France River Cruising

What validity do I need on my passport?
All passengers are required to possess a passport valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip.

Should I bring copies of my passport and visas?
Yes. As your passport will be kept on board the ship throughout the cruise portion for transit formality reasons, we recommend you bring a photocopy of your passport/visas with you to carry on you at all times when on shore.

Please note: passengers who have selected the Guided Excursion to Bratislava as a Scenic FreeChoice activity from Vienna are required to carry their passports with them on this sightseeing tour as Customs may wish to view passenger passports.

What visas do I require?
It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to have necessary visas and to comply with entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited. More advice can also be found at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website.

Please note: If your nationality (passport) differs from the country in which you reside, please take the time to check especially carefully with your local consulates concerning visa and passport requirements for your travels. Holidays can be disrupted or have to be altered altogether if the correct documents cannot be supplied at airports or borders, so check very carefully that you have the required papers.

Can Scenic Cruises arrange my passport and visas?
No, Scenic Tours and/or their employees and their agents are not responsible for passport, visa requirements, entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited or for any loss sustained by you for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited, and will not be liable for any costs or cancellation penalties or inconvenience where travellers do not have a travel authorisation, and are not permitted to travel.

Can Scenic Cruises organise my travel insurance?
No, this is the responsibility of the passenger. As a convenience to our customers we have partner with TripMate to over travel protection. Please visit http://www.tripmate.com/wpF352S for more details. Alternatively, your travel agent can can assist you. As a convenience to our customers We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances, which may arise as defined in the respective proposal forms. It is a good idea to take your travel insurance documents with you.

How much luggage can I bring?
The luggage allowance whilst on tour is one suitcase with a maximum size of 76 x 53 x 28 cms (30 x 21 x 11’’) and weight of 20 kilograms. You may also carry a small backpack or the Scenic Tours issued overnight bag on board the coach for the duration of the tour. Additional bags beyond the luggage allowance may incur additional charges and are to be settled directly to the hotel or as required. It is advised that you check airline luggage requirements directly with your most significant airline carrier.

Is porterage included?
Handling and porterage of your luggage (as per the luggage allowance above) is included in your tour.  Additional bags beyond the allowance may be charged or it may be the responsibility of the passenger to forward the baggage to another destination. Luggage handling is not included during any independent or non-escorted touring. In this situation, luggage handling and porterage will need to be organised directly with the hotel porters.

Should I attach the Scenic Tours luggage label provided prior to departure?
No, please wait until you have claimed your luggage at your destination airport. This will ensure airline companies will not tear off this tag, as it is required to easily identify your luggage for transfer services and hotels.

Will my luggage be secure?
We strongly advise that you do not pack anything of value in your check-in luggage and that you check-in ONLY your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed by other people. Never accept packages or articles from anyone unknown to you to carry on board the aircraft. As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage.

What happens if my luggage goes missing?
It is highly unlikely for your luggage to be mislaid, however we suggest if travelling as a couple to pack each suitcase with back up clothes and toiletries for each person. We also suggest writing your personal and tour details on a label INSIDE each suitcase (including name, address, telephone number, departure and return flight details). Write only your name and destination address on outside labels.

Please note: For those passengers flying British Airways to Europe via London Heathrow Terminal 5, we suggest that to lessen the chance of your luggage being lost in transit, and connection time permitting, you check-in your luggage to London only. Collect your luggage in London and then re-check it to your final destination.

What clothing should I pack?

• Casual sportswear for daytime that can be mixed/matched/layered
• Jumper/warm jacket/gloves/hat/scarf for cooler mornings and nights
• Swimwear
• Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles for good grip
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Women require a minimum of one skirt or dress

What is the appropriate dress for visiting holy places?
When visiting churches and monasteries, modest dress is required i.e. no shorts, miniskirts or sleeveless tops. Turkey and Morocco are Muslim countries and you need to dress conservatively. To visit mosques, clean and modest dress is appreciated and often required. Thighs, shoulders and tops of upper arms should not be shown. Men also need to cover their bare legs and cannot enter mosques wearing shorts. Some holy places will supply scarves for tourists to borrow.

