30 Day Amsterdam to Black Sea River Cruise & Turkey 2011 (Amsterdam to Istanbul)

DAY 1: Amsterdam (D)
Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating and compact city of picturesque canals. A Scenic Tours representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your luxury Scenic Tours ‘Space-Ship’. On board be warmly welcomed by our dedicated crew. After unpacking for the start of your 21 night voyage, join your fellow guests for a Welcome Cocktail in the lounge. Tonight after dinner you may wish to join us on an Amsterdam by night tour, highlighting the colourful and intriguing streets and canals within the Dutch capital.

DAY 2: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)
There is so much to enjoy. Choose from one of the Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise through the cities 17th century architecture in a glass-top boat; or (2) explore Amsterdam the traditional way on a guided bicycle tour through the canals and over the wooden bridges. En route visit the Dam Square, Royal Palace and the war monument and then into the Red-Light district where you’ll see the Old church and Nieuw Market; or (3) a visit to the open-air conservation area and windmills of Zaanse Schans. Original buildings vividly depict Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries where once over 800 windmills industrialised this area; or (4) For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour. Back on board, time to relax and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

DAY 3: Cologne – Marksburg (FB,L,HD)
This morning cruise into Germany to historic Cologne, famous for its Cathedral taking over 600 years to construct. Join your guide on an Included tour to explore the Old Town. Enjoy free time to explore or perhaps sample the region’s most famous beer ‘Kölsch’. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a private Medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine this 12th Century castle is the only one never to have been destroyed. Enjoy a private tour of the castle before stepping back in time for a medieval feast.

DAY 4: Koblenz – Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim (FB,L,D)
Be sure to have your camera ready today, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, with its stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine-covered slopes. Cruise past Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers before reaching the Lorelei rock. Soaring some 120 metres, legend has it that the Rhine maidens lured navigators of this river to their dooms with their alluring singing. We arrive at Rüdesheim and board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for an Included guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum before taking a cable car to the Niederwald Monument.

DAY 5: Wertheim (FB,L,D)
Overnight we cruise to Wertheim, known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a guided city tour where you pass through the towns towers and gabled, half timbered houses or (2) a guided bicycle tour along the Main River or (3) a guided hike along the Tauber River. Don’t be surprised to see a traditional glass blower displaying their craft. Throughout your cruise we invite the best of local culture on board to give your experiences and interactions you will take home with you forever.

DAY 6: Würzburg (FB,L,D)
This morning cruise through Bavaria to Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. It is said to be one of the loveliest baroque cities in the country and became famous as the centre of Franconian wine production. Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Würzburg is best explored on foot, on your guided walking tour stroll through the market square and see the late-Gothic Church of St. Mary before visiting the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. Explore the extraordinary baroque palace, completely restored after World War II bombings; or (2) Follow the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, a walled medieval gem overlooking the Tauber river; or (3) a self guided bicycle tour through this wine covered area. This evening relax onboard, perhaps on your own private balcony as you sail down the Main River.

DAY 7: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Relax on board this morning as we sail towards Bamberg, one of Europe’s largest intact medieval centres. Bursting with character and charm, you will enjoy the sights of this city on your Included tour. Bamberg famous for its Smokey Beer, has many local private breweries within the city. As part of your Included tour, you will visit Zehnthasus, a private brewery established in 1533, where you’ll meet the cellar master and enjoy one of his finest brews.

DAY 8: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
History opens up today as you take a privileged Included guided tour of Nuremberg’s old town. See the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle before heading off to visit the Nuremberg Rallies site and self guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre. Nuremberg is famous for its metal work and toy making. Free time this afternoon allows time for you to perhaps shop for these local specialties.

DAY 9: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Be fascinated today as we cruise through the last stretch of the Main-Danube Canal and learn about the engineering of the step locks and how this construction has opened up the waterways from the Rhine Delta in Holland to the Danube Delta in the Black Sea. Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and you’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour. Witness the beautiful white and gold Old Chapel before walking over the stone bridge across the Danube for a view of the cityscape.

