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Dalmatia Discovery Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise

(28 days, Amsterdam - Venice, 2012)
Dalmatia Discovery Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise
This amazing 28 day tour takes you on a 14 day Jewels of Europe river cruise plus a fortnight exploring the best of the Dalmatian Coast, including Dubrovnik and Venice.

Your 28 day tour begins in Amsterdam where you will board a luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ before enjoying the city of Amsterdam, where you can explore its picturesque canals, take a guided bicycle tour or even head to Venlo for the once-in-a-decade 2012 Floriade horticultural festival. You will then set sail for Germany to visit the historic city of Cologne, where you will wander through its Old Town and enjoy a private medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle.

Next you will cruise through the beautiful Rhine Gorge, witnessing stunning castles atop vine-covered slopes as you head through Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg and Regensburg. There will be ample time to experience the character and charm of these beautiful German cities before continuing onto Austria. Your highlight in Austria will truly be its magnificent capital, Vienna where you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime private Viennese evening concert at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart. Finally you will make your way to Hungary and disembark in Budapest. Here you will discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during a guided tour of the city.

You will then travel to Croatia’s capital, Zagreb where you will explore the city and visit the small village of Kumrovec. From Zagreb, you will travel to the incredible capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Filled with a unique mixture of Western and Eastern styles, Sarajevo is referred to as the ‘city with a soul’, and you will visit the heart of the city as you explore Old Sarajevo, Gazi Husrev Beg’s Mosque and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. Next you will journey back into Croatia, to the exquisite city of Dubrovnik, where you will visit its walled Old Town, a World Heritage-listed site, and take a walk around the top of the walls for extraordinary views.

Next is the mid-Dalmatian coastal city of Split, home to the Cellars of the Imperial Palace of Diocletian. En route to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, you will visit Croatia’s stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park and enjoy a guided tour along pathways surrounded by emerald green lakes and stunning waterfalls. Once you arrive in Ljubljana, which means ‘much loved’, you will soak up its amazing atmosphere and witness beautiful architecture before heading to one of Europe’s most picturesque and iconic settings, Lake Bled, which was formed by a glacier retreat and is overlooked by the famous Bled Castle.

Finally, your tour ends in the northern Italian city of Venice where you will explore this most unique city, including a romantic morning gondola serenade whilst gliding under ancient bridges along the city’s canals.

  • 22% more space onboard
  • Portobello’s fine dining – one of 3 dining venues
  • Relax in our 3 viewing areas
  • Experienced Cruise Director
  • ALL meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily included on cruise
  • Coffee, premium teas, espresso drinks and hot chocolate
  • Beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner
  • Wonderful local entertainment
  • Airport transfers
  • Spacious full size balcony suites
  • Complimentary bicycles
  • Whisper Headset for all Guided tours
  • Exclusive private butler service on all Danube Deck cabins
  • ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Included Scenic Enrich

  • Step back in time on a private tour and Medieval Banquet dinner at Marksburg Castle, a 12th century hilltop castle overlooking the Rhine
  • Scenic Village Cultural Experience: Interact with the locals and experience daily life in a German village followed by home-grown entertainment
  • An exclusive organ recital during a guided tour to Melk Benedictine Abbey
  • Over a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private Viennese evening concert
  • Discover the history of Yugoslavia’s President Tito on a visit to an open air museum showcasing traditional village houses
  • Be treated to a home hosted dinner of traditional Bosnian cuisine in a private family home.
  • Journey by traditional ‘Pletna’ wooden boat across the waters of Lake Bled to the famous island
  • Enjoy coffee and cake at Villa Bled, President Tito’s former residence where he entertained heads of State
  • Experience a romantic gondola serenade in Venice

