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APT vs Scenic
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of APT and Scenic.The Low Down
Initially providing coach touring around Australia and NZ to the local market, APT have grown exponentially over the last decade to now offer trips around the world, and are well known for their European river cruises. Over the last few years APT have introduced small ship expeditions that cruise the waters through Asia, Europe, Canada and off the coast of Kimberley. Catering primarily for the retired market, their trips aren't cheap, but in APT's case - you get what you pay for. Look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. The team here at Global Journeys have travelled multiple times by coach, cruise & river with APT, and we definitely recommend them as a quality, consistent, reliable Operator, and our past client reviews back that up.
Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia (not so much in NZ). Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select. Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!
Stats
No. of Trips
350
No. of Departures
1,644
Avg. Trip Length
16 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$723
Accommodation
4 - 5 Star
Budget
Premium & Luxury
No. of Trips
790
No. of Departures
1,963
Avg. Trip Length
18 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$920
Accommodation
4 - 5 Star
Budget
Premium & Luxury
In Their Own Words
We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
APT is an Australian family-owned company whose essence began in Melbourne in the 1920s. More than 90 years on, APT offers life-enriching trips to every continent, and through the company’s vast industry experience, meticulous planning and unquestionable passion it's earned a place among the world’s most well-regarded travel companies.
From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.
Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 36 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.
Recent Reviews
4.7
Fantastic Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges 0
Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges
Robert and Denise, QLD, Australia, May 2026
It was the trip of a lifetime. Lake Eyre lived up to its reputation and the Flinders Ranges were spectacular, with an amazing flight over Wilpena Pound. Meals were first class. The coach, operated by Gary. Was top notch. We couldn’t drive on two sections of the roads but APT chartered two planes on two occasions. Hannah from Globus is very professional and friendly.
Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges 0
Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges
Barb and Garry, QLD, Australia, Apr 2026
Well arranged tour allows you to see & experience from the Flinders Ranges to the outback. The extended flights over Lake Eyre & the Diamantina to Birdsville were spectacular. Unique opportunity now to see the Lake Eyre in flood & desert in bloom.
Botanica Japan 0
Spring Gardens, Culture and History of Japan & South Korea by Small Ship
Bill and Yvonne, NSW, Australia, Apr 2026
The trip was really well organised & of high quality. All Botanica staff were excellent being both down to earth as well as knowledgeable. The ship & crew was excellent with the cabins being spacious & plenty of storage. The food was fabulous. The local guides were also fabulous. The trip was very well handled for us by Hannah Perry who is always pleasant.
This tour was from Uluru to Alice Springs over 7 days. Our tour guide/driver, Geery was an amazing guy whose knowledge and lifetime experience in the area gave us an insight into life in the region. Uluru was one place I have always wanted to visit and getting up close to the rock was a great experience. Accommodation and the meals at Sails was superb. read more We then had a couple of days at Kings Canyon before moving onto Alice and spending the day walking through the MacDonnell Ranges. Great experience walking into Simpson's Gap and Standley Chasm. Our last night was spent at the Outback Bush BBQ, a great way to end the tour. Thank you to Hannah from Global Journeys for organising this tour for me.
Vietnam and Cambodia by land, air and river cruise 0
Best of Vietnam and Cambodia
Robyn and Michael, VIC, Australia, Apr 2026
Our tour with APT was very well organised and run, with an excellent local Tour Director and knowledgeable local guides. Hotel accommodation, included meals and the one week Mekong River Cruise were generally excellent. While it was not a cheap way to travel, we appreciated the all-inclusive nature of the tour (including not having to search for local read more restaurants most of the time, or worry about tipping). The itinerary nevertheless provided enough choices to limit group sizes for activities and cater to different tastes and abilities. The tour attracted a cohort who were mainly retired and well-travelled Australians and New Zealanders, generally active and curious. There were plenty of opportunities to get up close to local life, and to hear from knowledgeable local guides, while retreating to the bubble of a luxury hotel or cruise boat at night.
Thanks APT for supporting us navigate the difficulties caused by the outbreak of war in the middle east.We were able to change our flights and undertake our planned trip from Budapest to Amsterdam. Special thanks to Global Journeys staff for their guidance and patient reassurance. The cruise was all we had hoped for and the ship, staff, meals and organisation read more were excellent. We met a diverse range of fellow travelers whose company we enjoyed. We would have no hesitation in recommending APT to others.
4.6
The highlight of the tour was Viviers where our tour guide took us to her hour which wad used as a Resistance house during WW2.
Scenic provided excellent service and made you feel like a big family. This itinerary was excellent beautiful views along the Moselle River and the best of the Rhine. Included excursions were top notch.
Scenic Jade. Amsterdam to Budapest amazing , spectacular, 5 star service. For our very first ever cruise this five cruise was exceptional. Our tour host Richard was fantastic from organizing tours to entertaining guests answering questions. Fantastic. Everyone was friendly and accommodating with all our needs and want through our whole journey. read more Food was top notch with a different dinner selection every night. Worth every dollar spent. Highly recommend this all inclusive river cruise.
Our cruise with Scenic exceeded all expectations. The ship, the food, the staff and the excursions were all excellent. Highly recommend Scenic and we will be travelling with them again. Global Journeys provided excellent service and were always very quick to respond to my questions.
Fabulous river cruise from Budapest to Bucharest 1
Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled with Transylvania
Chris and Donald, QLD, Australia, Apr 2026
This Scenic river cruise "Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled with Transylvania" was fantastic .... the meals and staff were wonderful, would recommend it to anyone.
We also really enjoyed the 4 night extension bus journey around Transylvania.
Hannah from Global Journeys organized everything, so friendly and easy to talk too, was a pleasure booking with her.
We also really enjoyed the 4 night extension bus journey around Transylvania.
Hannah from Global Journeys organized everything, so friendly and easy to talk too, was a pleasure booking with her.
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was very well plan. Food and excursion are first class. We are very happy with Scenic and also the service of Georgina and Global Journeys.
Popular Trips
22 Days Victoria to Vancouver
Operator: APT
From
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22 Days Vancouver to Vancouver
Operator: APT
From
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