Scenic Wonder Club Magazine 2019 Issue 2

CLUB MAGAZINE THE ART OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL THE EXCITING WONDERS OF EUROPE FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD HIGH ODE TO THE ARCTIC ISSUE 2 2019

ISSUE 2 2019

CONTENTS MEMBER OFFERS

explained

Throughout this magazine, we feature ‘Exclusive Member Offers’ panels containing our special cruise and tour itineraries. For each listed departure, we also include additional offers applicable to each of our four Scenic loyalty tiers: Scenic Gold, Scenic Platinum, Scenic Diamond and Scenic Emerald. When booking, please quote our unique code WONDER2019 to apply these special benefits to your next Scenic departure. For more information, call us on 1 844 857 6018 or see your Scenic Agent.

Scenic Gold Scenic Platinum Scenic Diamond Scenic Emerald

SPECIAL FEATURES

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WHERE IN THE WORLD?

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CRUISES

Europe’s lesser known cities

A Q&A with NatGeo photographer, Sisse Brimberg

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OBERAMMERGAU

AN ODE TO HIGH ARCTIC

The once in a decade Passion Play held in a small German town

With Jonathon Fuhrmann, Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team member

FEATURES 6 SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

REGULARS

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4 WHAT’S NEW

10 ways to make a difference 10 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC RIVER CRUISES Cruising with Scenic and National Geographic represenatives

editor’s letter

16 POWER AND PASSION People of France celebrate Bastille Day

20 Q&A WITH A SCENIC BUTLER 22 FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

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Scenic gastronomy 24 VISITING MONET’S GARDENS Stroll through a living art piece 26 CLASSIC FRENCH MEETS MODERN FRENCH French food to try 28 A DAY IN QUÉBEC CITY

We hope you enjoy reading about the new handcrafted additions to our itineraries and the many destinations featured here.

Discover this quaint city 30 NILE RIVER CRUISE Sailing Egypt’s magical river 32 MYSTICAL IRRAWADDY Water fight in Myanmar

Dotted with fairytale castles, ancient ruins and quaint towns – Europe beckons to be explored.

Discover exciting additions to the Scenic river cruising program in 2020. We pay tribute to Beethoven on his 250th birth anniversary with a walking tour and private classical concert. Learn brewing techniques from local monks in Germany and visit the beautiful former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Château Malmaison.

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The Scenic Team

contributors

34 A TASTE OF MYANMAR Culinary excellence on board

Mandy Dwyer, Shweta Menon, Masa Takei, Louise Southerden, Fiona Bennett, Allison Stewart, Naomi Livingstone, Julie Miller, Jonathon Fuhrmann

Scenic Aura 36 ARCTIC VS ANTARCTICA Do you know the difference?

38 AN ODE TO THE

design

HIGH ARCTIC With Jonathon Fuhrmann,

Emi Hollo, Naomi Walter, Meizi Hu, Matthew Yorke

Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team member

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TA I LO R - M A D E F O R YO U We have launched an innovative new App, transforming guests’ Apple and Android devices into their own personal Scenic Tailormade self-guiding GPS device.

EUROPE RIVER CRUISING Book and pay in full by October 21st to receive included flights and an additional savings of up to $500pp on your next European adventure.

what’s

NEW STAY C O N N E CT E D Connect with Scenic and your fellow travelers. Tag us with your favorite photos for a chance for your shot to be selected as our “Photo of the Week”.

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THE BIG 5 Book your adventure to spot the Big 5 in Africa on our 34 & 43 day adventures from Cape Town to Cairo, and Jordan.

S O U T H E A ST ASIA RIVER CRUISING 2020/21 collection is now available. Book early to ensure your choice of sail date and suites. Flights are also now included, but for a limited time - book today!

NEW SCENIC FREECHOICE IN EUROPE New Scenic Freechoice options have been added to our European program for 2020 - this includes meeting the beer producing monks of a local village in Miltenberg, Germany, on our Jewels of Europe cruise; or wine tasting at Keiserstuhl Winery in Breisach on the Romantic Rhine and Moselle itinerary.

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The art of

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

10 ways to make a difference

By Louise Southerden Travel has long been a way to cast off our cares and forget about the world’s woes, for a while at least. We might not be able to disconnect as easily these days and traveling with an awareness of climate change, overtourism and plastic pollution, among other issues, isn’t a bad thing. But it’s helpful to remember that travel has plenty of positive impacts too – and not just for us.

It promotes cross-cultural understanding, for one thing. Our travel dollars, euros, riels and dinars can help stimulate local economies and create employment. And visiting natural

places helps fund conservation, gives governments an incentive to protect them and connects us to the global ecosystem we all depend on.

Put simply, travel has the power to make advocates of us all and there are now more ways to travel sustainably than ever before. It doesn’t have to be a chore.

Just remember to travel with kindness, awareness and respect – for the people, places and animals that so enrich our lives every time we travel. Try these 10 ways to maximize the positive impact of your next trip.

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HOW TO BE A SUSTAINABLE TRAVELLER: 1. BYO reusables

6. Eat less meat

Reducing our reliance on single-use plastics is one of the best ways to make a difference. Invest in a stainless steel water bottle, a reusable coffee cup, cloth shopping bags, maybe even reusable chopsticks; Japan alone uses 24 billion single-use wooden chopsticks every year.

Follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough, who recently switched to a plant-based diet “because of the state of the planet”. Whether you go vegan, vegetarian or “flexitarian” you’ll help reduce carbon emissions, deforestation and the suffering of farmed animals.

2. Pick up litter

7. See wildlife in the wild

Trying to leave every place you visit better than you found it can start with the simple act of picking up rubbish.

Maybe set yourself a target of collecting 10 pieces of litter for each day of your trip, as recommended by not-for-profit 10 Pieces, then dispose of it responsibly when you return to your accommodation. See 10pieces.com.au

Cruelty often happens behind the scenes, so remember World Animal Protection’s mantra: if you can ride, hug or take a selfie with a wild animal, it’s probably suffering.

Instead, see wild animals in their natural habitats (or ethical enclosures).

3. Pack light Taking less luggage reduces your carbon footprint, according to Finnair regional manager Arnaud Michelin. “If every Finnair passenger takes 2.2 lbs less, we can save 3 million gallons of fuel in a year, enough to fuel 20 flights between Helsinki and Tokyo,” he says.

8. Be informed A bit of pre-trip research into environmental and social issues affecting your destination can help you make informed choices about what to eat, do and buy when you’re there. Are there any local foods or products that might be sourced from unsustainable farming, logging, hunting or fishing practices?

9. Talk the talk

Taking useful toys, clothes, medical supplies and household goods to donate to underprivileged children in developing countries is a great way to give back. Some airlines will help by increasing your luggage limit if you put in a request two months before your trip.