What else do I need to pack?
The following list may be useful when packing for your trip:

• Airline tickets and passport (plus a photocopy and extra passport photos)
• Travel and travel insurance documentation, and itinerary (make a copy for your emergency contact)
• Travellers cheques/cash/debit or credit card and emergency contact numbers if lost or stolen, plus local currency for first day and a money belt
• Spare memory card for your digital camera or film in clear plastic containers
• Only those keys needed on return
• Personal medication and prescriptions, extra glasses/contacts and prescriptions
• Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent
• Pocket calculator, address book, journal and pens
• Tissues and anti-bacterial hand wipes or hand sanitiser 
• Raincoat or umbrella
• Plastic bags for dirty laundry, washing powder and elastic clothesline
• Travel alarm clock, earplugs and sleep mask
• Adaptor plugs, mobile phone charger, battery charger
• Face cloth / flannel

Should I provide Scenic Tours with my health and fitness details prior to travelling?
We will supply a Health and Fitness form in your travel wallet. These forms are designed to provide us with instant information if an emergency should arise. These forms will be returned unopened at the completion of the tour. It is not compulsory to fill out these forms but is strongly recommended.

Can I take prescription medication into Europe?
Yes and its advisable to pack an ample supply of any medicine you are taking, copies of prescriptions and the telephone/fax number of your doctor. Because of strict drug laws in some countries, drugs you take on doctor’s orders should be carried in their original container showing the prescription label. Always keep your medication in your hand luggage.

Are there any health risks that I should be aware of?
Viral gastroenteritis is a very common virus that can be found almost anywhere, but its opportunity to spread is greater in contained environments. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It may also include fever, stomach issues and headache. The symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after viral infection and can last from 1 to 10 days. Most people who become sick with viral gastroenteritis recover quickly with no further problems.  However if the illness is more severe, further medical care may be required to treat dehydration. The most effective protection from personal contamination is ensuring strict attention to personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and refraining from hand-to-mouth contact.

Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a ship. Continue to practice common-sense hygiene and respiratory courtesy. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes.  It is recommended that passengers carry an anti-bacterial hand sanitiser, which does not require rinsing with water. Use a sanitiser frequently i.e. after shore excursions, prior to meals and throughout the day. If you have any questions regarding your health or safety while on tour, please do not hesitate to ask your Tour Director.

Motion sickness can be a problem for some people when cruising, flying or travelling on coaches and trains and it is a good idea to take precautionary measures. Drugs for treating motion sickness can be purchased at most pharmacies in Australia, however a side effect can by drowsiness. Alternatives such as ginger tablets and acupressure wristbands are also available and work well for some people.

What vaccinations do I require?
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary and are subject to change. You must consult your doctor on current vaccinations needed for your destination.

What sort of fitness level do I require to travel in Europe?
It is not possible for large coaches to be used for some city sightseeing therefore many towns and cities will be visited by way of walking tours and accordingly, a reasonable level of fitness is required. Much of Europe is based on a myriad of old buildings and there are split-levels, steps and uneven surfaces everywhere. High-heeled shoes are not suitable for cobblestone streets and steep inclines in medieval towns and cities.  It is essential to have comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes. Due to the amount of walking on your cruise shore excursions, which typically run for up to 3 hours, a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Can I travel in a wheelchair?
Due to the structure of old buildings, access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. Many areas are pedestrian only. Marksburg Castle has a number of stairs which may impact guests with limited mobility access to all touring areas, but this will not impede participation of the medieval banquet.

There are also areas of the ship that cannot be accessed by wheelchair and passengers will need to be able to get on and off the ship out of the wheelchair, due to space. For more information please contact us.

