THE ENCHANTING WONDERS OF PORTUGAL
2017 scenic.ca
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WELCOME Scenic honours the beauty of time. We’re not here to rush you from one place to the next. We want you to take the scenic route. To meander slowly and appreciate what’s around you – the smells, sounds and views that you enjoy when you truly take your time. – Follow the same waterway that shaped the cultural and economic landscape of one of Europe’s most remarkable nations. This is a journey that will transport you across time and space – through rolling wine lands, timeless villages, and places of great historic import. Discover places of incredible beauty, and a culture that helped to redefine the world.
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An artist's palette of colour, a composer's sheet of sublime music, a poet's page of dreamt up images ... none of these could possibly do justice to the extraordinary sight before me. Centuries of nature and man living in harmony have created one of the hidden wonders of the world. Amanda, 59 Douro River, Portugal N41° 05’ W08° 08’
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WONDER We all strive to feel a closer connection with our surroundings, moments when we move beyond the physical and become truly emotionally engaged in an experience with all of our senses — a moment of wonder. Wonder is a personal emotion, it’s about the heart and the mind, joy, surprise, curiosity and awe. Wonder can be a whole day or a fleeting moment. Travel is about more than distance. It offers us not just a journey across the world to see new sights but to the heart of what it means to be human. It allows us to step outside our normal parameters and become enriched by what we encounter. It presents us with limitless possibilities to become more than we were before. At Scenic we celebrate the art of wonder through travel. Our aim is to elevate your trip from a mere holiday into a journey of discovery. Never lose your sense of wonder.
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Handcrafted by Scenic
Porto, Portugal
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Burmester & Sons
One of the most celebrated wine cellars in Porto, Burmester Cellars were built in the end of the 18th century, and remain true to their original architecture. The light and temperature creates ideal conditions for the storage of fine Port wines, including the first Burmester oak barrel.
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THE SCENIC EXPERIENCE
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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. Since our first coach tour along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, we have introduced journeys that cover every continent on Earth, travelling to over 60 countries across the globe. Our handpicked staff never lose their sense of excitement for the trip ahead, including Journey Designers, who use their expertise to curate experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. For Scenic, every trip is a unique opportunity to raise the bar further, and to exceed expectations – both yours, and ours. Above all, we take pride in what we do. We go to the Nth degree.
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A Cable car, Porto B Ship's Captain C Your approval is our reward
D Port wine barrels E Mastering the culinary art F Journey Designers unveiled
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ALL-INCLUSIVE At Scenic, when we say all-inclusive that’s what we mean. From your transfers and tips, your exclusive Enrich and Freechoice excursions and even your mini-bar, you won’t have to worry about money at all. You won't even need your credit card at check in. We’ve thought of everything, including bottled water onshore. The only thing we don’t cover is your postcards home. But then you’ll be too busy having the time of your life to write them.
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THE ULTIMATE LUXURY EXPERIENCE
Freechoice There are a vast range of activities and sightseeing experiences for you to choose from, so you only see what you want to see, and do what you want to do, at a tempo that suits you. From history to culture, food to nature, there’s something for everyone.
Butler We know it’s the personal touches that make your cruise special, and so do our butlers. From nightly turndown to laundry concierge service included for all guests, your butler is there to make your Scenic experience extra special.
Enrich Our seasoned Journey Designers have handpicked and created a unique experience that will be a highlight of your cruise. Your time at the Burmester Cellars is a divine multi-sensory moment, that will leave you with an amazing memory to treasure.
Dining & Beverages From a casual lunch in River Café to fine dining degustation, we cater for every style of dining. We source from regional suppliers, meaning our food is both extremely fresh and in season. Our chefs draw inspiration from the areas we pass through so you’ll experience the true cuisine of every region.
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Space-ship Luxury focused innovation and design mean Scenic is a class leader delivering the ultimate in Portugal River Cruising on our state-of-the-art Space-Ship, the brand new Scenic Azure.
Cruising Guarantee On every Scenic river cruise you’ll be automatically covered once you commence your cruise for any delays or cancellations that occur due to weather, natural disasters, mechanical breakdowns or strikes.* *Please refer to page 152 of the 2017 Europe River Cruising brochure for further details.
Suites We set the benchmark for the standard of suites on board, the most spacious on any European vessel. Technology and innovation meet to provide your Scenic Sun Lounge, giving you a private balcony at the touch of a button.
