Europe 2026 Itinerary REVISED REVISED REVISED

 October 2026

This trip started out as a river cruise Budapest to Bucharest with Scenic Cruises Oct 18 - 25.

So we booked our own flights and chose to fly Air France through Paris and on to Vienna for a few days, then train to Budapest a couple of days before the river cruise began. Since it was ending in Bucharest we decided to stay on for a few days and fly home from Warsaw through Paris and home on Air France.

Towards the end of September we began hearing many social media messages regarding the low water depths on the Danube. We saw cruises that were more like bus tours as the companies attempted to keep "afloat". We were not happy with that idea, but were willing to do it as they were offering decent rebates.

On October 1 we received this email offering a full refund.

We are writing regarding your upcoming Eastern European & Balkans River Cruise departing Budapest on October 18, 2026.
Unfortunately, European river levels continue to decline due to ongoing warm temperatures and very little precipitation. In addition to these challenging river conditions, the Hungarian authorities have announced a complete shipping closure at Paks, located between Budapest and Mohacs. The closure is required to support water management works associated with the operational safety of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. 
After carefully considering the current conditions and the options available to us, we have made the difficult decision to cancel your Eastern European & Balkans River Cruise departing October 18, 2026.

Great! We decided to make our own plans working around our already booked flights. We would visit the same countries by train but go to to a main city in each. We worked and worked on that plan and found that the train service was broken in many places. So we stuck to the plan to train to Budapest and then train to Zagreb and fly elsewhere saving over 30 hours of travel.

Then we decided to drop Croatia (Sophia) off the plan. It didn't make sense for one day.

Plans made.

then the night before we were supposed to leave Air France kept delaying our departure. By Monday morning our flights with Air France (Paris - Vienna)  were cancelled and we are now booked on an earlier flight to Copenhagen then Vienna!!!!!!!!

Cool, we rolled with that.

Come Oct 17 and we were in Budapest with a train ride to Zagreb Oct 18 arriving 11 PM (7 hours) and Oct 19 in Zagreb and flying to to Belgrade Oct 20, didn't seem like such a good idea. So we cancelled that and styed an additional two nights in Budapest.

EUROPE ITINERARY OVERVIEW

October 12 – October 31, 2026

WEEK 1: VIENNA & BUDAPEST

Oct 12 | Toronto ➔ Copenhagen (In Transit) Status: BOOKED

Oct 13 | Copenhagen ➔ Vienna (Arrival) Transit: Flight 

Hotel Base: Ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof (Am Hauptbahnhof 2, 1100 Vienna, Austria)

Oct 14 | Vienna 

Oct 15 | Vienna

Oct 16 | Vienna ➔ Budapest Transit: ÖBB Railjet Train Hotel Hilton Garden Inn

Oct 17 | Budapest 

WEEK 2: BALKANS & TRANSYLVANIA

Oct 18 | Budapest

Oct 19 | Budapest

Oct 20 | Budapest ➔ Belgrade Transit: Air Serbia Hotel C

Oct 21 | Belgrade 

Oct 22 | Belgrade 

Oct 23 | Belgrade ➔ Bucharest Transit: Air Serbia Hotel H

Oct 24 | Bucharest

WEEK 3: TRANSYLVANIA & POLAND

Oct 25 | Bucharest ➔ Brașov Hotel R

Oct 26 | Brașov ➔ Bucharest 

Oct 27 | Bucharest 

Oct 28 | Bucharest ➔ Warsaw Transit: LOT Polish Airlines Hotel H

Oct 29 | Warsaw 

Oct 30 | Warsaw 

Oct 31 | Warsaw ➔ Paris ➔ Toronto (Return)

ORIGINAL RIVER CRUISE

Tour Name: Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled

Tour Code: BUBU

Days: 9

Day 1

Sun, 18 Oct

Budapest (D)

Welcome to Budapest, the Hungarian capital and one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. 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. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and  everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.

Board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship, your home for the next week.

