The Wonders of National Geographic River Cruising
A partnership that will make extraordinary things happen Combining our acclaimed 5-star luxury river cruising experience with National Geographic’s 130-year legacy in exploration, you’ll enjoy all of the comfort and amenities you expect from Scenic, along with the insights of National Geographic’s experts, the powerful perspective of their world-renowned photographers,* and inspiring new excursions on every voyage. We are proud of our collection of seven National Geographic river cruises setting out in 2019 on board our state-of-the-art river ships, to explore Europe’s great waterways. Since the 19th century National Geographic has been sending explorers all over the globe to investigate and share the wonderful diversity of our planet. Now you’ll discover magnificent places with their experts and photographers, and enjoy on board lectures and unique National Geographic-inspired excursions throughout each voyage. No matter the journey you choose, you’ll be immersed in splendid landscapes, delve deeper at celebrated sites and share in local traditions.
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Why Sail on our
National Geographic departures Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, hear from National Geographic experts and photographers, and enjoy insights during visits to special exhibits and locations only available on these sailings, all while enjoying Scenic’s all-inclusive river cruise experience. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Imagine exploring the medieval villages of Bordeaux through the eyes of a National Geographic photographer, or discovering the architecture of Vienna or Amsterdam with an art historian. Traveling with these seasoned professionals, you’ll enjoy a personal, inside perspective on the places we visit through on-board lectures and informal discussions.
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DEPARTURE EXCLUSIVES
At Scenic, we believe true luxury is all-inclusive and found in thoughtful details, so you’ll find that everything you could want has been thought of. From airport transfers and bottled water during excursions, to your on-board butler, even tipping and gratuities; we’ve taken the hassle out of traveling, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the journey.
Designed and curated for these special sailings, experience our departure exclusives alongside your National Geographic expert or photographer. One such excursion is a visit to the Grube Messel Fossil Site in Germany. This site, featured in a February 2000 National Geographic magazine story, is one of the best places in the world to explore the Eocene Era from 57 million to 36 million years ago.
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Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands Cycle excursions on Scenic E-bikes Pre-historic rock art, Coa Valley, Portugal Museum of Natural History, Vienna, Austria B
On board • 5-Star Scenic Ships • Exclusive lectures and workshops given by National Geographic experts and photographers • Balcony Suites including a Scenic Sun Lounge • Butler service for all guests • Up to five dining options – from casual to fine dining • Complimentary beverages all day, every day • Complimentary mini-bar, fully stocked daily • Wellness and fitness area featuring an innovative Salt Therapy Lounge* • The freedom of our e-bikes – electronically assisted bicycles* • Exclusive Scenic Tailormade GPS for selfguided touring and on-board commentary* • Authentic local entertainment
Our partnership with National Geographic includes seven unique and extraordinary itineraries in 2019.
• Laundry concierge service
Glide along the great waterways of Europe, in standard Scenic all-inclusive luxury.
• Expert local guides
Since the 19th century National Geographic has been sending explorers all over the globe to investigate and share the wonderful diversity of our planet. Now you’ll discover magnificent places with their experts and photographers*, and enjoy on-board lectures and unique National Geographic-inspired excursions throughout each voyage. Encounter prehistoric cave art in Portugal, visit a historic fossil site in Germany or explore a nature reserve with a conservationist in France. No matter the journey you choose, you’ll be immersed in splendid landscapes, delve deeper at celebrated sites and share in local traditions.
• Roundtrip airport transfers to and from the ship
*National Geographic photographers will accompany cruises in Europe.
