Danube in Depth

Pass by a storybook landscape of charming villages, ancient castles and rolling countryside, plus explore cities and towns that have been shaped by staggering histories.

Valued at $10,426
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  • Itinerary
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Package Inclusions:

Your Exclusive Luxury fly, stay & river cruise package includes:

  • Return economy class flights from Sydney^ to Budapest, returning from Munich 
  • Arrival transfer*
  • 9 nights all-inclusive Danube River Cruise in a Standard Suite, Budapest to Nuremberg
    ~27 meals – 9 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L) and 9 dinners (D)
    ~ Enjoy a choice of up to five onboard dining experiences, from casual to fine dining
    ~ Complimentary premium beverages onboard all day, every day* – not just at meal times
    ~ Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
    ~ Personalise your trip with included Scenic Freechoice activities
    ~ Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
    ~ Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
    ~ Butler service for every suite
    ~ All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore
    ~ Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
    ~ Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area onboard
  • One-way rail journey from Nuremberg to Munich
  • 1 night luxury accommodation in Munich including breakfast
  • Private transfer from Munich accommodation to airport.

Travel: 26 July 2025 -  05 August 2025
(Other sailing dates available, surcharge may apply, please call and speak to our travel advisors for more details) 

Journey Highlights : 

  • Enjoy more evenings onshore with three overnights in port – Budapest, Linz and Nuremberg
  • Prepare Linz’s most famous culinary delight, the Linzer Torte during a cooking class
  • Sample locally brewed beer in Nuremberg’s underground Rock Cut Beer Cellars
  • Make Weisswürste, a traditional sausage popular in Germany
  • Learn about Regensburg’s 1,200 years of Jewish history

Exclusive Scenic Enrich Experience:

  • Experience a private classical evening concert at Palais Liechtenstein

Visits
 Budapest | Bratislava |  Vienna |  Krems | Dürnstein | Linz | Passau | Regensburg | Nuiremberg | Munich

From the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube flows through 10 countries, each rich and diverse in culture, history and scenery. Journey along this enchanting river through four of these countries between Budapest and Nuremberg on board a truly all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship. Pass by a storybook landscape of charming villages, ancient castles and rolling countryside, plus explore cities and towns that have been shaped by staggering histories.

 Soak up the unforgettable scenery of the Danube on this nine-night itinerary, designed for guests to explore at a more leisurely pace. Sailing through four countries, your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the heart of places such as Passau, Linz and Bratislava. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Scenic Freechoice excursions. Taste traditional cuisine such as Slovak coffee and cake or German beer, or learn how to make local delicacies yourself with a cooking class. Wander through World Heritage-listed towns on foot to discover ancient ruins and well-preserved architectural wonders or paddle between countries taking in the scenery from the river itself. Enjoy an exclusive classical music performance in a palace or meet the owners of a 13th-century Austrian castle. These one-of-a-kind Scenic experiences will leave a lasting impression on an already enriching journey.

 

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Itinerary

26 July 2025 - Sydney - Budapest (D)
Welcome to Hungary and its vibrant capital Budapest. 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.
This afternoon is at leisure to settle into your luxurious suite on board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship. Most suites have an all-weather balcony that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube.

27 July 2025 - Budapest (B,L,D)
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.
Freechoice: A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from:
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. 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 European Union, including the 1956 Hungarian revolution and 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.
Your five-star Space-Ship doesn’t depart Budapest until later this evening, allowing you to explore Budapest 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 neogothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. 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.

28 July 2025 - Bratislava (B,L,D)
Spend the morning on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Wake up to a rolling tapestry of river life along the
Danube as we sail towards the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.
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, today’s Scenic Freechoice 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 Bakeri: Immerse yourself in modern Slovak life with a visit one of the city’s most famous
and historic coffee houses, where you’ll enjoy coffee and cake with friendly locals. 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.
This rest of the day is at leisure to wander the city of Bratislava on your own. Or return to your Scenic Space-Ship
and relax in the Panorama Lounge and Bar where you can sip on regional beer and wine while enjoying views of
Bratislava before we set sail later tonight.

