A Girls' Guide to River Cruising by Club Tours

UNFORGETTABLE WONDERS A GIRLS’ GUIDE TO RIVER CRUISING

2016 scenic.com.au

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INTRODUCTION Scenic honours the beauty of time. After all, it’s such a precious gift. We want you to take the scenic route. To appreciate what’s around you – the smells, sounds and views that you enjoy on our handcrafted journeys. - Meander along the fabled waterways of Europe or discover the mystical delights of South East Asia on the Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers. Spend time with the women in your life, relish the chance to explore destinations you’ve always dreamt of, indulge in the finest cuisine and luxury on board our ships and don’t forget to bring plenty of shopping money. This is more than a river cruise; it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

RIVER CRUISING FOR WOMEN There isn’t any other holiday more tailormade for women travelling together than a river cruise. You’ll be pampered, indulged and delighted by every experience both on board and onshore. Unpack once, order your favourite cocktail and enjoy incredible amenities on board our 5-star luxury ships; then arrive at the next beautiful port and let the adventures (and shopping) begin. CONTENTS Why Scenic

Travelling women

Floating hotels

All-inclusive river cruising

Shop up a storm

To market, to market

Natural wonders

Pamper yourself

Gourmet delights

Bubbles 14 Mum’s trip of a lifetime

16-17

What to expect on board

What to expect onshore

Where and when to travel Top 5 Scenic river cruises for women

20-21 22

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Travelling women

Floating hotels

All-inclusive river cruising

Shop up a storm

To market, to market

Natural wonders

Pamper yourself

Gourmet delights

Bubbles 14 Mum’s trip of a lifetime

16-17

What to expect on board

What to expect onshore

Where and when to travel Top 5 Scenic river cruises for women

20-21 22

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WHY SCENIC In 2016 we celebrate 30 years in the business. We’re experts at what we do and we still love handcrafting extraordinary experiences for our guests, just as much as we did back in 1986. Our passion for quality travel is what sets us apart and we would love you to join us for our next journey. Our first land tour was to the Great Ocean Road in Victoria and since that first modest bus trip, we have introduced journeys that cover every continent on Earth. From Europe to the Americas, South East Asia, India and Africa; Australia and New Zealand, we travel to over 60 countries across the globe. Since 2005 we have taken great pride in delivering incredible river cruises in the most wonderful

“French Champagne on arrival and every need taken care of by our wonderful butler, Carlo. At dinner, as we were served the most delicious meal, Mum couldn’t wipe the smile off her face … and neither could I. And this was just the start of the trip.” Dana, 52 Budapest N 47° 29’ E 19° 2’

places on earth. Our Journey Designers spend months researching and refining our itineraries to deliver a truly extraordinary experience for you and your fellow travellers. Our ships are custom built to deliver all-inclusive jaw-dropping luxury. As a further commitment to excellence in river cruising, we began building our own Space-Ships in 2006. By building cabins along with dining and recreational areas to our exact specifications, we are able to ensure nothing is left to chance. From the second you step foot on the ship to the moment you leave your cruise, you can be sure that Scenic has thought of every little possible thing to make your trip more luxurious and more awe-inspiring that anything you’ve experienced before.

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WOMEN TRAVELLERS “There’s no place where one can breathe as freely as on the deck of a ship.” - Elsa Triolet Take time out from your busy life, catch up with dear friends or spend more time with family. Travelling with the most important women in your life, your mum, sisters, best friends or even on your own is something you can do with ease on a Scenic river cruise. From the moment you step off the plane to the end of your journey, we will ensure that you’ll travel in the utmost luxury and comfort and the best bit is that everything is included. We won’t even ask for a credit card at check-in, you could leave your wallet at home … unless you have big plans for shopping that is. We cruise along some of the most beautiful rivers in the world, including the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Saône Bordeaux and Douro in Europe and

the Mekong and Irrawaddy in South East Asia. Your time on board one of our state-of-the-art ships will be that of pure indulgence. Unpack once and stay in luxuriously appointed suites, pamper yourself in the wellness centre, dine on the finest cuisine and relish the chance to be with the women you care about the most.

FLOATING HOTELS

At each port along the way you’ll have the chance to explore the many towns and villages we visit along the river. Take a tour through pretty streets, sample the local fare, experience sunset with a breathtaking view and the best cocktail you’ve ever tasted or shop up a storm at an iconic market, the options are endless thanks to our Enrich, Freechoice and Sundowner experiences.

