Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Grand European Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise
(36 days, Budapest - Paris, 2012)
This 36 day tour takes you to some of Europe’s most beautiful and famous locations, including France, Monaco, Germany and Italy, plus a Jewels of Europe river cruise.
Your 36 day European adventure begins in the vibrant Hungarian capital of Budapest where you will explore the highlights of both sides of the city, Buda and Pest, during a guided tour. Budapest is also where you will board a luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’, your home for the next 15 days, heading towards Austria, where in Vienna you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime private Viennese concert at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.
Your cruise will then continue through Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg and Würzburg allowing you time to experience the character and charm of these beautiful German cities. Continuing through Germany along the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castle and vine-covered slopes, you will arrive in historic Cologne, where you will dine at a private medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle.
The end of your river cruise will be the fascinating Dutch capital of Amsterdam, where you can choose to explore its picturesque canals or take a guided bicycle tour. You could even head to Venlo to witness the once-in-a-decade 2012 Floriade horticultural festival.
You will next travel to Brussels where you will enjoy an included tour of the Belgian capital, visiting the historic Grand Palace Square and the Royal Palaces. Your tour continues through Luxembourg, and back into Germany for Heidelberg, Rothenburg and Munich, where you will visit the beautiful Marienplatz and Town Hall with its famous Glockenspiel. Next is exquisite Salzburg, birthplace to Mozart and backdrop for The Sound of Music, before continuing on through Innsbruck and into Italy.
During your time in Italy you will visit Venice, Rome, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence and Pisa, along the way exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s David and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Your journey continues to Monaco and its ultra-chic capital Monte Carlo. Next you will visit one of the world’s most renowned fashion and design capitals, Milan, before travelling to the Swiss city of Lucerne. Whilst in Lucerne you will visit the famous Lion Monument, a haunting memorial to the gallant Swiss Guard, who was defeated in 1792.
Finally, for the last leg of your tour, you will make your way into the French capital of Paris, with side trips to Beaune for a wine tasting at the famous Bouchard Aîné and Fils Winery, and Dijon, home of the former Dukes of Burgundy and famous for its mustard. Arriving in Paris you will witness some of the city’s most famous sites, including the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the opulent Palace of Versailles and the world famous Eiffel tower.
- 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
- At the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart
- An exclusive organ recital during a guided tour to Melk Benedictine Abbey
- Step back in time on 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
- Enjoy a romantic gondola serenade in Venice followed by dinner at Antico Pignolo
- Dine at the prestigious Café de Paris in Monaco before entering the famous Casino
- Enjoy a private boat cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau then ascend Mt Rigi on the oldest cogwheel train in Switzerland
- Our Louvre-trained art expert will show us the masterpieces at the Louvre Museum in Paris
- Ascend to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower and dine one floor below at 58 Tour Eiffel
- Take an audio guided tour of the sights to explore Budapest, Vienna, Regensburg, Bamberg, Cologne and Amsterdam at your leisure
- In Budapest relax at the Thermal Bath & Spa; or explore the lime stone caves of Labyrinth; or a Liszt Classical music experience
- 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
- Enjoy the sights of Passau; or excursion to Salzburg; or excursion to Cesky Krumlov
- 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; or Romantic Road to Rothenburg; or Self guide bicycle tour
- 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
- An excursion to Tivoli or a trip to the ancient port of Ostia
- A guided visit to the Prince’s Palace or a mini train ride through Monaco
- 75 superb meals including 35 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 14 buffet and daily à la carte Lunches (L), 9 Highlight Dinners three course table d’hôte (HD) and 17 Dinners three to four course table d’hôte (D)
- Located between the lavish Opera Garnier and the renowned Place Vendome, the Hotel Scribe is an historic hotel where 19th century splendour is home to contemporary Parisian style
- The Fairmont Monte Carlo overhangs the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea with the famous casino directly behind the property – the location of this hotel cannot be beaten
- The Westin Excelsior has played host to celebrities, statesmen and artisits since 1906 and is located in the heart of Rome near the Villa Borgehese and Spanish Steps
- The Hotel Danieli was originally a 14th century palace of Doge Dandolo’s family, today the Grand Canal location and opulence of the former palace is ours to enjoy
- Guided sightseeing tour of Vienna including Ringstrasse
- Guided tour of Melk including entry to Melk Benedictine Abbey
- Guided sightseeing in one of Europe’s best preserved towns – Bamberg
- In Rüdesheim visit Siegfried’s Musical Museum
- Captain’s Farewell Dinner in Amsterdam
- Enjoy a guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle
- Enjoy a guided walking tour of Salzburg and see Mozart’s birthplace and sights from the movie ‘The Sound of Music’
- Enjoy a guided tour of Venice including visits to the Doges’ Palace
- Enjoy a guided visit to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum in Rome
- Enjoy a guided tour of Siena to see the Torre della Mangia and visit the Piazza del Campo
- Take a guided tour of Florence and visit the Duomo
- Visit Pisa and see the famous leaning tower in the Square of Miracles
- Enjoy a tour of Monaco and see the Royal Palace before visiting the cathedral and tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainer
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles and its gardens
- Discover the landmarks of Paris including the Champs Elysée, Arc de Triomphe and Hotel des Invalides on your guided city tour
- 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: Budapest
(D)
Welcome to Budapest, one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. 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. Tonight enjoy a Welcome reception with your fellow travellers.