Included Scenic FreeChoice

  • Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam; or a guided bicycle tour; or take an excursion to Zaanse Schans and Edam; or visit Venlo to witness the 2012 Floriade spectacle
  • A walking tour of Würzburg including a private wine tasting; or journey down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg
  • Learn about Nuremberg’s past and present; or Relive history on a WWII dedicated tour; or a self-guided bike tour
  • Enjoy the sights of Passau; or an excursion to Salzburg; or a visit to Cesky Krumlov
  • In Vienna tour Schönbrunn Palace; or see the key sights of Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava; or the Spanish Riding School for a guided tour or to watch the horses exercise
  • In Budapest relax at the Thermal Bath & Spa; or explore the lime stone caves of Labyrinth; or a Liszt Classical music experience
  • A full day excursion to Montenegro; or Guided tour of Dubrovnik’s City Walls
  • Private Venice lagoon cruise; or a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum

Included Scenic Free Time

  • Take an audio guided tour of the sights to explore Amsterdam, Cologne, Bamberg, Regensburg, Vienna and Budapest at your leisure

Included Scenic Dining

  • 64 superb meals including 27 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 1 Highlight Lunch - two course table d’hôte (HL), 15 Lunches - buffet and daily à la carte selections (L), 3 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD) and 18 Dinners - three to four course table d’hôte (D)

Included Scenic Special Stays

  • Dating back to 1925, The Regent Esplanade Zagreb is one of the most famous and gracious buildings in Zagreb
  • The Grand Villa Argentina is moments away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town and also enjoys beautiful sights of the city walls and the Island of Lokrum

Included Scenic Highlights

  • Discover Cologne during a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities
  • Arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
  • Sightseeing tour of Regensburg including a sample from the sausage kitchen
  • Morning guided sightseeing tour of Austria’s capital Vienna
  • Visit the Opera House, St Mark’s Church, Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace on a guided tour of Zagreb
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Sarajevo and visit the Bascarsija, Beg’s Mosque and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum
  • On your guided tour of the Dubrovnik’s old town see the Rector’s palace, Onofrio’s fountain and The old pharmacy
  • Visit the remains of the Imperial Palace of Diocletian and its famous cellars on a guided tour of Split
  • Be amazed on a guided visit of Plitvice National Park in Croatia
  • Visit the Franciscan Church, St Nicholas Cathedral, the Opera House, the National Museum on our guided tour of Ljubljana
  • Visit the Lipica horse farm in Slovenia, see the famous Lipizzaner horses
  • Cruise by private motor launch along the Grand Canal in Venice to our centrally located hotel

Land Touring Exclusive inclusions

  • Luxury 40 seat coach
  • Small group touring experience
  • Professional Tour Director
  • Whisper Headsets for all walking tours
  • All Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage Included on all walking tours

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 ‘Space-Ship’ where you will be warmly invited on-board by your dedicated crew. Tonight enjoy a welcome reception with your fellow travellers. After dinner you may wish to explore Amsterdam by night.
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising
Day 2: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)

Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) a guided bicycle tour or (3) An excursion to the windmills of Zaanse Schans and Edam or (4)  A visit to Venlo for the 2012 Floriade (seasonal option, operates from the 5th April 2012 until the 7th October 2012). 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. Join your guide on an Included tour to explore the Old Town. 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. Step back in time and enjoy a private tour of the castle.

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. 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: European Village Life (FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH: Today you will be taken off the beaten track as an invited guest to experience Village life just for a day- Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Choose from a selection of activities from everyday life like cooking onion pie, or be welcomed into private castles and family wineries. Enjoy home-grown entertainment as you are invited to dine with the locals and relish on their specialities and delicacies prepared just for you.
Day 6: Würzburg (FB,L,D)

Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A guided walking tour of Würzburg including the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace and a wine tasting in the underground cellars; or (2) Enjoy an excursion down the Romantic Road to unforgettable Rothenburg.

Day 7: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Relax on board this morning as we sail towards Bamberg. Bursting with character and charm enjoy the sights of the city on your Included tour. Back on-board, join your fellow passengers for the opportunity to experience some of the region’s finest brews including Bamberg’s renowned Smoked Beer.
Day 8: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) See the infamous WWII sites followed by a self-guided tour of the Documentation Centre; or (2) Learn about Nuremberg’s past before meeting with local students; or (3) A self-guided bicycle tour.
Day 9: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
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. Included is a visit to the world’s oldest sausage kitchen.
Day 10: Passau - Linz (FB,L,D)

Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries: (1) A guided tour of Passau; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) Excursion to the medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov.

