Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Splendours of France Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise
(31 days, Paris - Budapest, 2012)
This 31 day tour explores the best of France including Paris and Chamonix, before boarding a Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ for a luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.
Your 31 day Splendours of France tour begins in beautiful Paris where you will spend two days exploring the extraordinary sights of the ‘city of love’. From Paris you will travel to Dijon and then Beaune for an incredible dining experience at Hostellerie Le Cedre, home to some of Burgundy’s finest cuisine.
Continuing your tour you will travel to Chamonix, in the French Alps where you will have the chance to board a cable car for the ascent of the Aiguilles du Midi to witness the majestic 360-degree views of over the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Your journey then heads to Monaco for its chic capital, Monte Carlo, before you venture into Nice and then Carcassonne, Europe’s largest remaining fortified city. In Saint-Émilion you will enjoy a walking tour to its monolithic church before returning to explore more of Paris.
Next you will head to The Netherlands where in Amsterdam you you will board a luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’, your home for the next 15 days then you may choose to explore the city’s picturesque canals on a cruise or take a guided bicycle tour. Or you could head to Venlo for the once-in-a-decade 2012 Floriade horticultural festival. From Amsterdam you will cruise towards Germany. In the historic city of Cologne you will explore the Old Town and enjoy a private medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle, before cruising through the beautiful Rhine Gorge to admire the views of stunning castles atop vine-covered slopes.
Your cruise continues through Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg and Regensburg with ample time to experience the character and charm of these beautiful German cities before heading into Austria. In magical Vienna you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime private Viennese evening concert at the iconic Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart. Finally you will make your way into Budapest where you will discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during a guided tour of the Hungarian capital.
- 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
- See the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces at the Louvre in Paris
- We ascend to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower for majestic views of Paris and dine one floor below at 58 Tour Eiffel
- Sample the latest champagne vintages in the underground tasting caves of Taittinger
- Dine at the prestigious Café de Paris in Monaco before entering the famous Casino
- Play a game of Boules among the grounds of our Chateau in the Loire Valley, the Domaine de Beauvois
- 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 an exclusive organ recital during a guided tour to Melk Benedictine Abbey
- At the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart
- Take an audio guided tour of the sights to explore Amsterdam, Cologne, Bamberg, Regensburg, Vienna and Budapest at your leisure
- A trip to Chamonix; or a cruise on Lake Annecy then walking tour of the old town
- A guided visit to the Prince’s Palace; or visit the Princes’ Private Car Collection
- A mini-train ride through Avignon; or a visit to ‘Les Baux’
- 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
- A walking tour of Würzburg including a private wine tasting; or journey down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg
- 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
- 68 superb meals including 30 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 14 lunches - buffet and daily à la carte selections (L), 6 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD) and 18 Dinners three to four course table d’hôte (D)
- Ideally 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 Hotel de la Cité is a hilltop fortress, now expertly managed by the Orient-Express group, it’s as close as you are likely to get to living like royalty
- The Domaine de Beauvois’s history dates back to the monarchy of the Middles Ages, but today offers luxurious accommodation
- Discover the landmarks of Paris on your guided city tour
- Enjoy a highlight lunch of Burgundian cuisine
- Enjoy a tour of Monaco and see the Royal Palace
- Take a guided visit of the Pope’s Palace and the famous bridge in Avignon
- Visit the Roman arena with our local guide in Arles
- Visit the world famous Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley
- Dine in a stunning chateau in the Loire Valley
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles and its gardens
- Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner in Amsterda
- Discover Cologne during a guided walking tour
- Sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge past famous Lorelei Rock
- Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim
- Afternoon sightseeing tour of Regensburg
- Guided tour of Melk including entry to Melk Benedictine Abbey
- Morning guided sightseeing tour of Austria’s capital Vienna
- Captain’s farewell cocktail reception and farewell dinner
- 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: Paris
Welcome to Paris. You will be met at Charles de Gaulle airport and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. SCENIC ENRICH 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. (Please schedule flights to arrive before midday.)
