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Essence of Ireland Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise

(25 days, Dublin - Budapest, 2012)
Essence of Ireland Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise
This 25 day tour showcases Ireland’s famous sights before travelling to Amsterdam to board a luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ to cruise to Budapest via Germany and Austria.

Your 25 day tour begins with an Irish adventure in Dublin, absorbing everything that this cosmopolitan capital has to offer. From Dublin you will travel to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, for your first sights of the country’s iconic lush green hills and to learn to bake traditional Irish scones.

You will spend two days in Killarney surrounded by lakes and with the Macgillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain overlooking it. Next is Connemara National Park, a 5,000 acre natural wonderland featuring wild and rugged mountains and calm and peaceful lakes. You will visit Derry and Donegal on your way to the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Whilst in Belfast you will enjoy a guided tour of the city, taking in the neo-classical City Hall, modern Waterfront Hall and gorgeous Linen Hall Library. You will then head down the east coast back to Dublin where an evening of great Irish ‘craic’ awaits.

The Netherlands is your next destination where you can explore the picturesque canals of Amsterdam or take a guided bicycle tour. You may even choose to head to Venlo for 2012 Floriade, held only once a decade. From Amsterdam you will board your home for the next 15 days, a luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ to commence the second unforgettable leg of this journey, the Jewels of Europe river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Cruising through Germany you will visit the historic city of Cologne, where you will explore its Old Town and dine at a private medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle.

The beautiful Rhine Gorge and its stunning castles atop vine-covered slopes is your backdrop as you cruise through Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg and Regensburg, with plenty of time allowed to experience the character and charm of these beautiful German cities. In the beautiful Austrian capital, Vienna, 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 cruise into Budapest, where you will discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during a guided tour of the city.

  • 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

  • Enjoy traditional Irish scones at Ballyknocken House
  • Visit the historic embarkation point for Irish emigrants to Australia and the Americas at the Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Visit a local pub and receive a round of drinks from your Tour Director
  • Visit and tour the world’s oldest legal whiskey distillery
  • A private tour and Medieval Banquet dinner at Marksburg Castle
  • Scenic Village Cultural Experience: Interact with the locals and experience daily life in a German village followed by home-grown entertainment and specialised cuisine exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • An exclusive organ recital during a guided tour to Melk Benedictine Abbey
  • At the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private evening Viennese concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart

Included Scenic Free Time

  • Take a guided audio tour of the sights to explore in Amsterdam, Bamburg and Vienna at your leisure

Included Scenic FreeChoice

  • A guided tour of Trinity College; or the National Museum in Dublin
  • 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
  • Learn about Nuremberg’s past and present; or Relive history on a WWII dedicated tour; or a self-guided bike tour
  • A walking tour of Würzburg including a private wine tasting; or journey down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg
  • Enjoy the sights of Passau; or excursion to Salzburg; or excursion 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

Included Scenic Dining

  • 59 superb meals including 24 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 13 Lunches - buffet and daily à la carte selections (L), 4 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD) and 18 Dinners - three to four course table d’hôte (D)

Included Scenic Special Stays

  • Opposite Trinity College, the Westin Dublin is housed within a former bank and the 19th Century financial heritage is evident throughout this centrally located property
  • Glenlo Abbey is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offering luxury accommodation in a converted Abbey, it even has its own Orient Express Carriage, where we will have dinner

Included Scenic Highlights

  • Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at your centrally located Dublin hotel
  • On a guided tour of Dublin see the O’Connell Bridge, Dublin University, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Parliament House
  • Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and enjoy a Guinness tasting
  • See St.Kevin’s Cathedral and the round tower during a visit to Glendalough Visitor Centre
  • Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone
  • Enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride in the National Park at Killarney
  • Visit Muckross House and the reproduction farms in Killarney
  • Enjoy a ferry ride across the River Shannon in County Clare
  • Take an orientation tour of Galway and visit the historic town square
  • Enter Connemara National Park to visit the burren region and see the largest lake in Ireland, Lough Corrib
  • Stop in Clifton and visit the monastic home of the Benedictine Nuns at Kylemore Abbey
  • Visit the grave of W.B Yeat’s in Drumcliff
  • Enjoy a guided city tour from the walls of Derry (Londonderry)
  • Take a scenic drive along the Causeway Coast and visit the UNESCO listed Giant’s Causeway
  • Enjoy views to Scotland whilst enjoying afternoon tea at Ballygally Castle Hotel
  • See the Linen Hall library, City Hall and the Waterfront Hall on your guided city tour of Belfast
  • Enjoy a Hooley Show of traditional music and dancing
  • Discover historic Cologne during a guided walking tour
  • In Rüdesheim visit Siegfried’s Musical Instrument museum
  • Guided sightseeing in one of Europe’s best preserved towns – Bamberg
  • Sightseeing tour of Regensburg and see the Old Chapel
  • Guided tour of Melk including entry to Melk Benedictine Abbey
  • Guided sightseeing tour of Vienna

