Découverte du Bas-Danube avec Vienne et Istanbul - 2025

The wonders of Istanbul await you today on a guided tour. There have been settlements on this important site, occupying both banks of the Bosphorus Strait, for thousands of years. The modern city began life as Constantinople in the 4th century, before changing its name to Istanbul in 1930. At every turn, you’re walking through history. See two of the city’s most famous landmarks, sitting on either side of the central Sultanahmet Park; the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque, which you will also visit during your guided tour. Afterward visit Topkapi Palace.

Aujourd'hui, nous quittons Istanbul pour visiter la ville de Canakkale. Située au bord du détroit des Dardanelles, Canakkale est au cœur de l'histoire depuis des siècles. C'est la porte d'entrée du champ de bataille de Gallipoli, lors de la première guerre mondiale, et de l'ancienne ville de Troie.

En même temps, Canakkale compte une importante population étudiante, ce qui se traduit par une scène gastronomique et une vie nocturne trépidante. Ce soir, pourquoi ne pas profiter de votre soirée pour rejoindre les habitants le long de la promenade du front de mer et goûter à la culture turque moderne ?

Aujourd'hui, vous vous dirigez vers Gallipoli, un site qui tient une place particulière dans le cœur des Australiens et des Néo-Zélandais. Première grande bataille pour les troupes de l'ANZAC lors de la Première Guerre mondiale, elle a constitué une introduction brutale au conflit mondial pour les nouvelles nations. Bien que la campagne de Gallipoli ait finalement été un échec, la bravoure et la force des soldats de l'ANZAC sont devenues légendaires et ont contribué à façonner notre identité culturelle.

La péninsule de Gallipoli, où s'est déroulée la campagne de huit mois, est aujourd'hui un parc national et votre guide vous fera découvrir les sites les plus importants. Tenez-vous sur la plage de l'ANZAC Cove, où les soldats ont débarqué pour la première fois le 25 avril 1915. Contemplez le courage et le sacrifice qui ont eu lieu sur des champs de bataille comme Lone Pine et le Nek. Promenez-vous dans quelques-uns des 31 cimetières qui parsèment la péninsule et où sont enterrés plus de 10 000 soldats de l'Anzac. Une visite à Gallipoli est une expérience émouvante qui restera gravée dans votre mémoire longtemps après votre départ.

Ce matin, vous vous rendrez dans un lieu entouré de mystères et de légendes, la cité antique de Troie. Pendant plus de 3 000 ans, les récits de Troie et de la guerre de Troie ont été considérés comme des mythes, rendus célèbres par l'œuvre épique du poète grec Homère, l'Iliade. Mais à la fin du XIXe siècle, les ruines de Troie ont été découvertes dans l'actuelle Turquie et des siècles d'histoire ont été instantanément réécrits. Visitez les ruines vieilles de 4 000 ans, admirez une réplique géante du célèbre cheval de Troie et découvrez la véritable histoire de cette illustre cité.

Ensuite, vous retournerez dans la puissante ville d'Istanbul.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice experience:

The tastes of Turkey: Turkish cuisine is the ultimate in fusion, bringing together Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Eastern European flavours. Learn its secrets in a cooking class where you’ll be taught to make delicious traditional dishes.

Grand Bazaar: Choose to visit the colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, a vast undercover market made up of thousands of shops along wide plazas and tiny laneways. Traders have been coming here to sell their wares since the 15th century and it’s still the place to buy ceramics, carpets, glassware, jewellery and textiles. Peruse the stalls and afterwards join your local guide for a traditional Turkish coffee from a local vendor.
 

Scenic Enrich
Tonight, you have a special treat await you with our Scenic Enrich event.

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait, with one half of the city in Europe and the other in Asia. This strategic waterway has played a major role in world trade for centuries and is still one of the most important global shipping routes. This evening, you’ll take a scenic cruise along the strait, winding between ferries, barges and fishing boats, and passing famous monuments and historic minarets on shore before returning to shore where a special treat awaits for your farewell dinner at the Hamdi Restaurant with its outstanding views over the Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus. You’ll dine on exceptional Turkish cuisine and raise a glass to an unforgettable journey.   

Before you farewell Istanbul, take a moment this morning to listen out for the call to prayer before the sun rises. The traditional Muslim call rings out over the city five times a day and is a reminder of the nation’s strong ties to its faith. In the relative calm and silence of the morning, it’s a particularly moving sound.

After breakfast, you’ll take a final transfer to the airport where you board your included flight to Bucharest. Enjoy an overnight stay.

