Scenic Wonder Magazine Issue 1 2015 - Canada Version

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• BORDEAUX RIVER CRUISE • NEW SCENIC ENRICH, FREECHOICE EXCURSIONS • SCENIC OPAL CHRISTENING • INTRODUCING LUXURY MYANMAR CRUISING PAGE 1

ISSUE 1 2015

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LET US FILL YOUR WORLD WITH WONDER IN 2016

ISSUE 1 2015

CONTENTS

EDITION

ARTICLES

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STAR-STUDDED CHRISTENING

RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH

DAYS TO REMEMBER

THE GOLDEN LAND

Bubbles on the riverbank for Europe’s newest Space-Ship: Scenic Opal

Not just famed for it’s wines, explore the great outdoors in Bordeaux

New Exclusive Enrich and Freechoice excursions for Europe in 2016

Discover the exotic beauty of Myanmar on a luxurious Irrawaddy river cruise

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EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the first issue of the brand new Wonder Scenic Club Magazine - your glimpse into a world of all-inclusive luxury travel.

We are so excited to share our photos of the christening of Scenic Opal by Canadian Travel Expert, author and TV personality Claire Newell as Scenic’s 1st Canadian Godmother – This issue also peaks into the newest luxury Scenic Space-Ships to hit the water as well as inspirational reading on new Scenic destinations such as Bordeaux and the exotic temptations of Myanmar.

This edition has been redesigned and timed to coincide with Scenic’s brand relaunch under the banner of Wonders Never Cease, which you will see on your television screens and in print via national advertising campaigns over coming months.

May these pages inspire you to start planning your next world adventure with us - we look forward to helping you create more precious memories with us soon.

Lanei Lee

SPECIAL OFFERS NOT REACHING YOU? STAY SUBSCRIBED WITH US At Scenic, relationships are very important to us and we want to continue providing you with exclusive offers and useful information.

Our Loyalty guests have access to special discounts and the opportunity to book Exclusive Member Only departures for Scenic Club members. These cruises and tours include a host of extra benefits just for Loyalty guests at no extra cost and feature special events, excursions and hotel upgrades. In addition, we hold special Loyalty Guest events in key cities across Canada during the year.

How do you receive these offers?

Verify your information with us.

Confirm your consent to receive future electronic marketing communications from Scenic.

Email: subscribe@scenic.ca We respect your email privacy, and never share your information with third party suppliers.

Cover Benedictine Palace, Fécamp in France

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nd of Music u o S d n a g r u b Salz

PORTUGUESE FEAST Scenic’s vision to introduce guests to new destinations continues with the release of the 11 Day Unforgettable Douro river cruise, setting off on the brand new Scenic Azure in 2016. Extend your stay in Madrid or Lisbon, or combine with one of our breathtaking all-inclusive river cruise on the waterways of France.

Visit Salzburg followed by an Austrian lunch before attending the exclusive production, ‘The Best of Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’, thanks to a new Enrich experience timed with the film’s 50th birthday this year.

what’s

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Irrawaddy debut

more luxury journeys

With just 22 all-balcony suites, the best in boutique cruising is set to make a splash on Myanmar’s famous river, with Scenic Aura due to welcome its first guests late in 2016.

Enjoy great style – in style!

Coastal resorts of the Mediterranean Sea, architectural wonders and the playgrounds of the rich – see it all in style on our new 9 day Bel Viaggio luxury escorted journey from Nice to Rome. As an option, before your tour, sail on our Spectacular South of France river cruise starting in Paris.

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Highlights of Honfleur MAIN SIGHTS: Maisons Satie Museum, Eugène Boudin Art Museum, Naturospace butterfly house.

TOP TEN

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TAILORMADE Self-guided GPS devices exclusive to Scenic

Traboule Passageways of Lyon MAIN SIGHTS: The Rose Tower, Renaissance street Montee de la Grande Cote, Weaver Mural.

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Architecture of Amsterdam cycling tour MAIN SIGHTS: The Royal Palace, Rembrandt Museum, House on the Three Canals.