Actions might speak louder than words, but words are important too. Chatting to your fellow travellers and asking about sustainable travel issues can help change attitudes and actions. Why not celebrate key events while you’re away such as Earth Hour (March 28), World Environment Day (June 5). It helps remind us we’re all in this together.

5. Shop wisely

10. Be changed

Buying locally made souvenirs supports the local economy and keeps traditional crafts alive, but avoid those made from shells, ivory, coral, tropical hardwoods and protected or endangered animals.

And remember to leave shells, feathers and other natural things where you find them; taking them home can disrupt local ecosystems.

The more we’re affected by the places we visit, the more connected we are to them and the more motivated we feel to help lessen our impact. So jump in with both feet, take everything in and bring home stories about how amazing this world really is.

4. Give back

Louise Southerden is a sustainable travel writer and six-time winner of the Australian Society of Travel Writers’ Best Responsible Tourism Story award. You can follow her travels at www.noimpactgirl.com PAGE 7

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

outside of London. Edinburgh sits perched atop a series of extinct volcanoes crowned by the stone walls and towers of Edinburgh Castle. The city is a center of culture and the arts and is known for its festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe, the world's largest festival of the arts.

Discover these ten lesser known cities in Europe and why you should visit them.

GHENT, BELGIUM – despite being one of Belgium’s oldest cities, Ghent remains small enough to feel cosy but big enough to be a vibrant, relevant center. It offers a fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with a trendy, modern urban life and a wealth of medieval and classical architecture contrasted by large post-industrial areas. Experience an abundance of quirky bars, good-value restaurants and some of Belgium’s best museums.

“Edinburgh sits perched atop a series of extinct volcanoes crowned by the stone walls and towers of Edinburgh Castle.”

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Europe is a melting pot of history, culture, cuisines, and bright bustling urban centers. Paris, London, Rome – we all know them, but look a little deeper and Europe has a wealth of smaller lesser known cities and towns that have so much to offer.

less tourists, a venerable dining scene, grand architecture and packed annual calendar that highlights a staggering array of festivals and cultural events.

BILBAO, SPAIN – winner of the 2018 European City of the Year. After investing heavily in the culture and culinary scenes following the post-industrial malaise of the 1990’s, Bilbao and the surrounding Basque region now boasts more than 40 Michelin starred restaurants and is home to the renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

VERONA, ITALY – famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Verona is one of northern Italy’s most attractive cities, its center dominated by a Roman amphitheater, the venue for the city's famous annual summer opera festival. See the beautiful churches, fascinating bridges over the Adige, regional wine and food culture and some impressive art, and you will fall in love in Verona.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – is deserving of a reputation as one of the world’s great dining destinations, San Sebastian has been compared to a mini version of Paris – but with golden beaches,

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – the capital of Scotland makes an unforgettable impression with a colorful history and culture and home to more Michelin restaurants than any part of the UK, PAGE 8

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RIGA, LATVIA - From magnificent cathedrals to fresh food markets and opera to a one-of-a-kind car museum, Riga has everything for a memorable visit. The Gothic spires that dominate the cityscape might suggest austerity, but in reality Riga is a vibrant cosmopolitan city - quiet and reserved on the outside, but bursting at the seams with bars, modern art centers and the fantastic experimental restaurants.

ROUEN, FRANCE - Rouen is a vibrant city defined by beautiful architecture, its streets lined with colorful half-timber buildings that make a simple walk around the city reason enough to visit.

Rouen saw the tragic end of Saint Joan of Arc’s life, a legacy that continues to leave its mark on the city, that has no shortage of museums along with a number of stunning churches - its best known, the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

SOFIA, BULGARIA - Sofia is a modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel. It is a relaxed capital that is often overlooked by visitors, home to vast parks and manicured gardens alongside many of Bulgaria's finest museums, galleries, restaurants and clubs.

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SAN GIMIGNANO, ITALY - Known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano's skyline of fourteen stone towers rises dramatically from the Tuscan countryside.

Originally there were 72 towers, built by San Gimignano’s patriarch families in a display of their wealth. Today, this pristine city has a palpable sense of history, intact medieval streetscapes and an enchanting rural setting which draws people from around the world.

BATH, ENGLAND - one of Britain's most unique cities with exquisite Roman and Georgian architecture, earning a Unesco World Heritage site status.

Alongside hipster hangouts and swish spas, a contemporary arts scene makes a strong showing in Bath with a batch of quality festivals each year. A myriad of eateries include refined period tearooms, classy restaurants, and artisan bakeries.

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Edinburgh, Scotland Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao Verona, Italy San Sebastian, Spain Bath, England

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC RIVER CRUISING We are proud to continue our partnership with National Geographic Expeditions to offer you an exceptional river cruise experience.

In 2020 our partnership with National Geographic will offer special itineraries through Europe, including Portugal’s Douro Valley and the mighty Volga River in Russia. They will combine our luxury river cruise experience with National Geographic’s legacy of science, conservation and exploration to create unforgettable experiences.

Aboard each river cruise, a National Geographic Expert will share their knowledge and insights, through fascinating presentations and informal discussions. A National Geographic Photographer will also join our Expedition river cruising itineraries to provide photography tips.

Scenic’s shared passion for discovery, curiosity about history, a fascination for the world’s cultures, and desire to preserve its future has led to this partnership with National Geographic Expeditions to offer unique river cruise expeditions that explore the far corners of the world.

A portion of the profits from these river cruises will be donated to the National Geographic Society, which supports researchers and experts engaged in protecting and preserving the planet and its various species and populations.

To view our complete National Geographic River Cruising collection please visit scenicusa.com/nat-geo

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A Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary B Photographer in The Netherlands C Learn tips and tricks from a National Geographic photographer D Lecture from a National Geographic photographer

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Q&A

with National Geographic Photographer Sisse Brimberg.

Award-winning National Geographic photographer Sisse Brimberg has produced more than 30 stories for National Geographic magazine over the last four decades. Her work ranges from documenting the life of fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen to a National Geographic project chronicling the Viking culture. We caught up with Sisse as she reflects on the pleasures of traveling by ship and some of the unique photo opportunities that await travellers on these trips.

What do you most enjoy about traveling by ship?

In my opinion, there is no better way to travel than sailing on board a ship. I've always enjoyed this type of travel, where you venture ashore and get to know new places and people. Then you return to your lovely ship—your home base—which is ready to take you on the next adventure. From a practical standpoint, I like to spend my energy on being creative and not on having to move from place to place, with no need to unpack more than once. You can focus on really getting to know the places you explore.

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What can our guests expect to learn about photography while traveling with you?

As the on board photographer, I have a wonderful opportunity to teach my fellow travellers about photography, whatever their level is. I love that I can help guests take better pictures, and through the medium of photography, help them capture the spirit of the places they explore. This gives them the chance to take home a great set of photos from the journey, which they can share with family and friends.