Aujourd'hui, transfert de Bucarest à Constanta où notre sympathique équipage vous attend et vous souhaite la bienvenue à bord de votre luxueux Scenic Space-Ship.

Ce matin, votre guide local vous emmènera à la découverte de la ville de Constanta, située sur la côte de la mer Noire. Située sur la côte de la mer Noire, Constanta est une ville historique avec une longue et fascinante histoire et vous aurez l'occasion de découvrir ses monuments historiques et ses ruines anciennes.

Après le déjeuner, votre Scenic Space-Ship mettra le cap sur la ville bulgare de Silistra.

Arrive in Silistra after lunch, a Bulgarian town that played a significant role in the Russian-Turkish wars.

Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: Transfer to Silistra Fort by coach. Upon arrival take a guided walking tour of the fort and learn about its history. It is the best preserved of the six points of the Turkish fortification system, which played an important role in the Russian-Turkish wars.

Visit Alfatar Village: Take an excursion to the small village of Alfatar, located just outside of Silistra. Visit the ethnographic museum featuring a typical country house, where visitors will see how the residents of this region have lived over the centuries and have kept their traditions alive. Also see the beautifully restored Holy Trinity temple, a treasured symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox religion, and visit the Alfatar school to meet local children and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians.

Return to your Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and enjoy time at leisure. You may wish to stretch your legs on the walking track up on the Sun Deck.

Ce matin, visitez la ville de Rousse, souvent décrite comme la "petite Vienne". Rejoignez un guide local pour une visite touristique de cette ville opulente, resplendissante d'architecture Belle Epoque et de squares verdoyants et manucurés.

Passez le reste de la journée à vous détendre à bord. Peut-être aimeriez-vous passer un peu de temps dans la salle de sport ultramoderne pour une séance d'entraînement revigorante ou, si vous préférez vous détendre, rendez-vous au centre de bien-être pour un massage relaxant.

This morning you will dock in Vidin, Bulgaria, an historic town with a medieval fortress between the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. This region boasts a fertile landscape where wine is grown.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Hiking to Belogradchik Castle Ruins: Take an active hiking tour to the Belogradchik Fortress. Admire the unique rock formations and the ruins of the ancient stronghold constructed when the region was part of the Roman Empire.

Visit to a local winery: Venture to Negovanovtsi village and the Dos Alamos Winery for a tour and tasting. Established in 2013, this boutique vineyard grows Bulgarian Rubin grapes (used for high-quality reds) as well as sauvignon blanc and semillon.

Ancestry of the Kitchen: Banica cooking demonstration: Traditions and recipes have long been passed down through generations and often kept as a long-held family secret. Today you’ll meet with a local who will speak all about life in this region as well as divulge a family recipe of traditional banica, a delicious cheese-filled pie made with filo pastry.

Triangle of Tolerance walking tour: Take part in a walking tour of Vidin and learn its history and the extreme tolerance among its residents. You will see the Metropolis Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Dimitar, the Osman mosque, and the Synagogue.

Early this morning you 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 might rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king.

Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice:

Golubac Fortress: Take a guided tour of Golubac Fortress, which was built in the 14th century on a steep embankment of the Danube. Located in the Djerdap National Park, the fortress comprises nine towers connected by ramparts and has been an imposing figure above the river for centuries.

Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site: One of the most significant archaeological sites in the region, it was first inhabited some 12,000 years ago. Archaeologists found 136 building ruins, a central square, and fireplaces in each building, as well as stone idols. Learn how it was discovered, tour the excavation site and gain a fascinating insight into Europe’s early stone age.

Hike through Djerdap National Park: Join a local park ranger and local guide and hike through the Djerdap National Park. Enjoy spectacular sights along the way such as Golubac Fortress and the incredible views over the Danube River.
 

This afternoon, you will dock in the charming town of Golubac, which is home to one of Europe’s best preserved medieval fortresses. It was strategically built at the section of the Danube River that narrows to form the ‘Iron Gate’ gorge.

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.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Guided city tour with extended free time: By coach and foot, you’ll tour the major sites of the city with a guide. You will explore the city’s highlights such as cobbled streets of the Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress, an imposing structure that has been the site of more than 100 battles and offers panoramic views of the rivers below. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own.

Panoramic city tour including Tito's Memorial: Join a panoramic tour of Belgrade with a local guide. See and learn about the major sites of the city including the Ottoman heritage of the old town, the imposing fortress and Republic Square following by some free time in the city centre. During this tour you will also visit the memorial dedicated to Tito, the former ruler of Yugoslavia.