Day 11: Melk - Dürnstein - Vienna (FB,L,D)

This morning your ship docks in the town of Melk where you will discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to an SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housed Benedictine Monks. Glide through the Wachau Valley onto Dürnstein. Enjoy leisure time to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region.

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. Afterwards your Cruise Director is on hand to enhance your experience as you explore Vienna at your own leisure. SCENIC ENRICH Highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein followed by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

Day 13: 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. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options to choose from: (1) A fabulous guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer palace of the Hapsburgs; or (2) Take a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava; or (3) Witness the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions refining and perfecting their skills during their routine morning exercise program or a guided tour of the oldest Classical Dressage riding school in the world (not available all departure dates).

Day 14: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during your Included guided city tour. Choose rom one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (2) Explore the lime stone caves under the Castle Labyrinth; or (3) Explore the history of classical music in Hungary.
Day 15: Budapest - Zagreb (FB,D)
Disembark this morning and depart Budapest. Head into a landscape of picturesque thatched houses and stork nests as you travel south through gentle countryside towards central Europe’s largest lake – Balaton, regarded as a major wine growing region. Continue your journey across the border to Croatia. Croatia has emerged confidently from the shadows of the Balkan Wars of the 1990’s. Arriving in Zagreb, take in the sights of the city, whose most noteworthy buildings were constructed during Croatia’s golden age in the 19th century. Enjoy the architecture of the Archbishop’s Palace, Opera House, Cathedral and St Mark’s Church.
Two Night Special Stay: Zagreb   
Day 16: Zagreb (FB,HL)

This morning journey to the quaint village of Kumrovec. SCENIC ENRICH Discover the history of Yugoslavia’s President Tito on a visit to an open air museum showcasing traditional village houses, including the house where he was born and which today hosts a large collection of memorabilia on the former leader. Drive to a charming restaurant located in a gorgeous rural landscape for a delicious lunch. After lunch return to Zagreb where the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Croatian capital.

Day 17: Zagreb - Sarajevo (FB)
Today leave Croatia for the time being as you travel to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Evening is at leisure.
Two Night Stay: Sarajevo
Day 18: Sarajevo (FB,HD)
Sarajevo, is best known for the turmoil of war in the former Yugoslavia. But since then much has changed and Sarajevo has surfaced to become a vibrant metropolis full of life and cultural heritage. The unique mixture of Western and Eastern styles, the way of life, and the pleasant and good natured people is what gives Sarajevo its unique feel and that is why many people refer to Sarajevo as the city with a Soul. Visit Bascarsija in the heart of old Sarajevo, Gazi Husrev Beg’s Mosque and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. SCENIC ENRICH: Tonight you will be treated to a home hosted dinner of traditional Bosnian cuisine in a private family home.
Day 19: Sarajevo - Dubrovnik (FB,L)
On your transfer from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik, stop in the beautiful city of Mostar. On your guided tour of the city, visit the Turkish house and the Old Bridge which was built by the Ottoman Empire in 1565. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before your journey to the impressive Dalmatian coast line.
Three Night Special Stay: Dubrovnik
Day 20: Dubrovnik (FB,D)

The walled old town of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World heritage site and has remained largely unchanged since medieval times. The prosperity of the town has always been based on maritime trade and in the Middle Ages it rivalled Venice as a maritime power. On your Included guided walking tour see Onofrio’s Fountain, the Rector’s Palace and The Old Pharmacy in the Franciscan monastery. The Old Pharmacy was opened in 1317 and is the third oldest pharmacy in Europe however the only one still operating today.

