Vancouver, December 2013 - This spring, Scenic Tours sets sail on a spectacular springtime journey that explores Holland and Belgium during the height of flower season. A highlight of the Dutch Sights and Belgian Delights river cruise is a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. Claiming to be the largest and most beautiful spring garden in the world, the 80-acre garden is filled with the colors and fragrances of more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. The eight-day Amsterdam roundtrip sailing offers additional highlights such as touring the picturesque canal city of Bruges, and the diamond capital of the world, Antwerp. Departure dates are April 7 and 14 at fares range from CAD$3,585 to CAD$4,660 per person, double; an early booking incentive of $450 per couple on a balcony suite is available when booked by February 28, 2014.

Scenic Tours guests visit Keukenhof Gardens on the second day of the itinerary. The special theme for the 2014 season is 'Holland' and visitors can expect to see a bulb mosaic depicting Amsterdam's canals, with a tulip the size of a canal house. The design features 60,000 tulips and muscaris and symbolizes the 'tulip mania' during the Golden Age, a period in 1637 during which prices for bulbs of the newly introduced tulip reached extraordinarily high levels and then suddenly collapsed.

Guests can take in the sights of Europe through the company's signature "Scenic FreeChoice" activities, which combine the camaraderie of groups with the flexibility of individual travel. One of many examples of the company's shore excursion flexibility is in Amsterdam, where guests can experience a canal cruise highlighting the city's 17th-century architecture or travel to the village of Zaanse Schans to visit a working windmill and enjoy traditional clog and cheese-making presentations. Other "Scenic FreeChoice" activity options are also available in Antwerp, Brussels, Veere and Middelburg.

Those seeking greater independence can head off on a self-guided walk or use one of the ship's electric-assist bicycles while taking advantage of Scenic Tours' new and exclusive "Scenic Tailormade" system. This GPS-guided handheld device includes full audio and mapping and comes preloaded with tours that include a growing range of possible themes - food and wine, gardens and nature, history, arts and culture, architecture and more, and direct you back to the ship from wherever you end up.

All Scenic Tours itineraries are truly all-inclusive. This means that every guest enjoys unlimited beverages (from premium alcoholic to non-alcoholic selections); all meals at any of five dining options including the River Café for casual fare, the Italian-based Portobello Restaurant, and dégustation at Table La Rive; daily minibar replenishment; personal butler service; all excursions, events and entertainment; Wi-Fi throughout the ship and airport transfers - all at no additional cost. It also includes all tipping and gratuities, both on board any of Scenic Tours' luxury 'Space-Ships' and during shore excursions

Scenic Tours, parent of Scenic Cruises, recently named Best Luxury Tour Operator by Luxury Travel Magazine, offers award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and elsewhere. Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures, and reservations can be obtained via travel agents; the company's visitor-friendly website, www.scenictours.com; phone (866-689-8611); or e-mail: canada@scenictours.com. Brochures can be downloaded directly from the website.

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Elliot Gillies
Gillies and Zaiser
10 Nytko Drive
Pomona, NY 10970-2646
STC-21-December 2013