Italian Treasures and European Gems River Cruise

25 days, 57 meals. 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.

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 before travelling north to Florence to enjoy an evening exploring at your leisure.

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. Perhaps enjoy an optional trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

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 on 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 Budapest today and board your river ship.

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 – the Vienna State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and more. On arrival in the city centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Afterwards, maybe visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music’.

Day 14: Vienna

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg area or wander along Karntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping strip. Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion, to Schonbrunn Palace, or head to former soviet Bratislava.

Day 15: Durnstein, Melk

Cruise to Durnstein, 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 through Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089.

Day 16: Aschach, Passau

Today, you may choose to join an optional tour to Cesky 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.

Day 17: Regensburg

Continue along the Danube River to the enchanting town of 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 at your own pace.

Day 18: Nuremberg

Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s now infamous rallies, which played a pivotal role for the Nazis 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, World Heritage-listed Bamberg beckons your attention this morning. You’ll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city centre.

Day 20: Wurzburg

Verdant hills and rich vineyards sit on the edge of Wurzburg. Admire its magnificent baroque palace, the Wurzburg Residence and walk through Wurzburg Court Garden, with its terraced gardens and serene water basin. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to the medieval town of Rothenburg.

Day 21: Miltenberg

Arrive at the beautifully evocative town of Miltenberg. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience before returning to your ship to enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the glittering lights of medieval towns slip past as you sit down to dinner and cruise through the night.

Day 22: Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge

In Rudesheim, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. As you continue cruising, you will encounter a true holiday highlight – the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Watch in awe as you drift past steep vine-covered slopes dotted with ancient castles and strongholds. Enjoy dinner on board tonight, as your journey continues late into the evening.

Day 23: Cologne, Bruhl

Disembark your ship in Cologne and drive to the town of Bruhl, where you will enjoy an Insider Experience. Later, return to Cologne and enjoy some time at leisure.

Day 24: Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s network of canals lends the city its nickname, ‘Venice of the North’. Dock in the city’s heart and board a glass-top boat to discover the city’s waterside façades, watching the bicycle-loving locals ride along as you drift by. Back on land, enjoy free time to explore, before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner back on board.

Day 25: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

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