Scenic Unveils Early Access to 2028 Europe River Cruise Season

Luxury cruise group Scenic has unveiled early access to its 2028 Europe River cruise season.

The new season sees the introduction of updated itineraries, elevated land extensions and new tours across key regions.

The programme is designed to deliver deeper immersion, longer stays and flexible cruise‑and‑land combinations, all in Scenic’s ultra‑luxury, truly all‑inclusive style. New extensions in France and Central Europe join reimagined river and land journeys, including Spectacular South of France, Majestic Britain & Ireland and Iconic Switzerland. 

Scenic has curated elevated land extensions and combinations to offer guests more in‑depth regional discovery, extended stays in marquee destinations and seamless cruise‑and‑land journeys.  

“Every season we look at how our guests are travelling and where we can provide more meaningful journeys,” said Elisabeth Sadler, Vice President River Cruising, Scenic Group. 

 “For 2028, we’ve reimagined some of our most popular river and land itineraries to provide longer stays, new destination pairings and expanded extension options, whilst retaining the exclusive Scenic Enrich and Freechoice experiences. With early access now open, guests and travel advisors can secure preferred dates and suites ahead of the general release.” 

Key highlights for the 2028 Programme

New and enhanced extensions: 

• Monte‑Carlo & French Riviera: A four‑day French Riviera Extension, now including a glamorous stay at the Fairmont Monte‑Carlo, ideal as a pre‑or-post cruise stay for Rhône and Saône itineraries. Guests enjoy guided touring in Monte‑Carlo plus Scenic Freechoice options to Èze and a traditional perfumery, or Menton with local limoncello tasting. 

• Grand Castles of the Loire: A five‑day Loire Valley journey pairing seamlessly with Seine and Bordeaux river cruises. Highlights include Château de Villandry’s gardens, the Royal Château de Blois, Château de Chenonceau over the River Cher, Château de Chambord and Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence. 

• Brittany Discovery: A four‑day coastal escape available on Seine itineraries, showcasing Brittany’s dramatic shores and Celtic heritage. Guests visit Dinard and choose Scenic Freechoice touring to Mont‑Saint‑Michel or the ramparts of Saint‑Malo. 

• Munich: A three‑day Munich extension, on selected Gems of the Danube departures, blending grand city vistas with intimate old‑town moments and ample leisure time to explore Bavarian culture. 

Reimagined Spectacular South of France River Cruise: 

For 2028, one of Scenic’s most popular French river itineraries, Spectacular South of France, has been re‑shaped to deliver a more relaxed pace and deeper immersion into the Saône and Rhône regions. The itinerary now operates between Lyon and Tarascon (or reverse), includes six overnights in port and two late departures, and cruises further upstream to Chalon‑sur‑Saône to expand access to Burgundy’s riverside towns.  

Guests continue to enjoy signature Scenic Enrich experiences at the Pope’s Palace in Avignon and Chapelle de la Trinité, complemented by culinary highlights such as a hosted dinner on board by Michelin‑starred Chef Didier Goiffon, multi‑regional wine tastings and curated gastronomic experiences. 

Updated Land Journeys: 

Scenic’s handcrafted land program has been refined to support stronger cruise‑and‑land combinations: 

• Majestic Britain & Ireland – Now with extra time in Galway and two nights in Donegal including Giant’s Causeway. The fully escorted journey spans Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, blending coastal scenery, character‑filled towns, Scenic Special Stays and iconic landmarks. Available as a standalone tour or combined with selected Highlights of Normandy & Seine and Jewels of Europe river cruise departures. 

• Iconic Switzerland – A 13‑day land journey featuring Kempinski Palace Engelberg at the foothills of Mount Titlis, two nights in St. Moritz, full‑day Glacier Express and Bernina Express rail journeys, and a new overnight in Montreux on Lake Geneva. 

• Eastern Europe Explorer – Now connecting with select departures of the eight‑day Gems of the Danube cruise to create a seamless Central and Eastern Europe itinerary. 

Further city extension combinations 

Scenic has introduced new city‑stay combinations aligned with its core river cruises: 

• Budapest extension now connects with Jewels of Europe and Gems of the Danube river cruises 

• Amsterdam is available as a pre‑ or post‑extension on Jewels of Europe river cruise 

• Paris has been added as an extension for Romantic Rhine & Moselle river cruise 

• Vienna now connects with Eastern Europe and Balkans Unveiled river cruises. 

These combinations give guests more ways to shape their Europe journey, pairing core river cruises with time in the cities that matter most to them. 

Scenic’s extensions are designed as more than just extra nights in key cities. Each includes five‑star hotel accommodation with breakfast, Scenic Freechoice excursions and seamless transfers to and from your Scenic Space‑Ship, ensuring a relaxed journey from start to finish. 

Early access and booking 

With early access now available, travel advisors and their clients can secure their preferred dates and suite categories across Scenic’s 2028 Europe river cruise and land journey portfolio. Scenic’s ultra‑luxury, truly all‑inclusive river cruising includes all on‑board dining and premium beverages, enriching excursions, Scenic Enrich events, Scenic Freechoice experiences, transfers and a dedicated butler for every suite on its Space‑Ships. 

For full itinerary details, departures and trade resources, visit scenic.cruises.