29 July 2025 - Vienna (B,L,D)
We arrive early in Vienna this morning. Also known as the City of Music, Austria’s imperial capital fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, among others. The 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.
Freechoice: Spend the day exploring the city by taking your pick from a selection of Scenic Freechoice activities:
Schonbrunn Palace & Panoramic Vienna: 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 ride 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 Klosterneuburg Monastery: This cycling tour will take you to one of the hidden architectural gems sitting a few kilometres away from Vienna, the Klosterneuburg Monastery. This monastery, with more than 900 years of history is surrounded by vineyards and flourishing nature.
Belvedere Museum: Visit one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque landmarks and explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.
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.
Scenic Enrich Experience
In the early evening, join this unforgettable Scenic Enrich experience:
Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned 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.

30 July 2025 - Krems > Dürnstein (B,L,D) 
Freechoice: Today arrive in the charming town of Krems, located in the spectacular Wachau Valley where we have a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from: 
Göttweig Abbey: Visit the magnificent Gottweig Abbey. Founded in the 6th Century, the abbey was burned down during the 18th Century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will take you through various room where you will see the magnificent frescoes that decorate the Abbey as well as its staircase, the largest Baroque Staircase in Austria." 
Wachau Valley wine tasting: The Wachau valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about the age old traditions of wine making while sampling delicious wines produced on site. 
E-biking from Krems to Dürnstein: Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Dürnstein. Pass by charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.

31 July 2025 - Linz (B,L,D)
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.
Freechoice:
This morning choose to explore your way with Scenic Freechoice:
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 via coach to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This delightful UNESCO World Heritage town is brimming with charm. Sitting on the banks of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe with its vast array of well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Wander this fairy-tale location with your local guide and explore the historic centre before delighting in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and some time at leisure to explore. 
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. 
Linzertorte 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.

01 August 2025 - Passau (B,L,D)
This morning you will be sailing towards the city of Passau. Enjoy a coffee in your suite, delivered by your butler, and have a leisurely breakfast in Crystal Dining. Join in an informative lecture to learn more about the culture and history found along this fascinating river.
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.
Freechoice:
This afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice:
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 Italianstyle 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. Cycle through charming towns and admire the spectacular views of the region. 
Passau Photography safari: The city of Passau has many picture-perfect locations and during this photography tour you will capture all its beauty. Visit some of the most beautiful places in Passau such as the picturesque streets, old Town Hall and the point where the three rivers meet. 
Your Scenic Space-Ship departs late this evening allowing you an excellent opportunity to explore the city at your
own pace this evening 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

02 August 2025 - Regensburg (B,L,D)
You will have another leisurely morning as your Scenic Space-Ship sails towards Regensburg. You may wish to take advantage of the state-of-the-art gym or relax with a massage^ in the wellness centre. Boasting a staggering 2,000-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.
Freechoice: Enjoy a selection of Scenic Freechoice touring activities to choose from:
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.
After your Scenic Freechoice, you will return to the ship by coach.

03 August 2025 - Nuremberg (B,L,D) 
This morning you will be sailing towards Bavaria’s second-largest city, Nuremberg, arriving after lunch. The city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th century Imperial Castle, has an Old Town that is protected by an ancient city wall, and also hosts the most enchanting Christmas Markets every year. 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. 
Freechoice: 
This afternoon’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. This evening is at leisure to continue your exploration of Nuremberg. Return to your Space-Ship for a farewell meal and to toast to an unforgettable journey along the Danube.

04 August 2025 - Nuremberg > Munich (B) 
Enjoy a short train journey from Nuremberg to Munich, make your way to your included accommodation. Explore the vibrant city at your own leisure. 

05 August 2025 - Munich  (B)
You’ll be transferred to Munich 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.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as at 12 November & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from SYD and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. *Transfers by Scenic only available on day of arrival. Bookings must pay in full no later than 30 November 2024. Not combinable with any other offer.

Danube in Depth

Includes:
  • Cruise Included
  • Beverages Included
  • Excursions Included
  • Flight Included
  • Accommodation Included
  • Meals Included
  • Transfers Included

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