MAIN SIGHTS: Blue Tower, Duberstein Monastery and Church, Dürnstein Castle Ruins.

European Union Discovery – Kehl to Strasbourg Cycle Tour

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MAIN SIGHTS: European Court of Human Rights, European Parliament Building, Strasbourg Cathedral.

Ancient Breisach Van Gogh & Arts Trail Tour of Arles MAIN SIGHTS: Cafe Terrace At Night café, Bridge of Langlois, Roman monument of Les Alyscamps.

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Delightful Dürnstein

MAIN SIGHTS: 600 year-old Geldermann Sparkling Wine Cellar, Breisach Castle, Baroque fortress tower Neuf-Brisach.

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Great and Glorious Budapest MAIN SIGHTS: Budapest Castle, Millennium Monument and Heroes’ Square, St Stephen’s Basilica.

7 Bountiful Blaye MAIN SIGHTS: Blaye Citadel, Rudel Castle, Basilica of Saint Romain.

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The Best of Belgrade Cycling Tour MAIN SIGHTS: Belgrade Sea Ada river island and beach, Bajrakli Mosque, Belgrade Fortress.

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STAR-STUDDED CHRISTENING Bubbles on the riverbank for Europe’s newest Space-Ship The champagne bottle cracked over the bow of the newest next-generation Scenic Space-Ship on June 17, 2015 with Canada’s Travel Expert, author and TV personality Claire Newell, doing the honours in her role as ship’s first Canadian Godmother at an official riverside ceremony in Cochem, Germany.

“Beautiful weather and the scenic location of Cochem made for a picture perfect day to christen the stunning Scenic Opal,” stated Ms. Newell. “It was an honour and a privilege to be asked to godmother such a beautiful vessel.

Breaking the champagne against the hull of the ship was an experience I'll never forget.”

Scenic Opal, the 12th in the Scenic Space-Ship fleet, takes cruising the waterways of Europe to the next level offering the largest suites on the rivers, a panoramic Sun Deck complete with vitality pool plus the opulent 475 square foot Royal Panorama Suites and 360 square foot Royal Suite with private balconies.

The 85 cabin Scenic Opal will sail 11 and 15 day itineraries on the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers.

Scenic founder and Chairman Glen Moroney joined Claire at the christening event along with many Scenic guests and VIPs. “We are proud of the innovations we have made on Scenic Opal. We’ve taken what was already an exceptional design and are now able to offer our guests a real heightened sense of luxury with the largest suites on Europe’s rivers,” Moroney said.

As part of her official christening duties, new Godmother Claire officially named the new ship.

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Balcony Suite and personal butler on the Opal Claire Newell, Glen Moroney and all the dignitaries Christening Champagne bottle Private concert, Rastatt Palace

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SCENIC OPAL FEATURES

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• Butler service for every guest • Six on board dining options • Vitality pool on the Sun Deck • Scenic’s revolutionary Sun Lounges included on all balcony suites • Unlimited complimentary beverages including mini-bar replenished daily • On board fitness centre, massage, beauty salon and hairdresser • Captain’s wheelhouse – open viewing deck • Largest Panorama Suites on Europe’s waterways

LET’S GO...

CRUISE/TOUR1: ROMANTIC RHINE & MOSELLE (AMBA) 15 days Amsterdam > Zurich From $6,395* per person, twin share FLY FREE* INCLUDING TAXES CRUISE/TOUR2: JEWELS OF EUROPE (STC)

CRUISE/TOUR1 €50 on board credit per cabin^ CRUISE/TOUR2 €50 on board credit per cabin^

15 days Budapest > Amsterdam From $6,720* per person, twin share FLY FREE* INCLUDING TAXES *See Terms & Condition on back. Itineraries also operate in reverse. Scenic Opal sailings on select departure dates, please enquire.