DAY 10: Passau – Linz (FB,L,D)
Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm: (1) A guided tour of Passau followed by a relaxing afternoon of cruising through the European Alps; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. Appreciate the incredible value as you savour your discoveries tonight perhaps over an intimate dinner at Scenic’s exclusive Portobello’s fine dining restaurant.

DAY 11: Melk – Dürnstein – Vienna (FB,L,D)
This morning your ship docks in the town of Melk where we discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to an exclusive SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks. This afternoon your ‘Space-Ship’ glides through the wine region of the Wachau Valley to the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Enjoy time at leisure to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region or join us for a guided bike tour through the vine yards. Tonight our cruise ship arrives in Vienna.

DAY 12: Vienna (FB,L,D)
To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour. Afterwards enjoy time at leisure with your Cruise Director on hand to enhance your experience. Perhaps, visit one of the many museums on offer or shop along the famous “Kartnerstrausse”. Tonight be enchanted by the charm of Viennese fine arts and culture. SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein before an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

DAY 13: Vienna (FB,L,D)
Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) A fabulous guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer palace of the Hapsburgs; or (2) Visit the State Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake in a famous Viennese café; or (3) take a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. This afternoon as we set sail for Hungary relax in one of our many viewing areas on board.

DAY 14: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Guided City tour of both Buda and Pest highlighting the cites finest attractions; or (2) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (3) Relive the history of Hungary’s Communist past and pay tribute to its regime victims at the Museum and Memorial Park dedicated to this era. This evening, be entertained by folklore music and dancers onboard following dinner.

DAY 15: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Today enjoy Budapest at your leisure; perhaps wander the streets of the old town for local crafts or simply relax onboard.

DAY 16: Kalocsa (FB,L,D)
The Baroque provincial town of Kalocsa lies at the periphery of the great Hungarian plain and is renowned for its decorative embroidery and paprika production. Today we will visit a Hungarian Puszta horse farm and enjoy a show before tracing the Turkish origins of paprika.

DAY 17: Vukovar – Novi Sad (FB,L,D)
Vukovar is situated at the confluence of the Vuka River and the Danube. See architectural monuments and baroque squares, along with sombre reminders of the Balkan Wars on your Included guided tour. We cruise the Danube to Novi Sad where our Included guided tour reveals the multicultural origins of the city.

DAY 18: Belgrade (FB,L,D)
Today we explore Serbia’s capital Belgrade, one of the oldest capital cities in Europe and site of the famous siege in 1456 which ‘decided the fate of Christendom’. We’ll visit Tito’s memorial, Fortress Kalemegdan and St Sava Church on our Included tour.

DAY 19: Iron Gate (FB,L,D)
Be sure to have your camera ready as we cruise the spectacular Iron Gate, a narrow gorge carved by the Danube between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Relax on the sun deck or in the observatory lounge as we have a relaxing day of cruising.

DAY 20: Svistov – Veilko Turnovo – Arbanassi – Russe (FB,L,D)
Bulgaria we venture to Veliko Tarnovo, a town with a rich historical past. In the 14th century as the Byzantine Empire weakened the town was the Bulgarian capital and known as the third Rome. The nearby leafy village of Arbanassi, is Included in UNESCO’s world heritage list of valuable cultural sites.

DAY 21: Cernavoda / Black Sea (FB,L,D)
Cernavoda in Romania is our ship’s base today for an excursion to the seaside town of Constanta, the gateway to the Black Sea coast with the largest harbour in the Black Sea. We also visit Mamaia. This popular resort town stretches 8 kilometres in length with only a 300 metre sliver of land separating the Black Sea shore from the waters of Lake Siutghiol.

DAY 22: Bucharest (FB,D)
This morning we disembark our Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ and travel to the Romanian capital of Bucharest. A more modern structure, Ceauçescu’s imposing Palace of the Parliament is the largest building in Europe. Today enjoy an Included sightseeing tour of the town.

DAY 23: Bucharest (FB)
We journey through the farmland and valleys of The Transylvanian plateau today. We’ll visit Bran Castle, originally a stronghold of the Teutonic Knights and of strategic importance as a barrier to invading Ottoman forces. Of course, it is more widely known as the legendary home of Count Dracula.

