Scenic Gem - Shore excursions and activities

Explore cities onshore on our complimentary e-bikes^+. Keep active and interact with locals as you explore Europe’s countryside.

Experience Europe's wonders at your own pace with truly all-inclusive Scenic Freechoice excursions. From e-bike+^ riding alongside spectacular waterways, to exploring Europe’s cultural and historic treasures on a day trip, you can choose from a wide range of activities to suit you.  

Personalise your river cruise and pursue your own interests as you set off on curated excursions throughout Europe. Our extensive and diverse list of Freechoice excursions are designed at Active, Moderate or Relaxed pace so you can choose activities best suited to you based on your interests and needs. Whether it’s a guided hike or e-Bike ride through the vineyards or a visit to the historic towns of Ypres and Passchendaele, the choice is yours. 

Each Europe river cruise has been carefully curated to include a broad range of immersive experiences onshore. From active to cultural and interactive, you can choose from a wide range of Scenic Freechoice activities to suit your interests and pace.

Active

Cycling from Dürnstein to Krems

Join your guide on a bicycle tour along the Danube to the quaint village of Krems. Pass by charming villages and scenic vineyard landscapes. You will have time to stop along the way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Danube.

Explore Château Gaillard
Hike to King Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard and enter this fabulous ruin overlooking the Seine River. Available on select Northern France river cruises.

Kayak on the Pinhão River
Enjoy a guided kayaking tour along the Pinhão River and see the beautiful town from an alternative perspective. Available on select Douro river cruises in Portugal.

Moderate

Gottweig Abbey
Visit the renovated Gottweig Abbey. Founded in the 6th Century, the abbey was burned down during the 18th Century and rebuilt to be one of the most magnificent in the Wachau Valley. Your local guide will take you through various room where you will see the magnificent frescoes that decorate the Abbey as well as its staircase, the largest Baroque Staircase in Austria.

Visit to Mateus Palace
Built in the 18th century the grounds of the palace feature a cellar, chapel and impressive gardens. Tour this amazing property depicted on the label of the internationally renowned wine of the same name.

Beer & Chocolate Pairing
Take your tastebuds on a journey whilst learning and appreciating how the complex flavours of local craft beer and chocolate go together.

Relaxed

Sausage-making class
Learn to make traditional Regensburger wurst. Discover the history of this sausage as well as the spices that flavour the meat. And of course, you can sample it once it’s complete.

Passau Photography Safari
Visit some of the most beautiful locations in Passau such as the Old Town Hall with this photography tour suitable for all. Available on Danube in Depth.

Shop with a Chef
Join your on board chef on a guided visit to a local food market where you will have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer. Upon returning to your Scenic Space-Ship meet in the purpose built Scenic Culinaire cooking school for an interactive cooking demonstration making some of France’s most popular and delicious dishes using the ingredients you have just bought at the market.

Disclaimer: Options above are examples, experiences might be different depending on your river cruise ship.

Enjoy wondrous moments exclusively created for you, ranging from a private concert in a grand 18th century palace in Germany or indulging in a sumptuous dinner in a local home in the Netherlands. Enjoy these exquisite handcrafted experiences that are not available to the regular traveller.

The Captain and Crew

All Scenic Space-Ship Captains are selected for their knowledge of Europe’s rivers. On board, the Captain and their team can be found in the wheelhouse on the Sun Deck and will be on hand to greet guests and answer any questions during briefings.

Cruise Director & Hotel Director

Committed to delivering an exceptional level of service, the Cruise Director and Hotel Director will be your main point of contact throughout your cruise. They’ll ensure every moment of your trip is seamless, while providing daily briefings and updates.

Enrichment Manager

Your on board entertainment while cruising Europe is presented by the Enrichment Manager. They’ll add to your experience by hosting game nights, informative lectures, and organise special guest performances, to experience shows with a local flair.

Scenic Butlers

Our expert butler’s have been trained to meet Scenic’s high standards. You can relax as your laundry, shines your shoes, delivers premium beverages to your suite or replenishes your mini-bar are taken care of. All guests enjoy butler service, learning your preferences and expectations, and surpassing them.

Culinary Team and Bar Staff

Our expert team of chefs will elevate the sense of luxury on your Europe river cruise. The culinary team draws inspiration from the regions you travel through and ensures all food is fresh and seasonal while creating a daily menu to suit all palates.

Wellness Coach

Each Scenic Space-Ship has a dedicated Wellness Team. You can unwind with a massage^, work on your fitness in the gym, take time out in the healing Salt Therapy Lounge (on select Space-Ships) or join a morning stretch class, all while the Wellness Coach are on hand to assist you.

Local Guides

Our local guides are important members of your onshore team. They’re the storytellers who will share the wonders of their town and immerse you in the local history and culture, with their own personal flair.