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

Day 2

Mon, 19 Oct

Mohács (B,L,D)

You will arrive in Mohács this morning. Straddling the Danube, this small Hungarian town was the site of the 16th century Battle of Mohács, which led to the destruction of the Hungarian monarchy and the rise of Ottoman and Habsburg rule.

Scenic Freechoice:

Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Guided tour of Pecs: Located close to the Croatian border, this guided tour will take you to the city’s first telephone exchange, which opened in 1885; the Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, demolished in the late 19th century but   unearthed in the 1970s, and more.

Villány wine village: The region of Villány is known for its big, bold red wines. Learn about everyday life in Hungary, then proceed to a historic wine cellar where you can sample local drops.

Zsolnay Ceramics Museum: Founded in 1853, Zsolnay Porcelain has a proud history of creating hand-painted ceramics. View a splendid collection housed in the company’s former factory.

Day 3

Tue, 20 Oct

Vukovar (B,L,D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive this morning in the Croatian town of Vukovar, a poignant city with a turbulent history. Over the past 500 years it has been part of the Ottoman, Habsburg and Austro-Hungarian empires, and in  the 1990s was the epicentre of the Croatian War of Independence. Many of the grand Baroque buildings remain standing but bear the scars of the war.

Scenic Freechoice:

Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Walking tour of Osijek: Travel by coach from Vukovar to the charming Croatian city of Osijek for a guided walking tour. Explore the well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress, soaking in the area's historic elegance. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear some traditional and classical music popular in the region.

Baranja wine region: In this picturesque region straddling Croatia and Hungary, explore a rich wine-making tradition and scenic vineyards. Enjoy a tasting experience blending bold notes, local culture and breathtaking landscapes.

After your touring this morning, visit the home of a local 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.

Day 4

Wed, 21 Oct

Belgrade (B,L,D)

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, Brutalist and Art Nouveau buildings and a bohemian vibe. One of the oldest capitals in Europe, Belgrade has been rebuilt almost 40 times.

Scenic Freechoice:

Explore more of the region on one of these Freechoice excursions:

Orientation tour of Belgrade: Tour the iconic 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. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own.

Panoramic tour of Belgrade with 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 and 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.

This afternoon, you’re free to explore Belgrade further. You might like to soak up the bohemian culture with a wander along the cobblestoned Skardalija Street, a district once frequented by writers and artists and other creative souls, now home to traditional restaurants, local stores and galleries.

Scenic Enrich

Visit St. Sava Temple, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans. Have a chance to admire the frescos-lined walls of the cathedral’s crypt where the church choir will perform some of the most beautiful hymns just for you. The crypt’s remarkable acoustics make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as white marble adorns the remarkable ceilings.

Day 5

Thu, 22 Oct

Cruising Day (B,L,D)

Today you’ll cruise through the spectacular scenery of the Djerdap Gorge system, or Iron Gates. This stretch of the Danube is the natural border between Serbia and Romania, and features four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs and the mighty rock carving of Decebalus, the former Romanian king.

Spend some time relaxing in your suite, many of which feature a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted

views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Danube. Perhaps relax on the Sun Deck then mingle with other guests in the Panorama Lounge & Bar.

Day 6

Fri, 23 Oct

Svishtov > Rousse (B,L,D)

Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svishtov this morning. Here you will have the choice to disembark and take an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, known as the City of the Kings, or stay on board and cruise towards Rousse, which has been described as ‘Little Vienna’.

Scenic Freechoice:

Discover more on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi: Take a full day excursion from Svishtov to Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns. Enjoy the panoramic views of the old town and see the Asenevtsi Brothers Monument. You will then venture to the nearby leafy village of Arbanassi.

Walking tour of Rousse: Stay on board your Scenic Space-Ship and enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Rousse.

Upon arrival join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of this opulent town and an exclusive piano recital.

Day 7

Sat, 24 Oct

Silistra (B,L,D)

Arrive in Silistra early this morning. This Bulgarian town has changed hands many times over the centuries. As a major Turkish fortress and trade centre in the 15th century, it played a significant role in the Russo-Turkish wars of the 1870s, briefly became part of Romania after the Second Balkan War and finally reverted to Bulgaria in 1940. The town is dotted with historic sites stretching back to late Roman times.