Two Night Special Stay: Paris
Two Night Special Stay: Paris
Day 2: Paris
(FB,HD)
This morning we enjoy an Included orientation trip around the capital, where we’ll get to see the 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. There is some time at leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of this romantic city before we explore the bohemian centre of Paris, Montmartre, where the artist’s quarter and the Sacre Coeur Basilica will be reached by a funicular to the top of Montmartre Hill. 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 tour to see the city landmarks illuminated at night.
Day 3: Paris - Beaune
(FB,HD)
A bubbly start to the day awaits in the town of Reims, where some of the finest champagnes in the world are produced. SCENIC ENRICH We stop at one of France’s finest champagne houses, Taittinger, where we shall sample the local vintages amongst their atmospheric underground caves. There is time to discover this historic town before our journey continues through the vineyards of Burgundy en route to Beaune. This evening savour some of Burgundy’s finest cuisine at the renowned Hostellerie Le Cedre.
Overnight Stay: Beaune
Overnight Stay: Beaune
Day 4: Beaune - Chamonix
(FB,D)
This morning enjoy an orientation tour of Beaune before visiting Les Hospices de Beaune. Today you will also visit the famous Bouchard Aîné and Fils winery for a tasting, an institution in Burgundy for 250 years. After a short stop in Bourg-en-Bresse to see the ornately ornamented Monastery of Brou, we ascend the French Alps to our hotel.
Two Night Stay: Chamonix
Two Night Stay: Chamonix
Day 5: Chamonix
(FB)
Choose one of the Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) Board a cable-car in Chamonix for the ascent of the Aiguilles du Midi to admire majestic 360 degree views over the French, Swiss and Italian Alps from an altitude of 3,842 metres; or (2) In nearby Annecy take a picturesque lake cruise followed by an Included walking tour of the medieval old town which will include the 12th century Palais de l’Isle, among the most photographed monuments in all of France. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 6: Chamonix - Monte Carlo
(FB,HD)
This morning we depart Chamonix and head south to the glittering Cote d’Azur and journey to the glamorous Principality of Monaco. SCENIC ENRICH 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!
Two Night Special Stay: Monte Carlo
Two Night Special Stay: Monte Carlo
Day 7: Monte Carlo
(FB)
Choose one of the Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) a guided visit to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, which includes entry to the Palace State Apartments where you will be amazed at the ornate furnishings and beautiful frescoes of each of the distinctly decorated rooms; or (2) Visit to the Prince’s Private Car Collection. This afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy this ritzy location; perhaps stroll the foreshore observing the super-yachts or celebrity-spot from a sidewalk café! This evening we explore chic Monte Carlo, visiting the old town to see the Palace of the Grimaldi Royal family, rulers of Monaco for over 700 years and visit the Cathedral to see the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier.
Day 8: Monte Carlo - Avignon
(FB,D)
Our first stop this morning is in nearby Nice where we will explore the famous waterfront area, before a brief orientation trip through Cannes. We continue on to the ancient Roman spa resort and regional capital, Aix-en-Provence, where it is still possible to enjoy the thermal springs. We drive through the pretty Luberon National Park before arriving in Avignon, set on the banks of the Rhône River and former residence of seven popes during the religious schism of the 14th century.
Two Night Stay: Avignon
Two Night Stay: Avignon
Day 9: Avignon
(FB)
This morning enjoy an Included guided visit of the Pope’s Palace and famous bridge. Choose one of the Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) a mini-train ride through the ancient streets and parklands of this picturesque city; or (2) a visit to the beautiful mountain village of ‘Les Baux’ which has a spectacular position atop a rocky outcrop.
Day 10: Avignon - Carcassonne
(FB,D)
This morning we venture to the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, built in the first century A.D. We continue on to Arles, founded in the 7th century BC, where we visit the still used Roman arena with our local guide. The major sites are integrated amongst the town buildings, creating a unique blend of past and present. We follow the steps of Vincent Van Gogh, who spent over a year creating many of his finest works in Arles. Then across the Camargue National Park to Europe’s largest remaining fortified city, Carcassonne. Our hotel is situated among the medieval towers and turrets of this fairytale setting.