What sort of first aid and medical items should I bring with me?
It may be useful to bring a supply of basic items with you. A first aid kit may include band-aids, antiseptic, aspirin, cough medicine, throat lozenges, cold and flu medication, diarrhoea medication, mild laxative, eye ointments/drops for minor infections, a general antibiotic and any special medications you may need personally. Please remember to bring a letter from your doctor or a copy of the prescription for any medication that you are carrying with you.

Will my special requirements be met throughout the tour?
Your special requirements have been passed onto all suppliers. Special requirements refer to airline seating, special dietary and medical needs. These requirements are on a request basis only and cannot be guaranteed by Scenic Tours. We strongly advise that you reconfirm your meal requests with the Scenic Tour Director upon joining your tour.

Are there medical personnel available on the ship?
Doctors are not available on board the ship, however we can stop anywhere along the way for medical emergencies.

Who will be escorting the tour?
Your holiday is a special time and our Tour Directors and Cruise Directors make all the difference. From your very first day their warm greetings and professionalism signal the start of a wonderful rapport. For all land tours and cruises that have city extensions in Paris, London or Prague, you will have the services of a Tour Director. Whilst on your cruise you will be taken care of by a Cruise Director. Our Directors have your best interests at heart and will take care of all arrangements for you. Please note that that your city extension or land Tour

Are there likely to be changes to my itinerary?
On certain occasions, for operational or local reasons, it may be necessary to change your hotel accommodation or a brochured attraction in a particular location. If this does occur, you will be notified of such changes as soon as possible.

Is there any specific cruise information I need to be aware of?

Cabin Allocations: Please be aware that cabin allocations as per your Booking Summary are subject to change. Once on board your Cruise Director will be available should you have any queries.

Changes in Programs: Scenic Tours reserves the right to change vessels at any time for any reason including water level problems, excessive winds or ‘force majeure’ event. In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach. If this occurs, the ship detailed in your documents may change. For further details please refer to our full Terms and Conditions.

Cruise Director: Whether you’re looking for theatre tickets, a local landmark or a service to the nearest golf course, our Cruise Director or the team at Reception look forward to taking care of you and also offer helpful suggestions.

On board Language: The official language on board is English. All staff, crew and local guides speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English.

Currency/Exchange of Money: We offer an on board currency exchange service. Contact Reception for more information when on board.

On board Account: All purchases are charged to your on-board account. The final bill can be settled in cash or by credit card at the end of the cruise. The currency on board the ship is the Euro.

Pre-Paid Money Cards: Please note Scenic Cruise Ships are unable to accept Cash Passports, Travelex Cards or similar as they do not have a function to refund on these cards.

Tipping: All gratuities and tipping on land tours and river cruises whilst with Scenic Tours are included. However, if you wish to show your gratitude for exceptional service you are welcome to do so in the box provided at Reception at the end of the cruise.

Passports: It is a requirement of the European Authorities that passports be available for inspection at any time. Therefore we will keep your passport secure in our safe at Reception.

Reception: The reception desk is staffed 24 hours a day.

Butler Service: A personal butler is available at all times for guests in our Royal, Junior Suites and all cabins located on the Danube Deck. Your service includes: packing and unpacking, complimentary ironing for two items per person per day, shoeshine, arranging cocktail drinks with friends, reservations for any additional requests such as theatre tickets, limousines, shore arrangements, salon appointments and more. Our cabin attendants are happy to deliver drinks to guests staying in other cabins at any time.

Cabin Service: The mini bar will be restocked daily. Please advise us if you require any additional drinks in your cabin. Housekeeping staff are available to serve you at any time.

Tea/Coffee: The making of tea and coffee in cabins is prohibited by law for safety reasons.

Dining: It is our pleasure to provide a maitre d' seating service for your convenience and comfort at the Crystal Dining Room for all meals. We operate an open seating service. Having a free choice of seating allows you to join friends for dinner as you wish. Breakfast and lunch are a full buffet service offering a wonderful selection of hot and cold dishes. Dinner will be à la carte and will be served personally. Beer and wine is included during the lunch and dinner service.