DAY 24: Bucharest – Nessebar (FB,D)
After breakfast we cross the border into Bulgaria and travel down the Black Sea coast for our overnight stay in Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

DAY 25: Canakkale (FB,D)
Today we enjoy a fascinating tour of Homer’s Troy, a legendary site of the Trojan Wars. We shall even see a giant replica of the Trojan Horse.

DAY 26: Canakkale – Gallipoli (FB,L,D)
Today we travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the WWI landings by allied forces, including ANZAC troops, on the morning of April 25, 1915. We explore the sights and gain an understanding of this unforgettable location. There are over 31 cemeteries on the peninsula which is now a national park and you will have time to explore at leisure this significant location.

DAY 27: Istanbul (FB,D)
We travel along the Northern Aegean coast today heading towards Istanbul. It is famously the only city in the world crossing two continents and linking east with west.

DAY 28: Istanbul (FB)
Highlights of the day Include a visit to the most magnificent example of Byzantium architecture, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. We have time to wander the evocative Grand Bazaar before we enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 29: Istanbul (FB,HD)
Choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a traditional Turkish cooking class where you’ll learn the art of making delicious plates of meze, after which we get to eat them, of course; or (2) an insightful tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine past including a visit to Zeyek Mosque, second only in size to Hagia Sophia as a Byzantium monument; or (3) a visit to an Ottoman Yali, the fashionable summer palaces of the wealthy. We’ll meet the current residents who’ll chat with us about the building’s history whilst we enjoy homemade refreshments. Tonight, SCENIC ENRICH a special treat awaits you as we enjoy our farewell dinner at the stunning Hamdi Restaurant, where outstanding views over the Golden Horn are accompanied by the call to prayer echoing from numerous surrounding mosques.

DAY 30: Istanbul (FB)
After breakfast, our Scenic Tours Representative will transfer you to Istanbul airport for your onward or homebound flight.

• Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner
• On board entertainment program
• Discover Cologne during a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities, including a tasting of the locally brewed specialty beer ‘Kölsch’
• Sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge past famous Lorelei Rock
• Arrive in Rüdesheim and board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and ride the cable car to Niederwald Monument
• Guided sightseeing in one of Europe’s best preserved towns – Bamberg
• Tour of Nuremberg including a guided tour of the Trial Sites
• Afternoon sightseeing tour of Regensburg, visit Thurn and Taxis Castle and see the Old Chapel
• Guided tour of Melk including entry to the magnificent 11th century Melk Benedictine Abbey
• Sail through the Wachau Valley enjoying live commentary as you glide by stunning scenery
• Guided sightseeing tour of Austria’s capital Vienna including a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Enjoy a traditional Hungarian Folklore performance on board your cruise
• Tour both sides of the mighty Danube in historic Budapest with a local guide visiting Heroes’ Square, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion
• Captain’s farewell cocktail reception and dinner
• Witness a spectacular Horse Show in Kalocsa and trace the Turkish origins of paprika during a visit to the Spice Museum
• Visit to Vukovar to enjoy the architectural monuments and baroque squares
• Guided sightseeing in Novi Sad including the Petrovaradin Fortress
• Cruise through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gate dividing Serbia from Romania
• Excursion to the former Roman fortress town of Svistov and UNESCO listed Arbanassi
• Guided sightseeing of Bucharest including a visit to Ceauçescu’s Palace of the Parliament
• Full day excursion to Transylvania including a guided tour of Bran Castle

• 65 superb meals including 23 Full Buffet Breakfasts (FB), 20 Lunches (L) and 22 Dinners (D)
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Five star hotel accommodations
• Exclusive sightseeing tours inclusions
• Vacation price includes ALL gratuities.
• Quality European wines served with dinner onboard
• Private butler service 
• Evenings of entertainment in memorable settings
• Unique Scenic FreeChoice activities
• Free time to explore beautiful historic landmarks
• Exclusive teak deck open air lounge
• On board spa area

Cruising: Category E outside cabin onboard a Scenic Tours ship
Bucharest: To be determined
Istanbul: To be determined

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Port charges are not included in the prices shown above.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive prices are displayed, these prices do not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.