CRUISE/TOUR1 Pre cruise night hotel in Amsterdam or Budapest^ CRUISE/TOUR1 Pre cruise night hotel in Amsterdam or Budapest^ CRUISE/TOUR2 Pre cruise night hotel in Amsterdam or Budapest^

+ €50 on board credit per cabin^ CRUISE/TOUR2 Pre cruise night hotel in Amsterdam or Budapest^ + €50 on board credit per cabin^

MEMBER OFFERS You must quote SCLOY008 at the time of booking to receive these offers.

For more on Scenic Club visit www.scenic.ca/scenic-club

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RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH Wine has been produced in the Bordeaux region since Roman times, but for French holidaymakers it’s the adventure capital of the south west.

Here’s how to join them in the great outdoors.

Built on a bend in the Garonne River, the World Heritage-listed Bordeaux region is renowned for producing some of the world’s best-known wines and is surrounded by pretty villages and lush riverside vineyards. But its network of freshwater lakes, sprawling National Parks and sandy beaches on the Atlantic also make it a magnet for outdoor activity lovers.

To take advantage of the many natural wonders on offer in one of France’s most popular holiday regions, Scenic Freechoice has an array of options for you to choose from when you visit the region on your luxury river cruise.

Climb the Dune du Pilat Join the one million visitors each year who tackle the climb to the top of this natural wonder near the upmarket resort town of Archachon.

Make your way up 154 steps on the side of this 500m wide, 107m high sand dune and be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Atlantic, surrounding forest, Cape Ferret headland and perhaps be one of the lucky ones to spot dolphins in the Bassin d’Arcachon.

Watch the battalion of colourful paragliders launch from the southern end of the dune before setting off back down the hill.

Terres d’Oiseaux and Gironde Estuary The 116-hectare nature park Terres d’Oiseaux is set on the border of the Gironde Estuary and offers a wonderland for bird lovers with over 125 species to be found in this important spot for migratory birds between the Pyrenees and the ocean. Take a guided visit and enjoy a beautiful nature walk through forests and some of the waterways that form part of Europe’s PAGE 8

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largest estuary covering 635 kilometres.

In Arcachon, you can explore six kilometres of walking trails along coastal and freshwater wetlands at the Le Teich bird reserve. With 20 waterside hides and platforms from which to view more than 80 species of birds, the reserve is considered one of the best in France.

Cycling the wine country Grab your Scenic state-of-the-art e-bike and join a 30-kilometre guided round trip along the Captain’s Road. Your riverside adventure will take you through quaint villages and pretty countryside before returning to the ship where relaxation on the Sun Deck awaits.

In the Médoc, take your bike to the grand 110 ha winery of Château Lagrange, which produces a famous red of the same name which is one of an elite group of wines that were officially classified by Emporer Napoleon III in 1855.

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Dune du Pilat, Arcachon Bay Place De La Bourse, Bordeaux Saint-Émilion, France Black-tailed godwit, Le Teich Château Lagrange, Médoc

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Blaye Atlantic Ocean

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Pauillac Médoc

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Libourne

Bordeaux Bassin d’Arcachon

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Garonne Saint-Émilion Entre Deux Mers

Cadillac Sauternes

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LET’S GO...

CRUISE/TOUR1: BREATHTAKING BORDEAUX (PBOD)

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12 days Paris > Bordeaux From $6,390* per person, twin share FLY FREE* INCLUDING TAXES *See Terms & Condition on back.

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CRUISE/TOUR1 €50 on board credit per cabin^

CRUISE/TOUR1 Pre cruise night hotel in Paris^

CRUISE/TOUR1 Pre cruise night hotel in Paris^ + €50 on board credit per cabin^

MEMBER OFFERS You must quote SCLOY008 at the time of booking to receive these offers. For more on Scenic Club visit www.scenic.ca/scenic-club

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DAYS TO REMEMBER

New Enrich and Freechoice for Europe in 2016

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History buffs, foodies and music fans are spoiled for choice with an array of new experiences designed to enrich your cruise with very special memories in 2016.

From cooking to cycling and beer halls to battleďŹ elds, you will have the chance to deepen your holiday experience as the Scenic Space-Ships glide the rivers of Germany, Austria, France and Portugal.