Cycling tour along the Danube: Trace the banks of the Danube on two wheels during this guided cycling tour.

Education with the Roma community: The Bread of Life project helps to reduce the prejudices against Roma people, which prevail among the non-Roma population in schools, local authorities, and institutions. It highlights the need for positive action to improve living conditions in Roma communities. The project is designed to help Roma children to finish primary school and integrate better into society. On this engaging tour, you will visit the tutoring space to see how the project is benefiting the community, and even have the chance to meet some of the children and learn about the challenges they face.

Scenic Enrich
Tonight, we have a special treat in store for you with our Scenic Enrich event:

Classical concert at St. Sava Temple: Visit St. Sava, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Have a chance to explore the frescos-lined walls of the cathedrals crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. Because of the acoustics in the crypt, this is a once of a lifetime opportunity.

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia, early this morning. The country’s second largest city is a youthful city of music, art and liberal freedoms. It’s an ethnically diverse city, has a thriving arts scene with several large-scale public murals, hosts vibrant festivals, all while nurturing its 500-year history.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning’s Scenic Freechoice:

Guided tour of Novi Sad: Novi Sad is a modern, vibrant city with a fascinating past. Join your local guide as you discover all that makes the city a true highlight of this region, from the Petrovaradin Fortress, completed in the 18th century with 10 gates and 400 cannon sites, to charming Dunavska Street, one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in the city, a promenade lined with colourful buildings, popular for walking, gathering and dining.

Excursion to Sremski Karlovci: Journey by coach to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of this charming Baroque town, which was once a hub of the cultural and political life of the Serbs. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own, followed by a visit to a local winery and honey museum for a delicious tasting.

Hike to Petrovaradin Fortress: The Petrovaradin Fortress is the symbol of the city and is often referred to 'the Gibraltar on the Danube'. Its history dates from the Middle Ages. Learn about its strong history as you hike to the fortress where you will be rewarded with magnificent views over the Danube River and the city below.

Fruska Gora National Park with monastery and winery visit: Serbia’s oldest national park, Fruska Gora National Park was once an island but when the seas dried up it became a solitary mountain. Its landscape is blanketed with oak and beech wood forests, and some 60-plus family vineyards. There are also 16 monasteries scattered throughout the park’s hidden valleys, the oldest dating to the 16th century. Visit this monastery and stop by a winery for a sample of their best drops.

You will arrive this morning in the Croatian town of Osijek, a small city with a turbulent history; it was at the epicentre of the 1990s war of which scars are still evident on its building today.

Scenic Freechoice:
Walking tour of Osijek: Take a guided walking tour of Osijek to see the highlights of the town including the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear some traditional and classical music popular in the region.

Cycling tour of Osijek: Explore the Kopacki Rit nature park on two wheels during a guided biking tour. This marshland area is a natural habitat for 293 different kinds of birds, 46 species of freshwater fish, several amphibians and reptiles, as well as wild boars and red deer. The ponds and lakes, which are teeming with common reed and whose surface is covered with White Water lilies, are mostly surrounded by white willow trees and untouched nature. If you are lucky, you might even see the most famous inhabitant of Kopacki Rit, the white-tailed eagle.

After your touring this morning, all guests will visit the home of a typical Croatian family and have lunch with the family members. Immerse yourself in this cultural and culinary experience, and enjoy an authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from the host’s garden. North-eastern Croatia is the ‘bread basket’ of the country so it is only natural that the villagers take great pride in their gardens, from which ingredients are used to make a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

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.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today’s Scenic Freechoice options:

Pecs city tour: First settled by the Romans and then later the Turks, this richly historic and fascinating city located close by the Croatian border is a melange of cultures. It’s filled with Roman and Turkish architecture and ruins, elegant Baroque buildings, and is famous for its decorative arts and crafts, in particular porcelain. On a guided tour, you will see the building of the city’s first telephone exchange, which opened in 1885, the Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, which was demolished in the late 19th century but unearthed in the 1970s, the county library and more.

Villany wine village: The region of Villany is known for its big, bold red wines, which account for most of the local wine production thanks to its sub-Mediterranean climate. The village is a charming place to visit, with rows of historic white wine cellars where you can sample some of the local reds. You will also visit an old mill.

Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853 and still in operation today, Zsolnay Porcelain has a proud history of creating hand-painted decorative, ornamental, and architectural porcelains, and is known for its signature eosin glaze technique. View a splendid historic collection at the museum in Pecs, which is housed in the company’s former factory.