The Nth Degree We’ll greet you personally at the airport and arrange for your transfer both to and from your cruise, regardless of when you arrive. When not on board, all our transport, whether it’s by coach or rail, is of the very highest standard.
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SPACE-SHIPS Designed to redefine luxury. With innovative new technology, your Space-Ship Scenic Azure will be your gracious floating hotel as you cruise the waterways of Portugal. Launched in April 2016, Scenic Azure is intimate and friendly, with every amenity you could wish for, Scenic Azure was designed with you in mind. From the moment you step on board you’ll be spoilt for choice. From our wide selection of dining options right down to your pillow menu, you’ll enjoy the ultimate in all-inclusive luxury, every moment of the day. On board you’ll have full access to a gym, special on board entertainment, Wi-Fi internet 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 Space-Ship.
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The Scenic Advantage By booking now, you’ll enjoy the privilege of first choice on departure dates and suite categories. You’ll also be able to choose from a range of fantastic offers that are only available for a limited time. The Scenic Advantage provides plenty of choice, all at a great price. Don’t miss out.
Book by September 30, 2016 To secure your best offer simply book by September 30, 2016 and you could receive included round-trip flights and taxes to Europe across a wide range of our great river cruise packages. These will sell out quickly, so act now to avoid disappointment.
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FLIGHTS INCLUDED TO EUROPE*
BONUS
€100 VISA CURRENCY CARD*
Don’t miss out Strictly limited suites available on set departures. Offers are inventory controlled, until sold out. * Please refer to page 35 for terms and conditions.
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Porto at night glitters and glows. Warm air kisses my shoulders and my heart feels lighter than ever before. I have fallen completely under the spell of this captivating, secret of a country. Milly, 60 Porto, Portugal N 41° 05’ W 08° 08’
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There’s so much more to Portugal than port wine. Port wine is undoubtedly a massive attraction for many visitors to Portugal.
With its rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years, this country famous for its explorers is absolutely worthy of exploration itself. On our roundtrip Douro adventure, we will cruise through Portugal and also dip into Spain. Portugal was the world’s first global empire, expanding across the planet during the 15th and 16th centuries. Its influence can be seen in dozens of countries across the world today. Many of the places we visit within the Douro Valley are World Heritage-listed Sites, and it’s a privilege to be surrounded by such extraordinary landmarks.
A Douro Valley, Portugal
With no overnight cruising on your Scenic Space-Ship, we've extended our itineraries to ensure that you’re free to enjoy all that each destination has to offer. The Douro Valley is packed with surprises around every corner and our Journey Designers handselect experiences to capture the flavour and diversity of this unique region.
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Cruise through history Porto, with its proximity to the Atlantic coast, was repeatedly the focus of wouldbe occupiers over the centuries. Today, it’s one of Europe’s most charismatic destinations with a historic old centre that’s wonderful to wander through. Cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, cafés and wine bars make for a dreamy afternoon spent window-shopping. The city was also home to innovation in shipbuilding during the 14th and 15th centuries, which in turn gave birth to Portugal’s magical Age of Discovery. While touring the nearby village of Afurada where the Douro empties into the Atlantic, we invite you to join us at the docks to meet the local fishermen returning to port with their catch. You can observe the preparation of the fresh fish, before enjoying it with a glass of crisp chilled wine.
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The city of Guimarães also has enormous historical significance for Portugal. Here you can stroll the same streets as Portugal’s first King, Alfonso I. Greater Guimarães is an area that has been settled for thousands of years and in 2012 was named joint European capital of culture with Maribor, Slovenia. There are a myriad of treasures to unearth as you take your time in exploring the ancient city’s charming lanes.
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Sit back and relax, overlooking rows of vineyards, while you enjoy the culture and flavour of centuries of port wine-making history.
A Olives, Côa Valley B Ucanha, Varosa Valley
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Taste the spectrum of port wine It wouldn’t be a visit to Portugal without at least one evening devoted to tasting the many port wine varietals of the Douro Valley. We’ve arranged an exclusive cocktail function showcasing 12 of the region’s port wines – both red and white – on the spectacular manicured terrace of the Douro Museum in the heart of Regua. Be sure to try the summer favourite of the locals, white port served with a dash of tonic water – a port tonic. Sit back and relax, overlooking rows of vineyards, while you enjoy the culture and flavour of centuries of port wine-making history.