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising
Day 2: 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 3: Vienna
(FB,L,D)
Tonight SCENIC ENRICH at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.
Day 4: Vienna
(FB,L,D)
Vienna sightseeing tour. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) Schönbrunn Palace; or (2) excursion to Bratislava; or (3) Visit the Spanish Riding School.
Day 5: Dürnstein - Melk
(FB,L,D)
Visit Melk Abbey; SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housed Benedictine Monks.
Day 6: Linz - Passau
(FB,L,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE: (1) tour of Passau; or (2) Visit to Salzburg; or (3) an excursion to Cesky Krumlov.
Day 7: Regensburg
(FB,L,D)
Regensburg, one of Germany’s finest preserved cities. You’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour.
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: Bamberg
(FB,L,D)
Enjoy the sights of Bamberg on an Included tour. Back on-board, you have the opportunity to experience some of the region’s finest brews including Bamberg’s famous Smoked Beer.
Day 10: Würzburg
(FB,L,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A guided walking tour of Würzburg; or (2) Romantic Road to Rothenburg.
Day 11: 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 12: Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge - Marksburg Castle
(FB,L,HD)
Today visit Siegfried’s Musical Instrument Museum. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a private Medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Step back in time and enjoy a private tour of the castle.
Day 13: Cologne
(FB,L,D)
Set sail through breathtaking scenery en-route to Cologne where your guide awaits you.
Day 14: Amsterdam
(FB,L,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A canal cruise; or (2) a bicycle tour; or (3) Excursion to Zaanse Schans or (4) A visit to Venlo for the 2012 Floriade (seasonal option, operates from the 5th April 2012 until the 7th October 2012).
Day 15: Amsterdam - Brussels
(FB,HD)
After disembarking your cruise this morning, cross the border over to Belgium to the city of Brussels. Our Included tour takes in such sights as the historic Grand Place Square, the fountain-statue of Mannekin Pis and the Royal Palaces. This evening we enjoy some hearty Belgian cuisine, best enjoyed with some regional beer at our highlight dinner.
Overnight Stay: Brussels
Overnight Stay: Brussels
Day 16: Brussels - Luxembourg City - Heidelberg
(FB,D)
En route to Heidelberg we stop for lunch (at own expense) in Luxembourg. Enjoy an Included orientation tour of the city before leisure time to explore on your own. Our journey today concludes in Heidelberg, where we visit the red sandstone castle that towers over the town during our Included guided tour.
Overnight Stay: Heidelberg
Overnight Stay: Heidelberg
Day 17: Heidelberg - Rothenburg - Munich
(FB,HD)
We travel the Romantic Road and enter the pristine medieval village of Rothenburg an der Tauber where we enjoy an Included walking tour of this beautifully preserved UNESCO world heritage site. This afternoon we explore Munich on an Included walking tour which takes in the delightful Marienplatz and Town Hall with its famous Glockenspiel. SCENIC ENRICH This evening enjoy a highlight dinner.