Portobello's Italian Restaurant: Scenic Cruises are pleased to offer a second dining experience on board our ‘Scenic Space-Ships’. Every guest has the opportunity of dining in this intimate environment at least once per 14 night cruise.

Dietary Requests: If you have special dietary requests, please advise your travel agent or Scenic Tours at least 4 weeks prior to departure, and also advise the your Cruise Director. Please note that facilities to accommodate special dietary requests on board are limited and, while the chefs will try to accommodate requests, no guarantees can be made.

Refreshments: All Scenic Cruises provide an additional specialised tea and coffee service for your enjoyment at no additional charge. This self-service, state-of-the-art facility is located in the lounge and available at your convenience.

Air Conditioning and Heating: All cabins have individually controlled air conditioning, allowing you to regulate the temperature to your own needs.

Electricity: On board electricity is 220 volt.

Bicycles: We provide bicycles on board for your convenience and we encourage you to take the opportunity to make use of the many scenic rides along the waterways and local villages. A safety helmet and bike lock is provided. Please contact reception for bookings.

Safe: There is a safe in every passenger cabin. Please contact reception or housekeeping staff for assistance. Please remember to remove all items from the safe before disembarking the vessel at the end of your cruise.

Telephone: With your cabin telephone you may call cabin to cabin and also outside the ship.

Television: For your enjoyment we feature state-of-the-art satellite televisions. For technical reasons reception may be interrupted during particular parts of the journey or while we pass through locks.

Internet: The internet on the ships is intermittent. Connectivity is variable and is impacted by bridges, locks and mountains etc. The internet is not broadband speed and cannot be used to download large amounts of data (e.g. videos, music etc).

Dress Code: There is no special dress code on board. A casual atmosphere prevails during the day either on excursion or on board the ship. For the evening meal there is no requirement for formal jackets or ties and casual evening attire is welcomed. However as the welcome and farewell evenings are more formal occasions you may wish to dress accordingly. There also will also be entertainment nights that you may wish to dress up for. Please note shorts are not appropriate for the evening meal.

Bathrobes: You will be provided with a Scenic Cruises bathrobe in your cabin for the duration of the cruise. Should you wish to purchase one, you may order from the gift shop.

Laundry Service: We provide an on board service for all laundry for a fee. You will find the order form in your wardrobe and housekeeping will collect this from your cabin.

Travel Irons: The use of travel irons in cabins is prohibited by law for safety reasons. There is a pressing service available on board at a charge.

Hairdryers: There is a hairdryer in every passenger cabin.

Public Bathrooms: In some locations you will be charged a small fee when using a public bathroom. We recommend you carry a small amount of local currency with you at all times.

Smoking: Smoking is not permitted inside any of the motor coaches or on board the Scenic River Cruise Ships. Inclusive of the public areas, smoking is not permitted in the cabins or on the private balconies. A small designated area on the Sun Deck is available for those who require this facility. Smoking is also permitted on the observation deck, except during operating hours of Portobello’s Restaurant.

Entertainment: Every evening in the lounge, a musician will perform for your enjoyment. We will also welcome special guest performers on board to entertain you.

Library: You may borrow books from the ship's library, free of charge. Please return any books that you have borrowed before the end of the cruise.

Hairdresser: Our hairdresser is available in the salon located on the Moselle deck. You can make an appointment for a selection of hair services with Reception.

Massage: The massage facilities are located in our wellness room on the Moselle Deck. You can make an appointment with Reception.

Gift Shop: Daily essentials from toothpaste to shaving items may be purchased from our on board shop located in the Atrium. Logo items are also available in the shop.

Questionnaire: We kindly ask you to fill in the questionnaire given to you at the end of the cruise. We are looking forward to all comments in order to constantly improve our service.