Two Night Special Stay: Carcassonne
Two Night Special Stay: Carcassonne
Day 11: Carcassonne
(FB)
Today we travel to the Canal du Midi, UNESCO world heritage site. From here we will take a private boat along the canals. As you float through the rolling country side you will see vineyards and pass barges while learning about the history of the canals and life on the rivers. Enjoy an afternoon back in Carcassonne to explore and stroll the streets of this medieval gem.
Day 12: Carcassonne - Dordogne Valley - Saint Emilion
(FB,D)
Today we travel past picturesque villages in the valleys of the Dordogne and Vezere. Time to soak up the charm of Sarlat and see restored medieval and renaissance houses made of yellow and honey-coloured stone in the old town. Continue through bucolic landscapes to the quaint village of St Emilion. Enjoy an exquisite dinner in the lavish château dining room.
Two Night Special Stay: Saint Emilion
Two Night Special Stay: Saint Emilion
Day 13: Saint Emilion
(FB)
Join your local guide for an Included walking tour of the city including St Emilion’s monolithic Church. We then visit a local French Chateau for a private wine tasting of their current vintages. Back in your own grand château this afternoon,you may wish to take a walk through the vineyards or enjoy a unique spa treatment tailor made, according to your expectations and tastes.
Day 14: Saint Emilion - TGV - Loire Valley
(FB,HD)
This morning we have a leisurely start before visiting the port city of Bordeaux for a short orientation tour. We’ll have some free time to explore the riverfront and well preserved 18th century buildings before boarding the ultra-fast TGV train for our journey to Tours, situated in the heart of the Loire Valley. We then enjoy a brief orientation tour of the town before we head to our nearby château for tonight’s stay. This evening we celebrate our visit to the Loire Valley with a highlight dinner in a nearby chateau.
Two Night Special Stay: Loire Valley
Two Night Special Stay: Loire Valley
Day 15: Loire Valley
(FB,D)
The first stop today is at the stunning Château de Chenonceau, resplendent with numerous arches, buttresses and towers set in magnificent gardens. The history alone of the chateau is amazing. Then on to the delightful market town of Amboise where, as part of our guided visit, we will see Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb in the gardens of the imposing castle. SCENIC ENRICH we gather on the lawns of our Chateau this afternoon for a friendly game of Boules, the traditional French game that resembles bowls. This evening enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Day 16: Loire Valley - Paris
(FB,HD)
From the Loire Valley travel across the Beauce to the cathedral town of Chartres. We shall see the UNESCO listed cathedral, which was started in 1145 and marks the high point of French Gothic art. After a brief journey a highlight awaits as we enjoy a guided visit of the famous Palace of Versailles. The official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until the French Revolution was seen as a symbol of absolute monarchy. We return to Paris where tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner to France in a local Brasserie.
Overnight Special Stay: Paris
Overnight Special Stay: Paris
Day 17: Paris
(FB,D)
This morning after breakfast we travel to Amsterdam to board our 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 18: 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 19: Cologne - Marksburg
(FB,L,HD)
Guided Tour of Cologne. 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 20: Koblenz - Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim
(FB,L,D)
Cruise the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum before taking a cable car to the Niederwald Monument.
Day 21: Scenic Village Experience
(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 22: Würzburg
(FB,L,D)
Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A guided walking tour of Würzburg; or (2) Enjoy an excursion down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg.
Day 23: 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 24: 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 25: 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 26: 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) excursion to Salzburg; or (3) excursion to Cesky Krumlov.
Day 27: 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 housing Benedictine Monks. Glide through the Wachau Valley onto Dürnstein. Enjoy leisure time to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region.
Day 28: Vienna
(FB,L,D)
Enjoy an Included guided tour of Vienna. 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 29: Vienna
(FB,L,D)
Choose from the following Include SCENIC FREE CHOICE: (1) A guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; or (2) an excursion to Bratislava; or (3) Visit The Spanish Riding School†.
Day 30: 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 31: Budapest
(FB)
After breakfast our Scenic Tours Representative will take* you to the airport.
*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
31 Days
From
$16,590
per person twin share
Dates
02 Jun 2012
Fully Booked
14 Jul 2012
On Request
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