What are you looking forward to as the National Geographic photographer on board these new river cruises?

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work at many of the destinations where we visit; I can't wait to share my experiences and my knowledge of these places with our travellers. I will also have the opportunity to give talks on board the ship to open the door to the world of photography for anyone interested. We are going to have fun.

Svalbard, Norway Black Forrest, Germany Amsterdam, Netherlands Sisse Brimberg

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SCENIC CLUB MEMBER OFFERS

SCENIC CLUB MEMBER OFFERS

Cruising the Legendary Rivers of Europe (STC) 15 Day Cruise Budapest > Amsterdam From $10,450*pp Flights Included*

Russia River Cruise (IRRC) 15 Day Cruise Moscow > St Petersburg From $12,355*pp Flights Included*

$200pp Thank You Voucher

$200pp Thank You Voucher

Airport transfers to and from your home

Airport transfers to and from your home

Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

*Conditions apply. *Offers applicable to Scenic Club members only and not Lifelong Explorer program.

*Conditions apply. *Offers applicable to Scenic Club members only and not Lifelong Explorer program.

STC Zaanse Schans

Bonn

Germany

Marksburg

Rüdesheim Miltenberg

Volga-Baltic Canal

Svir

Amsterdam

Rhine Cologne

IRRC

Kizhi Island

Netherlands

Lake Ladoga

Main-Danube Canal

Goritsy Mandrogi

Bamberg Würzburg

Rothenburg

Rybinsk Reservoir

St. Petersburg

Nuremberg Danube Passau

Dürnstein Slovakia Vienna Bratislava Melk Burg 14 Salzburg Aggstein

Uglich

Regensburg

Austria

Atlantic Ocean

Budapest Hungary

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Russia

Volga

Moscow

Yaroslavl

Moscow Canal

THE EXCITING NEW WONDERS OF

EUROPE

Travel with Scenic in 2020 for that unforgettable European adventure.

Audrey Hepburn once said ‘Paris is always a good idea’, but at Scenic we believe anywhere in Europe is always a good idea. Scenic’s 2020 Europe river cruising itineraries see the addition of a host of new and exciting experiences to an already exceptional cruise experience, making Europe the perfect 2020 holiday destination for new and returning guests.

Who hasn’t heard of Ludwig van Beethoven and enjoyed his timeless compositions? The year 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth and a selection of Scenic’s Rhine Main Danube itineraries include a special dedication to the maestro. Enjoy a Beethoven walking tour in the city of Bonn, the location of the composer’s birth, as well as a tribute to Beethoven at a private classical evening concert at the Palais Liechtenstein, Vienna.

In the quaint German town of Miltenberg, a plethora of Scenic Freechoice options await. Learn the nuances of brewing beer from the monks of a local abbey, taste a variety of delicious Schnapps at a local distillery, or delight in the regional wines at a Miltenberg winemaker. Discover the traditions and history of the royals by paying a visit to a Baron and Baroness at their ancient castle. Conversely, visit the salt of the earth, a local farming family and sample their lovely homemade produce.

In France, visit the town of Bayeux to see the famous Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered cloth which is over nine centuries old and depicts the Norman conquest of England. Explore the beautiful former residence of Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte at the Château

Malmaison and delight in a delicious wine tasting session at Château de la Rivière while also drinking in the marvellous scenery around the estate.

The opulence of Opera Garnier has to be seen to be believed. Take your time to absorb the lavishness of its ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases and glistening chandeliers as you learn about this magnificent building commissioned

by Emperor Napoleon III. On Scenic’s cherished Douro river cruises in Portugal, guests can look forward to a walking tour to discover the treasures of the stunning historic city of Porto on foot and then take a cable car ride to view the sights from an entirely new perspective. Explore the maritime city of Aveiro with a cruise on its lagoon as you admire the vibrant buildings along its bank.

“The year 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth and a selection of Scenic’s Rhine Maine Danube itineraries include a special dedication to the maestro.”

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On board the 5-star Scenic SpaceShips, the wellness program includes invigorating new activities such as yoga, Sun Salutations and the Five Tibetan Rites.

A new generation Scenic Tailormade App* will help guests stay on top of the Daily Cruise Program as well as the Scenic Freechoice and Scenic Enrich excursions through its ‘My Cruise’ functionality. The mobile app also boasts an ‘Audio Guide System’, a ‘River View Commentary System’, ‘Independent City Tours’, the entire Travel Guide Book, as well as a Travel Wallet for all travel documents.

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SCENIC CLUB MEMBER OFFERS

SCENIC CLUB MEMBER OFFERS

Jewels of Europe (STC) 15 Day Cruise Amsterdam > Budapest From $6,695*pp Flights Included*

Romantic Rhine and Moselle (AMBA) 15 Day Cruise Zurich > Amsterdam From $7,695*pp Flights Included*

$200pp Thank You Voucher

$200pp Thank You Voucher

Airport transfers to and from your home

Airport transfers to and from your home

Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

*Conditions apply.

*Conditions apply.

Beethoven monument, Bonn Miltenberg, Germany Opera Garnier, Paris Aveiro, Portugal D

STC

AMBA Amsterdam

Netherlands

Amsterdam

Bonn

Rhine Cologne

Veere

Germany

Bruges

Marksburg

Rüdesheim Miltenberg

Main-Danube Canal

Bamberg Würzburg

Rothenburg

Passau

Spain

Bernkastel

France

Budapest

Trier

Breisach

Basel

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Heidelberg Hockenheim

Kehl Black Forest

Zurich

Switzerland

Atlantic Ocean

Germany Rhine

Koblenz Rüdesheim Mannheim Rastatt

Belgium Cochem

Strasbourg Mittelbergheim

Slovakia

Hungary

* Scenic Tailormade features vary in Portugal.

Dusseldorf

Aachen

Luxembourg

Dürnstein Vienna Bratislava Melk Burg 14 Salzburg Aggstein Austria

Zollverein

Maastricht

Antwerp

Moselle

Nuremberg Danube

Regensburg

Atlantic Ocean

Netherlands

Arnhem

Zaanse Schans

POWER

A N D PA S S I O N T O T H E P E O P L E O N BA S T I L L E DAY

SCENIC CLUB MEMBER OFFERS South of France (FRAC) 11 Day Cruise Lyon > Lyon From $6,695*pp Flights Included* $200pp Thank You Voucher Airport transfers to and from your home A

Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

Just like the iconic French national anthem "La Marseillaise", Bastille Day (or La fête nationale as it is called in France) conjures images of rippling tricolor flags and cheering crowds.

Any visitor to France can’t help but be seduced by the presence of its immense history. It’s in the architecture, culture, landscapes, cafes and gastronomy.

Notoriously the Romantic (capital R) holiday destination, France’s dedication to beauty and passion is balanced with a fierce allegiance to people power. Events like the joyful Bastille Day celebrations combine all these familiar, envied aspects of the French lifestyle with the revolutionary political underpinnings of their past.