Akin to the world’s finest hotels, staying on board a Scenic ship is a truly beautiful experience. Intimate and exclusive, your ship features large private balcony suites where you can relax in comfort. You’ll have the best sleep of your life on board our ships thanks to the deluxe linen, a comprehensive pillow menu and the most

comfortable bed you’ve ever encountered. Your suite will be supplied with beautiful toiletries, a well-stocked minibar that is refreshed every day and a range of delicious snacks. Equipped with Wi-Fi internet, HDTV and a host of other technological innovations, keeping in touch or switching off has never been easier.

ALL THE SINGLE LADIES It’s not just groups of women who seek out river cruises. A growing number of solo female travellers are choosing the delights of a river cruise. Offering comfort, peace of mind and the chance to meet like-minded souls, river cruising is ideal for those travelling on their own. As a solo traveller you’ll have the flexibility to join in Freechoice and Enrich activities or if solitude is more what you crave, simply kick back and relax on board in 5-star luxury.

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FLOATING HOTELS

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ALL-INCLUSIVE RIVER CRUISING At Scenic when we say all-inclusive, we mean it. When cruising with Scenic in Europe and South East Asia, you won’t have to worry about money at all. Everything is included, from experiences and activities to the re-stocking of your in-suite bar, the laundry and tipping – we even include bottled water to take on excursions.

ENRICH Our expert Journey Designers have handpicked and created a range of unique experiences that will be amongst the highlights of your cruise. These are exclusive multi-sensory moments, adding a deeper dimension to your cruise and leaving you with an amazing memory to treasure.

FREECHOICE A vast range of activities and sightseeing experiences for you to choose from, ensuring you only see what you want to see at a pace that suits you. From history to culture, gastronomy to nature, there’s something for everyone.

TAILORMADE In Europe our exclusive Tailormade GPS guided tours mean you can explore even further afield and on your own. Our unique Tailormade program is available in over 140 locations. We even make sure your chosen Tailormade tour starts and returns to your ship location so you’ll never get lost.

BUTLER We know it’s the personal touches that make your cruise special, and so do our butlers. From nightly turndown to delivering your morning latte, your butler is there to make your Scenic journey extra special. They won’t be happy unless you are.

SCENIC FLEET Luxury focused innovation and design mean Scenic is a world-class leader delivering the ultimate in river cruising on our state-of-the-art fleet. Featuring some of the largest suites on the rivers, a high staff-to-guest ratio plus incredible facilities on board, you’ll never want for anything.

DINING & BEVERAGES From casual fare to fine dining and degustation on board we cater for every style. Our chefs draw inspiration from the countries we pass through so you’ll experience true regional cuisine. And of course there’s an extensive selection of complimentary beverages all day too.

SUITES We set the benchmark for the standard of suites on board, the most spacious on the river. Technology and innovation meet to provide your Scenic Sun Lounge, a private balcony at the touch of a button. Luxury, space, views, they’re all included.

THE NTH DEGREE We’ll greet you personally at the airport and transfer you to and from your cruise, regardless of when you arrive. Onshore, all our transport, whether it’s by coach or rail, is of the very highest standard. We use local guides as we believe nobody knows an area like someone who lives there. Absolutely everything is taken care of, including all the tipping.

SHOP UP A STORM Europe

South East Asia

Who doesn’t love a shopping expedition with the girls? On a river cruise, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to shop up a storm. From deluxe French boutiques, quaint Portuguese gift shops, elegant leather goods in Budapest to delicious Swiss chocolate and German gingerbread, European shopping offers up a plethora of options.

South East Asia offers up a host of shopping options, from the big names brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Armani which you can find in the elegant old quarter of Ho Chi Minh City to the one-of-a-kind handcrafted satin and silk delicacies found across Cambodia and Laos. Vientiane in Laos offers up a range of exotic body products, handmade by expert parfumiers, Myanmar is famous for its precious gem production that will have you awash with rubies, sapphire and jade. Cambodia shines with Phnom Penh the place to go for unique interior decoration items and Siem Reap rapidly becoming a hub for gorgeous, handcrafted items, including silk, handbags, clothing, jewellery and more.

Wander along Bordeaux’s Rue Saint Catherine, a 1.2 kilometre-long stretch of high-end shops, brasseries, cafés and shopping centres. It’s the longest shopping strip in Europe. Visit the elegant glass domed Galleries Lafayette in Paris or search for hand-painted porcelain and ceramics in Vienna. In Portugal you’ll fall in love with handcrafted jewellery and in Amsterdam, its famous Museum Quarter is home to high-end classics such as Chanel, Gucci, Hermés and Louis Vuitton. No matter what your taste, you’ll find something to delight amongst the shopping enclaves of Europe.