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History at your fingertips
found in this captivating area during the construction of a dam.
According to Portuguese folklore, the Varosa Valley is where the nation’s first king was raised and taught how to be a leader. In discovering this beautiful area, you’ll come to understand why it was considered worthy of royalty. The valley is also the site of the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca. The first monastery of Cistercian Order on Portuguese soil, it was established during the 12th century. The building was repurposed in 1834 and became a parish church, but it has since been restored and can be explored when we visit this area.
The rock carvings that were discovered are widely considered to be one of the most significant archaeological sites in Europe. Dating back between 22,000 and 10,000 years, they tell the story of the establishment of human settlements on the continent. You’ll have the opportunity to spend time learning more about the carvings themselves, and their discovery, at the Côa Valley Museum. You may also enjoy a pre-historic workshop run at the museum, to truly immerse yourself in this period.
The arid Côa Valley has a climate unlike anywhere else in Portugal. Sparsely populated, the local farmers grow olives and almonds and make preserves to support themselves. It was a fortunate accident that, as recently as the late 1980s, some Paleolithic archaeological sites were
Salamanca Compliment your Douro River Cruise with a full-day journey into Spain and the wonderful and lively city of Salamanca. A delicious mix of a myriad of architecture, culture and history, this little slice of Spain is a revelation.
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Burmester Cellars opens its doors exclusively to Scenic guests for a memorable evening to enjoy fine port wine, fine dining and Fado music.
A Fado music, Portugal B Burmester Cellars, Porto
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Exclusive village visit Our Journey Designers aren’t satisfied until they’ve created an unforgettable range of experiences on and off your Scenic Space-Ship. To this end, a specially crafted day with locals exploring the enchanting village of Provesende has been tailor-made for you to fully appreciate all that village life in this area has to offer. You’ll visit the local bakery and the taberna – the village bar where you can view an eclectic selection of historic regional wares. Relax in the local church and enjoy a special recital or be invited inside the manor house of Morgadio de Calcada and perhaps sample the wine produced by the family in residence. At the end of your visit to Provesende, you’ll be filled with a greater appreciation of what life is like in this remote, timeless village, all thanks to the extraordinary hospitality of its charming residents.
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Burmester Cellars At the foot of the historic Dom Luis I pedestrian bridge, which spans the Douro to reach into the heart of Porto, is one of the most celebrated wine caves in Porto. Burmester Cellars opens its doors exclusively to Scenic guests for a memorable evening to enjoy fine port wine, fine dining and Fado music. Fado is indigenous to Portugal and its style is recognisable because of its long-form melancholic storytelling style. Drink in the atmosphere of this uniquely Portuguese experience and appreciate the complexity of centuries of history that have led to this very modern and beguiling nation.
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You will discover a Portugal that you'll treasure, living in your memory forever with a journey through the heart of the beautiful Douro Valley. With its spectrum of colours and flavours, as well as the variety of influences that have added their individual touches over the centuries, cruising Portugal is a magical adventure. This is just a sample of our incredible offerings on the Douro River. To see the full range of itineraries, view our comprehensive 2017 Europe River Cruising brochure. You can order your copy now by visiting scenic.ca
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It was wonderful to be in a place where so little had changed for decades, in fact maybe even centuries. From the bakery to the taberna, daily village life in Pinhão carries on the way it did when Europe still had steam trains. Jennifer, 49 Pinhão, Portugal N41° 11’ E7° 31’
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Unforgettable Douro with Lisbon & Madrid 17 Day Cruise & Tour
Guimarães
Porto
Afurada
Mateus Palace
Lisbon > Madrid
Provesende
Douro
Regua Pinhão Pocinho Salamanca Vega de Terron EntreCôa os-Rios Ucanha Lamego Valley Tarouca Varosa
Aveleda
Flights Included + €100 Visa Card*
Embark on your own Age of Discovery. From the fascinating city of Lisbon you’ll set off for wonderful Porto, gateway to the Douro Valley. You can look forward to splendid days cruising this truly timeless waterway before concluding in lively Madrid.