How much foreign money should I bring with me?
Before you leave on your trip, it is a good idea to obtain a small amount of cash in the currency of the country you arrive in. If it is not possible to obtain the currency you require, then it can be purchased at the airport on arrival. Many locations will accept travellers cheques or credit cards. For incidentals and small vendors we recommend getting some local currency.

Are all credit cards accepted on all legs of the tour?
EuroCard, MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards are accepted in all countries in major shops, restaurants and hotels as well as to settle your shipboard account. Before travelling ensure your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after the completion of the tour. We recommend that you have a pin number for your credit cards, as many businesses now only accept payment with a pin. Also ask your credit card company for the emergency number (suitable for international access) to report loss. Some shops and restaurants require a minimum purchase amount when using them. Due to increasing credit card fraud worldwide, be prepared to show identification (i.e. your passport) when making a transaction with your credit card. Most credit cards charge a fee (about 3%) for currency exchange, which means that every time you use your credit card, you add this fee to the price of goods and services. Check with your credit card company before you go to see what their policy is. It may be worthwhile to take more than one type of credit card as not all types of credit cards are accepted.

Is it easy to exchange cash?
You can exchange cash or travellers cheques at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus as well as small amounts of currency on board your ship for most local currencies, for a fee.

Are ATMs readily available?
Yes, using a debit or credit card is becoming a popular method of obtaining money whilst travelling. In most cases, you pay only your usual bank fee rather than a commission, although this may vary depending on your bank’s policy. Generally, you will get the best available exchange rate as well. Be sure to check with your bank before departing to activate your card and don’t forget to bring your pin number. We suggest however that you don’t rely on ATM’s for all your spending money, as machines may be unreliable. The best idea is to take a mix of cards and travellers cheques so that you are always covered.

Can I take travellers cheques or pre-paid travel money cards?
Yes and they can be easily obtained from your bank. You will find it an advantage to have your travellers cheques in a currency that is easily exchanged such as US dollars or Pounds Sterling and pre-paid travel money cards can be loaded with the currencies of the destinations you are travelling to. Remember to make a separate note of all the numbers and denominations of your travellers cheques as well as an international emergency contact phone number in case of loss or theft. It is worth carrying some cheques in small denominations as it may be difficult to cash larger cheques in hotels and shops. Travellers cheques can be changed at your hotel or a local bank. Many banks charge a set rate, so it could be worth your while cashing more money, less often. Banks usually offer a better rate of exchange than hotels, restaurants and large shops.

Please note: Scenic cruise ships are unable to accept Cash Passports, Travelex Cards or similar as they do not have a function to refund on these cards.

Does Scenic Tours cover tips?
Yes, Scenic Tours has pre-paid certain tips and gratuities for you, including all drivers, local guides, porters (1 piece of luggage only), and meals included in your tour.

What hours are most shops open?
In Europe, stores may close earlier than back home and are usually not open on Sundays (nor Saturday afternoons in some places).

Are there any taxes on shopping?
Many countries have a national sales tax (called VAT) that is levied on most goods and services. In some cases and with the proper documentation from the point-of-purchase, it is possible to have a portion of this tax refunded to you on items taken out of a country in unused condition. Depending upon flight schedules and timing, it may be possible to receive a refund by applying at the airport kiosk before departure.

What do I need to be aware of relating to foreign customs?
All countries you will visit have laws against the purchase and export of certain items, including antiquities, national cultural property and certain animal products, especially endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, feathers, etc.). Additionally, Australia has laws prohibiting the import of certain items, which include many of the same things. You face having your purchase confiscated and/or heavy fines for exporting or importing prohibited items. On departure from Europe and on return to Australia, your luggage is subject to search.

Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes. If you have not already advised your travel agent at the time of booking please let your Tour Director know at the start of the tour any special needs or dietary requirements so they can be best accommodated. Remember your favourite food items will not always be available.

What type of food can I expect?
Be mindful that meals on tour will often reflect the local cuisine and delicacies, which may be different to what you are normally accustomed to. Your dining experiences are certain to enhance your tour and introduce you to the local region and culture.