Bastille Day is indeed a day of celebration in France, where a wide selection of gala events is on offer throughout the country from morning to night. But the historic significance of the storming of the Bastille central Parisian prison on July 14, 1789, colloquially known as “le 14 Juillet”, marking the beginning of the French Revolution is also a powerful reminder of the French principles of freedom, equality and fraternity which permeates the culture today.

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*Conditions apply.

FRAC France

Beaune

Chalon-sur-Saône Saône

Tournus

Cormatin

10 Rhône

Lyon

Tournon

Ardèche National Park

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pont du Gard Avignon

Tarascon La Camargue

Arles

Pérouges Tain l’Hermitage

Viviers Luberon villages

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Celebration, Tradition, Fireworks

SCENIC CLUB MEMBER OFFERS Breathtaking Bordeaux (BOD) 11 Day Cruise Bordeaux > Bordeaux From $6,695*pp Flights Included* $200pp Thank You Voucher Airport transfers to and from your home Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

*Conditions apply.

BOD Cognac

Pauillac Médoc

Blaye Bourg Gironde

10

France Dordogne

Libourne

Bordeaux Bassin d’Arcachon

Arcachon

Bergerac

Garonne Saint-Émilion Entre Deux Mers

Cadillac Sauternes

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Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité The Bastille Saint-Antoine was a medieval fortress used as a state prison by the Kings of France, who under the Ancient Regime, held absolute and arbitrary power. During the reign of King Louis XVI, the Bastille was used to detain opponents to the monarch and became synonymous with his out-of-touch rule. As the financial crisis of the royal government deepened, the formation of the National Assembly spurred on by burgeoning republican sentiments eventuated in the 14 July storming of the Bastille by Parisian revolutionaries.

This act is celebrated every year as the beginning of the people’s revolt and the beginning of the end of the monarchy.

The Revolution, with its tenets of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité outlined in “The Declaration of the rights of Man and of the Citizen”, had begun.

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Storming of the Bastille, July 14, 1789 Playing Pétanque Bastille Day military parade Traditional French charcuterie

On the morning of 14 July in Paris, to celebrate the Republic, the French President opens the oldest and largest military parade in Europe on the Champs-Elysées, starting at the Arc de Triomphe and ending at Place de la Concorde. In the evening, there’s a free concert on the Champ de Mars and fireworks are set off from the Eiffel Tower.

There are more fireworks, concerts and events all over France.

There’s also a quaint tradition where Parisian fire stations stay open at night on 13 and 14 July to welcome visitors to celebrate. Known as the Fireman’s Balls, this tradition dates back to 1937, when the fire brigade of Monmartre opened its station doors to a group of local people, hosting a spirited evening with gymnastics demonstrations and small fireworks. The Fireman’s Balls have since become an essential and unique part of le 14 Juillet celebrations.

As it’s a public holiday, the French take advantage of the day off by enjoying a simple picnic or BBQ with their friends and family. The fare is typically laidback but delicious – think cheese, charcuterie, sandwiches, pastries, strawberries and ratatouille – washed down with a Rosé or Champagne. They’ll be playing Pétanque, a type of boules in backyards and parks and generally enjoying their fought-for Liberté.

OBERAMMERGAU AND THE PASSION PLAY A promise made 384 years ago.

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The year was 1633 in Europe, and all around was death and misery. The ruthless bubonic plague was spreading across Europe and the situation was no different in Germany. Flagellants punished themselves, while others looked for ways to appease the evil plague, hoping to save humanity from the deadly disease.

but even some of the ailing began to recover – from 20 deaths in one month in March 1633, the death rate dropped to just one in the month of July. Faith can sometimes move mountains.

In a little town in Southern Bavaria, Oberammergau, the residents prayed fervently to escape a certain death. They tried to appease the Almighty with an offer to perform a play on the life of Jesus of Nazareth every decade, provided the town is spared of the monstrous malady. Inexplicably, not only did the death toll in the town start to drop

Since then, generations of Oberammergau natives have kept their pledge over the centuries. Around 2,000 people, almost half of the total population of Oberammergau, participate in the Passion Play every year, making it the largest amateur stage performance in the world.

The villagers kept their promise and staged the first Passion Play at the pestilence cemetery, over the graves of those who had died of the plague.

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The participants devote a year of their lives to re-enact the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. All of the people taking part in the Passion Play (or as it is known in German “Passionsspiele”), are local residents who carry on their normal everyday lives such as doctors, teachers and housewives. All of the main speaking parts, by law, are filled by residents who were born in Oberammergau or have lived there for at least 20 years.

This custom has remained throughout the 380 years since this world famous Passion Play was first performed.

A Scene from the Passion Play B Oberammergau, Germany

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“This custom has remained throughout the 380 years since this world famous Passion Play was first performed.”

SCENIC CLUB MEMBER OFFERS

SCENIC CLUB MEMBER OFFERS Scene from the Passion Play

Jewels of Europe with Bohemian Sojourn & Oberammergau (OBBS) 21 Day Cruise and Tour Amsterdam > Munich From $14,440*pp Flights Included*

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY

Jewels of Europe with Alpine Discoveries & Oberammergau (GOVC) 21 Day Cruise and Tour Amsterdam > Munich From $14,790*pp Flights Included*

$200pp Thank You Voucher

To be in the play, you must be a resident of Oberammergau.

$200pp Thank You Voucher

Airport transfers to and from your home

Over 2,000 citizens are involved including acting, singing, musicians and technical support.

Airport transfers to and from your home

Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

*Conditions apply.

OBBS Amsterdam Bonn

Rhine Cologne

Germany

Marksburg

Rüdesheim Miltenberg

Main-Danube Canal

Bamberg Würzburg

Rothenburg

Czech Republic

Nuremberg Danube Passau

Slovakia Dürnstein Vienna Bratislava Melk Burg 14 Salzburg Aggstein

Regensburg Prague 3

Germany

Czech Republic

Munich 1

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Oberammergau

There are 124 speaking roles, a 65-member orchestra, 48 person chorus and hundreds of people involved in the back end including stagehands, seamstresses, firemen, auditorium attendants and more.

Men grow out their hair and beards to make the look authentic to the time.

Costumes are hand made.

Netherlands

Zaanse Schans

Austria

Budapest Hungary

Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

The play is held May through late September or early October. During these months, the play is performed 5 days per week in an open-air theater seating about 4,700 people.

The play is performed in German, and Atlantic attracts people from all overOcean the world.

It is anticipated over 750,000 will attend in 2020.

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Spain

*Conditions apply.

