Scenic Launches the Cycling and Culinary Wonders of Europe

Scenic Launches the Cycling and Culinary Wonders of Europe           Boston, September 2016 â€" As river cruising continues its growth trajectory, while also attracting more active travelers, Scenic is always looking at possibilities that offer new and ever more interactive experiences for their guests. The latest unveiling from Scenic is a new Cycling & Culinary Wonders of Europe program, detailed in a 44-page online brochure. The new cycling itineraries range from the most famous cycling route in Europe, the Danube Path, to the beautiful coastal region of Bordeaux’s Arcachon Bay. The culinary offerings feature the new and exclusive Scenic Culinaire, an onboard cooking school using dedicated space on three newly rebuilt Scenic Space-Ships and offering immersive courses in the culinary wonders of the Rhône and Bordeaux regions. As with all Scenic programs, the cycling and culinary experiences are included in the price of the sailing.           The culinary cruises in the South of France and Bordeaux are on board the three Scenic Space-Ships being be rebuilt to feature the exclusive Scenic Culinaire experience â€" as well as larger cabins and fewer guests. The private cooking emporium will offer tailored classes with dedicated space for cooking stations and a cheese and wine cellar. Fresh ingredients will be sourced from local markets and the cooking instructors will introduce guests to recipes based on the local regions. Scenic Culinaire features a real-time camera and screen to ensure each participant can see every cooking instruction in detail.           In addition to the on-board culinary experience, guests can also enjoy a number of foodie excursions ashore including lunches at the Michelin 3-star Maison Pic in Valence, a traditional Bouchon in Lyon, and at Remy Martin in Cognac with Michelin Star Chef prepared canapes and matching Remy Martin cognac vintages. Other highlights include a Chateau Phelan Segur wine tasting and food pairing event in the Médoc region and a visit to Baltard Market in Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. 14- & 13-day Tastes of Southern France â€"  August 18 & 19, 2017 â€" are priced from $7,690 & $8,130, respectively. A 17-day version adds three days in the Mediterranean city of Barcelona with starting fares from $9,570 â€" departures on July 16 and Aug. 18.   11- and 12-day Tastes of Bordeaux, with July and Aug. departures, is priced from $6,295.           The new river cruise cycling itineraries focus on the picturesque regions of the Danube and Bordeaux with the option of extending the itineraries with time in Champagne, the Loire Valley, Madrid and Prague. There will be specialized bikes available, cycling guides, a bike mechanic plus a support vehicle that will follow each group. Bordeaux cycling routes include the Arcachon Bay coastal region, Europe’s longest coastal beach and nature wonderland, and the Médoc and Sauternes regions, with local market tastings along the way â€" including the famed oysters of Arcachon. Plus, a full-day cycling the historic Saint Émilion wine region with lunch and wine tasting in one of the world’s oldest wine regions. Along the Danube guests can travel one of the most famous cycling paths in Europe, the Danube Path, through the beautiful Wachau Valley, as well as a full-day tour from Regensburg cycling a trail of five rivers and city tours through Vienna and Budapest. 11-day Bordeaux Cycling Endeavour â€" July and August 8, 2017. Priced from $6,590 per person, double. Adding Champagne, the Loire Valley and Madrid extension makes it a 19-day cruise/tour with fares from $8,199.   8-day Gems of the Danube Cycling Discovery â€" May 17, 24; June 5, 12; July 5, 12, and Sept. 6 and 13, 2017. Priced from $5,470. Adding Prague makes it 11-days with prices from $6,010.