There is no Shortage of Experiences to be Had on an All-Inclusive River Cruise Through Europe

You don’t need a multitude of statistics to know that Europe is one of the—if not the most visited continent on the planet. The stats, and the popularity of Europe river cruises, only further supports that belief. According to the Europe Travel Commission (ETC), international tourism rates in Europe increased by 5 percent in 2015, peaking at 609 million arrivals. That marks the sixth consecutive year that the region has experienced growth in international tourism. In fact, the ETC anticipates another 3.5- to 4.5-percent increase in those numbers for 2016, and river cruises in Europe with Scenic are no exception, as demand for all-inclusive luxury experiences continues to increase every year.

While plenty of travelers will fly to—and stay exclusively at specific metropolitan areas in Europe, and despite the fact that many others will hop from city to city and from country to country via Europe’s vast network of railways, more and more experienced international travelers are recognizing that European river cruises provide a unique and authentic way to be immersed in local culture. After all, the rivers that snake through Europe are the same waterways that were instrumental in shaping and cultivating western civilization.

France

In France, travelers can float down the Seine River, passing under Paris’s many bridges, stopping in the pastoral villages that inspired the world’s most famous Impressionist painters, and exploring the Normandy coast. They can indulge on a châteaux-centric tour through Bordeaux on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Or they can feast their way through Lyon and sip their way through the Rhône River’s various wine regions.

Seine River Cruise

Scenic’s Seine River river cruises hit all the cultural must-sees of France. The Seine winds through the romantic Isle-de-France region into Les Andelys, an area well known for King Richard the Lionheart’s Chateau Gaillard. Scenic guests have direct access to the sensational castle that was once built by King Richard I to defend the English against a French invasion. Visit the castle and take in the astonishing scenery that overlooks Les Andelys below.

Bordeaux River Cruise

The spectacular countryside of the Médoc in Bordeaux boasts aristocratic châteaux, none more opulent than the Château Giscours. Nestled amongst its beautiful land is 1/3 square miles of vines, part of the famous Margaux appellation. Enter the Giscours estate for an unforgettable dining experience featuring the Château’s signature wines. Here you will be enthralled by a magnificent classical music performance inside this neo-classical palace.

Portugal

In Portugal, travelers can sail down the Douro River, basking in the country’s sunshine; learning about the region’s most famous delicacy, Port wine; and exploring the ancient Spanish city of Salamanca, which was constructed entirely of golden sandstone and features a university that welcomed Christopher Columbus and now preserves hundreds of Renaissance manuscripts.

Douro River Cruise

Excite your senses as you traverse the spectacular beauty of the Douro Valley. Made up of four World Heritage sites – the Alta Douro, Historic Centre of Porto, the old city of Salamanca and prehistoric rock art sites of the Côa Valley, you’ll get a chance to immerse yourself in timeless villages, terraced landscapes, family-run quintas and hilltop wine estates scattered amongst the steep hills. Whatever your preference, we invite you to absorb all the must-see sights and uncover the tucked away treasures of a Scenic Portugal River cruise.

From rolling vineyards to grand historic structures, magic waterscapes to endlessly engaging vistas, Portugal’s lazy charm tends to seep into your consciousness slowly, seducing you without even realizing it. However, by the time you’ve fully explored its wondrous valleys and the friendly village communities of the Porto, you’ll find yourself thoroughly and hopelessly in love.

Russia

Embark on an incredible journey to discover the hidden jewels of the largest country in the world, Russia. The rich cultural secrets of Europe’s eastern marches are revealed along the banks of the Russian Volga and Neva rivers, the serenely beautiful Lake Lagoda, and the vital grand canals that connect the legendary imperial decadence of St. Petersburg with Moscow’s historical splendor.

Volga River Cruise

A river cruise on the Volga River most commonly sails between the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. With so much to see and so much ground to cover, a Russian river cruise is one of the easiest and most fulfilling ways to navigate this epic land of stark contrasts.

The 2,294-mile-long Volga is the largest river in Europe; in fact, at some of its widest points a person standing on one of the river’s bank cannot see the shoreline on the opposite side. Predictably, the Volga has been recognized as the national river of Russia; and because it is so instrumental in the daily lives of so many Russian people, the river is often referred to as “Mother Volga.” It’s no wonder then that Volga River cruises, which allow guests the opportunity to explore a large swath of the river, are a highly sought-after travel experience.

About Scenic Cruises

From humble beginnings in Newcastle, Australia, to a global company with business centers in Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, USA, Canada, and the UK, Scenic is a true success story within the travel industry. The Scenic story began in 1986, when their founder Glen Moroney began operating coach tours throughout Australia, quickly expanding into New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and South Africa. By the end of the decade Scenic was hosting tours to Canada and Alaska, and in 2008 they launched our unique Space-Ships and began offering luxury all-inclusive river cruises throughout Europe. In January 2019, Scenic will enter a new chapter in its journey with the launch of its first ocean cruising vessel, Scenic Eclipse.