GOVC

Zaanse Schans Netherlands

Amsterdam

Germany

Rhine

Bonn

Cologne Marksburg

Rüdesheim Miltenberg

Main-Danube Canal

Bamberg Würzburg

Nuremberg Danube

Rothenburg

Regensburg

Passau

Munich 1

Oberammergau 1

1 Innsbruck

1

Slovakia Dürnstein Vienna

Melk

Salzburg

Austria

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Bratislava

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Budapest Hungary

&A

WITH A BUTLER

Originally from Macedonia, Balo describes what it’s like to be a butler on board a Scenic river cruise in Europe.

1. What does the job of a butler involve?

From the very first moment a guest steps on board a Scenic Space-Ship to the time they disembark, I am here to provide the highest level of personal attention and exceptional service to ensure all guests have a memorable time throughout their whole cruise. This includes responsibility for looking after guests’ every need from nightly turndown and shoeshine service to laundry concierge, as well as providing early morning tea and coffee in your cabin or a late night snack before bed. All guests need to do is call me through the cabin phone and I will be there to assist, day or night.

2. How did you become to be a butler?

I had previously worked on board an ocean cruise liner for 10 years as a butler before moving across to river cruising.

I first started with Scenic as part of the restaurant staff, before being promoted to butler last season which I am loving.

3. What training is involved to become a butler with Scenic?

Training for all butlers commences at least two weeks before the river cruising season starts. This helps us learn about the level of service each guest can expect depending on their cabin, as well as the restaurant etiquette, specifically for Table La Rive and Portobellos.

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We need to have an in depth understanding about the region’s different wines served on board and the chef special dishes as well as the different service levels, between each of the restaurants throughout the ship.

4. What is the best part of your job?

Actually, being a butler is never a boring job. Every day is different. I get to meet new people from around the world and I get to go everywhere on the ship, from welcoming guests on board, to bringing breakfast to the room and serving guests at Portobellos. We also have free time to explore the towns we visit and can join guests on an on-shore excursion, visit a local restaurant or even cycle on the E-bikes if we like.

“Every day is different. I get to meet new people from around the world and I get to go everywhere on the ship, from welcoming guests on board, to bringing breakfast to the room and serving guests at Portobellos.”

Balo

5. What is your favorite meal?

I love most food so if I had to choose, it would have to be Fillet Mignon, cooked medium and served with mashed potato and garlic, washed down with a Chianti 2012, followed by cheesecake and a cognac for after.

6. What is the funniest request you’ve been asked?

I recently received a phone call from a guest asking for me to help remove a bug which was flying around in their Scenic Sun Lounge. This was a first for me!

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FOOD

GLORIOUS FOOD

“Ask not what you can do for your country.

Ask what’s for lunch.” - Orson Welles Gastronomy has become a central part of the tourism experience. From degustation to fine dining to a relaxed café style meal, highlight evenings or unwinding with new friends. There’s a venue and a menu to suit every occasion on board our Scenic Space-Ship. With so many choices, Orson Welles had the right question – “what is for lunch?”

Diverse and delicious food experiences are one of the highlights of your Scenic tour. From your first coffee of the day to

that last relaxing nightcap, from your mini-bar or late night room service, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our chefs draw inspiration from the regions you travel through so all our food is seasonal and regional as well as freshly prepared and delicious. And what would food be without just the right drink to go with it? Choose French Champagne, a delicate cocktail, regional wines selected by our sommelier or a local beer at all of our dining venues.

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The freshest ingredients Beef fillet with polenta and red wine jus All inclusive drinks Culinary experts Crème brûlée Ario Prananda - Corporate Executive Chef Culinary Passion

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VISITING MONET’S GARDENS Take a stroll through a living art piece.

There’s something very humbling about quite literally stepping into a picture. To stand on the very spot where the great masters of art immortalized the same scene you’re looking at is an incredible and privileged experience.

It’s for this reason Giverny is such a popular place to visit in France. It was here Claude Monet forever changed the world of art, capturing moments in time in his magnificent garden and surrounding district, that would ultimately become the hallmarks of Impressionism.

For four decades from 1883, Monet painted the world around him which was something of a novel concept in the late 1800s. Creating artworks outdoors was not a common pastime at that time, as “real” artists were trained to study their subjects thoroughly in the perfect lighting of a controlled studio setting. As a result the Frenchman’s work was not popular then due to its ‘unusual’ style and daring break from tradition.

Pushing the boundaries even further, he would lead outdoor painting tours into the surrounding countryside, encouraging

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“ It was here Claude Monet forever changed the world of art, capturing moments in time in his magnificent garden...”

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others to follow his new interpretation of the world that was not based on faithfully recording realism on canvas.

Monet’s home in Giverny – known originally as the House of the CiderPress, which indicates its former purpose – has an important place in the history of art and even if you are not a fan of Impressionism, visiting the farmhouse to stroll through the sumptuous gardens is worth it alone.

It’s fitting that Giverny, would become a flowering monument to Monet. In 1883, Monet, and his family settled into a

farmhouse here, and he would spend 40 years in Giverny, traveling less with each passing year. He created his own personal paradise complete with Japanese garden and a pond full of floating lilies, inspired by tranquil scenes from the Japanese prints he collected.

Monet diverted a river to create a pond, planted willows and bamboo, filled the pond with water lilies, and built a wooden footbridge, which became overgrown with wisteria. It was this scene he painted at different times of day and year.

In the last half of his life, Monet’s world shrank to encompass only Giverny, but his artistic vision expanded as he painted smaller details on bigger canvases and helped invent modern abstract art.

The house itself is wonderfully preserved and ablaze with color. Visitors especially delight in the deep blue decor of the sitting room and the yellows of the dining room.

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SCENIC CLUB MEMBER OFFERS

The Foundation Claude Monet is a nonprofit organization that runs and preserves the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France. With a total of 530,000 visitors in 2010, it is the second most visited tourist site in Normandy after the Mont Saint-Michel.

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Normandy and Gems of the Seine (SEI) 11 Day Cruise Paris > Paris From $6,645*pp Flights Included*

A Monet's home, Giverny B Monet's garden, Giverny C Water lilies, Giverny D, E & F Monet's home, Giverny

$200pp Thank You Voucher Airport transfers to and from your home Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

*Conditions apply.

English Channel Somme battlefields

Fécamp Étretat

Bolbec

Caudebec-en-Caux Honfleur

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Bayeux

Deauville Normandy Beaches

Seine Rouen Lyons la Fôret

Les Andelys Vernon

Auvers-sur-Oise Giverny Château de La Roche-Guyon Chantilly

Conflans

France

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SEI

Paris

Château de Malmaison Château Vaux-le-Vicomte

Classic French meets modern French French food you need to try at least once in your life.

Bouillabaisse Bouillabaisse is a well-seasoned soup typical of the Marseille region. Once a cheap meal for hungry French fishermen, now it’s considered a feast fit for a king.