Beautiful design and a nod to the opulence of old Asia is easy to find when you’re out and about shopping in South East Asia.

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SHOP UP A STORM Europe

South East Asia

Beautiful design and a nod to the opulence of old Asia is easy to find when you’re out and about shopping in South East Asia.

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TO MARKET, TO MARKET One of the best experiences of a river cruise is the opportunity to explore local markets. Offering up the chance to pick up a bargain, meet the locals and find a one-of-a-kind memento, it is easy to spend hours in search of your new favourite object. EUROPE has a grand tradition of marketplaces that pop up in village squares, church courtyards and even castle gardens. From the sumptuous fresh produce markets of the South of France to the curios on offer throughout Paris and the decadence of freshly baked treats in Germany, there’s a market for every taste. At Christmas things get taken to a whole new level. Amidst the twinkling lights, shop for handmade decorations, try mulled wine, hot chestnuts and mince pies in some of the prettiest villages in the world. SOUTH EAST ASIA has a range of markets to explore, from the bargain basement variety to utterly charming and unique handcrafts you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Explore the Angkor Night Market which has a range of Fair Trade products. If you yearn for beautiful silver or jade items, then Myanmar’s Bogyoke Aung San Market is the place to go. The new Night Market in Phnom Penh, located on the riverfront, is a must-see and the pretty town of Luang Prabang plays host to the Handicraft Night Market. Low-lit and quiet, it’s possibly the most tranquil market in Asia with tens of dozens of traders selling silk scarves and wall hangings, plus Hmong appliqué blankets, clothing, shoes, paper, silver, bags, ceramics, bamboo lamps and more. Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City is centrally located in one of the city’s liveliest areas and the Sa Dec Markets in the charming colonial town of Sa Dec offer up an authentic local Vietnamese market experience.

NATURAL WONDERS No matter which itinerary you select, our Journey Designers have gone to the Nth degree to make sure you see as much of this incredible world as possible during your river cruise. Cruise through the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley in Portugal, discover the cornucopia of medieval villages along the Rhine in Germany, discover the beauty of Monet’s Garden in Giverny and the wild natural beauty of Bordeaux in the South of France. Gaze in awe at the ancient wonder of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the colonial grandeur of Sa Dec in Vietnam. The towering golden spires of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar will leave you speechless and the sight of the primordial mountains and sparkling Inle Lake in eastern Myanmar will fill your soul.

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PAMPER YOURSELF Taking time out for yourself is just as important on this journey of a lifetime. Every one of our ships boast relaxation and wellness areas that offer a range of services and amenities, no matter what your preference. Each ship offers up world-class amenities. You might find yourself indulging in a massage or facial in our beautifully appointed spa, or discovering your inner peace in our yoga space or even sweating it out in the gym. Relax on the sundeck with your sister, or find your favourite book in the library to while away the hours. Some of our ships even feature pools and open-air cinema facilities. On shore, there’ll be plenty of time to pamper yourself even further, during our visits to different ports along the rivers. Indulge and enjoy.

“A morning seeking market treasures, all afternoon relaxing on the pool deck - that’s my kind of balancing act.”

Talia, 49 Cai Be, Vietnam N 10° 21’ E 106°1’

“A morning seeking market treasures, all afternoon relaxing on the pool deck - that’s my kind of balancing act.”

Talia, 49 Cai Be, Vietnam N 10° 21’ E 106°1’

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GOURMET DELIGHTS Diverse and delicious food experiences are one of the highlights of your Scenic cruise. Enjoy freshly ground coffee and a hot buttery croissant for breakfast with your mum or a nightcap with your best friend after a decadent dinner, you’ll be spoilt for choice during your journey. Our chefs draw inspiration from the regions you travel through, all our food is seasonal and regional, as well as freshly prepared, often sourced locally and mouth-watering. Savour buffet or a la carte fare in our chic restaurants, visit the café for an early breakfast or casual snacks throughout the day. There’s a venue for every occasion. And when you step onshore, a whole new world of gourmet delights opens up. Sit in a little bistro along the Seine in Paris, sample the best of Germany’s delectable desserts in Cologne or let the sweet, aromatic fragrance of Vietnamese cooking sweep you away.

