Having a list of countries that you have your heart set on visiting is a great starting point, as it can significantly narrow down the options.

Inspiration to define your Europe wish list can come in many ways: the fantastic photos from your friend's trip, a movie set in an idyllic village in France or your interest in World War history. On a Scenic ultra-luxury river cruise, you can seamlessly visit multiple countries in one trip, so having your list in hand will help you find the one that better aligns with your European dreams.

Scenic’s truly all-inclusive philosophy means managing your budget is easy because all your drinks, meals, excursions, butler service and even tipping are included in the cost of your cruise. With constantly fluctuating foreign currencies, locking in your Scenic river cruise and all its inclusions up front allows you to relax even before embarkation.

A Scenic all-inclusive river cruise also means that trivial details such as double-checking drinks tabs or worrying about unexpected costs at the end of your trip are taken out of the equation. There is nothing to pay during your cruise unless, of course, you would like souvenirs, a spa treatment or an ultra-premium top-shelf beverage. You can simply leave your wallet safe in your suite and focus on enjoying every moment.

There is a river cruise to suit all interests and passions. From the food and wine in Portugal, Bordeaux and the south of France to the history, art, castles and medieval architecture of France and Central Europe, you'll have the chance to be truly immersed in what makes your eyes shine.

Every Scenic European river cruise offers a wide range of Scenic Freechoice activities each day. Choose between Active, Moderate or Relaxed, enabling you to follow your preferred pace when exploring your destination. You can see the Scenic Freechoice activities available with each cruise here to ensure you have the best match for your interests. Cooking classes, castle tours and e-bike rides are just some of the experiences that await.

Each season in Europe offers different temperatures and seasonal delights.

Spring (from March to May) brings exceptional colours as the fields become blanketed with blooming flowers; it's also a season with fewer crowds. Highlights include the wonderful tulips blooming at Keukenhof Gardens in The Netherlands, with over 800 varieties of flowers in bloom.

Summer (June, July and August), days feel longer and warmer, perfect for more open-air activities and enjoying the many cultural festivals that happen across the continent. Warm temperatures and generally lower rainfall are combined with longer daylight hours to enjoy the summer climate, making this a popular time of year to travel to Europe.

Autumn (September, October and November) is all about the rusty hues of the falling leaves and enjoying Europe with fewer crowds and milder temperatures. It's one of the best times to visit winemaking regions such as Bordeaux, when the vineyards are in harvest.

Winter (December) is a magical time with the traditional Christmas markets in destinations such as Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Or perhaps, spend a special Christmas and New Year abroad spending Christmas Day on a river cruise and New Years in one of Europe's iconic cities, such as Vienna or Budapest. Be sure to plan for a December river cruise as the lock closures and colder winter weather means there are no sailings in January and February.

Figuring out the length of time you want to travel for will help you decide on your itinerary duration. Are you interested in pre or post-cruise arrangements? Some travellers like to combine a short cruise with a land extension journey or city stay to make the most of their time and create a seamless Scenic journey, while others prefer to simply complete a longer-length cruise or several cruises back-to-back.

Regardless of the itinerary or season you choose to visit Europe with Scenic, our 5-star truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury river cruises offer an abundance of incredible experiences along the most breathtaking waterways of this region. You can enjoy a multitude of on board experiences such as stretching and fitness classes, rejuvenating in the Salt Therapy Lounge^, truly all-inclusive fine dining and premium beverages and cooking masterclasses on selected cruises in France.