Originating in a port city, the dish is made with various seafood, tomatoes, aromatics from the South of France, mustard, and egg yolks. It is best eaten with bread and potatoes.

Coq-au-vin Coq-au-vin (literally “rooster in wine”) is a symbol of French cookery and, according to the legend, the recipe dates back to the Gergovia battle and the victory of the Gallic leader Vercingetorix over Julius Caesar. It is a variation of the famous boeuf bourguignon – cooked with chicken marinated in red wine with bacon and mushrooms.

Herb Buttered Snails (Escargots au Beurre Persillé) Travel to Burgundy to discover another typical French recipe, cooked snails with herb butter, commonly called “escargots à la bourguignonne”. Cooked, as the name suggests, with a butter parsley cream, they are presented in their shells and eaten with a little skewer. If you can get over your initial nerves, you’ll see why this high-protein, low-fat and vitamin-rich meal is just as loved by the French as camembert and baguettes.

Frogs’ Legs (Cuisses de Grenouilles)

Cassoulet Originally from the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Cassoulet is a rich, slow-cooked casserole containing duck legs, pork and white beans. The dish originated in the south of France, and is named after its traditional cooking vessel, the cassole, a deep, round, earthenware pot with slanting sides. It has been enjoyed for centuries by rural families, and the French continue to cook it to bring the family together.

Oysters (Huîtres) Oysters are a French delicacy and obsession and have been for centuries.

Today they are a common dish at the dinner table during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in France. This shellfish can be eaten warm, but real oyster lovers prefer eating them fresh, with a dash of lemon juice, or vinegar, or with a shallot sauce.

We should also mention another dish that fascinates tourists: the famous frogs’ legs. They are generally breaded or fried with onion. The meat is delicate and soft, and tastes a bit like poultry.

Legend has it that the French started eating frogs' legs in the 12th century when cunning monks who were forced into a "no-meat" diet managed to have frogs classified as fish.

Boeuf Bourguignon Boeuf bourguignon is a traditional family meal. It consists of slow cooked beef cuts with red wine, root vegetables and mushrooms.

This dish is typical of Burgundy in east-central France, a region in which cattle farming and red wine are famous.

A DAY IN

QUÉBEC CITY Take a stroll through history.

It goes without saying, one day is far too little time to explore the charming Québec City. Between its numerous maple souvenir shops and ‘3-months only’ hotel made of ice; you could spend weeks before you run of things to do. However, if 24 hours is all you have, here are some things you could do to make the most of your time.

7:00AM: Begin your day of exploration with a wholesome breakfast at the icon of Québec City, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Place Dufferin at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac offers the most spectacular buffet spread as well as à la carte breakfast that will set the tone for the exciting day ahead of you.

Québec City skyline

9:00AM: After breakfast, take the time to explore the stunning Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the ‘most photographed hotel in the world’, on a guided tour and admire its 400 years old artefacts. Continue with a stroll around Vieux-Québec, or Old Québec, taking in the distinctly European vibe of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The quaint cobblestoned streets, the soaring church spires and the idyllic horsedrawn carriage rides transport you right back to 17th century France.

11:00AM: Head to the beautiful Parliament Building, home of the National Assembly, for a free guided

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tour. Lasting about 45 minutes, the tour sheds light on Québec’s history, the building’s architecture and the workings of Québec’s parliamentary system.

12.00PM: Make your way to the multiple award-winning restaurant, Le Saint-Amour, for a satisfying farm fresh lunch made from the very best local produce. The restaurant claims to offer one of the best wine lists in the country and has played host to the who’s who of the music industry, from Sir Paul McCartney to Alicia Keys.

Parliament Building

2.00PM: Hop on a shuttle bus to the Montmorency Falls, a stunning natural wonder that’s a hundred feet higher than Niagara Falls. Along the way you’ll be treated to views of the beautiful Québec countryside, a welcome bonus. Once there, you can either take a cable car ride for an aerial view of the falls or explore on foot.

7.00PM: Take in the views of the city from an entirely new perspective, on board a Québec-Lévis ferry. Grab a seat on the upper level for spectacular views of Québec City’s skyline, including the silhouette of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. The short ferry ride is also

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

a great spot to catch the sunset over the city. During winter, the ferry doubles up as an ice breaker for an even more thrilling ride.

Montmorency Falls

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8.00PM: End your exploration with a delicious French-Canadian dinner at Chez Muffy. Located inside the historic Auberge Saint-Antoine hotel in picturesque old Québec, Chez Muffy used to be a maritime warehouse in the early 1800s, and its décor retains much of the rugged old school charm. With views overlooking the St. Lawrence River, your delicious farm-to-fork dinner will be the perfect finish to a day well spent.

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Québec

Gulf of Saint Lawrence Cape Breton Island

Holland America Line

Canada Ontario

Québec City

Montebello 1 Ottawa 2

Toronto

Sydney

7 Charlottetown Halifax Bar Harbor

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1 Montréal

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1 Niagara Falls

USA

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TTNY

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NILE RIVER CRUISE Why everyone should sail Egypt's magical river.

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Nine writer Allison Stewart continues her journeys through Egypt

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It is not a cliché. A traveller to Egypt must sail the Nile. Sitting on the empty upper deck of our river yacht watching this eternal ribbon of light unspool invokes something profound within the raucous babble of the land of the pharaohs. The multifaceted light, the vastness of African sky, the density of heat, and the reflective river silence conjure a rich saga of empire, greed, longing and beauty. It is the enduring watery equivalent of the tree of life, representing the story of our world.

The Nile River stretches like a skeletal arm up through Egypt, the bony fingers of its delta reaching into the Mediterranean. It may look emaciated, but it provides plenty beyond imagining.

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Without the Nile, there would be no Egypt as we know it, no rich and enduring culture, nor indeed, much of waterdependent northern Africa – more than 300 million people from 11 African countries rely on its water and the Nile river basin contains more than 10 per cent of Africa's land.

Without this serene waterway, there would be no Egyptian antiquities and even if there were, no easy way to view them. This is why a Nile cruise is such an essential part of an Egypt sojourn, just as it was for the pharaohs' processions down the Nile, the three-month dahabiya (large houseboats with sails) cruises and the Thomas Cook-inspired steamship cruises of the 1880s that cut cruise time to 20 days.

Scenic's 11-day Treasures of Egypt journey includes four nights of pampering aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat III, sailing from Luxor to Aswan, following the course of the ancients as they sailed grandly south.

This is an elegant, luxury "river yacht" in British colonial style interspersed with Egyptian/Bedouin touches.

Sanctuary Sun Boat III, which Architectural Digest once dubbed the Jewel of the Nile, has a shorter draft than many Nile cruisers, which means we can anchor at less-populous places such as Qena, especially when water levels drop in summer.

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Fresh from Luxor's Valley of the Kings and Queens and seeing Queen Hatshepsut's and Rameses II temples and the Colossi of Memnon, we settle in before visiting the vast open-air temple complex of Karnak with its monumental Hypostyle Hall.