Overnight Stay: Munich
Overnight Stay: Munich
Day 18: Munich - Salzburg
(FB,HD)
Today continue to Schwangau to ‘Mad King Ludwigs’ fairytale castle at Neuschwanstein. Be amazed at the intricately carved furnishings, frescoes and mosaics on our Included guided tour. To enhance this fairytale experience, we end the touring with a relaxing horse and carriage ride. We travel through stunning mountain scenery of forests and lakes en-route to picture-postcard Salzburg, birthplace to Mozart and location of many scenes from the ‘Sound of Music’. The history and sights of this baroque city are revealed during an Included guided walking tour. Tonight we celebrate a Highlight Dinner at the famous Stiftkeller St Peter. Established by Benedictine Monks in AD 803, it is the oldest restaurant in Austria and has had guests such as Charlemagne and Christopher Columbus dine here throughout history.
Two Night Stay: Salzburg
Two Night Stay: Salzburg
Day 19: Salzburg
(FB)
A short drive takes us into Germany to visit Hitler’s favourite summer resort perched atop a mountain in the Berchtesgaden National Park. The scenery is stunning from the terrace of his Eagles Nest. Back in Salzburg, enjoy an afternoon of leisure to further explore the city.
Day 20: Salzburg - Innsbruck - Venice
(FB)
Before leaving Austria for Italy we spend the morning in the attractive Tyrolean town of Innsbruck where you are treated to an Included orientation tour. Passing the Italian Alps we arrive in Venice, uniquely situated on 117 small islands in a lagoon. On arrival in the ‘city of canals’ we take a private motor launch direct to our hotel, just a stones throw away from St. Mark’s Square. The evening is yours to explore the delightful sidestreets and canals.
Two Night Stay: Venice
Two Night Stay: Venice
Day 21: Venice
(FB,HD)
With our local guide this morning we survey the stunning 17th century St. Mark’s Square with its cafés and open air orchestras. We visit St. Mark’s Basilica with its incredible Byzantine architecture and enter the gothic Doges’ Palace. We view the famous Bridge of Sighs and later there is time at leisure to perhaps visit one of the other islands in the lagoon or simply absorb the atmosphere from a café terrace. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight we enjoy a romantic gondola serenade as we enjoy this iconic Venetian experience whilst gliding under ancient bridges amongst the breathtaking canals. Tonight we enjoy Antico Pignolo, a traditional Italian restaurant superbly located alongside one of the city’s canals.
Day 22: Venice - Rome
(FB,HD)
We travel to the Italian capital Rome. Our afternoon Included walking tour will introduce you to many famous sights, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Tonight we enjoy dinner in a local trattoria and on our way back to the hotel admire the city illuminated at night.
Three Night Special Stay: Rome
Three Night Special Stay: Rome
Day 23: Rome
(FB)
We begin today’s sightseeing at the world’s smallest state, the Vatican City. See the huge wealth accumulated through the centuries during our visit to the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The highlights here are Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Old Testament Frescoes. We then enter the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica and emerge into St. Peter’s Square. We continue to the Forum and walk to the mighty Colosseum.
Day 24: Rome
(FB)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE: (1) an excursion to Tivoli, famous for the magnificent gardens complete with dancing fountains at Villa D’Este; or (2) a trip to the Ancient port city of Ostia, where the recently excavated site has revealed two thirds of this 4th century town.
Day 25: Rome - Siena - San Gimignano - Florence
(FB)
Our first stop this morning is the well-preserved medieval city of Siena. Our local guide will show us the Torre della Mangia, the large bell tower overlooking the town and the famous Piazza del Campo. This afternoon our Tour Director will show us the sights of San Gimignano including the Communal Palace and Duomo on our Included walking tour before continuing our journey to Florence.
Two Night Stay: Florence
Two Night Stay: Florence
Day 26: Florence
(FB,HD)
Today we enjoy an Included guided walking tour of the city, starting at the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo’s David. We then visit the Duomo with its spectacular exterior of marble panels. The immediate vicinity features architectural masterpieces such as Giotto’s Belltower, Brunelleschi’s Dome and Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’. A walk onto the stunning Ponte Vecchio and through Piazza della Signoria will take us back to our hotel. This evening we enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine in one of Florence’s fine restaurants.
Day 27: Florence - Pisa - Monte Carlo
(FB)
We travel to Pisa where we will explore on our Included walking tour the town before we visit the square of Miracles to see the famous ‘leaning tower’. After free time we continue on our journey towards the glamorous Principality of Monaco and its ultra-chic capital, Monte Carlo.