BUBBLES “I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not” - Coco Chanel Sharing a glass of bubbly with your best friends, sister, mum or any other amazing woman in your life, is one of life’s great joys. When you cruise with Scenic, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the world’s finest French Champagne, your favourite cocktail mixed to perfection or that well-deserved glass of Rosé on the sun deck at the end of the days adventures.

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MUM’S CRUISE OF A LIFETIME The trip of a lifetime! That’s what I could hear my mum, Heather, almost sing down the phone to her friend before we’d even left Australia. Yet I felt no pressure at all. I’d seen the itinerary, I knew we were travelling with the best and I agreed with her wholeheartedly. A cruise on the Seine River in France does sound pretty darn good ... Paris can make anyone feel lightheaded (don’t they call it the City of Light?) and it’s the perfect place to start your adventure. We were whisked straight to this glorious boat – sorry, I mean ship – waiting for us elegantly on the River Seine, where two joys awaited us: our very own butler (ours was named Vladimir and he was kindness personified); and the pleasure of unpacking our bags just once in two weeks. Our rooms had enough space for all the shopping we intended to do, a big shower that had this groovy ‘mood light’ within its head and a wonderful balcony/sunroom … A simple pleasure was to watch the world go by from your bed with the scenery ever changing.

Each day brought a new thrill. In Rouen, where the skyline is spiked by hundreds of church spires, I heard that hand-painted ceramics were the thing to buy (artists still paint in their shops) and was told to check out the sound and light show that lit up the famous cathedral at night. I’m so glad we made the most of every suggestion and opportunity. You only live once. We took cooking classes, did all the tours and, yes, I shopped like a woman possessed, Mum egging me on every inch of the way, “Buy it! Buy two!” One night we went for a private concert at Château de Champlâtreux – while the Duke ate his duck terrine in the dining room next door! We know, he waved – we loved it. It’s no wonder that now we are home, Mum says to me, “I feel like it was a dream. Was it real?”

The complete version of this article originally appeared in The Australian Women’s Weekly, October 2014.

“Honfleur was Mum’s favourite town. I should tell you it was because of the picturesque harbour, where artists such as Claude Monet set their easels up to paint ‘en plein air’, or its rose-filled gardens, but no, it was the shopping.” Catriona Rowntree Honfleur, France N 49° 25 E 0° 13’

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The complete version of this article originally appeared in The Australian Women’s Weekly, October 2014.

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WHAT TO EXPECT ON BOARD With Scenic, perks and privileges are part of your all-inclusive on board experience. Largest balcony suites on the rivers Scenic Sun Lounge, your private outdoor balcony Your own butler Complimentary beverages all day, every day Dining options from casual to fine dining On board entertainment Wellness and fitness area Cruise Directors to guide and assist Complimentary Wi-Fi internet Expert local guides Authentic local entertainment Return airport transfers All tipping and gratuities

European River Cruises include:

WHAT TO EXPECT ONSHORE and traditions of some of the world’s most unique cultures. Whatever Enrich experience awaits you – you’ll cherish it for years to come.

Laundry concierge

A range of exclusive, handcrafted experiences await you along the cruise route. With deliberately small group numbers to ensure a personal experience and everything taken care of, including tipping, you’ll love every minute.

The freedom of our e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles)

Scenic Freechoice

Scenic Sundowners are bespoke cocktail events for Scenic guests to celebrate the day’s adventures. What could be better than sharing your experiences with friends against a truly idyllic backdrop? That certainly calls for a toast.

Exclusive Scenic Tailormade GPS for selfguided touring and on board commentary

South East Asia River Cruises include: Complimentary guest laundry Elevators to all service levels

Scenic Freechoice is a program of activities deliberately created to give you the freedom to engage in those things that truly interest you. You’ll get to pick and choose from a range of experiences at your preferred pace. If you and your travelling companions have different interests, you can even choose separate activities. It’s entirely up to you.

Scenic Enrich You can look forward to genuinely handcrafted moments of wonder, curated to bring out the truly wondrous aspects of history, culture and location. Immerse yourself in the hospitality

Scenic Sundowners

Scenic Tailormade Our Scenic Tailormade device guides you through your own personal excursion on shore, and offers absorbing commentary on major points of interest while you’re on board. You’ll be able to wander on or off the beaten path without any danger of getting lost. And best of all, you’ll miss none of the attractions along the way.

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European River Cruises include:

WHAT TO EXPECT ONSHORE and traditions of some of the world’s most unique cultures. Whatever Enrich experience awaits you – you’ll cherish it for years to come.

