Danube in Depth
with Scenic
- Prepare Linz’s most famous culinary delight, the Linzer Torte during a cooking class
- 1 Scenic Enrich experience with a private classical evening concert at Palais Liechtenstein
- 27 meals – 9 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L) and 9 dinners (D)
- Super Earlybird offer: Save $2500 per person^
Journey along this enchanting river through four of these countries between Budapest and Nuremberg on board a truly all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship. Pass by a storybook landscape of charming villages, ancient castles and rolling countryside. As the only 10 day cruise along this stretch of river, you can have more time to explore iconic cities, historic abbeys and ornate palaces and taste ales this region is renowned for.
Highlights
- Enjoy more evenings onshore with three overnights in port – Nuremberg, Vienna and Budapest
- Leisurely paced cruising with more time for independent exploration
- Enjoy five daytime sailing stretches with time to relax on board your Scenic Space-Ship
- Prepare Linz’s most famous culinary delight, the Linzer Torte during a cooking class
- Sample locally brewed beer in Nuremberg’s underground Rock Cut Beer Cellars
- Enjoy a choice of up to five on board dining experiences, from casual to fine dining
- 1 Scenic Enrich experience with an enchanting private classical evening concert at Palais Liechtenstein – Exclusive to Scenic
- Make Weisswürste, a traditional sausage popular in Germany
- Learn about Regensburg’s 1,200 years of Jewish history
- Tailor your journey with a variety of Scenic Freechoice including Active, Your way excursions, Moments, Masters & Music activities and
- Interactive Encounters
- Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area
- Scenic Tailormade App for river commentary and independent exploration
Inclusions
- 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 163 guests
- Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
- Butler service for every suite
- 27 meals – 9 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L) and 9 dinners (D)
- Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day – not just at meal times
- Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
- Personalise your trip with 27 included Scenic free choice activities
- The freedom of our e-bikes – electrically assisted bicycles
- Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
- Return airport transfers#
- All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore
Please enquire with your RAC travel consultants for available departure dates. This itinerary operates Scenic Seasonal departures in November with altered itineraries.
Day 1: Budapest
Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe’s oldest and prettiest cities.
This afternoon, board your all-inclusive luxury Scenic Space-Ship and settle into your suite. Balcony Suites have windows that convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you fresh air and uninterrupted views of ever-changing landscapes and life along the riverbanks. Relax and raise a glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception. You will remain docked in Budapest overnight, so you can also set out to explore the city’s famed nightlife if you wish.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Budapest
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. It’s 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.
Scenic Freechoice:Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities
Budapest in depth:
Explore this magical city by coach. Starting in Buda, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side to see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a mesmerising piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.
Beethoven’s favourite getaway:
Travel to Brunszvik Castle, a favourite retreat of the famed composer, to admire its Neo Gothic architecture and the grand gardens. Learn about Beethoven’s life in the dedicated Memorial Museum.
Ancestry of the kitchen cooking class:
Immerse yourself in traditional Hungarian culture as you learn how to make goulash with the locals. This excursion gives a unique opportunity to experience local cuisine, hospitality and the way of life.
Your 5-star Space-Ship will depart Budapest later this afternoon, allowing you some free time to explore the city on your own. Pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters or perhaps explore the Central Market Hall.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Bratislava
Wake up to a rolling tapestry of river life along the Danube as we cruise towards the Slovakian border. Perhaps ask your butler to bring coffee this morning to enjoy in your Scenic Sun Lounge.
Slovakia’s capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious with Medieval and Gothic architecture. Its well-preserved hilltop castle, which dates back to the ninth century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, which is evident around the city.
Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities
Walking tour of Bratislava:
Join a knowledgeable local guide to see the highlights of the city, including the Hlavné Námestie (main square) and the Old Town Hall while discovering about the history of the city. You’ll also learn what everyday life was like behind the Iron Curtain and taste some local delicacies.
Coffee & Cake at Kormuth Bakerai:
Experience Bratislava’s famed coffee house culture. Your local guide will tell you the history of the café which is said to date back to the 16th century while you admire the spectacular architecture, frescoed ceilings and, of course, the magnificent home-made cakes with recipes from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Ancestry of the kitchen cooking class:
One of the best ways to get to know a culture is through its cuisine and during this hands-on workshop you will do just that, as you learn how to prepare traditional Slovak Bryndzové Halušky (potato dumplings with cheese).
