8 Night Eastern Europe and Balkans Unveiled Cruise and Land Tour from Budapest

Today, board your Scenic Space-Ship. At tonight's welcome reception, raise your glass to the wonderful cruise ahead. Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 5 PM.

You will arrive in Mohacs this morning. 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 with one of the Scenic Freechoice excursions.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive this morning in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history. Over the past 500 years it has been part of the Ottoman, Habsburg, and Austro-Hungarian empires, and in the 1990s was the epicenter of the Croatian War of Independence. Many of the grand Baroque buildings remain standing but bear the scars of the war. Osijek is famous for its food, which is heavily influenced by Hungary and features plenty of paprika, locally-made sausages, and river fish.

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.

Today, we 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 mighty rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king. Spend some time relaxing in your suite, many of which have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. Sweat it out in the state-of-the-art gym or take time out in the wellness center, then mingle with other guests as you sit back with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov this morning. Here, you will have the choice to disembark and take an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, known as the City of the Kings, or stay onboard and sail towards Rousse (or Ruse), which has been described as 'Little Vienna'.

Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries; a major Turkish fortress and trade center in the 15th century, it played a significant role in the Russo-Turkish wars of the 1870s, briefly became part of Romania after the Second Balkan War, and finally reverted to Bulgaria in 1940. The town is dotted with historic sites stretching back to late Roman times.

This morning, farewell your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Bucharest. The capital of Romania was once called the 'Paris of the East', however WWII changed the face of the city with much of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture destroyed. Now a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist-era architecture sits alongside wide, tree lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art, and thriving nightlife. Upon arrival, take an orientation tour of the city by motorcoach, from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace stopping to see city's squares, including Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square, and Charles de Gaulle Square. This evening, you will enjoy dinner with your fellow guests before heading to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport or train station for your onward journey.