What else should I be aware of?
Europeans generally dine slightly later than might be your custom and they tend to be less sensitive to issues regarding smoking.

How do I judge how safe it is to travel in these countries?
You must make your own inquiries regarding safety warnings and government warnings in relation to the destinations you are travelling to. Scenic Tours can accept no responsibility for the actions of terrorism etc in certain locations.

Are pickpockets prevalent?
Crowded tourist sites all over the world are at pickpocket risk so you should always be on alert. Keep your money hidden preferably in an inside pocket or money belt. Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

What else should I be aware of?
While travelling don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

What side of the road do cars drive?
Be aware that motorists drive on the right on the continent of Europe, so take care when crossing roads. Please also pay particular attention to bicycle lanes, which are often on the sidewalk. In The Netherlands a red pavement usually designates them. Exercise utmost care when crossing them as trams also often cross or share bicycle and pedestrian paths.

What else should I be aware of?
Air-conditioning is not yet as popular in Europe as back home and you may not find it everywhere. In some places due to environmental concerns it is strictly regulated.

European festive days, especially religious holidays, are quite numerous. On these occasions, particularly in May/June, you may find services in general slightly reduced.

Are there any unforseen costs I should be aware of?
Sometimes there is a small charge for public toilets, food and drinks usually cost more and the service may be a little more leisurely than you might expect.

Are there any restrictions on photography?
It may not be possible to use your camera or video camera at some sites of interest, or there may be a fee; please ask your Tour Director for further details. Not everyone might appreciate being on your souvenir home video or holiday photo, so please respect the privacy of local people and cruise directors/local guides by asking permission before filming or taking a photograph, especially in holy places.

All seven of our 'Space-Ships' offer two full decks of exclusive, full-size, private balcony suites. This means 84% of our staterooms have private balconies. A limited number of staterooms on the Moselle deck offer picture windows and no outdoor balconies.

Exclusive Balcony Suites

The Danube and Rhine decks all have full size, private balcony suites. Simply step out into your exclusive domain and watch a spectacular world go by. Here, sip freshly brewed coffee or tea as the sun rises and the scent of lavender permeates the air. Or simply relax with a good book and a glass of wine.

Our Private Balcony Suites are 24% larger than the standard river cruise cabins, and feature full outdoor balconies, with teak tables and chairs, allowing you to sit outside and enjoy the passing vistas.

All of our vessels offer two full decks of private balcony suites (84% of all cabins), and at a spacious 205 square feet (19 square meters), they provide a retreat for relaxation and enjoyment.

To really treat yourself, choose one of our Royal or Junior Suites. Junior Suites offer 25% more space than a balcony cabin, while our Royal Suites are the last word in indulgence with 315 square feet of immaculately appointed living space.

Danube Deck Guests
Danube Deck guests enjoy the following additional in-suite inclusions:

• Breakfast delivered to their suite
• Complimentary laundry service (two articles pressed per day)

Junior Suite Guests
Junior Suite guests enjoy all of the extra in-suite inclusions of the Danube Deck plus:

• Seasonal fruit
• Pre-dinner canapes
• Petit fours

Royal Suite Guests
Royal Suite guest enjoy all of the extra in-suite inclusions of the Danube Deck and Junior Suite plus:

• $300 per cabin onboard credit voucher
• Complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne on arrival
• All premium beverages included in mini-bar
• Room service is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can dine in private any time you wish
• Your choice of daily newspaper
• Unlimited laundry services
• Private transfers (conditions apply)

Our public spaces are as impressive as our private suites. The Panorama Lounge and Bar is larger than on other river cruisers. Here you can relax at the bar while taking in the breathtaking views through the floor to ceiling windows. After dinner, retire to the Lounge for music and dancing or, on select evenings, enjoy a taste of local culture.

A popular spot to watch the waterways of Europe glide by is our Observation Lounge, an open-air teak deck at the bow of the ship, which is one of three outdoor viewing areas on-board.

