Scenic Danube In Depth

Perfectly preserved medieval buildings, idyllic forested hillsides and a rich culture that has evolved throughout a century of poignant war memories set the scene for remarkable discoveries along Europe’s second largest river

Leaving from Nuremberg down to Budapest, enjoy more time to explore up to five countries with evening departures and overnights in remarkable ports. Your Scenic Space-Ship docks in the heart of charming, quaint towns such as Linz, Bratislava and Passau, allowing endless exploration on your own between your Scenic Freechoice and Scenic Enrich experiences. From traditional cooking classes to tasting authentic German beer, you’ll be delighted with the flavours and awe-inspiring sights along these extraordinary waterways.

Scenic Danube In Depth Itinerary

Day 1: Munich to Nuremberg

Welcome to Munich and transfer to the historic city of Nuremberg, where you will be welcomed on board your state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship. Your cruise begins here, and you’ll get to toast the occasion at this evening’s welcome reception.

Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Nuremberg

Behind its enchanting façade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII the city was favoured by the Nazis for party rallies, the boycotts of Jewish businesses began here, as did the laws that denied Jewish people German citizenship – known as the ‘Nuremberg Laws’. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. Allied powers – the US, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union – held the Nuremberg Trials here between 1945 and 1946, where Nazi Germany leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will set sail this afternoon towards the city of Regensburg. Relax 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 waterway. Learn about the true engineering wonders of water locks and the skills of our Captain taking you through them.

Free Choice: This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Walking tour of the Old Town
Explore this wonderful medieval city on foot with your local guide. Walk through the grounds of the Imperial Castle before making your way to the Old Town, where you will see St. Lawrence Church and the lively market square.

The Trials and Tribulations of WWII
Learn about the Trials and Tribulations of WWII with a visit to the Rally Grounds and Courtroom 600, where members of the Nazi Party were tried for war crimes, a poignant reminder of the terror caused by the National Socialist regime.

Rock-cut cellars and beer tasting
Head underground to Nuremberg’s rock-cut cellars for a unique beer tasting. Walk the labyrinth of corridors and cellars that are located under the city and learn about Nuremberg’s beer production that dates back centuries, all while tasting some of the delicious brew.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Regensburg

This morning will be spent on board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship. Wake up to a pre-ordered coffee delivered by your personal butler and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Crystal Dining. Download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the places you’re passing as we sail on the Main-Danube canal or opt for relaxing on the Sun Deck.

Boasting a staggering 2000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres, 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 kilometres of hiking trails and deer, wild boar, fox and otter.

Free Choice: Walking tour of Regensberg
Join your local guide for an afternoon walking tour of the Old Town of Regensburg. You’ll be in awe of the many perfectly preserved medieval buildings that have been standing sentinel over the Danube for centuries.

Traditional Sausage-Making Workshop
Learn how to make traditional regional sausage during a cooking class. The history of the famous Regensburger Wurst can be dated back to the 12th century, when it was used to feed the hungry workers who were building the impressive cathedral in the city centre.

Regensburg’s Jewish heritage
Discover Regensburg’s Jewish heritage – the city was the first documented Jewish community in Germany. Learn about the rich culture that has evolved throughout the century and the devastation caused by the Nazi regime.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Passau

Set on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading city since medieval times, particularly for salt, commonly known as ‘white gold’. Each river is distinct in colour and some days you can clearly see the green, blue and black hues where the waters meet. At the centre of the Baroque city, the 13th century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways tunnels and archways, including an ‘Artist’s mile’ where old buildings are occupied by artist studios, workshops and galleries.

Free Choice: Highlights of Passau walking tour
Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral: originally built in the year 450, the church proudly stood in Passau’s Old Town until a devastating fire ripped through it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its current form with an Italian-style exterior complete with a Baroque stucco interior, and nowadays houses the world’s largest Catholic church organ, which boasts 17,974 pipes and 233 registers.

Paddling on the River Inn
Take in this region from a different perspective as you paddle down the Inn River in a kayak past charming villages, ancient castles and historic bridges, crossing between Germany and Austria.

Cross border cycling
Travel further afield on a guided e-bike ride along the Inn River, during which you will cross the border from Germany to Austria.

Your Scenic Space-Ship departs late this evening, an excellent opportunity to explore the city at your own pace this afternoon and see it by night. Perhaps, join the locals heading to Neue Mitte where you’ll find high-end shops, and a plethora of drinking and dining options. As the city starts winding down, we will be sailing to our next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Linz

Wake up in Austria this morning, where your Space-Ship will dock in the heart of Linz. This city is known for its vibrant music and arts scene and beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and lifestyle. The city’s quaint old town and Main Square are resplendent in Baroque architecture; while its harbour doubles as an outdoor street art gallery.