• Cruise Directors to guide and assist • Complimentary Wi-Fi • All tipping and gratuities
Onshore • Departure Exclusives – excursions curated specially for our National Geographic departures in the company of the National Geographic experts or photographers • Scenic Enrich – unforgettable and exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences • Scenic Freechoice – a choice of wonderful activities throughout your journey • Sundowners – exclusive hosted drinks in some of Europe’s most beautiful locations
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National Geographic Experts and Photographers
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“Bordeaux is one of my favorite regions on the planet, and I’m thrilled to share its riches – its sumptuous wines, lush landscapes, enchanting châteaux, cultural treasures and inimitable joie de vivre – on a National Geographic River Cruise. On such a wanderlust-whetting voyage, I’m also excited to share my own favorite tales and tips from 40 years of wandering the globe.” Don George National Geographic Expert traveling on Beautiful Bordeaux
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Explore the wonders of Europe with a National Geographic Expert Imagine practicing your photography skills alongside a National Geographic photographer, or discovering the architecture of Vienna or Amsterdam with an art historian. The National Geographic experts who accompany these cruises bring depth and insight to your experience through on-board lectures and informal discussions. On our European cruises, you’ll also see beautiful places through the eyes of a National Geographic photographer and have the chance to learn new techniques along the way. Traveling with these seasoned professionals, you’ll enjoy a personal, inside perspective on the places you visit – whether you’re capturing images of the vineyards of Austria’s Wachau Valley or hiking the hills above Budapest.
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An Interview with Author TERESA FISHER Teresa Fisher launched her travel writing career in Bavaria more than three decades ago, and has since penned more than 30 guidebooks, including National Geographic Traveler: Switzerland. Teresa will join the June 12, 2019 departure of Rhine River Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel and the August 1, 2019 departure of Danube River Cruise: Budapest to Nuremberg.
For you, what are some of the highlights of the upcoming river trips you’re joining? On the Danube, it has to be Vienna. Like a catchy waltz tune, the city always makes my heart beat faster, with its extraordinary musical legacy, grand baroque architecture, and world-class museums. The Rhine cruise is a truly epic journey. I’m always struck by the pictureperfect villages, the number of castles and fortresses along the riverfront, and the sheer scale of the Gothic cathedral in Cologne.
What do you enjoy most about traveling by ship? All my life I’ve been messing about on boats–sailing, windsurfing, and holidaying on our family houseboat– so I always feel very at home on the water. Despite being a travel writer for the past thirty years, I’ve never quite mastered the art of packing light, so this mode of transport really suits me, as my hotel room simply comes along with me.
What fuels your passion for travel? Some of my greatest experiences in life have happened when I’ve gone out of my comfort zone while traveling–backpacking around Japan, dog-sledding through Russia in the winter, and powerboat racing in the South Pacific all spring to mind as highlights. One thing is for certain: the more I travel, the greater my wanderlust.
An Interview with National Geographic Photographer DAVE YODER As a contributing photographer for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, Dave Yoder has documented stories across the globe, from the high-tech search for a lost Leonardo da Vinci painting in Florence to the discovery of a forgotten city in the jungles of Honduras. Dave joins the May 29, 2019 departure of our Cruising Legendary Rivers of Europe expedition.
Tell us about your favorite National Geographic assignment. One remarkable project that eventually became the August 2015 cover story for National Geographic magazine involved photographing Pope Francis and the Vatican. I spent months shooting nearly 70,000 photos for the project. Editing them down to around two dozen frames was a challenge. I was often working right beside the Pontiff. It was at times otherworldly, surreal.
Why are the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers inspiring places for photographers? Cruising these rivers is like taking a trip through history, and the surrounding landscapes are easily romanticized, photographically speaking. Sunlit eddies border leafy shorelines, the people you meet along the way are friendly, and there are myriad things to explore at each stop. Or you can just sit back and take in the scenery, because exploring doesn’t always require extraordinary effort.
How will you encourage travelers to approach photography during this trip? I will encourage guests to take time between photographs to ask themselves what they want to capture–but not at the expense of missing a moment, of course! It should be fun, but it’s even more fun when you end your trip with a handful of photos that you’re proud of. There is no secret trick. And it doesn’t take years of practice to make a good, or even great, photograph.
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5 Star Scenic Ships Intimate and friendly, with every amenity you could wish for, Scenic Ships were designed with you in mind. From the moment you step on board you’ll be spoiled for choice.
