8-18 JUNE 2025

DESTINATION DANUBE

FROM BUCHAREST TO BUDAPEST

IN THE HEART OF HISTORY

Board the Scenic Crystal and set off down the great Danube to explore five countries steeped in culture and antiquities. Unleash your inner historian as you walk through ancient fortresses and dine with royalty.

Traveling Resource

Traveling resource Sir Mark Vlasic will be joining our journey with expert knowledge and insights.

ITINERARY

BUCHAREST

ROMANIA

Ottoman Empire

Home to the legendary Vlad the Impaler famed for his raids against the Ottoman Empire and the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Romania boasts a rich and vibrant past. The country gained its independence following the Revolution of 1989.

Bucharest, Romania

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Bucharest from the Triumphant Arch to Revolution Square. Spend some time at the Ceauşescu House with its golden accents, bright mosaics, and peacocks featured in every room.

Enjoy an education session followed by a cocktail reception where the attire will be smart casual, the entertainment captivating, and the refreshments sublime.

RUSE

BULGARIA

The Scenic Crystal

Featuring airy cabins, this luxury river liner offers internet, sun balconies, and butler services for every room. Enjoy unparalleled views of the Danube River on deck or in the quiet of your cabin with its floor-to-ceiling windows.

Introductions to Bulgaria

Long before Bulgaria was born, civilization in the area flourished. Ruled by the Ottoman Empire for five centuries, Bulgaria was liberated in 1878 and is now a member of NATO and the European Union.

Savor Authentic Ruse

After a brief stint on the water, disembark in Ruse. Savor an authentic Bulgarian meal at the popular Mehana Chiflika restaurant, and perhaps catch one of the folk performances they are famed for.

IRON GATES

DANUBE RIVER

Bid farewell to Bulgaria

Embark on a two-day cruise towards your next destination. Participate in education sessions and roundtables in the afternoon, then meet up with your CEO peers for a pajama party. Enjoy themed snacks and a viewing of the new Dracula movie.

Lined by fortresses and castles

The Danube River was pivotal in the settlement of southeastern and central Europe and in its trade and economic development.

Pass through the Iron Gates

Enjoy a restful day aboard the Scenic Crystal, then raise a glass as you pass through the Iron Gates—a massive gorge rising up on either side of the river ending in two hydroelectric dams and power stations—and on into Serbia.

BELGRADE

SERBIA

Through the Empires

Though it has endured many empire changes over the centuries, Serbia has never instigated war, only ever fighting in defense of their nation and culture.

Eat, Drink, and Dance

Walk the ancient streets of Kalemegdan Fort, built upon the bones of Attila, according to legend—the historical core of Belgrade.

Head to Belgrade Pier to feast at a restaurant Dine Around, experiencing the best of city’s cuisine while enjoying this delightful neighborhood.

Meet the Royalty

Born in exile, Crown Prince Alexander refused to take the title of King upon his father’s death, believing his situation rendered it meaningless. He returned to Belgrade in 1991 and hundreds of thousands welcomed him home.

Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of Belgrade’s Bohemian Quarter with its cafe’s, art galleries, and street musicians, then take in the Nikola Tesla Museum—a testament to the scientist’s life and work.

Visit the Saint Sava Church and enjoy a musical performance in the crypt with its stunning frescoes, golden ceiling, and dazzling chandeliers.

In the evening, set off for a tour of the Royal Palace, then dine with HRH Crown Prince Alexander and his sons Alexander and Philip at the White Palace.

OSIJEK

CROATIA

Croatian Wine

Winemaking in Croatia began back in the 5th century BC. Surviving the Ottoman Empire’s ban on alcohol due to their tolerance of Christianity and the necessity of wine for Catholic church services, wine remains a significant part of Croatian culture today.

Kopački and Josić’s

Take a guided boat tour of the Kopački Rit National Park. With more than 140 unique plant species and well over 260 bird species, discover why it is considered one of the continent’s most important wetlands.

Josić’s Winery and Restaurant features a modern take on traditional Croatian cuisine, and each meal is loving paired with high-quality local wine—a true celebration of the nation’s culinary heritage.

KALOCSA AND BUDAPEST

HUNGARY

Kalocsa

Defeated by the Ottoman Empire, and sundered into three parts, Hungary endured several wars for independence and was reunified in the 18th century.

Experience a traditional Hungarian village party at Bakodpuszta farm. Enjoy carriage rides and a horse show along with local music and dance, then visit the marketplace to see the paprika-making station and the handicrafts.

The revelry continues aboard the Scenic Crystal in the evening with a Gypsy party on the roof. Enjoy a farewell dinner along with classic Roma music and fortune-telling.

Budapest

The Hungarian Parliament functioned as the supreme authority under communist rule, returning to democracy when the Iron Curtain fell. The Parliament Building’s design was inspired by the Palace of Westminster.

The Architecture

Budapest offers an eclectic mix of architectural styles from antique ruins and medieval buildings to baroque houses on cobblestone streets. Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance structures are scattered throughout the city, along with buildings of Contemporary and Art Nouveau design.

Walk through History

Walk through the Castle District and enjoy lunch at Café Perillo or visit the House of Terror—a museum showcasing life in Hungary under communist rule and a memorial to its victims.

For a Jewish program, tour the city and take in the Great Synagogue on Dohány Street.

Vigadó will host our final evening in Hungary. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner, lively entertainment, and refreshing cocktails at the second largest concert hall in Budapest. The culmination of Destination Danube, this gala event will be a night to remember. Raise a glass and celebrate the journey.