Enrich promises exclusive, unique experiences that will leave you with amazing memories to treasure. With the Freechoice program, it is your choice from a range of activities and sightseeing experiences, ensuring you see only what you want to see at a tempo that suits.

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WHERE: FREUDENBERG, GERMANY

WHERE: NORMANDY, FRANCE

WHERE: TOURNON, FRANCE

ENRICH: Celebrate the Scenic version of Oktoberfest, Germany’s famously fun beer festival. Soak up fine beer and fun music while you tuck into a Bavarian lunch.

FREECHOICE: Discover some of the Calvados Route through apple cider and brandyproducing country from Honfleur.

SUNDOWNERS: Be entertained by a local

WHERE: ÉTRETAT, FRANCE

FREECHOICE: Join a guided round trip cycle

WHERE: SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

FREECHOICE: Tour Étretat where your sweet tooth will enjoy a visit to a farm known for making goat’s milk chocolate.

from Tournon along the picturesque Rhône

ENRICH: Sing along with all your favourite tunes from the most successful musical movie of all time at the Best of the Sound of Music and Salzburg Show performed in the hills around Salzburg.

WHERE: BLACK FOREST, GERMANY FREECHOICE: Discover the Black Forest during a hike and a ride on Germany’s longest cable car to Schauinsland lookout where you see views of the Rhine Valley and Swiss Alps.

WHERE: MÉDOC, FRANCE FREECHOICE: Join our coach tour and tastings in the Médoc wine region or cycle and sip at Château Lagrange, a Grand Cru class wine estate.

acoustic guitar duo as you enjoy your evening cocktail at Tournon Castle.

river to the village of Glun.

WHERE: PORTO, PORTUGAL SUNDOWNERS: Raise a glass on the terrace of the Douro Museum in Regua overlooking the Douro River and vineyards.

WHERE: PINHÃO, PORTUGAL

WHERE: VILA NOVA DE GAIA, PORTUGAL

FREECHOICE: Visit the Côa Valley Museum

ENRICH: Enjoy a private dinner and concert at the famous Burmester Cellars.

and attend a unique workshop where guests are permitted to touch the artefacts.

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Black Forest, Germany Château Lagrange, Médoc Port in Honfleur Salzburg, Austria Porto, Portugal

THE GOLDEN LAND Discover the exotic beauty of Myanmar, which until recently was untouched by tourism.

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British poet Rudyard Kipling said it best: Myanmar “is quite unlike any place you know about.”

Though known as Burma at the time of Kipling’s visit in 1898, today’s holidaymakers to the South East Asian nation are discovering just how right he was with its floating gardens, unspoilt beaches, glittering pagodas and thriving Buddhist culture putting it on the must-visit hot list since military rule ended in 2011.

More and more overseas visitors are being drawn to Myanmar’s fascinating cultural attractions both on land and water – numbers to the ethnically diverse nation have jumped by one million each year since tourism restrictions were lifted, reaching three million in 2014.

Though new infrastructure, cruise ships and hotels are furiously being built and opened to cater for the world’s fascination with the Buddhist nation, Myanmar’s tourism industry is still developing. Though many international hotel chains are building new accommodation in cities and regional resort areas, demand for western style facilities continues to race ahead of supply in some regions.

Its biggest cities – Yangon and Mandalay – attract the bulk of holidaymakers at present with their proliferation of ornate, gold-leaf gilded pagodas and monasteries making it easy to see how the nation became known as the Golden Land.

Few architectural wonders anywhere embody the golden splendour of Burma more than the Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon’s major tourist attraction. As one of the most famous Buddhist shrines in the world, Shwedagon attracts pilgrims from all over Asia and though debate thrives around it origins, is believed to be more than 2,500 years old.

Topped by a stupa covered in 7,000 diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, many believe the best time to see this glittering landmark is at sunset when the last rays of sunlight are caught by a giant sky-high emerald before its twinkling lights shine across the city.