The rest of the day is at leisure to wander the city of Bratislava on your own. Alternatively, stay on board your Scenic Space-Ship and relax in the Panorama Lounge and Bar where you can sip on regional beer and wine while enjoying views of the city before we depart later tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Vienna
Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a centre of art, music and culture. The city fostered the musical geniuses Mozart and Beethoven, and oozes charm with magnificent Baroque buildings, ample green spaces, a vibrant coffee-house scene, and masterpiece-filled galleries and museums.
Scenic Freechoice:Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities
Schönbrunn Palace:
Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, an influential European family which ruled Austria from 1282 until 1918. Wander its ornately designed rooms, see impressive gardens, and hear about the royal family that lives here and their storied tales of territory expansion.
Cycle to Klosterneuburg Monastery:
Cycle to a hidden architectural gem just a few kilometres away from Vienna, the Klosterneuburg Monastery. With more than 900 years of history, the monastery is surrounded by vineyards and flourishing nature.
Belvedere Museum:
Visit one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque landmarks and explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Max Beckmann.
Central Vienna:
Vienna is brimming with history, elegance and diverse architecture. During this tour your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to explore as you wish.
Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore Vienna on your own or relax on board your luxurious Space-Ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Krems > Dürnstein
This morning, arrive in the charming town of Krems, located in the spectacular Wachau Valley.
Scenic Freechoice:Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities
Göttweig Abbey:
Founded in the sixth century, the abbey burned down during the 18th century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will show you its impressive frescoes as well as the staircase, the largest Baroque staircase in Austria.
Wachau Valley wine tasting:
The Wachau Valley is one of the prominent regions for wine growing in Austria. Today you'll visit a local winemaker and learn about the flavour profile and age-old traditions of winemaking while sampling the delicious wines produced on site.
E-biking from Krems to Dürnstein:
Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the pretty town of Dürnstein before returning to the ship. Pass by charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube whilst observing daily life in the region.
Later, arrive in Dürnstein, a small and picturesque town in the Wachau Valley. Enjoy some free time to explore this World Heritage-listed town, perched on the edge of the Danube River and. surrounded by ancient terraced vineyards.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Linz
Today your Space-Ship will dock in the heart of Linz. This city is known for its vibrant music and arts scene and beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and lifestyle. The city’s quaint old town and Main Square are resplendent in Baroque architecture, while its harbour doubles as an outdoor street art gallery.
Scenic Freechoice:Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities
Explore Linz by foot:
Join a local guide on a walking tour to discover the balance between the city’s vibrant history and contemporary living.
Full day excursion to Ceský Krumlov:
Journey to the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov, a World Heritage site brimming with charm. Explore with your local guide, admire the well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch in a restaurant with local cuisine.
Mauthausen WWII Concentration Camp:
Venture out of the city to Mauthausen’s former concentration camp that housed more than 190,000 people between 1938 and 1945, during the reign of the National Socialist party. Learn about the terrible conditions that the prisoners lived under during this sombre tour.
Linzer Torte Tasting:
For something light-hearted, join a cooking class in one of the cities oldest cafes to taste the famous Linzer Torte. Hear the 400-year history of this iconic tart, baked using handmade short crust pastry, red currant jam and almonds.
This afternoon and evening are at leisure. If you’re feeling adventurous, lace up your walking shoes to hike to Postlingberg Church, perched high above the city or perhaps explore the city’s local nightlife with many galleries and museums open after dark or wander and appreciate the glistening skyline.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Passau
Set on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau has been an important trading city since Medieval times, particularly for salt, commonly known as ‘white gold’. Each river is distinct in colour and some days you can clearly see the green, blue and black hues where the waters meet. At the centre of the Baroque city, the 13th century Italianate Old Town is packed with tight laneways tunnels and archways, including an ‘Artist’s mile’ where old buildings are occupied by artist studios, workshops and galleries.
Scenic Freechoice:Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities
Highlights of Passau:
Join your local guide on a walking tour, admiring the brightly coloured buildings that line the waterways. Visit St Stephens Cathedral, originally built in the year 450 but destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in the Baroque style.
