Cruising along Europe’s mighty waterways is a unique experience and one of the most relaxing ways to explore the beauty of the region. Guests embarking on the “Jewels of Europe” cruise journey through the grand cities of Amsterdam, Cologne, Nuremberg, Vienna and Budapest. En route, the ship calls at an array of quaint medieval villages, many of which have been named World Heritage sites.
Whether guests visit the canals of Amsterdam, coffee houses of Vienna, or medieval cities of Germany, Scenic Tours’ all-inclusive touring offers an unparalleled river cruising experience.
DAY 1 :: Amsterdam, Holland - Embarkation Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafes. This afternoon, a warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Scenic Tours river cruise ship. Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising
DAY 2 :: Amsterdam – Cologne Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions: choose from (1) explore Amsterdam's maze of quaint canals this morning, and join a glass top canal boat for a sightseeing cruise past stately homes and elaborately decorated residences; or (2) visit Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh paintings in the world. Afterwards, we rejoin our ship and set sail for Cologne.
DAY 3 :: Cologne, Germany Join your guide and explore the grand city of Cologne including the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Free time this afternoon to enjoy shopping for souvenirs or visit a tavern to taste the famous local beer Koelsch.
DAY 4 :: Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim Today's cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. In the afternoon we arrive at Rudesheim, one of Germany's most visited towns due to its natural beauty, local wines and gastronomic delights.
DAY 5 :: Miltenberg A picturesque village on the Main River, Miltenberg creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in medieval times.
DAY 6 :: Würzburg Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions: choose from (1) a guided tour of Würzburg acclaimed for its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site of the Bishop's Residenz; or (2) Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg to visit one of Europe's best preserved medieval cities.
DAY 7 :: Bamberg Breathe the air of past centuries and experience a UNESCO World Heritage city. Boasting one of Europe's largest intact medieval town centers, Bamberg is bursting with original character and charm.
DAY 8 :: Nuremberg Nuremberg is a fascinating city, rich with a history noted since WWII when much of the city was destroyed. Tour the city including the former National Socialists Party Rally Grounds and a visit to the Documentation Centre, a museum housing an exhibition concerned with the causes, connections and consequences of Nazi Germany. In the afternoon enjoy free time to shop for local crafts including Nuremberg's famous toy and metal work.
DAY 9 :: Regensburg Dating back to settlement in 500BC, Regensburg is one of Germany's finest preserved cities and its architectural gems are testament to its long history and past grandeur.
DAY 10 :: Passau – Linz, Austria Today you'll have the choice of some great experiences. Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions: choose from (1) a guided tour of the graceful arcades and cobblestone streets of Passau; or (2) excursion of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the setting for 'The Sound of Music'; or (3) an excursion to Southern Bohemia to explore the town of Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
DAY 11 :: Melk – Dürnstein Discover the magnificent Melk Benedictine Abbey, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and spectacular fresco ceilings. Continue on to Durnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This evening arrive in Vienna.
DAY 12 :: Vienna Explore the famous sights of Vienna, including the Hoftburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House and the Ringstrasse. Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions: choose from (1) a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family, considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe; or (2) enjoy the elegance of Vienna with coffee and cake in one of its famous coffee houses. This evening enjoy a Viennese concert performed by musicians, opera singers, and enchanting ballet dancers.
DAY 13 :: Bratislava, Slovakia Discover the vibrant capital of Slovakia, Bratislava set on the slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the delightful Old City with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin.
DAY 14 :: Budapest, Hungary On the embankment of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most cosmopolitan cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, the medieval town on Castle Hill and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore more on your own or shop for local crafts including Hungary's legendary peasant embroidery.
DAY 15 :: Budapest - Disembarkation
THE SCENIC DIFFERENCE
All tipping, porterage and gratuities included
Free exclusive airport transfers
14 night deluxe cruise aboard the “Space-Ships” ms Scenic Sapphire or ms Scenic Emerald
2 Brand New Luxury Vessels for 2008
Spacious public areas – 20% larger than on other vessels
Exclusive to Scenic Tours – 2 Full Decks of Private Balcony Suites (82% of all staterooms)
Balcony suites amongst the largest in Europe – 200 sq ft – exclusive to Scenic Tours
Private Balconies with teak decks
Scenic FreeChoice – tailor make your activities
Inclusive cruising – no optional extras
Scenic Tours Exclusives
State-of-the-art on board infotainment system
On board elevator reaching all suites
Expert Cruise Director
Private deluxe motor coach with air conditioning during shore excursions
Complimentary butler service – Danube Deck
Complimentary wines served with dinner
Exclusive Scenic Tours Welcome Pack
Nightly piano music onboard
FINE DINING
41 superb meals including 14 Full Buffet Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 14 Dinners
Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Gala Dinner
Quality European wines served with all dinners onboard Cocktail reception
FB - Full Buffet Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner
SPECIAL EARLYBIRD OFFERS
Our first 2 ships ms Sapphire and ms Emerald saw overwhelming demand for their maiden season in 2008, with many stateroom categories being sold out in the first few weeks. In order to ensure your clients don't miss out on the incredible Scenic Tours experience, we have some fantastic Earlybird offers available now.
Europe River Cruising Earlybird Specials
- EARLYBIRDS SAVE UP $1,000 PER COUPLE!
SAVE $700
15 Day Amsterdam to Budapest Jewels of Europe River Cruise
SAVE $700
15 Day Budapest to Amsterdam Jewels of Europe River Cruise
SAVE $450
11 Day Paris to Nuremberg Moselle and Rhine Escapade
SAVE $450
12 Day Budapest to Bucharest Black Sea Explorer
SAVE $450
11 Day Prague to Budapest Gems of the Danube
SAVE $700
18 Day Paris to Budapest European Treasures
SAVE $1,000
24 Day Amsterdam to Bucharest Amsterdam to the Black Sea
NOTE: Bookings must be paid in full Call 800-640-4899
With the decrease in the value of the dollar and the high price of fuel the cost of hotels and meals have doubled in European during the last three years. Savy travelers have come to understand that a river cruise offers the best value for a European Vacation. Accommodations, all meals on board and shore excursions are included in the price and some companies even include wine with dinner. Because of this, you do not have to live in fear of the $300 per night hotel bill, the $100 not so wonderful restaurant meal and the $10 cup of coffee with no free refills.
Many people believe that by dealing directly with the cruise line, they cut out the expense of a middleman. But when it comes to cruising, this is never the case. The cruise lines depend on travel agents to sell their product, and so it is the cruise lines who pay the agent's commission, not the customer. The lines also offer agents various extra incentives, bonus commissions and value-added perks, giving the travel agents more pricing leverage and the ability for us to offer you lower rates: There are many superb and well-trained travel agents, but there are not many who know as much as we do about river cruising.
Expert advice and prices always lower than the cruise lines. 800-640-4899
