As we continue sailing the scenic Wachau Valley, you will be mesmerized by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. This afternoon, we will dock in the small and picturesque town of Melk. The city's breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-listed Benedictine abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region. While you indulge in the spectacular views this afternoon, it's also the perfect opportunity to indulge in some delicious local produce from the Wachau Valley. Your cruise director will organize a special treat for you and invite a local producer onboard to share some regional delicacies that are famous in this region. Sample some apricot dumplings and local schnapps among other delights in this breath-taking location.

Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany's best-preserved medieval town centers, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings UNESCO World Heritage listed. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. Regensburg is also fringed by the Bavarian Forest, home to hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and deer, wild boar, fox, and otter. After your Scenic Freechoice, you will return to the ship by motorcoach in the town of Kelheim.

This morning, you will arrive in Bavaria's second-largest city, Nuremberg. After a hearty breakfast, you'll be transferred to Nuremberg Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Nuremberg after 12 PM. 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.