Paddling on the River Inn:
Take in this region from a different perspective as you paddle down the River Inn past charming villages, ancient castles and historic bridges, crossing between Germany and Austria.
Cross border cycling:
Travel further afield on a guided e-bike ride along the Inn River, during which you will cross the border from Germany to Austria. Cycle through charming towns, viewing local life and admire the spectacular views of the region.
Passau photography safari:
Bring your camera to capture the beauty of Passau. Your expert guide will take you to some of the city’s best vantage points, such as picturesque streets, the Old Town Hall and the point where the three rivers meet.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Regensburg
You will arrive in Regensburg after lunch today. Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved Medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country.
Scenic Freechoice:Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities
Walking tour of Regensburg:
On the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved Mmedieval city in Germany. Guests will join a walking tour with a local guide to see the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria.
Traditional sausage making class:
Join an expert from a local family-owned butcher for a hands-on lesson in the art of making traditional white breakfast sausages. Learn the recipe, how to measure the ingredients and fill the casing, and the importance of fresh herbs.
Bavarian beer tasting:
Learn about intricacies of beer making and the region's rich brewing heritage. Visit a traditional brewery to taste a variety of distinctive Bavarian brews.
Passau photography safari:
Bring your camera to capture the beauty of Passau. Your expert guide will take you to some of the city’s best vantage points, such as picturesque streets, the Old Town Hall and the point where the three rivers meet.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Nuremberg
Arrive in Nuremberg today. The city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th century Imperial Castle, which was the preferred residence of German kings.
Behind its charming façade, Nuremberg also has a turbulent history. During WWII, the city was favoured by the Nazis for party rallies and many of the anti-Jewish laws began here. By 1945, the city was reduced to rubble, including large sections of the Imperial Castle and Old Town. After the war, Nazi leaders were tried here for the atrocities that took place.
Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice activities
Walking tour of Nuremberg Old Town:
Drive into Nuremberg’s city centre, passing by the ancient city walls, then join your local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Imperial Castle, St. Egidien’s Church and the market square.
Traditional sausage making class:
Join an expert from a local family-owned butcher for a hands-on lesson in the art of making traditional white breakfast sausages. Learn the recipe, how to measure the ingredients and fill the casing, and the importance of fresh herbs.
World War II tour:
Your local guide will highlight the main events that occurred in Nuremberg during the Nazi regime. Learn about this dark time in Germany's history and visit some of the most important sites.
Rock cut beer cellar
Go underground to discover Nuremberg’s unique historical beer culture. More than 20,000 square metres of rock cut cellars sit beneath the historical city centre and have been used to store and brew beer. Finish your tour with a tasting of traditional brews.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Nuremberg
Your journey concludes this morning. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Nuremberg Airport for your onward travels or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water.
Meals: Breakfast
Need flights? Let your RAC travel consultant take care of your flights as part of your booking — no need to spend time researching airlines, comparing prices, or juggling multiple reservations. With everything arranged in one place, you’ll save time and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with expert planning and personalised service.
Departures: Multiple departure dates available in 2026 & 2027
| Stateroom | Standard Price per person, twin share |
Super Earlybird Price Per person, twin share |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (E) | From $7545* | From $5045* |
| Balcony Suite (C) | From $10,045* | From $7545* |
| ^OFFER: Super Earlybird saving of $2500 per person | ||
Advertised price is based on 26 August 2027 departure. Prices are subject to change based on availability. Prices correct as at 14 January 2026.
Please ask your RAC consultant for other cabin category and date availability*Price based on GHNB:26 August 2027 departure in a Standard Suite. Valid for sale until 18 March 2026 unless sold out prior. Prices are per person (pp), AUD, twin share and are subject to availability at time of booking. Prices are correct as of 14 January 2026. Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.
^Super Earlybird: Saving offer of $2500 per person is valid for new booking made by 18 March 2026. Maximum Super Earlybird saving included in advertised price. Full payment due 10 months prior departure. Once sold out or if full payment is not received the best available offer will apply. If booking within 10 months, full payment is required within 30 days. Not combinable with any other offer. All bookings are subject to our full terms and conditions. Please check with your RAC travel consultant for details.
#Complimentary transfers are only valid if arriving and departing on day of embarkation and disembarkation.
RAC Travel general terms and conditions apply.