DAY 1: Prague Welcome to Prague. You will be met at the airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Three Night Special Stay: Prague
DAY 2: Prague (FB) Prague is possibly Europe’s most attractive city. This morning with our local guide we will walk around the Mala Strana and walk across the Charles Bridge. One of the most familiar sights in Prague, the Charles Bridge was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV after the Judith Bridge was destroyed by floods. We continue our guided touring to the Old Town where we concluded our tour at the foot of the Astronomical clock.
DAY 3: Prague (FB) Enjoy exploring this magnificent city at your leisure where your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your day. You may wish to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery and Gothic Synagogue, built around 1270 or visit one of the many museums Prague has to offer. If crystal is your thing then perhaps you may choose to visit Ruckl crystal, linked to a 300 year long tradition in glass making as a family and today manufactures an extensive range of leaded crystal in a wide variety of decorations.
DAY 4: Prague – Nuremberg (FB,D) Today we journey by coach to Nuremberg. On arrival you will be personally welcomed by our friendly dedicated staff onboard your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’. After unpacking for the start of your 7 night voyage, join your fellow guest for a Welcome Cocktail in the lounge.
DAY 5: Nuremberg (FB,L,D) History opens up today as you take a privileged Included guided tour of Nuremberg’s old town. See the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle before heading off to visit the Nuremberg Rallies site and self guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre. Enjoy the Captain’s welcome dinner this evening.
DAY 6: Regensburg (FB,L,D) Be fascinated today as we cruise through the last stretch of the Main-Danube Canal and learn about the engineering of the step locks and how this construction has opened up the waterways from the Rhine Delta in Holland to the Danube Delta in the Black Sea. 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.
DAY 7: Passau – Linz (FB,L,D) Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm: (1) A guided tour of Passau followed by a relaxing afternoon of cruising through the European Alps; 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. Appreciate the incredible value as you savour your discoveries tonight perhaps over an intimate dinner at Scenic’s exclusive Portobello’s fine dining restaurant.
DAY 8: Melk – Dürnstein – Vienna (FB,L,D) This morning your ship docks in the town of Melk where we discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to an exclusive SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks. This afternoon your ‘Space-Ship’ glides through the wine region of the Wachau Valley to the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Enjoy time at leisure to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region or join us for a guided bike tour through the vine yards. Tonight our cruise ship arrives in Vienna.
DAY 9: 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. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour. Following the city tour you may choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) A fabulous guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer palace of the Hapsburgs; or (2) Visit the State Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake in a famous Viennese café. Afterwards enjoy time at leisure with your Cruise Director on hand to enhance your experience. Perhaps, visit one of the many museums on offer or shop along the famous “Kartnerstrausse”. Tonight be enchanted 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 10: Budapest (FB,L,D) Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Guided City tour of both Buda and Pest highlighting the cites finest attractions; or (2) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (3) Relive the history of Hungary’s Communist past and pay tribute to its regime victims at the Museum and Memorial Park dedicated to this era. Tonight celebrate with Folklore music before a wonderful farewell dinner.
DAY 11: Budapest (FB) After breakfast this morning it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship. Your Scenic Tours Representative will transfer* you to the 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.
Only Scenic Tours River Cruises offer this full range of features and benefits - MANY EXCLUSIVE
EUROPE'S NEWEST LUXURY FLEET Scenic Tours have the newest and most modern fleet on Euope's waterways
PRIVATE OUTDOOR BALCONIES Scenic Tours is the only company to offer Private Outdoor Balconies, available on all suites on the top two decks - 82% of cabins. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
THE MOST SPACIOUS SUITES Scenic Tours Private Balcony Suites are 24% larger than comparable river cruise cabins.
EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE BUTLER SERVICE Enjoy Private Butler service in Royal and Junior Suites and in all Balcony suites on the Danube Deck. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
ALL ENGLISH SPEAKING, AWARD WINNING STAFF Scenic Tours is pleased to bring you the best on board staff and local city guides.
PORTOBELLO'S PRIVATE RESTAURANT Only Scenic Tours offers a choice of three on board fine dining venues, Crystal Dining, the exclusive Portobello's Italian Restaurant, and Al Fresco on the Sun Deck - at no additional cost. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
MORE PUBLIC SPACE PER GUEST Our spacious public areas are 20% larger than on most other vessels and we include a choice of 3 outdoor viewing areas. Our main restaurant, Crystal Dining, is up to 30% larger than typical river cruise ships. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
FULLY INCLUSIVE CRUISING All sightseeing and on board activities included - no optional extras to pay for.
ALL MEALS INCLUDED Starting with early riser breakfast, Scenic Tours includes all meals on board, including a full hot buffet breakfast, delicious buffet lunch with a-la-carte choices and four course a-la-carte dinner.