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Known for its leafy avenues and colonial shopfronts and apartment buildings harking back to British rule, Yangon is Myanmar’s largest city with a population of 5 million. Teahouses serving cucumber sandwiches and afternoon scones survive as remnants from the colonial era, while

SCENIC AURA The all-balcony, boutique Scenic Space Ship - Scenic Aura - is set to be the Irrawaddy’s most luxurious custom-built ship when it welcomes its first guests cruising Myanmar in September 2016.

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Bogyoke Aung San Market leaves visitors in no doubt of the modern diversity of culture that now characterises the former capital.

With more than 2,000 shops, this vast covered market has the nation’s largest selection of jade, traditional Burmese and Buddhist costumes, jewellery and ethnic textiles.

The second largest city, Mandalay, sits on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, where cruising the rural heartland of the country grows ever more popular each year. New ships are appearing with many being custom built exclusively to sail the waters that Kipling romantically called ‘the road to Mandalay’.

Like much of Myanmar, religious monuments dominate the sightseeing agenda in Mandalay, with the Golden Palace Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda among the most visited.

South-east of Mandalay, in the centre of the country, Inle Lake is fast becoming one of the most visited regions outside the city centres.

The freshwater lake in the highlands, 900 metres above sea level, has gained fame for its fascinating floating garden beds where locals grow vegetables as well as distinctive traditional long-tail boats and the fisherman who sail them standing up using a unique onelegged rowing technique.

Private long-boat rides on the tranquil waters of the lake do a brisk trade at sunset, where you can sip your evening aperitif under world’s longest teak bridge, the U-Bein.

region. Hotels with lush waterfront gardens and outdoor dining offering views of the passing fisherman, island temples and the surrounding hills are springing up around the shore.

As well as its natural beauty, Inle Lake, is gaining a foothold with visitors because of its central position as a base for interesting day trips. At the nearby Red Mountain Estate Vineyard, the local Pa-Oh people are producing Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz from grapes imported from France in 2002 and its popular restaurant lures visitors from the Lake for both lunch and dinner.

A trip to the famous golden Buddha-filled cave in the Pindaya region, short treks through fields and villages as well as adventures in local fresh food markets are possible from your accommodation at Inle Lake. A road trip to the ‘forest of temples’ at Kakku, where more than 5,500 1,000-year old stupas rise from the plain, and seeing the sunken stupas at Sagar are also among more astonishing sights nearby.

With its tea shops and tri-shaws, monks and monasteries, water-bound temples and treasures from its colonial past, Myanmar is one of the few destinations in Asia as yet untouched by rampant development and heaving commercialism. Could there be a better time to plan a trip to the golden land?

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The 22-suite ship has been designed with Asian cruising in mind with a rooftop vitality pool, Sun Deck bar and tropical design motifs throughout its luxury interiors. With only 44 guests, Scenic Aura will set new standards for service on the Irrawaddy.

From the moment you step aboard you will be immersed in our signature of all-inclusive luxury with a choice of dining options, complimentary self-service laundry, a passenger lift between decks, a gym and wellness centre, plus a tranquil day spa retreat for on board rest and rejuvenation.

As with all our cruises, all-inclusive means your transfers, your exclusive excursions, all meals and beverages and your own butler.

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1 Mahamuni Pagoda Inwa (Ava) Sagaing Amarapura Upali Thein

Bagan Salay

Red Mountain Estate Vineyards

Old Bagan temples

10 Magwe Thayetmyo

Mount Popa

Heho Airport 3 Inle Lake

Irrawaddy

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Mount Popa, Myanmar Deluxe Balcony Suite, Scenic Aura Buddha-filled cave, Pindaya Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon U-Bein Bridge Forest of temples, Kakku Inle Lake, Myanmar

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Pyay (Prome) Myanmar

Thailand

Bay of Bengal

Shwedagon Pagoda

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Yangon

LET’S GO...

