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The hidden wonders of Europe River Cruising

Porto Douro River Portugal

The majestic waterways of Europe have long been its lifeline. Once vital trade routes, each turn of the many rivers has played a part in shaping the region’s destiny.

— Dotted with fairytale castles, ancient ruins, and quaint towns, these waterways harbour historical secrets and stories that seek a patient ear. Each destination has something new to offer and you will find each European river is distinct from the other. Delight in their uniqueness as you cruise the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube rivers through diverse countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary.

You 5-star floating hotel on the European waterways

Designed to redefine luxury river cruising, your Scenic Space-Ship will be your 5-star floating hotel as you cruise along the waterways of Europe. Boasting the finest fleet of luxury river cruise ships in Europe, Scenic is always looking to add the most innovative technology and luxury amenities. Scenic Space-Ships along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers as well as Scenic Diamond and Scenic Sapphire in France, now include a health-boosting Salt Therapy Lounge, handcrafted from salt bricks and featuring relaxing lounges.  Another highlight is the one-bedroom Royal Owner’s Suites.  At a huge 47 square metres, these suites boast opulent furnishings and all the extra touches Scenic is famous for. For a hands-on foodie experience, Scenic’s ships in the South of France and Bordeaux feature Scenic Culinaire, their bespoke on-board cooking school.

European river cruising

Taking in the view from your own balcony

With views so good, Scenic has designed your suite’s balcony to convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge at the touch of a button. Europe’s grand waterways boast some of the most scenic and spectacular views. With each moment better than the last, your Sun Lounge will allow you to truly appreciate the beautiful landscape. All you have to do is press a button and the glass smoothly glides down to convert your balcony into our exclusive Sun Lounge. This special space is all yours to dine in, read in or to simply meditate on the passing backdrops. The luxurious suites are amongst the largest on the European waters and furnished with the finest amenities.

Scenic Sun Lounge

Dining and Beverages

From fine dining to casual lunches, every meal has been carefully crafted to take you on a

gastronomical adventure. Whether you prefer a luxurious fine dining venue, a relaxed café setting, or even choose to dine in the privacy of your suite, you will find a dining experience to suit your taste. The chefs incorporate the local flavours of the regions you pass through for a truly authentic experience. All the ingredients are locally sourced, so you enjoy only the freshest most delicious seasonal foods. They also cater to special dietary requirements. Their wines are hand selected by their sommelier from the finest regional varieties and complimentary beverages are available throughout the day. Guests on board the Bordeaux and South of France cruises will have the unique advantage of learning delicious local recipes from their expert chefs at their exclusive on-board cooking school, Scenic Culinaire.

Learning delicious local recipes

Life on the River

If you’ve never experienced river cruising before, prepare to fall in love with one of the greatest joys in the world. As your 5-star floating hotel cruises through some of the most iconic waterways of Europe, not only will you witness Mother Nature at her best, but also human engineering at its finest. Locked rivers Europe’s waterways are distinctive with varying water levels. To make traversing these waters seamless, water locks were invented. A lock is essentially an elevator with which ships can be raised or lowered to overcome the water level disparities. Europe’s waterways are replete with locks and the Main-Danube Canal has 16 locks, some as high as 25 metres. The invention of the water locks Leonardo da Vinci, pitching in to perfect the process. Watching your Captain expertly manoeuvre your Scenic Space-Ship through the narrow canals is a special treat that awaits you on board.

5-start floating hotel cruises

Recharge your body and mind

Recharge your body and mind in their wellness centre or with a range of active experiences. Indulgent or invigorating – it’s your holiday, your choice.

Rolling, rolling, rolling
E-bikes – electronically assisted bicycles – allow you to explore under your own steam or let the bike do the hard work for you. Join city cycling tours or explore further afield with guided bike excursions. Or simply use Scenic Tailormade and discover on your own.

Rewarding rambles
Choose to join a relaxing city walk or a more invigorating guided hike. From hikes up to Buda Hill to climbing Europe’s largest sand dune at Arcachon, your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views over Budapest and the Atlantic Ocean, respectively.

