Italian Treasures and European Gems River Cruise

Discover stunning Italian cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice before embarking on your river cruise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Rome

Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight.

Day 2: Rome, Vatican City

Enjoy a guided tour that takes you to some of the city’s most famous sights, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. This afternoon, venture to the walled enclave and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church on a tour of the Vatican City. Take in the sweeping expanse of St Peter’s Square before exploring the Vatican Museums. Here, you’ll find many of the world’s greatest sculptures and paintings, including Michelangelo’s frescoed masterpiece upon the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 3: Rome, Sorrento

Heading south, take the coastal route past cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples. Enjoy postcard views as you reach Sorrento, where clusters of coloured buildings rest on a cliff above a harbour. You may like to spend time this afternoon taking in the lively village atmosphere while wandering the narrow laneways.

Insider Experience – Campanian Culinary Experience

Delight in a taste of Campanian culture and share a home-style Italian meal with a local family.  

Day 4: Sorrento

Embark on a walking tour of Sorrento. Alternatively, take an optional tour to Capri. Once a resort island for Roman emperors, Capri is renowned for alluring the rich and famous with its beauty. Cruise across bright blue waters to the island and, on arrival, travel to the hilltop town of Anacapri to soak in the views. Enjoy some free time, then take a funicular ride down to the port before returning to Sorrento.

Day 5: Sorrento, Pompeii, San Gimignano

Engulfed by the lava from Mt Vesuvius in AD79, Pompeii provides a picture of ancient Roman life. After a tour of the ruins, travel north to San Gimignano. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. 

Day 6: San Gimignano, Florence

Explore the historic streets and appreciate the medieval city skyline of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of Tuscany. Step back in time and marvel at the well-preserved medieval architecture and abundance of restaurants and trattorias before travelling north to Florence to enjoy an evening exploring at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Wine and Dine in Tuscany

Savour a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at Castello Vicchiomaggio.

Day 7: Florence

Further explore this jewel of the Renaissance, once home to Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Your walking tour includes a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts, where you will see Michelangelo’s David. You may choose to join an optional tour to Pisa later to see its Leaning Tower and savour a Tuscan dinner.

Insider Experience – Gelato Delights

Sample the city’s finest gelato at a famous local gelateria.

Day 8: Florence, Verona, Venice

Explore the whimsical city of Verona, perhaps stopping under Juliet’s balcony to put yourself in Romeo’s shoes. Later, continue to the incomparable city of Venice.

Day 9: Venice

Spend the morning discovering Venice, where romantic canals replace bustling streets on a guided tour. During your tour, stop and enjoy a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. With some time at leisure this afternoon, you may wish to join an optional Gondola ride.

Day 10: Venice, Ljubljana, Zagreb

Travel via Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana to Zagreb in Croatia. Set out on a tour to sights such as the Stone Gate and the Opera House.

Day 11: Zagreb, Budapest, Embark Ship

Arrive in the enthralling city of Budapest, where your contemporary river ship awaits on the Danube River. Enjoy a Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director.

Day 12: Budapest

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Welcome Dinner while you cruise.

Day 13: Vienna

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, maybe visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you could enjoy an optional concert.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.

Day 14: Vienna

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg area or wander along Kärntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping strip. Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava in Slovakia.

Enhance Your Journey – Schönbrunn Palace Visit

Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under cCommunist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev. 

Day 15: Dürnstein, Melk

Cruise to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was kept as a prisoner in the 12th century. You have the morning free to explore the cobbled streets, town houses and taverns of the town. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Dock in Melk and tour Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. 

Day 16: Aschach, Passau

Today, you can choose to join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Passau.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – ‘The Sound of Music’ Tour

Depart from Passau to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’, including the famous Wedding Church.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian experience on board. Sample delicious local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance. 

Day 17: Regensburg

Continue along the Danube River to Regensburg, located in the southern region of the Bavarian Forest. Here, wander along its cobblestone lanes, taking a journey through the ages as you explore the historic streets, medieval buildings and cultural sites on your guided walking tour.

Day 18: Nuremberg

Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies during World War II. Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice.

Day 19: Bamberg

One of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II, Bamberg beckons your attention today. You’ll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city.  Gaze upon sights such as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore.

Day 20: Würzburg

Verdant hills and rich vineyards sit on the edge of Würzburg. Admire its magnificent baroque palace, the Würzburg Residence, and walk through Würzburg Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairytale town.

Enhance Your Journey – Medieval Rothenburg Tour

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Day 21: Miltenberg

Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the lights of medieval towns slip past as you cruise through the night.

Insider Experience – Culinary Tour in Miltenberg

Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

Day 22: Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge

In Rüdesheim, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later on, back on board, you will encounter the spectacular Rhine Gorge.

Day 23: Cologne, Brühl

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rRococo architecture from 18th- century Germany

Day 24: Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s network of canals is a sight to behold. Dock in the city’s heart and board a glass-top boat to discover its views. Back on land, enjoy some free time before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board. 

Day 25: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.