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Valley
Portugal
Madrid
Coimbra
3 Spain
3 Lisbon
Day
Destination
1
Lisbon (Portugal)
2
Lisbon
3
Lisbon
4
Lisbon > Porto
5
Porto > Entre-os-Rios
6
Entre-os-Rios
7
Regua
8
Regua > Vega de Terron (Spain)
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Salamanca
10
Pocinho > Pinhão (Portugal)
11
Pinhão
12
Pinhão > Porto
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Porto
14
Porto > Madrid (Spain)
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Madrid
16
Madrid
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Madrid
17 Day Lisbon > Madrid Tour code:LDOM 2017
Departures
Apr
17
May 07
$9,715
Jun
06
Jul
16
$9,375
Aug
05
$11,130
Aug
15
$11,330
Oct
08
$10,010
Oct
18
$9,515
Nov
04
$9,515
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Deposit per person (required within 48 hours of booking): $500 All prices per person in CAD, twin share and include taxes and charges. Cruise price based on lowest cabin available at time of print. For other categories, suite upgrades apply. Single Supplement price on application. For full terms and conditions please refer to the 2017 Europe River Cruising brochure.
From $10,010
A Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid
$10,210
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An archaeological wonder, this valley has long been on my bucket list. Discovering prehistoric carvings that take my breath away, this is a dream come true. Donald, 54 CÔa Valley, Portugal N41° 05’ W08° 08’
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Unforgettable Douro 11 Day Cruise
Porto > Porto
Flights Included + €100 Visa Card*
Portugal’s Douro River winds its way through towns that have somehow managed to preserve their distinctive culture, and way of life, even as the world all around them has succumbed to change. From elegant Lamego to Regua and Vega de Terron you’ll find that people still ply their traditional trades in the historic pockets of the Douro Valley.
Portugal Guimarães
Porto
Aveleda
Mateus Palace
Douro
Provesende Pinhão Pocinho
Regua
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Entreos-Rios Afurada
Ucanha Varosa Valley
Spain
Lamego
Coa Valley
Tarouca
Salamanca
Vega de Terron
11 Day Porto > Porto Tour code:DOUR 2017
Departures
From
Apr
20
$7,340
May 10
$7,045
Jun
19 29
$7,540
Jul
09 19 29
$9,065
Aug
08
$8,600
Aug
18
$8,800
Aug
28
$9,100
Sep
07 17
$9,200
Oct
11 21
$6,845
Nov
07
$6,845
Deposit per person (required within 48 hours of booking): $500
Day
Destination
1
Porto (Portugal)
2
Porto > Entre-os-Rios
3
Entre-os-Rios
4
Regua
5
Regua > Vega de Terron (Spain)
6
Salamanca
7
Pocinho > Pinhão (Portugal)
8
Pinhão
9
Pinhão > Porto
10
Porto
11
Porto
All prices per person in CAD, twin share and include taxes and charges. Cruise price based on lowest cabin available at time of print. For other categories, suite upgrades apply. Single Supplement price on application. For full terms and conditions please refer to the 2017 Europe River Cruising brochure.
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Described by Moorish bards as 'a pearl set in emeralds', this grand palace is a love song to Spain. Every angle, shape and design element a tribute to exquisite medieval architecture. Trent, 49 Alhambra Palace, Granada N41° 05’ W08° 08’
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Delightful Douro 8 Day Cruise
Flights Included + €100 Visa Card*
Porto > Porto NEW
The Douro River is the hero of this lovely eight day journey. A cruise of discovery that will introduce you to a country where traditions remain strong, local cuisine will tantalise your senses and natural beauty will dazzle. Portugal Guimarães
Porto Aveleda
Mateus Palace
Douro
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Regua
Provesende
Spain
Pinhão Pocinho
Lamego
Côa Valley
Salamanca
Vega de Terron
From the glittering beauty of Porto to the ancient Regua wine region and the bustling delights of Salamanca, this is a truly lovely way to uncover a magnificent region. Sample delicious cuisine, visit archaeologically significant sites and let yourself be embraced by the incredible hospitality that you'll find everywhere. 8 Day Porto > Porto Tour code: DOUS
Day
Destination
1
Porto (Portugal)
2
Porto > Regua
3
Regua > Vega de Terron (Spain)
4
Salamanca
5
Pocinho > Pinhão (Portugal)
6
Pinhão > Porto
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Porto
8
Porto
Deposit per person (required within 48 hours of booking): $500 All prices per person in CAD, twin share and include taxes and charges. Cruise price based on lowest cabin available at time of print. For other categories, suite upgrades apply. Single Supplement price on application. For full terms and conditions please refer to the 2017 Europe River Cruising brochure.