Magnificent views

National Geographic Expeditions

In 2020 Scenic’s partnership with National Geographic will offer special itineraries through Europe, including Portugal’s Douro Valley and the mighty Volga River in Russia. They will

combine their luxury river cruise experience with National Geographic’s legacy of science, conservation and exploration to create unforgettable experiences. Aboard each river cruise, a National Geographic Expert will share their knowledge and insights, through fascinating presentations and informal discussions. A National Geographic Photographer will also join the Expedition river cruising itineraries to provide photography tips. Scenic’s shared passion for discovery, curiosity about history, a fascination for the world’s cultures, and desire to preserve its future has led to this partnership with National Geographic Expeditions to offer unique river cruise expeditions that explore the far corners of the world. A portion of the profits from these river cruises will be donated to the National Geographic Society, which supports researchers and experts engaged in protecting and preserving the planet and its various species and populations.

National Geographic Expeditions

2020 Highlighted itinerary: Jewels of Europe

A region steeped in the history of ancient trade routes, today the rivers of the Rhine, Main and Danube meander through forested hillsides, idyllic vineyards and romantic towns. Restored castles still stand watch from their position atop dramatic hilltops, just as they did in the days of feudal knights and land barons. However, today the sites of ancient battles and medieval skirmishes have been replaced by a tranquil countryside with thriving towns and villages. Elsewhere, romantic ruins echo with a timeless beauty and Gothic spires rise out of the picturesque communities nestled along the river banks. This is a journey that will take you through the Europe of your imagination, full of wonder, recalling medieval jousts, cobbled streets and childhood fairytales while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

15 Days From $6,995 (Offers available – see below)

2020 Highlighted itinerary: Romantic Rhine & Moselle

Romance is alive and well on the Rhine Anyone who doesn’t believe in the power of romance has never travelled along the Rhine or its idyllic tributary, the Moselle. In fact, on this itinerary, there’s probably a fairytale moment waiting just beyond the next river bend. The castles that grace this region sometimes seem as if they were lifted straight from the silver screen – hardly surprising as it’s a region that’s long been favoured by Hollywood directors. From Lorelei, the Rhine river siren said to lure sailors to their demise, to the legendary Black Forest, which still resonates with imaginative children’s tales, there are stories and romances galore to discover and delight in.  You may even compose a few new ones of your own.

15 Days From $7,995 (Offers available – see below)

Offers

Flights included to Europe*
Book your 2020 Europe River Cruise by 31 August 2019 and enjoy Flights Included to Europe all year, in all suites, on all rivers and all cruises of 11 days or longer.*.

Early Payment Discount*
Book now and pay in full by 31 October 2019 to secure an additional discount of $600 per couple on cruises of 11 days or longer or $300 per couple on cruises of 10 days or less.*.

Fly Business Class from $3,995pp*
Fly from $3,995pp when booking a Diamond or Sapphire Deck suite on selected cruises of 11 days or longer.*.

50% Off for the Solo Traveller
Book a suite on selected Scenic Space-Ship departures of 11 days or longer and receive 50% off the single supplement.*.

* Contact your preferred store for terms and conditions.

Visit us at: www.where2travel.com.au

View our online magazine: http://bit.ly/Autumn_Newsletter_2019

Contact your closest where2travel store to enquire about booking your favourite Scenic River Cruising itinerary.

Where2travel Carnegie (03) 9572 5858 carnegie@where2travel.com.au
Where2travel Glen Waverley (03) 9886 8899 glenwaverley@where2travel.com.au
Where2travel Melbourne City (03) 9654 4000 melbournecity@where2travel.com.au
Where2travel Malvern (03) 9576 0166 malvern@where2travel.com.au
Where2tarvel Greensborough (03) 9434 1354 greensborough@where2travel.com.au

About the author

Life Begins At Editor

Life Begins At Magazine is the ultimate lifestyle publication for those who are retired, semi-retired or approaching retirement. But most importantly, those who believe that life really does begin at 50! Life Begins At has loads of features from celebrity interviews, domestic and international travel, home improvements and gardening, health and well-being, as well as financial tips and advice. The magazine is designed to meet the needs of a whole new generation of informed, healthy and active retirees.

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