Day 21: Dubrovnik (FB,L)
Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A full day excursion to the ever-changing South Adriatic coast to the country of Montenegro, a county of great natural beauty and immense cultural heritage. Discover the Bay of Kotor, the pearl of the medieval Mediterranean, which will be presented in its full beauty with the Romanesque Cathedral of St Triphun encircled by walls and fortresses included on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Your experience of Montenegro will finish with a visit to Budva, a small town which is believed to be one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast; or (2) The walled old town of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World heritage site and has remained largely unchanged since medieval times. Enjoy a walk around the medieval ramparts which enclose the town and provide magnificent vistas of both the sea and the famous city of red roofs and grey stone.  
Day 22: Dubrovnik - Split (FB,D)
Drive along the impressive Adriatic coast to the coastal city of Split. Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant down town.
Overnight Stay: Split
Day 23: Split - Plitvice (FB,D)
This morning join a local guide for your Included city tour, which will reveal the remains of the massive Imperial Palace of Diocletian, constructed from 293 AD, primarily as a retirement home. Visit the church which is thought to be the oldest in the world and which is still used for services today. Entrance to the Cellars of the Palace is a pearl of wonder due to its mass and history. A last chance to enjoy the sea-breeze before you turn inland and enjoy the rugged natural scenery of the Balkans as you head towards the unique Plitvice National Park.
Overnight Stay: Plitvice
Day 24: Plitvice National Park - Ljubljana (FB)
This morning you will enjoy an Included guided tour of the world famous National Park along meandering pathways as you view a series of emerald green lakes, stepped and linked by increasingly impressive waterfalls. Cross into Slovenia and arrive in its capital Ljubljana, which means ‘much loved’ - you will see why as you appreciate the attractive architecture of this delightful city. Your Included sightseeing tour includes the Opera House, National Museum, Franciscan Church and St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Two Night Stay: Ljubljana
Day 25: Ljubljana (FB,D)
One of Europe’s most picturesque and iconic settings is your destination today - Lake Bled, formed after a glacier retreat and overlooked by the famous Bled Castle. SCENIC ENRICH: Step back in time and take a traditional wooden ‘Pletna’ boat to the stunningly beautiful island in the lake and visit the historic Church of St Mary with its wishing well - you may wish to ring the bell for good luck. Following a short drive visit one of the many picturesque local villages. SCENIC ENRICH: Enjoy coffee and cake at the famous lakeside Villa Bled, former residence of President Tito, where he hosted global statesmen in the post-war years.
Day 26: Ljubljana - Venice (FB)
Today visit Slovenia’s greatest tourist site – the Karst Caves at Postojna. A mini-train will take you underground through a series of beautiful halls adorned with stalagmites and stalagtites, unique shapes that will leave you spellbound. Then on to Lipica stud farm, established for the Holy Roman Empire’s benefit in 1580, where you see the beautiful white Lipizzaner horses that perform dressage at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. This afternoon arrive in magnificent Venice – the most unique city in the world! Cruise up the Grand Canal by private motor launch past ornate and gilded Palazzos and Palladian churches to your superbly located hotel.
Two Night Special Stay: Venice
Day 27: Venice (FB,HD)
SCENIC ENRICH This morning enjoy a romantic gondola serenade as you enjoy this iconic Venetian experience whilst gliding under ancient bridges amongst the breathtaking canals. Appreciate the wealth and power that pervaded this maritime city state in times past during your Included walking tour of the city. Enjoy the bustling cafés in the square, see the clock tower ‘dei Mori’, the Campanile and visit both the stunning Basilica of San Marco and the spectacular Doge’s Palace. Choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours:(1) A private lagoon cruise visiting some of the many islands surrounding Venice; or (2) A guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum. Tonight dine at a traditional restaurant, for your farewell dinner.
Day 28: Venice (FB)
After breakfast your Scenic Tours Representative will transfer* you to Venice airport for your onward or homebound flight. (Please schedule flights for midday.)

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary. 

At a glance
Duration
28 Days
From
$14,290
per person twin share
Dates
25 Jun 2012
On Request
30 Jul 2012
On Request
05 Sep 2012
On Request

Interested?

Enquire now or call 1300 723 642 Download the brochure

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