Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Jewels of Europe River Cruise and Paris
(18 days, Budapest - Paris, 2012)
Explore Europe’s waterways on a 15 day cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam on a Scenic ‘Space-Ship’, your 5-star floating hotel, before spending three nights in Paris.
This 18 day tour will take you on an unforgettable journey from Budapest to Paris. Beginning in the Hungarian capital, you will explore the highlights of both Buda and Pest during a guided tour of the city, before heading through Austria where your highlight will be beautiful Vienna. Here you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime private Viennese concert at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.
Your German leg cruises through Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg and Würzburg, allowing ample time to experience the character and charm of these delightful cities. You will continue your cruise along the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castle and vine-covered slopes to the historic city of Cologne, where you will explore its Old Town and enjoy a private medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle.
Next you will make your way to Amsterdam, where you will have the chance to explore the picturesque canals, take a guided bicycle tour through the fascinating Dutch capital, or perhaps head to Venlo to witness the once-in-a-decade 2012 Floriade festival.
After disembarking your cruise you will travel to the France capital of Paris, where you will spend three nights exploring the 'City of Love', including visits to the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the famous Champs Elysées.
- 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
- Exclusive private butler service on all Danube Deck cabins
- ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED
- Over a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ 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
- 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
- Step back in time on a private tour and Medieval Banquet dinner at Marksburg Castle, a 12th century hilltop castle overlooking the Rhine
- Ascend to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower then dine at 58 Tour Eiffel
- 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 including a private wine tasting; or journey down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg
- 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
- Take an audio guided tour of the sights to explore Budapest, Vienna, Regensburg, Bamberg, Cologne and Amsterdam at your leisure
- With its 19th century grandeur the Hotel Scribe is ideally located between the Opera Garnier and the Place Vendome
- The Westin Paris offers magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower, just moments from the Louvre Museum
- 45 superb meals including 17 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 13 Lunches - buffet and daily à la carte (L), 1 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD), 13 Evening Meals - four course - à la carte (D)
- Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner onboard
- Enjoy a traditional Hungarian Folklore performance on board your cruise
- Guided sightseeing tour of Austria’s capital Vienna including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace
- Enjoy free time to explore the quaint village of Dürnstein
- Sail through the Wachau Valley enjoying live commentary as stunning beauty glides by
- Guided tour of Melk including entry to the magnificent 11th century Melk Benedictine Abbey
- Be entertained by a Bavarian music group performance
- Sightseeing tour of Regensburg, including a sample from the sausage kitchen
- Guided sightseeing in one of Europe’s best preserved towns – Bamberg
- Witness a spectacular glass blowing demonstration
- In Rüdesheim board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and ride the cable car to the Niederwald Monument
- Listen to live commentary on the sun deck as you sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge past the famous Lorelei Rock
- Discover Cologne during a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities
- Amsterdam by night guided tour
- Captain’s farewell cocktail reception and farewell dinner
- Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Paris, including Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Concorde Square and the famous Champs Elysées
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)
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. 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. This afternoon as you set sail to Vienna, why not join your fellow passengers on the top deck to experience 360 degree views of this mesmerizing city.
Day 3: Vienna
(FB,L,D)
As you cruise the mighty Danube river you will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with life on the waterways. You may wish to relax and read one of the many books found in the on board library or mingle with new found friends in one of the many public areas, such as the outside Observation lounge. Tonight be delighted by the charm of Viennese fine arts and culture. SCENIC ENRICH Highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein before an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.
Day 4: 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 5: Dürnstein - Melk
(FB,L,D)
In Dürnstein you will have leisure time to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region, famous for its wide range of Apricot produce and towering castle on top of the hill. For the more active, you may wish to embark on a guided bike ride along the river from Dürnstein to the quaint town of Melk, where you will have the opportunity to witness some truly spectacular scenery whilst your Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ glides through the awe-inspiring wine region of the Wachau Valley to meet up with you. In Melk 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 housing Benedictine Monks.
Day 6: Linz - Passau
(FB,L,D)
Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm: (1) Spend the morning relaxing on board through stunning scenery of the European Alps on route to Germany before enjoying a guided tour of Passau; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov.
Day 7: 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, where recipes dating back as far as 1256 are still being used today, just waiting for you sample.