During the following days, it's an easy glide from the river to the marvels that pepper the river plains – Luxor Temple, Qena and Hathor's Temple at Dendera, Kom Ombo Temple and finally Aswan for the unfinished obelisk, a felucca cruise to a Nubian village, and the Osiris temple complex at Philae, raised from the floods.

This article originally appeared in the Traveller section for Nine

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Nile River, Aswan, Egypt Sanctuary Sun Boat III Sanctuary Sun Boat III Luxor Temple, Luxor, Egypt

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Jordan

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El Alamein

Giza

Dead Sea 2

Cairo 3

Amman

Petra 2

2

1 Wadi Rum

2 Red Sea

Egypt

Luxor 1 3

Nile Cruise

Red Sea

Kom Ombo Aswan 2 Abu Simbel

MEGD

MYSTICAL IRRAWADDY Welcome to Myanmar, home to the craziest and biggest water fight in South-East Asia.

It all starts so innocently. During a visit to the pottery village of Yandabo on the banks of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, a little girl shyly asks my fellow passengers from Scenic Aura if she can bless us to celebrate the start of Burmese New Year. Stifling a giggle, she brushes a water-laden thabyay sprig on our heads, clearly relishing our exaggerated squeals as the icy water drips down our necks.

Over the next few days, however, those drips become bucket-loads, and the squeals genuine screams as the craziest

and biggest water fight in South-East Asia gathers momentum.

Thingyan, the traditional Buddhist New Year celebration held over four days in the scorching heat of mid-April, is the Burmese equivalent of Thailand's Songkran. While the Thais' exuberant celebration attracts most of the media attention, north of the border in Myanmar, the revelry is unprecedented as the usually conservative country, lets its hair down in a drenching to beat all drenchings.

Officially, Thingyan is a religious festival, marked by the offering of alms, the wearing of traditional yellow paduak blossoms and water sprinkling to symbolize cleansing and transformation.

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A Thingyan festival water festival, Myanmar B Water balloons, Myanmar C Scenic Aura, Myanmar

Not wanting to miss the annual celebrations, our all-Burmese crew have their own New Year party planned; dressed in traditional clothing, they perform a beautiful parasol dance around the pool for passengers, dipping and swaying to a traditional Water Festival song. It's all very sweet and subdued … until the first glass of water is thrown.

Then it's all on, crew versus passengers, versus anyone in the line of fire, using drinks, buckets and pool dunkings as ammunition. It's fantastic, soggy fun with the resulting smiles and raucous laughter so typical of our journey through this troubled, complex land.

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However, it has also become a great excuse to cool off, with everyone from toddlers to grannies and even maroon-clad monks getting in on the water-fight action.

In larger towns, stages and grandstands line major thoroughfares, set up with fire hoses and sprinkler systems to soak anyone who dares pass. Meanwhile, in the major cities of Yangon and Mandalay, streets are closed to vehicles as massive crowds flock to concerts with performances by major artists, street fairs and wild alcohol-fueled dance parties continuing into the night.

According to our Scenic guides, anything goes during Thingyan because the government relaxes laws restricting large gatherings, so authorities largely turn a blind eye to misdemeanors and displays of public drunkenness. As for the dousing, anyone is fair game – with tourists no exception. Children in particular seem to take great delight in hearing our squeals and protestations about mobile phones and cameras, removed from plastic bags at our own peril; and pity the poor cruise passenger who has spent time styling their hair or dressing to the nines.

"Expect to get wet," we are warned during our induction after boarding Scenic Aura.

"There's no point fighting or trying to avoid it – just relax, go with the flow and have fun."

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Julie Miller is a regular contributor to the Traveler lift-out published each Saturday and Sunday in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

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Exclusive Scenic Club Luggage

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Mandalay

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Mingun

MYMI

1

Salay

Mount Popa

Mount Popa

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Taunggyi

Heho Inle Lake 3

Magwe Minhla Fort

Magwe Minhla Fort

Thailand Myanmar

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Yangon

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MYMM

Mingun

Sagaing Irrawaddy Amarapura Yandabo Bagan Pakkoku Pindaya

Sagaing Irrawaddy Amarapura Yandabo Bagan Pakkoku Salay

Mandalay

Thailand Myanmar

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Yangon

A TASTE OF MYANMAR From the indulgence of degustation fine dining to a relaxed meal in the River cafĂŠ, culinary excellence is a Scenic trademark.

Diverse and delicious food experiences are one of the highlights of your cruise down the Irrawaddy River aboard Scenic Aura. Join us on this visual journey of the senses.

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SCENIC AURA: A Culinary team B Ginger Crème brûlée with Raspberry Profiterole and Mixed Fruit Salsa C Pumpkin Salad with Cashew Nuts D Chocolate Raspberry Dome with transparent Tuile E Raspberry Mousse Cake with Lime Chantilly and Chocolate Sable F Food Preparation

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ARCTIC VS ANTARCTICA Do you know the differences?

The polar regions cap the northern and southern points of the globe, but what are the real differences between the Arctic and the Antarctic? A Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team member highlights the most significant differences.

1. LAND VS WATER – Antarctica is a continent surrounded by water. The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by land.

2. BIRDS – penguins are found only in the southern hemisphere, and therefore are seen in Antarctica but not in the Arctic. The penguin does not need to fly since there are no terrestrial predators in Antarctica. They lay their eggs in nests made of rocks on the cold hard ground.

Puffins nest inside burrows dug above steep ridges and cliffs in the Arctic where they stay safe from predators and therefore must maintain the ability to fly to reach them.

3. POLAR BEARS – exist only in the Arctic. Polar bears evolved in the northern hemisphere, so they are well adapted to cold climates that they could not migrate to the Antarctic as they would not survive the transition through the hot tropical middle regions of the planet.

4. LAND AND SEA MAMMALS – the Arctic is home to approximately 48 species of terrestrial mammals including wolves, lemmings, arctic hares, muskox, and reindeer. Antarctica has none. The largest land animal in Antarctica is a tiny wingless midge, which is less than 1.3 cm long. The absence of a land surface on which to base life necessitates that animals are bound to the sea instead.

So all mammals found in Antarctic are marine mammals.

5. POLITICS – Antarctica is a continent that belongs to no country, but instead is governed by the Antarctic Treaty which came into force in 1961. Under the Treaty military activity is banned, scientific cooperation is encouraged, and any sovereign claims on the land are not recognized, disputed or established.

In the Arctic, although the Ocean is disputed, the surrounding land is clearly defined by national borders. Countries that encircle the Arctic include Russia, the US, Canada, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

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“... polar bears are so well adapted to cold climates that they could not migrate to the Antarctic, as they would not survive the transition through the hot tropical middle regions of the planet.”