Scenic Freechoice:

Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities:

Active walk to Silistra Fort: 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.

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, see customary attire and visit the Alfatar school to meet local children with a charming choir performance and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians.

Sveshtari Thracian Secrets: Explore the ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari and discover the rich heritage and flavours of Bulgaria on this unique guided tour.

Day 8

Sun, 25 Oct

Giurgiu > Bucharest (B,L,D)

This morning, farewell your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Bucharest. The capital of Romania was once called the ‘Paris of the East’, however WWII changed the face of the city with much of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture destroyed. Now a unique mix of Art Nouveau remnants and Brutalist – era architecture sit alongside wide, tree lined boulevards and leafy squares, hidden street art and thriving nightlife.

Upon arrival, take an orientation tour of the city by coach, from the south of Bucharest to Primaverii Palace stopping to see its squares, including Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square and Charles de Gaulle Square.

Scenic Freechoice:

After the city tour, personalise the rest of your morning with the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Ceausescu’s Spring Palace: Located in one of the wealthiest districts in Bucharest, this 1960s residence is made up of 80 distinctive and elegant rooms decorated with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by famous Romanian painters, mosaics, marble, chandeliers and mirrors made of Murano glass.

Village Open Air Museum: Explore the ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture at the Village

Open Air Museum. The museum depicts authentic houses, barns, churches and more, rebuilt by craftsmen using traditional techniques. Afterwards, head to your hotel and dine with your fellow guests.

Day 9

Mon, 26 Oct

Bucharest (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for your onward journey, taking with you a treasure trove of wonderful memories.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions

Sunday Oct 18 Budapest

 

Itinerary

Oct 12 -13 Toronto - Copenhagen - Vienna

Oct 13 - Vienna

Oct 14 - Vienna

Oct 15 - Vienna

Oct 16 - Vienna to Budapest by train

Oct 17 - Budapest

Oct 18 - Budapest 

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Canceling our trip to Zagreb to spend more time in Budapest turned out to be the absolute best decision, giving us a perfectly relaxed day to enjoy the city without any rush.

Me, of little faith, double-checked that our extended hotel stay was correctly booked, being especially glad to be served by a woman! Yes, we needed new keys and a credit card for the extension.

Lobby

We started the morning lazily, filling up at the hotel buffet breakfast and resting in our room until 12:30 PM before finally catching a Bolt ride over to the Buda side. 

Looking left and right outside hotel.

Dropped off right at the historic castle gates, we were absolutely delighted as we wandered down the charming cobblestone streets toward the stunning Fisherman's Bastion. 
John had little to no remembrance of going there in 2012, so we looked at the photos.

Fisherman’s Bastion is arguably the most photogenic, blog-worthy viewpoint in Budapest, offering an unmatched panoramic look at the Danube River and the spectacular Hungarian Parliament. Located high up on the Buda Castle Hill, this stunning neo-Romanesque structure looks straight out of a Disney movie or a Hogwarts set, making it a non-negotiable stop for any travel blog or social feed.

If you want the dry historical details go over to our 2012 post, link above.

After pausing at the ticket machines to pay the small fee for entry to the upper turrets, we stepped onto the ramparts to explore the Neo-Romanesque lookout towers, which felt like stepping straight into a fairy tale. We just soaked in those elevated, panoramic views of the Danube and the grand Parliament building.

We made our way over to the grand Buda Castle Palace grounds. 

Perched grandly across the Danube River from the Parliament, Buda Palace (Buda Castle) is the striking historical anchor of Budapest’s skyline. Originally a 13th-century medieval fortress, it was transformed into a sweeping Baroque-Historicist royal palace under Habsburg rule. Today, this massive UNESCO World Heritage site doesn't just house world-class museums like the Hungarian National Gallery—it is also the stage for one of Europe’s most ambitious, dramatic, and highly debated architectural transformations.

Perched high on the hills of Castle District, Buda Castle holds some of the best architectural treasures in Budapest. Among its most striking features is the Habsburg Gate and the monumental Turul Bird Statue, which stand proudly overlooking the Danube River.

