Wondering when is the best season for a European river cruise with Scenic? That’s easy. Every season.

The ultra-luxury, truly all-inclusive river cruise line has extended its seasons for 2026, with itineraries carefully crafted from February to December curated allowing you to get the most out of your journey, whichever time of year you choose. Still need some help narrowing it down? Here’s some help:

You like the quiet

The cathedrals, castles and cellar doors of Europe don’t go into hibernation when the peak season crowds disappear. You may need to pack an extra jumper, but it’s a small price to pay for being able to wander the streets of medieval towns and explore the regions around them serenely and minus the queues. And the serenity continues when you’re back on board, with just up to 163 guests on Scenic’s ultra-luxury Space-Ships. These floating five-star hotels feature some of the biggest suites on European rivers.

Your itinerary: Jewels of Europe. This 15-day journey leaves from Amsterdam or Budapest and is Scenic’s signature European cruise. It includes up to 35 Scenic Freechoice excursion options, plus two Scenic Enrich exclusive events, including a private concert at Vienna’s Palais Liechtenstein accompanied by ballet performances and a glass of fine Austrian wine. In line with Scenic’s truly all-inclusive ethos, you won’t pay extra for any excursions.

Your departures: Scenic has created Scenic Seasonal, adding departures for February, March and November on select cruises, including for the Jewels of Europe itinerary. Scenic Seasonal departures are tailored itineraries with the season in mind, including more museums, castles or even a winter winery. Take advantage of off-peak travel to offer greater value and a more peaceful exploration of Europe.

Picture this: After a day exploring charming European towns enjoy up to five on board dining experiences—whether you’re in the mood for something casual, a private in-suite meal, or an elegant fine-dining affair.

The Jewels of Europe includes a private concert at Vienna’s Palais Liechtenstein. Photo: Scenic

You’re a flower fan

Opting for one of Scenic’s spring departures means making the most of the colour and vibrancy of Europe’s flower growing season.

Your itinerary: Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights. This eight-day journey begins and ends in Amsterdam, and includes a visit to Keukenhof, the world’s largest and regarded as most beautiful gardens, right as it’s bursting with a kaleidoscopic display of The Netherlands’ floral emblem.

You’ll also cruise by windmills, eat oysters fresh from the North Sea and get exclusive after-hours access to Fabrique des Lumieres, an immersive digital art installation inside a former 19^th century gasworks.

Your departures: There’s seven April departures to choose from in 2026.

Picture this: Scenic prides itself on being in a class of its own, offering a truly all-inclusive and ultra luxurious river cruising experience, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that every suite has butler service. Your complimentary mini-bar will be replenished daily and premium beverages are available all day.

Delight in the colours of The Netherland tulips. Photo: Scenic

You want to make the most of every day

One of Scenic’s summer charm departures is where you should be looking. The long days of a European summer means more time for exploration, whether you’re riding through rolling vineyards on one of your Space-Ship’s complimentary e-bikes, with new friends on one of Scenic’s many included Freechoice excursions or seeing where your nose takes you as you set off to wander today’s port.

Scenic Space-Ship balcony suites have an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge, which converts at the push of a button to provide fresh air and uninterrupted views, perfect for sun seekers.

Your itinerary: Beautiful Bordeaux. This eight-day voyage on France’s Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne rivers is best enjoyed when you can sample this famed wine region’s best produce in a sunny vineyard. Beginning and ending in Bordeaux, you’ll visit wineries, medieval villages and food markets.

Your departures: Beautiful Bordeaux departs April to October, but sun lovers should choose an itinerary in June, July or August.

Picture this: Master the art of French cuisine in Scenic’s exclusive on board cooking school, Scenic Culinaire — the only river cruise cooking experience of its kind in France. Just one of the unforgettable experiences available on this itinerary. 

Enjoy a truly unique experience and immerse yourself in French cuisine through the onboard Scenic Culinaire. Photo: Scenic

You’re all about the yule

Australians have grown up singing Christmas songs about sipping eggnog by an open fire, while drinking white wine in the sun. A Scenic festive river cruise is the perfect opportunity to see those classic northern hemisphere Christmas motifs come to life. 

Your itinerary: Christmas Markets. This 15-day Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise is custom-designed to pack in as many markets and other yuletide traditions as possible. You’ll visit Christmas markets in Rudesheim, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Krems, Vienna and Budapest and have the opportunity to join a gingerbread cooking class with a German chef.

Your departure: This itinerary departs November and December 2026 

Picture this: A late departure from Cologne means you’ll have more time to explore this 2000-year-old city, home to the largest Christmas tree in Rhineland. Then you’ll cruise through the night in time to see the 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that line the Rhine Gorge the next morning.

Explore the Christmas markets in Cologne and marvel at the largest Christmas tree in Rhineland. Photo: Scenic

Now is the time to secure your 2026 All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury Scenic Europe River Cruise. Enjoy Economy Flights Included up to the value of $2,900pp* in 2026. 2025 departures are also available. To learn more, visit scenic.com.au/river, call 138 128 or contact your local travel advisor.

*Terms and Conditions Apply, visit scenic.com.au/terms-conditions for details.