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

Day 1: Dublin
Welcome to Dublin. Your Scenic Tours Representative will personally greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer* to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure before meeting up this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Two Night Special Stay: Dublin
Day 2: Dublin (FB,HD)

Vikings were the first known settlers of this cosmopolitan city in 988AD, and Dublin remained a small, walled medieval town until the middle of the 17th century. Our expert local guide will help us discover the history and charm of Ireland’s capital city, set along the banks of the River Liffey. Dublin is awash with Georgian architecture, grand squares and historic monuments. We’ll first see the historic O’Connell Bridge to get a stunning overview of the city before seeing Dublin University, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Parliament House, built by Ireland’s greatest 18th century architect Edward Lovett Pearce. We’ll also see the famous Trinity College before visiting the home of ‘the black stuff’ – the Guinness Storehouse. This afternoon choose one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE  activities: (1) a guided tour of Trinity College which includes access to the amazing Long Room which is 65 metres in length and lined with 200,000 of the library’s oldest books; in addition you will see the famous ‘Book of Kells’, created around 800AD; or (2) an opportunity to tour the National Museum with a guide and discover Ireland’s cultural and natural history. Tonight enjoy dinner in one of Dublin’s oldest pubs.

Day 3: Dublin - Waterford (FB,D)

Today we enjoy our first sights of lush emerald-green rolling hills as we head to County Wicklow and Ballyknocken House where we learn how to make traditional Irish scones. Naturally we sample the finished goods with morning tea before our journey south continues. Our next stop is to the ruins of the 6th century monastic settlement of Glendalough where we’ll explore its 9th century round tower and St. Kevin’s Cathedral. We continue our travels to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city dating back to the Vikings in 914, where we have an orientation of this pretty town made famous for its crystal.
Overnight Stay: Waterford

Day 4: Waterford - Killarney (FB,D)

This morning we journey through the picturesque fishing villages of Youghal and Dungarvan and then on to SCENIC ENRICH Cobh Heritage Centre, the embarkation point for over two million emigrants who left Ireland in search of a better life in Australia and the Americas. It was also tragically the last port of call for RMS Titanic on her fateful maiden voyage. From Cobh we travel to Blarney Castle near Cork, site of the famous Blarney Stone. Your chance to kiss the famous stone and receive the gift of the gab. We then travel through West Cork, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland, before arriving in Killarney. You will truly savour your two night stay in this picturesque town, which is surrounded by three lakes with the Macgillycuddy Reeks (Ireland’s highest mountain range) overlooking it.
Two Night Stay: Killarney