Beaune

• Burgundy Wine Tasting - Visit the Patriarche Wine Caves which have been around since 1780. The five kilometer labyrinthe houses millions of bottle of wine. After a tour of the caves, enjoy tasting some fine Burgundy wines. Moderate pace
• Mustard Factory - Learn how one of Dijon's most famous exports is produced on a visit to a local mustard factory. Join your local guide who will explain the importance of this product to the local economy. Relaxed pace

Mâcon

• Bourg en Bresse - Join your local guide on a tour of this ancient Roman city. Visit the church of Notre Dame, a unique mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore the town before returning to the ship. Moderate pace
• Beaujolais Region Wine Tasting - Meet a local vintner of this famous wine region and discover how wine is made in this area of France. Have the privilege of tasting some of his vintage. Next stop is a local snail farm to understand the origins of the popular dish, escargot. Relaxed pace
• The Village of Cluny - Visit the village that grew around the massive Benedictine Abbey, once the largest Christian building in the world. Your local guide will show you around the Abbey and town. Relaxed pace

Lyon

• Painting and Silk Production - Join your local guide to tour one of the most famous silk factories in Lyon. Learn about the importance silk production in the region and watch how it is produced in a traditional factory. Moderate pace
• Medieval Pérouges - Visit the medieval walled village of Pérouges, perched atop a hill, overlooking the Ain River. This well-preserved 14th century village is one of the most picturesque in the region. Due to cobblestones and hills this tour is not suitable for everyone. Moderate pace
• Paul Bocuse Cooking Institute (maximum numbers apply and subject to availability) - Visit this beautiful chateau, home to one of the world's most innovative restaurant, hotel and culinary arts institutes in the world. Paul Bocuse is one of the first ever chefs to embrace Nouvelle Cuisine - an approach that focuses less accent on calories and more on the use of fresh and local produce of the highest quality. Watch students perfecting the art of French cooking before a cooking demonstration for the group. Relaxed pace
• Bike Tour of Lyon - Take a self-guided bicycle tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perhaps you can visit the zoo, explore some of the beautiful parkland or simply wheel alongside the Rhone River, enjoying some peace and quiet.

Tournon

• Guided Walking Tour of Tournon - Join your local guide to explore the wide, tree-lined streets of the city. Experience all that Tournon has to offer. Moderate pace
• Heritage Car Museum - Journey to the village of Vanosc in the French Alps to visit its heritage car museum. Relaxed pace
• Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting - Across the river from Tournon lies the village of Tain l'Hermitage, surrounded by hillsides of terraced vineyards. The town is famous for its chocolates and world-famous Côtes-de-Rhône wines. Taste some of the wine that was once favored by the Tsars of Russia. Relaxed pace
• Guided Bicycle Tour - Join your guide on a bicycle tour through the picturesque town of Tournon and surrounding countryside. Active pace

Viviers

• Guided Canoeing in Ardèche National Park - Experience the outdoor playground of this National Park by taking part in a guided canoe tour of Europe's largest natural canyon. Active pace
• Visit Ardèche National Park - Join your local guide for a scenic journey through Ardèche National Park where the river has carved the famous Pont d'Arc, a natural arch more than 60 meters high. Then visit the quaint village of Vallon Pont d'Arc en-route back to the ship. Moderate pace
• French Cooking Class - Immerse yourself in the local flavours of the region in a cooking class on-board as you cruise from Viviers. Relaxed pace

Avignon

• Palais-des-Papes (only available on 7 night Rhone River Cruise as it is a Scenic Enrich on all other cruises) - Visit the largest gothic palaces in all of Europe, also one of the most visited sites on the continent. This palace was once the Papal Palace between 1309 and 1433. This visit is part of a city tour for this one cruise only. Moderate pace
• Excursion to Uzès and Pont du Gard - Visit the town of Uzès, a blend of medieval and Renaissance heritage. Join your local guide to explore the maze of small streets and shaded squares as you make your way to an iconic landmark the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct across the river. Moderate pace
• Luberon Region - Travel through vineyards and orchards to explore the beautiful towns of the Luberon. Visit the hilltop village of Gourdes to see France's largest natural spring 'Fontaine de Vaucluse Due to uneven footing and hilly terrain this tour is not suitable for everyone. Moderate pace

