Black Sea Explorer with Transylvania from Budapest

Upon arrival, transfer to a luxurious hotel for your two night stay. 

Join a guided tour through the city often considered the most beautiful in Europe. (B,D)

This afternoon you’ll board your Scenic Space-Ship. At tonight’s welcome reception, raise your glass to the wonderful cruise ahead. (B,D)

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. (B,L,D)

Freechoice - Explore Osijek on a city tour, or take a bike ride through Osijek’s countryside, or visit Ancestry of the Kitchen.

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. (B,L,D)

Freechoice - Enjoy an in-depth tour of one of Europe’s oldest capitals, Belgrade, including a visit to Tito’s Memorial, or take an orientation tour of Belgrade and see the highlights of the city before enjoying time at leisure to wander this beautiful city. Alternatively, choose a guided bicycle ride along the Danube, or for some true insight into everyday life, take a walk through the city with a student. Or, journey to Sremski Karlovci, where you can wander the town with our experts and marvel at the beautiful Baroque elements

Enrich - Visit the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt (B,L,D)

Relax and admire the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the 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 Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)

Freechoice - Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi. Alternatively, stay on board and cruise towards the Bulgarian town of Rousse, where you’ll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour. (B,L,D)

Freechoice - Discover Silistra Fort during an active walking tour, or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Alternatively, visit a local village and a local school, and learn about life in Bulgaria. (B,L,D)

Bid a fond farewell to your crew as you disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and travel to Bucharest.

Freechoice - Explore Bucharest and learn about its communist past including a tour of Ceausescu’s Spring Villa, or tour the Village Open Air Museum.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Bucharest. (B,L,D)

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. (B,D)

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. (B)

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. (B,D)

Today visit Cozia Monastery before returning to Bucharest for an overnight stay. (B,D)

(regional flights may be available on request) (B)

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. Nearby, the historic Lipscani district is home to an energetic nightlife scene as well as tiny Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, where Prince Vlad III (“The Impaler”) once ruled.