Day 5: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney (FB,D)
Today we experience a journey to remember – the Ring of Kerry. The route takes us along the shores of Dingle Bay where the Iveragh Mountains dramatically drop into the Atlantic Ocean. Around each twisting bend tiny fishing villages and offshore islands magically appear. It’s often said that the landscape varies a hundred times in 100 kilometres, so be sure not to miss anything! We’ll stop at some fine locations including Sneem, gaelic for ‘twisting winding river’. Wander this pretty town, before enjoying a jaunting car ride – a traditional pony and trap, where your driver will regale you with local tales. En-route back to our hotel we’ll visit Muckross House, a Tudor-style mansion built in 1843 and made famous for hosting Queen Victoria in 1861. Unfortunately, the cost of upgrading the accommodation for the royal visit left the owners in ruin. The reproduction farms created in the grounds of the House will give us a great insight into Irish life in the 1930’s. SCENIC ENRICH This evening after dinner we will visit a traditional local pub for some true Irish music and hospitality - your Tour Director will shout the first round!
Day 6: Killarney - Galway (FB,HD)
We travel north upon departing Killarney and take the ferry ride across the mouth of the river Shannon into County Clare. From here we admire glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean and lush green fields as we pass the Cliffs of Moher. We then journey through the Burren region, an amazing limestone plateau containing dozens of megalithic tombs and celtic crosses before reaching the ‘City of the Tribes’, Galway. Our Included orientation tour of this 500 year old city will show us the impressive Main Square and quaint old streets where you can admire local handicrafts. Tonight enjoy a highlight dinner in the Abbey surrounded by its lovely grounds. 
Two Night Special Stay: Galway
Day 7: Galway - Connemara - Galway (FB)
Today we travel into Connemara National Park, a 5,000 acre natural wonderland featuring wild and rugged mountains and pristine lakes. We’ll pass alongside the largest lake in Ireland, Lough Corrib, before stopping in Clifden. From here we visit Kylemore Abbey, the monastic home to Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in WWI. The mock-gothic mansion is situated between steep hills and a pretty lake and its well tendered gardens are a delight, as is the insight we’ll gain into the fascinating lives of the nuns and the work they do. It’s only a short trip back to our own Abbey where the rest of the day is at leisure to stroll the magnificent grounds in this peaceful rural setting.
Day 8: Galway - Derry - Co. Donegal (FB,D)
This morning we journey through rolling green countryside along the west coast of Ireland, through numerous pretty villages as we venture into Northern Ireland. First though we stop near Sligo to honour one of Ireland’s literary greats - W. B. Yeats, who is buried in Drumcliff. We continue to Derry (or Londonderry if you prefer), a compact city which covers both banks of the River Foyle and is completely surrounded by fortified walls. Our guide will actually meet us on top of the walls where we’ll gain an insight into some of this city’s 1,450 years of turbulent history. We then travel up the coast of Lough Foyle in County Donegal to our hotel.
Overnight Stay: Co. Donegal
Day 9: Co. Donegal - Belfast (FB,D)
We travel the picturesque Causeway Coast this morning before arriving at Bushmill’s distillery, the oldest legal whiskey distillery in the world, having been in production since 1608. SCENIC ENRICHDuring our Included visit to the historic complex we’ll discover some of its secrets during a private tour and tasting. We then travel along the coast a little further to Giant’s Causeway, perhaps the most remarkable sight in Northern Ireland. This collection of over 40,000 mainly hexagonal interlocking bassalt columns, some 12 metres tall, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The causeway creates a stepping stone path from the cliff foot and disappears under the sea. Many a legend surrounds the formation of this landmark and during our visit to the information centre we’ll get a better understanding and choose between Irish myth and geological facts. Our next stop is for afternoon tea at Ballygally Castle Hotel, built in 1625 and located on the scenic Antrim coast with views across the bay to Scotland. Suitably refreshed, we travel the final leg of our journey into the Ulster capital, Belfast.
Overnight Stay: Belfast
Day 10: Belfast - Dublin (FB,HD)
Today we enjoy an Included city tour of Belfast, a city now basking in peace having left its sectarian ‘troubles’ behind. Striking examples of Victorian architecture and the attractions of the Golden Mile combine with a significant regeneration program to present a surprisingly attractive city. We’ll see this as we journey through the city with our local guide and see the neoclassical City Hall, modern Waterfront Hall and stunning Linen Hall library. Our final journey takes us from Belfast down the east coast to Dublin where an evening of great Irish craic awaits. We head to a hilltop on the outskirts of Dublin to Johnnie Fox’s, an authentic pub where we enjoy a Hooley show featuring traditional music and world famous dancing. Savour the atmosphere and warmth of the locals as we enjoy famous Irish hospitality and dine together for the last time in Ireland.
Overnight Stay: Dublin
Day 11: Dublin - Amsterdam (FB,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Dublin international airport for your short flight to Amsterdam. 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.
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising
Day 12: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)

Choose from one of the Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) a guided bicycle tour; or (3) An excursion to the windmills at 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 13: Cologne - Marksburg (FB,L,HD)
This morning cruise 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 14: 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 15: European Village Life (FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH: Today you will be taken off the beaten track as an invite guest to experience Village life 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 16: Würzburg (FB,L,D)

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

Day 17: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Bursting with character and charm enjoy the sights of Bamberg on your Included city tour. Back on-board, join your fellow passengers for the opportunity to experience some of the region’s finest brews including Bamberg’s famous Smoked Beer.
Day 18: 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 19: 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.

Day 20: 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’; or (3) Visit the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.

Day 21: 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 a 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 22: 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 enjoy time at leisure with your Cruise Director on hand to enhance your experience. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein. Then an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

Day 23: 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 24: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during your Included guided city tour. Choose from 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 25: Budapest (FB)
After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Our Scenic Tours representative will transfer* you to the airport.

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

At a glance
Duration
25 Days
From
$12,990
per person twin share
Dates
09 Sep 2012
Available
Book now

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Enquire now or call 1300 723 642 Download the brochure

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