Arles

• Les Baux-de-Provence - Take a coach to the medieval village of Les Baux. Located in 'Les Alpilles' mountains you will drive through olive groves and vineyards and enjoy scenery highlighted by incredible rock formations. Join your local guide for a walking tour of the village which is dominated by the ruins of a castle, dating back to the 11th century. Wander the cobblestone streets and visit the shops and cafes in 'Old Town'. Visit an Olive Farm and taste its produce. Due to cobblestones and hilly terrain this tour is not suitable for everyone. Moderate pace
• Saint-Remy-de-Provence - Join your local guide on a tour of the town of Saint Remy. Set amongst the landscape of Les Alpilles National Park, it was the inspiration for some of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings. We will also visit the Monastery of Saint Paul de Mausole, where Van Gogh was confined, by his wishes, in the psychiatric asylum. In the 53 weeks he was there he produced 143 oil paintings and more than 100 drawings.

As we dock in the beautiful cities and villages along France's grand waterways, you have the choice of taking a self-guided walk or cycling tour. Scenic Tailormade is our new, independent free choice tour option, enhanced by GPS-activated directions and commentary. Once onboard, a free Scenic Tailormade app can be downloaded to your Apple iPhone or iPad, or you can choose to take one of our pre-loaded devices. Whether it's sampling your way through the gastronomic delights of Lyon or traveling back through history, exploring Roman and medieval sites, discover France your way. These exclusive bespoke tours allow you to explore:

• Food and Wine
• Gardens and Nature
• History
• Arts and Culture
• Active and Adventure.

*Scenic Tailormade is NOT available in Russia.

Enjoy expert commentary at the press of a button as you relax onboard. Your personal GPS-guided tour-system device can tap into the ship's GPS locator, allowing you to discover all the history behind the landmarks as you pass by.

*NOT available in Russia

While Scenic has always offered the use of bicycles in Europe, in 2013 we will be offering electrical-assisted bicycles. Spend your free time cycling through the European countryside and pretend that you are a local. Bikes are equipped with special mounts for your personal GPS-guided tour-system device.

*NOT available in Russia

In 2013 Scenic Tours will be offering pre and post cruise extensions in three beautiful cities.

Paris - includes three nights at either the Radisson Blu Ambassador Opera Hotel (pre-cruise) or the Westin Paris (post-cruise on seven night cruise).

Choose one of three Scenic FreeChoice options:

• Four-hour guided city tour
• Three-hour guided tour of the Louvre Museum (includes transfers)
• Two-hour city walking tour guided by a local Parisian

Choose one of two Scenic FreeChoice Dining Options:

• Dine at the Lido - Soiree Plaisir package includes dinner and a 1/2 bottle of champagne. Dinner is at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9:30 p.m.
  Dine at 58 Eiffel Tower, the restaurant located on the second level of the landmark Eiffel Tower. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m.

Monte Carlo - includes three nights at the Fairmont Monte Carlo

• Guided tour of Monte Carlo
• Guided tour of Prince's Palace including Palace State Apartments
• Guided Tour of Nice and Highlight Dinner
• Evening Farewell Reception at the Fairmont Hotel

Barcelona - includes 3 nights at the Hotel 1898

• Guided city tour of Barcelona

Choose one of three Scenic FreeChoice options:

• 2-3 hour guided tour of the Picasso Museum
  2-3 hour guided tour of FC Barcelona Stadium and Museum
  Tour of Poble Espanyol de Montjuic - The Spanish Village

Scenic FreeChoice Dining - Tapas Dinearound in Las Ramblas area of Barcelona