The Scenic Tours Story

In 1987 Scenic Tours Managing Director Glen Moroney started running packaged holidays for seniors clubs in Melbourne. The destination was a refurbished motel in the small coastal town of Warrnambool. The area is well known as the "shipwreck coast" and stretches along part of the southern coast of Victoria, Australia. The idea to start up "Warrnambool Scenic Tours" came about after it was found the refurbished motel was not in a prime location to attract passing travellers. Warrnambool Scenic Coach Tours became remarkably successful and as a consequence the company and tour range began to expand rapidly. This growth coupled with Expo '88 was the catalyst for the company name change to Australian Scenic Tours. Australian Scenic Tours purchased its first coach in 1989 and the continued growth of the company saw a fleet of 5-star Mercedes Benz coaches custom built for Australian Scenic Tours. In December 1990, a range of tour programs for the 'Phantom of the Opera' were released and Australian Scenic Tours was quickly recognised as Australia's largest coach operator to this musical spectacular. During 1991-92 Australian Scenic Tours also developed a successful program for Australia Tours and New Zealand Tours. In 1997 Norfolk Island Tours commenced and 1998 saw an overseas expansion with the introduction of Southern Africa Tours. 1999 brought with it more tour programs and an expansion into overseas destinations including Canada Tours, Alaska Tours and USA Tours. The company name was simplified to Scenic Tours, to reflect the international tour programs offered alongside the already established and highly successful Australian Tours and New Zealand Tours. Today Scenic Tours are the leading Australian Touring Company to Canada and Alaska. Continued overseas expansion has been a focus of Scenic Tours, now operating Europe Tours, Egypt, Jordan & Dubai Tours and South America Tours, along with tours in other emerging international markets.

Scenic Tours are not only leaders in luxury land tours, 2008 hailed the long anticipated launch of the Scenic "Space-Ships". The Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Emerald were launched in July 2008, with the Scenic Diamond and Scenic Ruby handed over to Scenic Tours in February and March 2009. The Scenic "Space-Ships" were the first river cruisers in Europe to be 100% owned and operated by an Australian company. The Scenic "Space-Ships" are the most spacious on Europe's waterways, the only ships boasting private balcony suites for more than 80% of the cabins and also offering a choice of dining to passengers. Scenic Tours is still proudly owned by Glen Moroney, employing staff and tour crew world-wide. Scenic Tours can now certainly claim its place as a truly global tour company. After such a humble beginning Scenic Tours are proud to now operate hundreds of extended tour programs to many exotic domestic and international destinations.

The Ultimate Touring Experience

At Scenic Tours they understand that when you're on holidays you want to make the most of every moment. Sharing your passion for travel, Scenic Tours believe that what you experience on holidays is as important as the destination itself.

Finest Luxury Hotels:

Scenic stay in the finest luxury hotels, resorts and wilderness lodges each destination has to offer, such as the stunning Fairmont Hotels in Canada, outstanding Serena Game Lodges in Africa and other magnificent locations closer to home such as the beautiful St Moritz Hotel in Queenstown, or the superb eco tourism escape of Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania.

New to Scenic Tours  is Scenic Special Stays, a range of accommodation exclusive to Scenic Tours, providing you with an extra special treat whilst on your holiday. And let's not forget the luxury Scenic 'Space-Ships". With larger than average cabins and 80% of the rooms with private balconies, you can watch Europe glide by from the privacy of your own room.

Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice Activities:

Each of our itineraries has been designed with your interests in mind. Well paced and with plenty of sightseeing, they also take you off the beaten track to bring you unique and unforgettable experiences. Scenic Enrich is a new concept, an inventive program of themed events and activities to improve every part of your holiday experience. You'll take part and live the destination you are in, not just travel through it.
You can also tailor your holiday to suit your needs with Scenic FreeChoice Activities. Choose from a range of activities you would like to do in different destinations and they will take care of the rest!

All Inclusive Touring:

Whether you're travelling to one of Scenic Tours many destinations around the world, or exploring the hidden treasures in our own backyard, with our all-inclusive touring programs you won't have to worry about any additional costs. Enjoy the distinctive style - always the best!

Scenic Tours  don't just propose a travel destination, they offer all-inclusive, flexible and personalised touring to ensure you enjoy your holiday as much as we enjoy creating it!

 

 

Scenic Tours 'Space Ships'

As you glide effortlessly through the very heart of Europe's iconic cities and majestic countryside. It's easy to lose yourself in the moment. There's no packing or unpacking and life on board a Scenic 'Space Ship' it is like travelling in a five star floating hotel. Three of the four Scenic "Space-Ships" have just been christened in Europe, continuing the tradition after the launch and christening of the first vessel Scenic Sapphire in Vienna, July last year. Ms Scenic Diamond and Ruby were Christened in Vienna 9th and 11th July 2009 respectively with Ms Scenic Emerald christened in Rudesheim 10th July 2009. Together The Scenic Emerald, Scenic Sapphire, the Scenic Diamond and Scenic Ruby joined the first two Scenic "Space-Ships" creating the most modern fleet of river cruise ships in Europe.

Larger Staterooms and Suites with Exclusive Outdoor Balconies

Scenic 'Space Ships' are a new generation of river cruisers. At 135 metres long they offer 22% more space than standard vessels and have two entire decks of balcony cabins. That's 82% of all cabins. As a result, their private balcony suites are 24% larger than normal and offer exceptional comfort. Each has its own privat full size outdoor balcony while the Royal and Junior Suites, and suites on the Superior Danube Deck, enjoy the services of a private butler.

Larger Lounges with More Space to Relax

Relax in the spacious Panorama Lounge and Bar to enjoy breathtaking views through floor to ceiling windows. At 31 metres long it is 20% larger than those on standard river cruisers. Three outdoor viewing areas provide enerous vantage points from which to admire the fairytale landscape of the Rhine. The five metre Observation Lounge, a teak deck at the bow of the ship, is a favourite.

 

More Dining Space for Flexble Seating

Three seperate dining areas provide added variety and choice for our guests. The main restaurant, Crystal Dining, is 30% larger than normal so we can provide single-sitting dining and you have the choice of a cosy table for two, or dining with friends at tables of four, six or eight.

Scenic Tours River Cruise are All-Inclusive

With Scenic Tours, everything is included except your personal spending. You'll enjoy guided city tours and fascinating sightseeing with expert local guides. Complimentary bicycles are provided for your entertainment and you don't pay for 'optional' tours. As wll as superb meals we provide speial evening entertainment and other highlight events. Even gratitudes for staff and crew are included so you don't need to be concerned about tipping on board. Everything about your cruise sets Scenic Tours and their fantastic fleet of 'Space Ships' apart from the rest.