Day 8: Nuremberg
(FB,L,D)
Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) Relive the History of World War II and learn about the significant part the city of Nuremberg played during the Nazi Germany regime. See the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle followed by a self-guided tour of the informative WWII Documentation Centre; or (2) Learn about Nuremberg’s past before meeting with the faces of today as you enjoy a drink with local students; or (3) Set your own leisurely pace as you explore Nuremberg on your self-guided bicycle tour.
Day 9: 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 10: Würzburg
(FB,L,D)
Today our cruise arrives in Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. It is said to be one of the loveliest baroque cities in the country and became famous as the centre of Franconian wine production. Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Würzburg is best explored on foot, on your guided walking tour stroll through the market square and see the late-Gothic Church of St. Mary. Visit the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace followed by a private wine tasting underneath the Residenz in the Palace's wine cellar; (2) Follow the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, a walled medieval gem overlooking the Tauber river. This evening relax onboard, perhaps on your own private balcony as you sail up the Main River.
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)
We continue our journey to Rüdesheim where we board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for an Included guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car for the trip to the 125-foot Niederwald Monument, overlooking the river. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. 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 13: Cologne
(FB,L,D)
Travel to historic Cologne. Join your guide on an Included tour to explore the Old Town. Tonight gather in the Crystal Dining Room for the Captain’s farewell Dinner.
Day 14: Amsterdam
(FB,L,D)
This morning your ship docks in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. Choose from one of the Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise through the cities 17th century architecture in a glass-top boat; or (2) Explore Amsterdam the traditional way on a guided bicycle tour through the canals and over the wooden bridges. En route visit the Dam Square, Royal Palace and the war monument and then into the Red-Light district where you’ll see the Old church and Nieuw Market; or (3) A visit to the open-air conservation area and windmills of Zaanse Schans. Original buildings vividly depict Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries where once over 800 windmills industrialised this area or (4) A visit to Venlo for the 2012 Floriade (seasonal option, operates from the 5th April 2012 until the 7th October 2012). After dinner you may wish to explore Amsterdam by night.
Day 15: Amsterdam - Paris
(FB)
This morning after breakfast you will meet your Tour Director and join your luxury coach to the French capital. Arriving in your centrally located hotel you will have time to freshen up and explore Paris by night at your own leisure, where perhaps you may choose to try some of the local Parisian specialities.
Three Night Special Stay: Paris
Three Night Special Stay: Paris
Day 16: Paris
(FB,HD)
Paris, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the lle-de-France region. Today join your guide on your Included sightseeing tour of all the major sights of Paris. See the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Concorde Square and the famous Champs Elysées. Tonight journey to the Eiffel Tower and ascend to the second level for unforgettable views. It’s a short walk to your spectacular dinner venue, 58 Tour Eiffel, just one floor below, where you will dine overlooking the Paris skyline.
Day 17: Paris
(FB)
Paris Your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your free day where the city awaits with countless sights. You may wish to step out of the city and take a trip to the Palace of Versailles where among the highlights are the Hall of mirrors, Marie Antoinette’s bedchambers and the outstandingly well-manicured gardens. Perhaps you may wish to visit the world’s largest museum, the Louvre, where you can see many famous art works including the Mona Lisa, or you may wish to shop the for the latest fashion on the Champs Elysées.
MOULIN ROUGE- Perhaps tonight visit the bohemian centre of Paris, Montmartre where you may wish to stay for a dinner and a show at the world famous Moulin Rouge. With top class cabaret singers, 60 world class dancers and over 1000 costumes, the Moulin Rouge is sure to offer an evening of exciting Paris entertainment (additional expense).
MOULIN ROUGE- Perhaps tonight visit the bohemian centre of Paris, Montmartre where you may wish to stay for a dinner and a show at the world famous Moulin Rouge. With top class cabaret singers, 60 world class dancers and over 1000 costumes, the Moulin Rouge is sure to offer an evening of exciting Paris entertainment (additional expense).
Day 18: Paris
(FB)
After breakfast this morning in the hotel you will be transferred* by your Scenic Tours Representative to Charles De Gaulle International Airport for your onward or homebound 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.
At a glance
Duration
18 Days
From
$8,395
per person twin share
Dates
28 May 2012
Fully Booked
30 May 2012
On Request
13 Jun 2012
Fully Booked
25 Jun 2012
Fully Booked
27 Jun 2012
Fully Booked
09 Jul 2012
Fully Booked
25 Jul 2012
Fully Booked
06 Aug 2012
On Request
08 Aug 2012
Fully Booked
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