Free Choice: Explore Linz by foot
Join a local guide on a walking tour to discover the balance between the city’s vibrant history and contemporary living.

Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov
Journey further afield by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Cesky Krumlov, located in Czech Republic’s Southern Bohemia. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Mauthausen WWII Concentration Camp
Venture out of the city to Mauthausen’s former concentration camp that housed more than 190,000 people between 1938 and 1945, during the reign of the National Socialist party. Learn about the conditions and treatment that the prisoners lived under during this sombre tour.

Linzer Torte Baking Class
For something light-hearted, join a cooking class to make your very own Linzer Torte. Learn about the 400-year history of this iconic tart, baked using handmade short crust pastry, red currant jam and almonds.

This afternoon and evening are at leisure. If you’re feeling adventurous, strap on your walking shoes to hike to Postlingberg Church, perched high above the city. Then re-board your Scenic Space-Ship where you may wish to relax in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Melk to Dürnstein

Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock early this morning in the small and picturesque town of Melk, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. The city’s breathtaking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey built high over the city is the most spectacular building in the region.

Free Choice:

Glorious Melk Abbey
No visit to Melk would be complete without a guided tour to its magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed halls, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, which is filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, which is adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.

E-biking from Melk to Dürnstein
Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from Melk to the quaint village of Dürnstein. You’ll pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, stopping along the way to enjoy the river views.

Artstetten Castle
Meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle, which dates to the 13th century. It was once home to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum.

Sailing the Wachau Valley, you will be mesmerized by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. This afternoon we are docked in the quaint town of Dürnstein, where you have ample free 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 Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. This evening, relax in the Panorama Lounge and Bar where you can sip on regional beer and wine while enjoying the views of Dürnstein.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Vienna

We arrive early in Vienna this morning, Austria’s imperial capital. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. This city oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces from parks to vineyards, a vibrant coffee-house culture and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.

Free Choice: Guided city tour & Schönbrunn Palace
Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history, as you wander its countless ornately designed rooms, hear family tales and see the impressive gardens before taking a coach to the city centre for a guided walking tour. You’ll see the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral and Belvedere Palace.

Viennese Wine Stories
Journey outside of Vienna’s city centre to its acclaimed wine region, which has been cultivating vines since the 12th century. Hear about Vienna’s long tradition of wine production and sample some of the famous drops.

Cycle to Danube Island
Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.

This afternoon is free to wander around Vienna, so perhaps join one of the provided shuttles to the city centre or simply relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship. This evening, join an unforgettable Scenic Enrich experience.

Enrich: Scenic Enrich Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein
Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening during an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by the Vienna Imperial Orchestra. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests, you’ll be seated in Vienna’s largest secular baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Bratislava

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: As we dock in the city centre, this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions are just steps away:

Walking tour of Bratislava
Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to see all the highlights of the city such as the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall while learning about the history of the city including what everyday life was like under the Iron Curtain era, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII.

Coffee & Cake at Kormuth Bakery
Immerse yourself in modern Slovak life with a visit one of the city’s most famous and historic confectioneries, where you’ll enjoy coffee and cake. Delight in the history of the building, which is decorated in Renaissance-style paintings and frescoes.

Ancestry of the Kitchen – Bryndzové Halušky – pillowy potato dumplings cooking class
Learn about the local customs and culture through taste with this cooking class, where you will make traditional Slovak dumplings using grated potato.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Budapest

This morning we arrive in Budapest, one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. 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. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.

Freechoice: This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Budapest in Depth
Explore this magical city by coach, crossing between Buda and Pest to see Matthias Church, the iconic Fisherman’s Bastion where you’ll have enchanting views of Budapest, and the medieval town on Castle Hill, located on a limestone plateau 170 metres above the city. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.

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

Ancestry of the Kitchen – Goulash cooking class
Traditional recipes have long been passed down through generations. Today you’ll be let in on the secrets of a family recipe as you learn how to make traditional Hungarian Goulash.

This afternoon is at leisure. 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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Budapest

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Budapest Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

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.
To check the latest fares and availability on this gorgeous itinerary, please call us on 0800 810 8481

All Inclusive 5* River Cruising

• 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 163 guests
• Spacious Balcony Suites with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
• 1 Scenic Enrich experience of an enchanting private classical evening concert at Palais Liechtenstein – Exclusive to Scenic
• Personalise your trip with 23 included Scenic Freechoice activities
• Dine at your choice of up to five on board venues, from casual to fine dining
• 20 meals – 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L) and 7 dinners (D)
• Complimentary premium on board beverages all day, every day – not just at meal times
• Butler service for every suite throughout your cruise
• Complimentary full mini-bar throughout your cruise
• Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area
• Scenic Tailormade App for river commentary and independent exploration
• The freedom of our e-bikes – electrically assisted bicycles
• Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
• Return airport transfers
• All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore