On the new Scenic Danube in Depth ultra-luxury river cruise itinerary, you’ll visit villages that look like they’ve been lifted from the pages of a fairytale book, pass by verdant landscapes dotted with old-world castles, and global cities that are a mélange of ancient and modern architecture. Here's a deep dive into why this itinerary should be on your travel wish list for 2024 or 2025.
Remarkable history
“Once the border of the Roman Empire, the history of this region is vast and fascinating,” says Janelle Maher, the journey designer of Scenic's Danube in Depth itinerary. Over 10 days, you will visit some of Europe’s oldest cities, starting or ending your cruise in Budapest. Once two separate towns that straddled the Danube, this ancient city is an architectural treasure trove with a heady mix of cultural experiences.
A new destination on this itinerary is the 8th-century city of Passau, ‘the Venice of Germany’, which was rebuilt in a Mediterranean Baroque style after being razed by fire in the 1600s. St. Stephen's Cathedral, a splendid church established in 1688, is a highlight, boasting one of the largest organs in the world. Discover its beauty through a camera lens on a Scenic Freechoice photography tour, which is only available on the Danube in Depth itinerary.
LEFT: Scenic Opal, Passau, Germany
Remarkable history
“Once the border of the Roman Empire, the history of this region is vast and fascinating,” says Janelle Maher, the journey designer of Scenic's Danube in Depth itinerary. Over 10 days, you will visit some of Europe’s oldest cities, starting or ending your cruise in Budapest. Once two separate towns that straddled the Danube, this ancient city is an architectural treasure trove with a heady mix of cultural experiences.
A new destination on this itinerary is the 8th-century city of Passau, ‘the Venice of Germany’, which was rebuilt in a Mediterranean Baroque style after being razed by fire in the 1600s. St. Stephen's Cathedral, a splendid church established in 1688, is a highlight, boasting one of the largest organs in the world. Discover its beauty through a camera lens on a Scenic Freechoice photography tour, which is only available on the Danube in Depth itinerary.
ABOVE: Scenic Opal, Passau, Germany
Swap snapshots when cycling in Melk, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. Follow the river past rolling wine country to Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned. Or wander the hallowed halls of Melk’s magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey.
The 2000-year-old World Heritage-listed town of Regensburg is another history-rich port. But among the crumbling castle ruins and the medieval cobbled streets, is a fascinating thread of modern history, much of it shaped by World War II.
Modern history buffs can learn about the Nazis in Nuremberg. And in Linz, a new port on this itinerary for 2024, visit the former Nazi concentration camp, Mauthausen, on a Scenic Freechoice excursion. “This is an insightful excursion for those interested in history to gain an understanding of the horrific living conditions the prisoners were subjected to between 1938 and 1945,” says Janelle.
RIGHT: Benedictine Abbey, Melk
Swap snapshots when cycling in Melk, located in Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. Follow the river past rolling wine country to Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned. Or wander the hallowed halls of Melk’s magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey.
The 2000-year-old World Heritage-listed town of Regensburg is another history-rich port. But among the crumbling castle ruins and the medieval cobbled streets, is a fascinating thread of modern history, much of it shaped by World War II.
Modern history buffs can learn about the Nazis in Nuremberg. And in Linz, a new port on this itinerary for 2024, visit the former Nazi concentration camp, Mauthausen, on a Scenic Freechoice excursion. “This is an insightful excursion for those interested in history to gain an understanding of the horrific living conditions the prisoners were subjected to between 1938 and 1945,” says Janelle.
ABOVE: Benedictine Abbey, Melk
Cultural highlights
Where better to immerse in arts and culture than Vienna, Austria’s Imperial capital which fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven? You’ll be invited to an exclusive Scenic Enrich classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein to listen to the music of Strauss and Mozart, accompanied by a ballet performance among world-renowned art. The acoustics and grand architecture really make this a moment to remember, even for those who might not be classical music aficionados.
Guests can also venture into Viennese wine production on a visit to the vineyards that line the city fringe. Weave through the labyrinth of cellars housed well below the city centre, as daily life bustles overhead.
LEFT: Palais Liechtenstein, Austria
Cultural highlights
Where better to immerse in arts and culture than Vienna, Austria’s Imperial capital which fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven? You’ll be invited to an exclusive Scenic Enrich classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein to listen to the music of Strauss and Mozart, accompanied by a ballet performance among world-renowned art. The acoustics and grand architecture really make this a moment to remember, even for those who might not be classical music aficionados.
Guests can also venture into Viennese wine production on a visit to the vineyards that line the city fringe. Weave through the labyrinth of cellars housed well below the city centre, as daily life bustles overhead.
ABOVE: Palais Liechtenstein, Austria
In Linz, join a guided tour of the city – home to a cutting-edge arts and technology centre, an opera house and a harbour that doubles as one of Europe’s largest street art galleries.
The cultural melting pot of Budapest is one of Europe’s most intriguing cities, and the Scenic Freechoice ‘Past and Present’ tour allows guests to gain a deeper understanding of its unique make-up. See for yourself the intermingling of architectural styles, from Gothic buildings to a scattering of Roman ruins and its famous thermal bathhouses. Experience its bohemian coffee houses, world-class operas or ruin bars in the historical Jewish quarter that was scarred by war.
RIGHT: Castle Square, Linz
In Linz, join a guided tour of the city – home to a cutting-edge arts and technology centre, an opera house and a harbour that doubles as one of Europe’s largest street art galleries.
The cultural melting pot of Budapest is one of Europe’s most intriguing cities, and the Scenic Freechoice ‘Past and Present’ tour allows guests to gain a deeper understanding of its unique make-up. See for yourself the intermingling of architectural styles, from Gothic buildings to a scattering of Roman ruins and its famous thermal bathhouses. Experience its bohemian coffee houses, world-class operas or ruin bars in the historical Jewish quarter that was scarred by war.
ABOVE: Castle Square, Linz
Explore at your own pace
Balance your time on the Danube with a mix of guided tours and free time, finding the lay of the land from your knowledgeable local guide before experiencing provincial life your way. Immerse in the hustle and bustle of a town square market, browse an authentic souvenir shop down a hidden alleyway, or stop by a sidewalk restaurant to sip on regional wine.
"At Scenic, we realise that our guests want to meet and interact with the locals to understand the way of life in this region. It's more than hearing a local guide talking about the local life; they also want to experience it first-hand," says Janelle.
LEFT: Nuremberg, Germany
Explore at your own pace
Balance your time on the Danube with a mix of guided tours and free time, finding the lay of the land from your knowledgeable local guide before experiencing provincial life your way. Immerse in the hustle and bustle of a town square market, browse an authentic souvenir shop down a hidden alleyway, or stop by a sidewalk restaurant to sip on regional wine.
"At Scenic, we realise that our guests want to meet and interact with the locals to understand the way of life in this region. It's more than hearing a local guide talking about the local life; they also want to experience it first-hand," says Janelle.
ABOVE: Nuremberg, Germany
The ship is always docked in the heart of a city, meaning you can come and go with ease. Combined with more time in each location, you’ll get a sense of the local way of life.
Extra overnight stops in Nuremberg, Vienna, and Budapest also allow guests to see the sights after dark. In Budapest, you might venture to District V, home to many Michelin-star eateries and cosy traditional restaurants. View the city lights from the Ferris wheel in Vienna and, in Nuremberg, wander along historic Weissgerber Street to find a centuries-old tavern – order a regional ale, a time-honoured tradition for which Germany is synonymous.
RIGHT: Budapest, Hungary
The ship is always docked in the heart of a city, meaning you can come and go with ease. Combined with more time in each location, you’ll get a sense of the local way of life.
Extra overnight stops in Nuremberg, Vienna, and Budapest also allow guests to see the sights after dark. In Budapest, you might venture to District V, home to many Michelin-star eateries and cosy traditional restaurants. View the city lights from the Ferris wheel in Vienna and, in Nuremberg, wander along historic Weissgerber Street to find a centuries-old tavern – order a regional ale, a time-honoured tradition for which Germany is synonymous.
ABOVE: Budapest, Hungary
Taste your way along the Danube
From the comfort of Crystal Dining on your Scenic Space-Ship to the charm of a traditional restaurant, sampling local food is a highlight. A stand-out experience is the Ancestry of the Kitchen series, which includes cooking classes, private dinners and behind-the-scenes tours with local producers.
In Regensburg, you’ll learn how to make the traditional Regensburger Wurst (locally made sausage), while in Linz you’ll follow the 400-year-old recipe of the Linzer Torte (iconic Austrian tart) in a cooking class.
In the Slovakian capital Bratislava, you can enjoy coffee and cake with the locals at historic café Konditorei Kormuth, which is resplendent in Renaissance architecture. Or take part in a traditional Slovak dumpling cooking class, which have been much-loved for generations.
LEFT: Crystal dining
Taste your way along the Danube
From the comfort of Crystal Dining on your Scenic Space-Ship to the charm of a traditional restaurant, sampling local food is a highlight. A stand-out experience is the Ancestry of the Kitchen series, which includes cooking classes, private dinners and behind-the-scenes tours with local producers.
In Regensburg, you’ll learn how to make the traditional Regensburger Wurst (locally made sausage), while in Linz you’ll follow the 400-year-old recipe of the Linzer Torte (iconic Austrian tart) in a cooking class.
In the Slovakian capital Bratislava, you can enjoy coffee and cake with the locals at historic café Konditorei Kormuth, which is resplendent in Renaissance architecture. Or take part in a traditional Slovak dumpling cooking class, which have been much-loved for generations.
ABOVE: Crystal dining
Enjoy the 5-star Scenic experience
With up to just 163 guests, your every need is attended to on this luxurious, truly all-inclusive cruise. Your state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship has spacious suites, with comfortable Scenic Slumber Beds and a vast window with an ever-changing view of the Danube, many of which convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge. Retreat to your suite, where your butler can deliver a cocktail or coffee, made to your preferences.
You'll also enjoy up to five delicious all-inclusive dining experiences, with menus designed around regional cuisines. During downtime, unwind in the wellness area, complete with a fully equipped Gym, and a soothing Salt Therapy Lounge.
This sense of relaxation, combined with more time in each destination, really allows you to get to the heart of wonderful towns and villages to create new memories that will be shared with friends. You'll see the many wonders of the Danube are all the more special when explored in the ultra-luxury of a Scenic river cruise.
LEFT: Salt Therapy Lounge
Enjoy the 5-star Scenic experience
With up to just 163 guests, your every need is attended to on this luxurious, truly all-inclusive cruise. Your state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ship has spacious suites, with comfortable Scenic Slumber Beds and a vast window with an ever-changing view of the Danube, many of which convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge. Retreat to your suite, where your butler can deliver a cocktail or coffee, made to your preferences.
You'll also enjoy up to five delicious all-inclusive dining experiences, with menus designed around regional cuisines. During downtime, unwind in the wellness area, complete with a fully equipped Gym, and a soothing Salt Therapy Lounge.
This sense of relaxation, combined with more time in each destination, really allows you to get to the heart of wonderful towns and villages to create new memories that will be shared with friends. You'll see the many wonders of the Danube are all the more special when explored in the ultra-luxury of a Scenic river cruise.
ABOVE: Salt Therapy Lounge
Start planning today
Now is the time to experience this for yourself and benefit from our exclusive and limited-time offers. Contact your Scenic Travel Agent or contact us on 0161 884 3916 to learn more.
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