Immerse yourself in European culture

CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

Explore tradition and religion

All 44 nationalities that comprise Europe take extraordinary pride in their country’s heritage, tradition and culture. It’s one of the aspects that makes a visit to Europe so rewarding and fascinating, as you have the chance to delve into the heartbeat of so many destinations and the nuances that set each apart. There may be similarities in them – for instance, it would not be a European city or town without a grand church, cathedral, monastery or abbey of some description taking centre stage. And yet, with the help of looking more closely through the trained lens of expert local guides, you’ll soon come to understand what makes the French, Swiss, German, Austrian, Hungarian and Dutch people, for example, do things in their own individual way in accordance with their own customs. Observe it in the flavours of the foods you’ll eat; the architectural details of its buildings; the traditional dress of its locals; the influence of its geography on its prized art; the dominant religions and houses of worship; and the history of a region that underpins the attitudes and personality of its people. Only by exploring with an expert, with a deep understanding of each of Europe’s cities and towns, can you experience a heightened sense of place and appreciation of provenance. Scenic Freechoice activities and exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences are curated to showcase culturally significant and interesting venues, practices, traditions, and art forms.

Cultural moments with Scenic

Marvel at intricate wooden carvings covered in gold in the Portuguese city of Porto, at the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Church of São Francisco

Cycle through the vineyards of Sauternes in France to taste Premier Grand Cru Classe wines at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, established in 1855 After hours, enjoy an intimate musical performance at Avignon’s prestigious Palais des Papes, a 14th century palace Witness a traditional Puszta horse show in Hungary, where the tradition of horse show pageantry has been performed for centuries Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear. Wander the quaint streets with the locals as they proudly introduce you to their traditional ways of life

Tour Salzburg and see where Maria von Trapp famously lost track of all time in the 1965 film ‘The Sound of Music’, based on a true story. Enjoy a musical performance in this traditional city, and also visit the birthplace of composer Mozart Discover the mystery and history of the magnificent Opera Garnier in Paris during a guided tour, which inspired the stories included in the classic novel The Phantom of the Opera, released in the early 1900s Learn all about the famous Dutch Delft blue pottery during a visit to a pottery factory Tour Les Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux after hours, one of the largest digital arts centres in the world, housed in which was once a former WWII submarine station

B

C

D

A Palais des Papes, Avignon, France B Scenic Enrich, Palais des Papes, Avignon, France C Provesende, Portugal D Opera Garnier, Paris France