Two Night Special Stay: Monte Carlo
Two Night Special Stay: Monte Carlo
Day 28: Monte Carlo
(FB,HD)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today choose from: (1) a guided visit to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, which includes entry to the Palace State Apartments; or (2) Visit to the Prince’s Private Car Collection. Today we explore Monte Carlo, visiting the old town to see the Palace of the Grimaldi Royal family and to visit the Cathedral to see the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Dinner is at the prestigious Café de Paris before entering the famous Casino, where you will have the chance to make your fortune – or lose it!
Day 29: Monte Carlo - Milano - Stresa
(FB)
This morning we travel back to Italy to Milan, renowned as one of the fashion and design capitals of the world. Admire Milan’s Grand Cathedral before walking through what is reputed to be the world’s oldest shopping mall Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. We continue through to Stresa.
Overnight Stay: Stresa
Overnight Stay: Stresa
Day 30: Stresa - Lucerne
(FB,L,D)
Another enjoyable day awaits as we cruise to the Borromean Islands. We visit the Isola Bella, originally bare rock and now featuring stunning gardens and the summer palace of the Borromean family. Enjoy lunch while soaking up the views of the breathtaking Lake Maggiore situated at the foot of the Alps. We cross the Swiss border, and arrive at our home for the next two nights, Lucerne.
Two Night Stay: Lucerne
Two Night Stay: Lucerne
Day 31: Lucerne
(FB,HD)
Firstly today we stroll to the famous Lion Monument, a haunting memorial to the gallant Swiss Guard, who was defeated in 1792. Then we enjoy an Included walking tour of the old town and cross the medieval Chapel Bridge to the ornate Jesuit Church. We board our private boat for an Included guided cruise on the gorgeous lake to the quaint village of Vitznau. We then join the oldest cogwheel train in Switzerland for a breathtaking ascent of Mount Rigi. Savour the incredible scenery before we descend to Weggis by cogwheel train and cable car. We pass Meggen and its remarkable church on the way back to Lucerne. This evening we enjoy a lively folklore show as we dine on a sumptuous selection of local specialities.
Day 32: Lucerne - Beaune - Dijon
(FB,D)
We stop at Beaune where we enjoy a brief Included orientation tour followed by wine tasting at the famous Bouchard Aîné and Fils winery. Here we shall see the Hotel Dieu, built in 1443. We then travel on to Dijon, home to the former Dukes of Burgundy and famous for its mustard. On arrival we have time for a walk of the medieval old town to see the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Overnight Stay: Dijon
Overnight Stay: Dijon
Day 33: Dijon - Paris
(FB)
Today we journey to the last stop on our itinerary, Paris. Today will be a treat as we are joined by our guide and enjoy an Included orientation trip around the capital, where we’ll get to see the most famous landmarks; travel up the Champs Elysée to the Arc de Triomphe, drive along the left bank of the Seine to the Hotel des Invalides and finally on to Saint Germain and the Latin Quarter. This afternoon we visit the world’s largest museum, the Louvre, where our Louvre-trained art expert will show us many famous works including the Mona Lisa.
Three Night Special Stay: Paris
Three Night Special Stay: Paris
Day 34: Paris
(FB)
Our destination today is the former home of French royalty, The Palace of Versailles. Among the highlights are the Hall of Mirrors, Marie Antoinette’s bedchamber and the outstandingly well manicured gardens. Perhaps this evening you could take in dinner and a show at the world famous Moulin Rouge where you will witness the spectacular French CanCan (additional expense, please refer to price panel).
Day 35: Paris
(FB,HD)
Enjoy a day to explore Paris on your own. You may wish to shop the world famous Champs Elysée or try some local delicacies from a French Patisserie. This afternoon we’ll explore the bohemian centre of Paris, Montmartre. We journey to the Eiffel Tower and ascend to the second level for unforgettable views. SCENIC ENRICH It’s a short walk to our spectacular dinner venue, 58 Tour Eiffel, just one floor below, where we dine above the Paris skyline. En-route back to our hotel we enjoy a short Included tour to see the city landmarks illuminated at night.
Day 36: Paris
(FB)
After breakfast this morning you will be transferred* to Charles De Gaulle airport by you Scenic Tours Representative for your onward or homeward flight.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
