Black Sea Explorer with Transylvania

Enjoy an overnight stay in Bucharest.

Your journey into the Transylvanian region begins this morning as you transfer from Bucharest to Peles Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. It is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful castles in Eastern Europe. Then visit Sinaia Monastery before continuing to Brasov where your local guide will show you the sights before you check into your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner complete with Romanian folklore.

A true highlight awaits. Visit Bran Castle, home of the legend of Count Dracula.  This afternoon you will arrive into the Saxon town of Sighisoara for an overnight stay, the birthplace of Vlad Tepes and the inspiration for the legend of Count Dracula.

This morning you will have a choice of touring options in Sighisoara. Freechoice: Take a guided tour of this fortified city, or if you’re feeling more active, hike to the Church on the Hill for superb views over the city. After some free time continue to the medieval town of Sibiu. Explore its lively squares and colourful streets before checking into your hotel.

Visit Cozia Monastery before making your way back to Bucharest for an overnight stay.

Freechoice: Explore Bucharest and learn about its communist past, including a visit to Ceausescu’s Spring Palace or, tour the Village Open Air Museum and discover ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture. Later, travel to Giurgiu where you will be personally welcomed on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. 

Freechoice: Discover Silistra Fort on an active walk, or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Alternatively, visit a local village and school to learn about life in Bulgaria.

Freechoice: Visit Rousse, where you’ll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi.

Relax and admire the scenery as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gates, a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. A magnificent setting for a cruise and the natural border between Romania and Serbia. 

Freechoice: Enjoy an in-depth tour of Belgrade, including a visit to Tito’s Memorial, or take an orientation tour of Belgrade and see the highlights before time at leisure to wander this fascinating city. Alternatively, join a bicycle ride along the Danube, or for a true insight into everyday life in Belgrade, take a walk through the city with a local student. Alternatively, journey to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci where you can wander the town and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements. Enrich Visit the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt. 

Freechoice: Explore Osijek on a city tour or take a bike ride through Osijek’s countryside. Alternatively, explore one of Europe’s largest natural wetlands, Kopacki Rit, during a boat cruise or discover the ‘Ancestry of the Kitchen’ where you will  join a local and learn to make a traditional fish stew.  Later, as a special Scenic guest, be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this is a rare opportunity to meet people who understand the local way of life intimately. 

Located on the Great Hungarian Plain, Kolocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. Today you will have the opportunity to witness a traditional Puszta horse show. Be greeted by the horsemen of the Puszta region where this type of activity has been practised for centuries. 

After breakfast, prepare to head home. It may be the end of your journey, but it’s the beginning of a lifetime of fond memories. 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.