Laundry concierge

The freedom of our e-bikes (electronically assisted bicycles)

Scenic Freechoice

Exclusive Scenic Tailormade GPS for selfguided touring and on board commentary

South East Asia River Cruises include: Complimentary guest laundry Elevators to all service levels

Scenic Enrich You can look forward to genuinely handcrafted moments of wonder, curated to bring out the truly wondrous aspects of history, culture and location. Immerse yourself in the hospitality

Scenic Sundowners

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WHERE AND WHEN TO TRAVEL Christmas Markets Europe River Cruises

Christmas Europe River Cruise

Europe River Cruises

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

MARCH – OCTOBER

Europe in the lead-up to Christmas transforms into a happy hive of activity as markets spring to life in every town. A joyful display of trinkets, lights and charm for all generations, this tradition hasn’t changed in centuries.

Everyone should experience an authentic ‘White Christmas’ at least once. Sail through chocolate box towns, sample the eggnog and delight in all the seasonal traditions that have been part of Europe since recorded memory.

There’s nothing more beautiful than watching Europe transition through the seasons. No matter what time you cruise you’ll come across moments of wonder. From French fields of summer sunflowers and lavender to snow-white mountains and misty autumn mornings, you’ll always have something to marvel at.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

Christmas Mekong & Irradwaddy River Cruises DECEMBER Indulge in a tropical Christmas as you cruise along the sultry Mekong or the mystical Irrawaddy. A great time of year to experience South East Asia. Warm your bones, avoid the Christmas crowds and treat yourself. Make it a holiday season you’ll look back on with joy.

JULY

AUGUST

Mekong River Cruises

Irrawaddy River Cruises

Year round except MAY to mid JUNE

Year round except mid APRIL to late AUGUST

After carefully weaving our way around the wet season, there really isn’t any time throughout the year that isn’t good to cruise South East Asia. With a consistently temperate climate and a host of festivals and events year round, there’s always something wondrous happening on the Mekong.

Make the most of the wonderful climate in South East Asia and cruise any time of the year that suits you. We have scheduled our departures to ensure we miss the wet season, leaving you with plenty of options to explore the mystical wonderland that is Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

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WHERE AND WHEN TO TRAVEL Christmas Markets Europe River Cruises

Christmas Europe River Cruise

Europe River Cruises

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

MARCH – OCTOBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

Mekong River Cruises

Irrawaddy River Cruises

Year round except MAY to mid JUNE

Year round except mid APRIL to late AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

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TOP 5 SCENIC RIVER CRUISES

for women travelling together Jewels of Europe Grand palaces and fairy tale castles. Cruise through a region steeped in the history of ancient trade routes. Meander through forested hillsides, idyllic vineyards and romantic towns along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Breathtaking Bordeaux Discover extraordinary natural landscapes, delicious fare, prepared with a finesse so characteristic of the French, winemaking that has been refined to an art, and a wealth of historical riches, from elegant châteaux to churches that have been around for longer than most of the new world.

Unforgettable Douro Portugal’s Douro River winds its way through towns that have somehow managed to preserve their distinctive culture, and way of life, while the world all around them has succumbed to

change. Discover historic pockets of the Douro Valley scattered with vineyards, indulge in the finest cuisine amongst the friendliest of communities.

“The shimmering sun begins to set as we wander through labyrinthine walkways. Intricate carvings, each with a story to tell. Thousands of years of history and culture glowing golden in the sunset. What an incredible moment to share with my little sister.”

Journey along the Mekong Travel through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos on this beautiful cruise along the mighty Mekong River. Fall in love with the diversity and passion of Vietnam, wander amongst the awe-inspiring ruins of Angkor Wat and uncover the hidden gem that is Laos.

Mystical Irrawaddy A glorious patchwork of treasures. This luxury journey unveils a rich legacy where British colonial reminders nestle alongside golden pagodas. Cruise along the Irrawaddy River through the heart of Myanmar to reveal the diversity and richness of this extraordinary, untouched land.

Valerie, 63 Angkor Wat, Cambodia N 13° 41’ E 103°86’

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TOP 5 SCENIC RIVER CRUISES

change. Discover historic pockets of the Douro Valley scattered with vineyards, indulge in the finest cuisine amongst the friendliest of communities.

Valerie, 63 Angkor Wat, Cambodia N 13° 41’ E 103°86’

AUSTRALIA Call 138 128 Visit scenic.com.au Contact your local Scenic Agent scenic.com.au/agents NEW ZEALAND Call 0800 441 611 Visit scenicnz.com