CRUISE/TOUR1: MYSTICAL MYANMAR (MYMM) 18 days Yangon > Yangon From $11,010* per person, twin share FLY FOR $495* INCLUDING TAXES CRUISE/TOUR2: MYSTICAL IRRAWADDY (MYMI)

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14 days Yangon > Mandalay From $8,750* per person, twin share FLY FOR $495* INCLUDING TAXES *See Terms & Condition on back.

CRUISE/TOUR1 US$50 on board credit per cabin^

CRUISE/TOUR1 US$75 on board credit per cabin^

CRUISE/TOUR1 US$100 on board credit per cabin^

CRUISE/TOUR2 US$50 on board credit per cabin^

CRUISE/TOUR2 US$75 on board credit per cabin^

CRUISE/TOUR2 US$100 on board credit per cabin^

MEMBER OFFERS You must quote SCLOY008 at the time of booking to receive these offers. For more on Scenic Club visit www.scenic.ca/scenic-club

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Contact your local Scenic agent:

1 877 689 8611 Visit scenic.ca

Terms and Conditions:

Quote Code: SCLOY008

Europe: Prices based on per person twin share in CAD, are strictly limited & subject to availability on specific dates, until sold out. Prices based on the following departures in a Category E Cabin (no balcony): Romantic Rhine & Moselle (AMBA) – April 06, 2016; Jewels of Europe (STC) – July 20, 2016 and Breathtaking Bordeaux (PBOD) – May 05, 2016. Pricing correct as of July 24, 2015. Offers for new bookings only and not in conjunction with any other offers and may be withdrawn at any time. Flights for “Fly Free” and special airfare offers, must be booked

by Scenic and an additional non-refundable deposit is required. Scenic reserves the right to ticket the airfare upon receipt of deposit. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees as established by the applicable airline. Fly Free including taxes offer is available on selected departures. Airfares are in economy class on airlines of Scenic’ choice in specific classes and surcharges may apply if specific class is sold out. Airline/Airport taxes up to $630 per person are included. Port and sundry charges from $375 - $500 per person are not included. ^Scenic Club Offers: Must be requested at time of booking, are strictly limited and subject to availability. Offers are combinable with early booking incentives. Should appropriate hotels not be available for any reason, Scenic reserves the right to substitute another hotel. Pre cruise night hotel accommodation offer is applicable only in Amsterdam, Budapest and Paris. Offers based on twin share in CAD, are strictly limited and subject to availability until sold out. On board credits are in EUR€ and for use in the Wellness Centre. All offers available until October 31, 2015 unless sold out prior. Deposit must be paid by October 31, 2015 to qualify. For full terms and conditions refer to 2016 Europe River Cruising Brochure and Early Booking Incentives flyer or visit scenic.ca.

Myanmar: Prices based on per person twin share in CAD, are strictly limited & subject to availability on specific dates, until sold out. Prices based on the following departures in a Category CA Cabin: Mystical Myanmar (MYMM) – September 24, 2016; Mystical Irrawaddy (MYMI) – September 28, 2016. Pricing correct as of July 24, 2015. Offers for new bookings only and not in conjunction with any other offers and may be withdrawn at any time. Flights for special airfare offers, must be booked by Scenic and an additional non-refundable deposit is required.

Scenic reserves the right to ticket the airfare upon receipt of deposit. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees as established by the applicable airline.

Fly for $495 including taxes offer is available on selected departures. Airfares are in economy class on airlines of Scenic’ choice in specific classes and surcharges may apply if specific class is sold out. Airline/Airport taxes up to $570 per person are included. Port and sundry charges $500 per person are not included. ^Scenic Club Offers: Must be requested at time of booking, are strictly limited and subject to availability. Offers are combinable with early booking incentives. On board credits are in USD$ and for use in the Wellness Centre on board Scenic Aura.

All offers available until November 16, 2015 unless sold out prior. Deposit must be paid by November 16, 2015 to qualify. For full terms and conditions refer to 2016 Southeast Asia River Cruising Brochure and Early Booking Incentives flyer or visit scenic.ca.

If not claimed please return to Suite 1025, 401 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5A1, Canada