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Designed to redefine luxury on the waterways of Europe and featuring innovative technology, our Space-Ships will be your gracious floating hotel. From our wide selection of dining options, right down to your pillow menu, you’ll enjoy the ultimate in all-inclusive luxury. On board, you’ll have full access to a gym, special on-board entertainment, Wi-Fi internet, e-bikes and of course luxuriously appointed suites to retire to at the end of the day. Your Cruise Director, as well as every member of our hospitable on-board team, are on hand to make sure you make the most of every minute of your time on board your Scenic Space-Ship. Bon voyage.
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Dining & Beverages From regional delicacies to traditional favorites, the dining venues on board our Scenic Ships cater to every taste and occasion, whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, a relaxed café style meal or late night room service.
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We have carefully crafted menus and dining experiences so that your culinary journey takes centre stage. Our chefs draw inspiration from the specific regions you travel through, so all our food is seasonal as well as freshly prepared and delicious. On the rivers of Bordeaux and Southern France, guests will be able to learn how to create special local recipes in our exclusive Scenic Culinaire on-board cooking experience.
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And what would food be without just the right beverage to go with it? Savor your favorite complimentary cocktail or mocktail, choose from regional wines, top-shelf spirits and Champagne or a local beer at all of our dining venues. We also have a lovely selection of tea and the finest coffee on the rivers at our tea and coffee bar.
• Available on Bordeaux sailings • Exclusive on-board cooking lessons featuring regional recipes and ingredients from local markets • Private cooking station featuring a cheese and wine cellar • Lessons cater exclusively for up to 10 guests to ensure an intimate experience
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M ain restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
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O pen seating with tables for two to eight guests
A great meeting spot, open for all day grazing and socializing
W ide range of cuisine from seafood specialties to local delicacies
G elato bar, light snacks, healthy options, tasty treats
A maximum of 32 guests an evening, all guests will dine here at least once during their cruise
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À la carte menus available daily
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I ntimate dining for an average of 10 guests per evening^
F loor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the view as you dine ^Average based on 14 night cruise.
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Scenic Suites
We don’t want you to miss a minute of the stunning scenery that accompanies our ships as you cruise the waterways of Europe, so almost every suite on every ship offers a balcony, and a river view. At the press of a button, glass smoothly glides down and your balcony seamlessly converts into our exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge. It’s your own private oasis, where you can enjoy breakfast, read a quiet chapter or sip a glass of complimentary wine as you admire the sunset. Our one-bedroom Royal Owner’s Suite will surpass all expectations, while our expansive Royal and Royal Panorama Suites set the industry standard in river cruising accommodation. Luxuriously appointed and among the largest on any European cruising vessel, they boast elegant lounge areas, spacious bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane products and queen-size Scenic Slumber Beds.
Our balcony suites are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers and offer modern and elegant furnishings, HDTV, individual climate control and a pillow menu. There’s also a safe for your valuables, a nightly turndown service and a complimentary minibar and Wi-Fi. Egyptian cotton sheets, plush bathrobes and a pillow menu add to the feel of an opulent 5-star hotel. We believe it’s the handcrafted touches that make a difference – whichever suite you choose, there will be luxury in every detail.
See for yourself and take a 360⁰ tour @ www.scenic.ca
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Butlers
We know that it’s the finer details and outstanding service that really make your cruise memorable. By offering a butler to every guest we combine 5-star quality with personal attention to detail.
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Royal Owner’s Suite, Scenic Diamond Luxurious marble bathroom, Royal Balcony Suite Scenic Sun Lounge Deluxe Balcony Suite
Each Scenic butler has been trained to Scenic’s exacting standards by a certified butler with extensive experience in 5-star service. Whichever suite you choose, your butler will make sure you’ll never be without complimentary refreshments and a re-stocked mini-bar. We also include a laundry concierge service for all suites. After all, you should be focusing on your enjoyment, not your washing.
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Scenic Tours Pty Ltd trading as Scenic. Consumer Protection BC #40178.
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