2017
Departures
Sep
27
$5,200
Oct
04
$6,150
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From
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Delightful Douro with Lisbon & Madrid 14 Day Cruise & Tour
Portugal Guimarães
Porto
Aveleda
Mateus Palace
Douro
7
Flights Included + €100 Visa Card*
Lisbon > Madrid NEW
Regua
Provesende
Spain
Pinhão Pocinho
Lamego
Côa Valley
Salamanca
Vega de Terron
Madrid 3
Discover the delights of Lisbon, Portugal’s welcoming capital city, before cruising through the hidden gem that is the Douro Valley. Your journey concludes in the sparkling Spanish city of Madrid where you’ll experience its intriguing mix of passion and soul. Every day will charm you with its mix of ancient grandeur and modern hospitality. Visit worldfamous vineyards, wander through antiquarian village streets and discover the delights of these lovely neighbouring countries.
Spain
3 Lisbon
Day
Destination
1
Lisbon (Portugal)
2
Lisbon
3
Lisbon
4
Lisbon > Porto
5
Porto > Regua
6
Regua > Vega de Terron (Spain)
7
Salamanca
8
Pocinho > Pinhão (Portugal)
9
Pinhão > Porto
10
Porto
11
Porto > Madrid (Spain)
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Madrid
13
Madrid
14
Madrid
14 Day Lisbon > Madrid Tour code:LIDM 2017
Departures
From
Sep
24
$7,870
Oct
01
$8,820
B
Deposit per person (required within 48 hours of booking): $500 All prices per person in CAD, twin share and include taxes and charges. Cruise price based on lowest cabin available at time of print. For other categories, suite upgrades apply. Single Supplement price on application. For full terms and conditions please refer to the 2017 Europe River Cruising brochure.
A Salamanca, Spain B Monument to the Explorers, Lisbon
A thousand years old, perched high on a hilltop, I can't help but wonder at what this astonishing palace has experienced. Who has walked these corridors before me? Kings? Queens? It's a rare privilege to discover something so precious in person. Joshua, 59 Sintra National Palace, Sintra N41° 05’ W08° 08’
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Terms and Conditions *General Information & Conditions Please read carefully before booking These terms and conditions are additional to the full terms and conditions contained in 2017 Scenic Europe River Cruising brochure and on scenic.ca/terms-and-conditions. All bookings are subject to Scenic’s full terms and conditions. This publication is supplementary to the full brochure, please refer to full brochure for relevant cruise and/or tour departure dates, itinerary and fares. Prices are in Canadian Dollars. All Airfare offers Flights are based on wholesale airfares in economy class and are subject to availability of airline and booking class. Flights are subject to availability of appropriate airline class and once sold out surcharges will apply. Flights must be booked by Scenic. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 per person is due within 48 hours of booking. A second non-refundable deposit of $1,500 per person is due by September 30, 2016 or 11 months prior to travel, whichever comes first. Scenic reserves the right to ticket the airfare upon receipt of the full deposit. Offer available until September 30, 2016 or until sold out. Strictly limited suites available on set departures and subject to availability. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer and may be withdrawn at any time. All Early Booking airfare deals are subject to availability and scheduled for travel to meet the brochure tour departure dates. Any requests outside of the tour dates may incur seasonal surcharges as enforced by the airline. Full airline terms and conditions apply. Flights Included to Europe Flights Included to Europe offer is available on selected departures as detailed in this publication. Airline/ Airport taxes up to $680 per person included. Visa Currency Card Visa Currency card (per person) is a pre-loaded visa card with Euro (€) currency as credit. It is not redeemable for cash towards the balance of your Scenic vacation. It can be used worldwide at merchants that accept Visa cards or to obtain local currency at any ATM that displays a Visa symbol. Flights and Ticketing Dependant on departure date and time of booking the required booking class for airfare offer may be too far in advance to book with the appropriate airline. If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, air surcharges will apply. The flight quote including air taxes and surcharges will be advised once all air sectors are confirmed. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing, should taxes increase from time of reservation a surcharge will apply. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees as established by Scenic including any applicable airline fees. For full conditions refer to the full 2017 Scenic Europe River Cruising brochure or see scenic.ca/terms-and-conditions.
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Call 1 866 689 8611 Visit scenic.ca Contact your local travel agent
ST Touring Canada Ltd. trading as Scenic. LIC NO 2TA 002 633. Consumer Protection BC #40178. SCADR072.