You will arrive today to Ordas, a town in a historic region of Hungary known for its vibrant folk art, including beautifully decorated porcelain. Once a significant agricultural hub in the 19th century, the area has retained much of its traditional rural charm.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today’s Scenic Freechoice:

Hungarian Traditions: This region is teeming with culture and traditions. It is famous for its traditional handicrafts such as needlework and embroidery. Learn about the origins of these beautiful designs as well as other crafts.

Hungarian Horse Show: Kalocsa is located on the Great Hungarian Plain, with an agricultural history dating back more than 2000 years. Witness a traditional horse show, meet the local horsemen who will demonstrate impressive equestrian skills and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies.

This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail to Budapest.

You will arrive early this morning in Budapest, in Hungary, one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant destinations. 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. An architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between, the city is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today’s Scenic Freechoice:

Budapest in Depth: 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.

Guided hike of Buda: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike through the Buda district of the city. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

Jewish Heritage Tour: Discover Jewish history on a guided tour with an expert local guide, during this tour you will learn about the significant Jewish events from history that have shaped the culture of today. Tour includes Synagogue, cemetery, memorial park and guided tour of the Jewish Museum.

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.

Scenic Enrich
This afternoon we set sail for the Hungarian town of Vac, from here we have a special treat in store for you with a fabulous Scenic Enrich event.

Classical concert at Gödöllõ Royal Palace: Immerse yourself in Budapest’s Imperial past by attending an exclusive private classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllõ Royal Palace, one of the favourite residences of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary.

As we progress up 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.

Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon see Bratislava your way, with one of the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Bratislava City Tour: Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in the heart of the city and it is just a short walk to the Old Town. A city of contrasts, Bratislava features a mixture of medieval, Gothic and Baroque architecture. With your local guide, you will see the highlights of this beautiful city such as Bratislava Castle, the Hlavné Námestie, the main square and the Old Town Hall.

Coffee & Cake with a local family: Immerse yourself in Slovak life and enjoy coffee and cake with friendly locals. Gain understanding of life in Slovakia during modern times.

Communism walking tour: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to learn about the Iron Curtain era, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII. Discover what the city was like during the communist regime and how this impacted directly on the Slovaks.

Cet après-midi, vous aurez du temps libre car votre Space-Ship de luxe accostera à Budapest après le déjeuner. Vous pourrez peut-être emporter votre maillot de bain et vous rendre dans l'un des bains thermaux de Budapest pour un bain relaxant dans les eaux thérapeutiques. Les bains Szechenyi sont les plus grands, avec 15 bains intérieurs et trois vastes piscines extérieures. Vous pouvez aussi vous rendre dans les célèbres bars de ruines du quartier juif, installés dans de vieux bâtiments abandonnés qui ont été laissés à l'abandon après la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

Débarquez de votre Scenic Space-Ship et rejoignez Vienne, une ville qui respire le charme avec ses magnifiques bâtiments baroques, ses vastes espaces verts (parcs et vignobles), sa culture vibrante des cafés et ses galeries et musées remplis de chefs-d'œuvre ?

Vous passerez les deux prochaines nuits dans un hôtel luxueux de la grande capitale autrichienne. Connue comme la ville de la musique, Vienne a vu naître les génies musicaux Mozart et Beethoven, et Sigmund Freud y a également vécu et travaillé à la fin du XIXe siècle. La ville possède le plus beau boulevard du monde, la Ringstrasse, héritage de la monarchie des Habsbourg.

Ce matin, embarquez pour une visite guidée des points forts de la ville, tels que l'opulent opéra, l'hôtel de ville, le bâtiment du Parlement de style hellénique, les vastes jardins paysagers du Stadtpark et la Karlskirche (église Saint-Charles).

Cet après-midi, vous disposez de temps libre pour découvrir la ville à votre guise. Vous pourrez peut-être vous aventurer jusqu'au château de Schönbrunn, l'ancienne résidence d'été de la famille Habsbourg, ou explorer l'un des musées de classe mondiale disséminés dans la ville, comme le musée du Belvédère, où vous pourrez découvrir la plus grande collection d'art autrichien, datant du Moyen Âge à nos jours.

Votre voyage se termine aujourd'hui.

Cet itinéraire n'est qu'un guide et peut être modifié pour des raisons opérationnelles telles que les hautes et basses eaux. La croisière peut donc se dérouler différemment de ce qui est indiqué ci-dessus. Veuillez vous référer à nos conditions générales.