COMPLIMENTARY COFFEE AND TEA Espresso coffee and a fine selection of teas - available all day
PREMIUM BOTTLED WINE, BEER AND SOFT DRINKS INCLUDED Complimentary wines, beer and soft drinks are served with both lunch and dinner.
ALL TIPPING AND GRATUITIES INCLUDED All tipping and gratuities are included on the cruise and land portion of your holiday, saving you up to $980.00 per couple.
COMPLIMENTARY AIRPORT TRANSFERS Complimentary exclusive airport transfers are included on the first and last day of your tour
ON BOARD ENTERTAINMENT Enjoy our extensive program of on board entertainment from classical music to gypsy troupes.
DEDICATED CRUISE DIRECTOR You will be served by the best and most experienced European Cruise Directors.
ON BOARD INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM Every stateroom and suite features a state-of-the-art infotainment system and flat screen TV.
SCENIC SLUMBER BED Every stateroom and suite features a deluxe queen size "Scenic Slumber bed" with fine linens and pillow menu. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
MAXIMUM LEISURE TIME Our cruises dock in the heart of Europe's towns and cities, right where you want to be.
COMPLIMENTARY BICYCLES Our guests enjoy the use of complimentary bicycles for onshore exploration.
PRIVATE CONCERT IN VIENNA Over a glass of Austrian 'Sekt', enjoy a private concert of Viennese music at the opulent Palais Liechtenstein. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE On selected departures our guests will enjoy lectures and commentary from members of the renowned History Team. Exclusive to Scenc Tours
EXCLUSIVE SCENIC ENRICH PROGRAM Our guests will enjoy an exclusive range of extra events and activities. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
SCENIC FREECHOICE Individualize your activities with Scenic FreeChoice in Amsterdam, Wurzburg, Passau, Vienna and Budapest - all included at NO EXTRA COST. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
SCENIC FREETIME - NEW FOR 2011! Wander at your own pace with a map and unique audio device that provides detailed commentary at set locations
ON BOARD ELEVATOR An on board elevator reaches all suites on the Danube and Rhine decks.
TRAVEL PACK Exclusive Scenic Tours Documentation Travel Pack including backpack, travel wallet and map.
Passenger's Review
Our cruise on the Scenic Sapphire was great, it totally surpassed our expectations. The ship is beautiful, with very comfortable accommodations. The crew was very friendly and very professional. Captain Costel did a great of job of maneuvering the numerous locks and getting us to our destinations, usually ahead of schedule. The hotel manager, Arthur was great, he has a wonderful sense of humor and was always there with a smile to help in any situation and his staff did a tremendous job too. Cruise director, Tadej did an excellent job both with the on board activities and the shore excursions. Purser, Katrina and her assistant handled every request efficiently with a smile. Executive Chef, Chadvar and his staff turned out some amazing meals from very tight quarters. Maitre d’Hotel, Vitor and his staff, especially our waiter, Zoltan did an excellent job of serving the meals and seeing that our wine glasses were never empty. Housekeeper, Teodora and her staff did a wonderful job of keep the Scenic Sapphire spotless from stem to stern. Maria who serviced our cabin did an excellent job, cleaning at least three times a day and leaving some delightful arrangements of towels. On Mothers Day she saw the card I gave my wife and made a heart of towels around it on the bed (see attached photo).
For a relatively new company in a very competitive market Scenic Tours really did their homework and got it right, right from the start. I couldn’t imagine a better experience in river cruising. I had never heard of Scenic Tours but while researching riverboat cruises on the internet I came across it on the website riverdiscounts.com. I was first of all impressed with the beautiful new boats. When I looked in to it further I liked the fact that the all gratuities were included and complimentary wine was served with lunch and dinner. There was even a bottle of Proseco on ice along with Champagne flutes if you wanted a little bubbly with your breakfast in the morning, which was pleasant surprise. Another bonus was the fact that unlike most European tours, which make all announcements in 3 to 5 different languages all announcements, were in English only.
All in all it was a totally pleasurable experience and I want to thank you for helping to make it so. You were always so helpful and accommodating with all requests from a particular cabin I wanted to having to change the dates of our cruise due to lock closures.
Thank you and Scenic Tours for a delightful experience.
Best regards,
Jim & Terry
P. S:Our fellow passengers, who were mostly Australian along with some New Zealanders and Canadians, were delightful traveling companions. They were always friendly and cheerful and fun to be around. As far as I know, we were the only Yanks on board, as we didn’t meet any other Americans, this only added to our pleasure.
J & T
Avalon Waterways with Extra Discounts We have sailed the ships, slept in the beds, taken the shore excursions and eaten the food. Our prices are lower than the cruise lines.