6. NATIVE CULTURES – the Arctic has been inhabited by people for thousands of years and today more than 2 million people live north of the Arctic Circle. The native groups found across the Arctic include the Inuit (Canada), Inupiat (Alaska), Yupik (Russia and Alaska), Chukchi (Russia), Kalaallit (Greenland), Sami (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia). No permanent residents live today in Antarctica – instead research stations where many workers reside for long periods of time rotate staff so none are considered permanent residents. If you combined all the workers at all the stations across all of Antarctica then this still only reaches approximately 4,000 people in summer and 1,000 in winter.

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A Polar Bear, Arctic B Weddell Seal, Antarctica C Inuit woman, Arctic

D Muskox, Arctic E Adélie Penguins, Antarctica

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*Conditions apply.

Greenland Copenhagen

Disko Bay

Kangerlussuaq

Fridtjof Nansen Cape 10

Nuuk

Skjoldungen Fjord

Iceland

Reykjavik

Prins Christian Sund

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An ode to the High Arctic

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Scenic Eclipse – taking you beyond the horizon with Jonathon Fuhrmann, Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team member.

The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is about as far North as it is possible to go on a commercial flight. Situated at nearly 80°N, it is well over 1,000 km north of the Arctic circle – and almost the same distance from the North Pole.

The extreme latitude of Svalbard and the scenic views on the way there are almost enough to justify a visit by themselves; but the real highlights of a trip to the high Arctic are the spectacular landscapes that await. They so impressed Willem Barentsz, the Dutch explorer who discovered Svalbard in 1596, that he christened the main island Spitsbergen: literally, pointy mountains.

Barentsz chose an apt name: the northwestern part of Spitsbergen which he explored is a maze of craggy peaks up to 1,000m high, rising steeply from rugged fjords carved by the glaciers. These unique and remote landscapes see very few visitors and are best explored by ship and small boats.

The geological development of the Svalbard archipelago is a tale of grand upheavals punctuated by periods of calm, and the resulting stark landscapes bring natural history to life in dramatic fashion.

Take, for example, the spectacular red sandstone hills on the northern coast of Spitsbergen island. They are made of

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“These unique and remote landscapes see very few visitors and are best explored by ship and small boats.”

the rubble of the cataclysmic collision between two continents that would later become known as Europe and North America. This crash gave rise to the archipelago of Svalbard some 400 million years ago. The colossal forces unleashed during this collision produced vast mountain ranges as tall as today’s Himalayas, which have been worn down by wind, weather and gravity over the ages.

Elsewhere in Svalbard, ice completely dominates the landscape. The remote islands of Kvitøya and Nordaustlandet – literally White Island and North-East Land – are covered almost entirely by ice caps that are several hundred metres thick in places. This ice slowly flows towards the coastlines under its own weight, and seemingly endless glacial fronts are sculpted by powerful waterfalls made of meltwater in late Summer.

But of course these Arctic landscapes are far from empty – they provide the backdrop to a stunning variety of life.

Throughout Svalbard, life abounds and delights the patient observer. Vertiginous cliffs provide a summer home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds that come to these rich waters to mate and raise their chicks. Walrus haul out on beaches, producing a soundscape of grunts and snorts that only a mother could love.

Chattering kittiwakes and the occasional pure-white Ivory gull circles the fronts of glaciers, waiting for falling chunks of ice to stir up the water and bring tasty morsels to the surface. Polar bears prowl the pack ice surrounding the archipelago.

Even the most windswept polar desert is not barren: Arctic poppies and other wildflowers produce tiny dots of vibrant color wherever the eye falls.

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The high Arctic is so much more than a cold wasteland. The silence and calm of the untouched landscapes of Svalbard can be punctuated by intense wildlife encounters, and 24 hours of sunlight can produce an endless range of light on the landscape, from bright sunshine to an ethereal, otherworldly glow. Svalbard is truly a land that offers new, beautiful facets on every visit.

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A polar bear in sea ice Walrus in sea ice Late evening, Svalbard Sea ice floes in the Arctic Ocean

DAMIEN WOLFF, EGYPT It’s hard to pin point just one wonder moment in Egypt. Every day you are touring and learning about an ancient culture that was so ahead of its time. At the Old Cataract Hotel in Cairo, it literally felt like I could touch the pyramids from my hotel balcony. The most wow factor I have ever had in a tour.

MOMENTS OF A B S O LU T E WO N D E R T R AV E L I N G T H E W O R L D Scenic is more than a travel company and we offer our guests more than a holiday.

We provide guests with an emotional connection to the world – a chance to experience wonder.

These are some moments of wonder and feedback from our guests and staff.

SARA PUGLIA, SPECTACULAR SOUTH OF FRANCE

GUEST MEREDITH WISH, GERMANY Cologne, Germany had to be one of the most interesting cities I’ve ever been to. Every single piece of architecture had a story and a legend associated with it. The only city I’ve been to where the statues ‘speak’ to one another. It was a mixture of history and fairytale and I did not want to leave. Also just amazing street food and drinks. Definitely not to be missed.

France is full of history at every turn, and each medieval village you visit will feel like you are walking through a postcard or movie set, with cobblestone pathways, pastel colored wooden doors, pretty flowers, many local wines and scents of gastronomic food and local specialties.

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ELLEN KELLY, AFRICA Even though we had seen the 'big five' and many other animals before we arrived at the Masai Mara at the end of our tour, we had no idea what was in store for us here.

Over the 3 days we were lucky enough to see elephants, giraffes, impala, topi, eland, wildebeest, Thompson's gazelle, zebras, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos, silverbacked jackals, buffaloes, vultures and more. But it is seeing the cats that put the icing on the cake.

BRITTANY ROWE, NETHERLANDS Biking through the Dutch countryside, right outside of Amsterdam, was such a relaxing and refreshing experience after being in the city center the day prior. There were many picturesque views from windmills and quaint houses, to grassy fields and farm animals. Before making our return trip, we also had the chance to view the whole countryside and Amsterdam in the distance from the top of an old church. Definitely a highlight to my trip!

ADAM BURKE, FRANCE Having served as an Officer in the Navy, I was keen to visit the Scenic Freechoice options of VillersBretonneux and the Normandy Beaches. Driving through the sites of so many important battlefields for the AIF, like Pozieres and Hamel, was for me a surreal experience.

Luckily the Sir John Monash Center at Villers-Bretonneux was only recently opened and what a fitting tribute it is to our servicemen.

AMANDA TODD, SPECTACULAR SOUTH OF FRANCE One moment I will never forget was cruising on Scenic Sapphire into stunning Avignon. Such beautiful stone walls and the Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon Bridge) sitting in front of the enormous Palais des Papes, was definitely a ‘wow’ for me.

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Call 1 844 857 6018 Visit scenicusa.com Contact your local Scenic agent scenicusa.com/agents