The bronze statue of the Turul Bird, sculpted by Gyula Donáth in 1903, this mythical creature is central to Hungarian history:

• A Symbol of Power: The Turul is a divine, falcon-like bird from ancient Magyar mythology, representing birth, destiny, and the nation's origins.

• Clutching the Sword: Look closely and you will see the majestic bird gripping the sword of Attila the Hun in its razor-sharp talons, spreading its wings as if ready to take flight over the city below.

This is the core of the Royal Palace complex, which houses the Hungarian National Gallery.

The central neo-Baroque dome sits atop Wing C. It was redesigned and rebuilt in its towering present form during the post-WWII reconstruction of the palace.

Standing at the palace edge, the sweeping view of Budapest completely took our breath away; we could trace the entire bend of the Danube River, gaze down at the iconic Chain Bridge, and spot the bustling streets of the Pest side stretching out as far as the eye could see. 

We capped off the perfect afternoon by sitting back with a cold beer on the Savoy Terrace, drinking in that incredible city skyline one last time.

Fountain of King Matthias (Mátyás kútja), a monumental Neo-Baroque bronze and stone fountain located in the western courtyard of Buda Castle in Budapest.

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Right behind the stately grand dome of the building—which houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum—we stumbled upon a fantastic surprise, The Royal Riding Hall & Guardhouse, located in the lower courts, these ornate buildings have been perfectly rebuilt. The Riding Hall features breathtaking stained glass and serves as a gorgeous modern event venue.

 A majestic pair of soldiers on horseback on full display against the backdrop of the palace's massive, weathered stone walls. 

We finally left the palace grounds and headed down for a late lunch at the vibrant Spíler Biergarten. 

Lunch. Most days in Budapest we had a late lunch/supper, lupper, eating around 4:30.

Pork knuckle with a good crackling!

Hungarian beef stew (marhapörkölt) served with egg dumplings (nokedli).

Back outside.

From there, we braved the endless, thigh-burning flight of Castle Hill stairs and made it to the Clark Ádám tér (Adam Clark Square), one of Budapest's most iconic and strategically central public squares, located on the Buda side of the Danube River in the Víziváros neighborhood. It serves as a major geographical, historical, and transit hub.

Named after the brilliant Scottish engineer Adam Clark, this bustling hub is the ultimate launching pad for some of Budapest’s greatest architectural wonders.

• The Széchenyi Chain Bridge: The square serves as the western gateway to Budapest’s oldest and most famous bridge. Walk across it from the Pest side, and you will land directly in Clark Ádám tér, greeted by its famous stone lions.

• The Buda Castle Tunnel (Alagút): Look west, and you will see a grand, classical archway tunneling straight through the mountain. Designed by Adam Clark himself, this 350-meter shortcut allowed 19th-century locals to walk right through Castle Hill instead of climbing over it.

• The Zero Kilometer Stone: Look closely near the funicular station for a sleek, 3-meter-high limestone sculpture shaped like the number "0". This is the exact geographical center of Hungary. Every single highway distance sign you see across the country is measured from this exact spot.

• The Buda Castle Funicular (Budavári Sikló): Want to get up to the Castle District without burning out your calves? The lower station of this historic, 1870-built cable railway sits right on the square. It offers a quick, scenic two-minute ride up the cliff face.

 Hotel Clark Budapest. Its curved facade matches the shape of the Clark Ádám tér roundabout, making it the only hotel with this exact, unbeatable front-row view.

Just in time to stroll across the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge, before sunset.

No river cruise ships on the Danube, the water is so low. There are a few dinner ships.

We hung around here for about 30 minutes waiting for a sunset...

Even though the sky didn't cooperate for a sunset, we happily wandered the streets in search of a sweet treat, ultimately returning to a familiar favorite from our first day, Anna Café / Bistro. We treated ourselves to traditional Hungarian golden dumplings (aranygaluska) smothered in rich vanilla sauce, and fully sated from a flawless day of exploring, we finally headed back and settled in for the evening.