8 Nights Black Sea Explorer: Budapest to Bucharest and reverse

Type of Vessel

Every Scenic European river cruise begins aboard one of our boutique vessels or custom-built Space-Ships, so named for their spacious guest cabins, dining, and entertaining areas. Each of these Scenic Space-Ships includes numerous dining and sightseeing areas, as well as a lounge and bar area that offers panoramic views. Additionally, guests can soak up the rays at the Sun Deck swimming pool or retreat to the wellness center, which is equipped with a fitness area, beauty salon, and massage rooms. These ships are noteworthy for their luxury suites, which are outfitted with sun lounges, 32-inch high-definition TVs, and complimentary wireless internet access.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Budapest, Hungary: Board your Scenic Space-Ship. At tonight's welcome reception, raise your glass to the wonderful cruise ahead.

Day 2 | Kalocsa, Hungary: Today, witness a traditional Hungarian horse show.

Day 3 | Osijek, Croatia: Explore Osijek on a guided city tour, or take a blissful guided bike ride through Osijek's countryside. As a Scenic guest, you'll 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.

Day 4 | Belgrade, Serbia: Join your local guide for an in-depth discovery of Belgrade and visit Tito's Memorial, or see Belgrade on an orientation tour before time at leisure. Alternatively, choose a guided bike ride along the Danube, or journey to Sremski Karlovci, where you can explore the town and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements. You also have the option of gaining some true insights into everyday life on a walking tour with a local.

Day 5 | Cruising: Relax on board 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. Not only is it a spectacular setting, it's also the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Day 6 | Svishtov, Bulgaria and Rousse, Bulgaria: Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the village of Arbanassi. Or stay on board and cruise to the town of Rousse, where you'll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour.

Day 7 | Silistra, Bulgaria: Discover the Silistra Fort during an active walking tour, or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Or tour a local village, including a visit to the primary school, and learn about life in Bulgaria.

Day 8 | Giugiu, Romania and Bucharest, Romania: Bid a fond farewell to your crew as you disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and travel to Bucharest. 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.

Day 9 | Bucharest, Romania: 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.

Guest Services

Amenities include personalized butler service.

Food and Dining

River Cafe provides a wonderful range of delicious light meals, snacks and refreshments that guests can enjoy any time. Open early in the morning for early risers looking for breakfast, until late afternoon, the River Cafe has something for every craving.
Crystal Dining offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Relax in the comfortable open seating for two to eight guests and enjoy a wide range of cuisines from local specialties to a seafood gala evening. A la carte menus are available daily.
Panorama Lounge and Bar is where guests can relax, catch up with new friends and enjoy the evening's entertainment. The bar's always open and there's tea and coffee making facilities; along with a selection of board and card games plus a comprehensive library.
Sun Deck is where guests can happily spend hours lost in a book, enjoy the Teppanyaki BBQ or simply soak up the views. With plenty of comfortable seating and a walking track for those active guests, there is an option for everyone.

Onboard Activities/Events

On board you'll have full access to a wellness area, complete with massage services and a hair salon, a gym, special on board entertainment, Wi-Fi internet, e-bikes, cooking classes, tastings, and culinary demonstrations.

Shore Excursions

There are a vast range of activities and sightseeing experiences for you to choose from, so you only see what you want to see, and do what you want to do, at a tempo that suits you. From history to culture, food to nature, there's something for everyone.

Staterooms or Cabins

Downy pillows, Egyptian cotton sheets, fleecy bathrobes and complimentary shoeshine enhance the ambiance.
The balcony suites are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe's rivers and offer modern and elegant furnishings; HDTV, individual climate control and pillow menu. There's also a safe for your valuables, a nightly turndown service and of course a complimentary mini-bar and Wi-Fi.
Balcony Suites are located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks and feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Royal Suites are the largest featured on the ships and allow you to enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from your private balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. Each Suite has a separate lounge area and a luxurious bathroom offering a separate bath and shower.