Iconic Italy with Magnificent Europe

What’s not to love about Italy – from ancient Rome to the havens of Sorrento and the island of Capri. Art aficionados will rejoice in Florence, while sea lovers will revel in the chic coastal vibe of Rapallo and the Cinque Terre. After touring Italy, join an unforgettable river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Rome

Arrive in Rome before noon and enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour, including special pre-reserved tickets to the Colosseum so you can skip the queues. Tonight, savour a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Rome

Today is all about soaking up Rome’s iconic sites on a guided exploration. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the Vatican. You'll also see Michelangelo’s mesmerising frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Day 3: Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento

Travel to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, then continue to Sorrento. This evening, a Signature Experience awaits.

Signature Experience – Cheese Tour and Dinner

Visit a local mozzarella producer for a guided tour, learning how the delicious cheese is made before savouring a dinner of fresh local produce.

Day 4: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi

Discover the treasures of the enchanting Amalfi Coast on a full-day boat tour. Departing from Sorrento in the morning, your first stop is the spellbinding town of Positano. Set out on a captivating walking tour, wandering through the narrow streets filled with boutiques and admiring the pastel houses that cascade down the surrounding hills.

After enjoying time to soak up the atmosphere of this postcard-perfect destination, board another boat to historic Amalfi. Here, marvel at the striking architecture of the Amalfi Cathedral and walk through the bustling piazzas lined with shops and eateries. Then, board the boat once more as you embark on a scenic journey back to Sorrento, taking in the magic of the azure waters and dazzling coastline that surrounds you.

Day 5: Sorrento, Assisi, Perugia

Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor Conventual, then journey to Perugia.

Day 6: Perugia, San Gimignano, Florence

Discover the walled town of San Gimignano. Afterwards, live la dolce vita as you sit down to a Tuscan light lunch of locally made olive oils, fresh antipasti and regional wines. Continue to the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, where you’ll have the evening at leisure to explore.

Day 7: Florence

Explore the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze and see Michelangelo’s Statue of David before setting out on a tour of Florence. Later, enjoy free time to explore. 

Day 8: Florence, Pisa, Portofino, Rapallo

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, then embrace the chic coastal vibe of Portofino. Arrive in the historic seaside town of Rapallo, known for its 16th-century castle set high above the sea.

Day 9: Rapallo, Cinque Terre

Today is dedicated to exploring Italy’s Cinque Terre, a stunning collection of five World Heritage-listed cliffside villages. Dating back to medieval times, these picture-perfect towns were intricately built into dramatic terraced cliffs, creating a breathtaking and unparalleled landscape.

Day 10: Rapallo, Valpolicella, Venice

After a Signature Experience, continue to Venice and enjoy the ultimate movie star treatment as you are transferred by boat to your hotel.

Signature Experience – Winery Visit

Explore the Italian wine region of Valpolicella in the province of Verona and visit Villa Serego Alighieri. Savour the Amarone red wine that this historic vineyard is renowned for producing, which complements the Italian flavours of your light lunch.

Day 11: Venice

Today, delve into the fascinating arts, music and history of this glorious canal city as you embark on a walking exploration through the cultural icons of Venice. Along the way, you'll also learn about the secrets behind Venetian cuisine as you venture through the city. Savour mouth-watering Italian culinary delights, including cicchetti, a Venetian form of tapas.

Day 12: Venice, Ljubljana, Zagreb

Travel via the emerald city of Ljubljana to Zagreb, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 13: Budapest, Embark Ship

Join a guided tour of Zagreb this morning. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Day 14: Budapest

Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. This afternoon, your ship will begin cruising towards Vienna.

Freedom of Choice – City Tour

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, exploring historic monuments like Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Freedom of Choice – Culinary Tour

Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride 

Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.  

Day 15: Vienna

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Vienna. On arrival, take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Day 16: Vienna

Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity this morning. In the evening, an unforgettable Signature Experience awaits.

Freedom of Choice – 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.   

Freedom of Choice – 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 communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev.   

Freedom of Choice – Vienna Culinary Tour

Immerse yourself in Viennese cuisine on a culinary tour of Vienna's narrow streets. Visit a traditional cafe, try a classic Viennese sausage, and sample a sweet treat from one of the city's famous patisseries.

Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace

After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic performance.

Day 17: Dürnstein, Melk

Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein before choosing your activity.  Later, visit Melk Abbey.

Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley

Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk. Admire stunning landscapes dotted with vineyards, charming villages and historic castles nestled amid lush hills.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride from Dürnstein to Melk

Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Dürnstein to Melk, and take in the scenery of the picturesque Wachau Valley.

Day 18: Linz, Salzburg, Passau

Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ Show

Be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music’.

Day 19: Regensburg

Enjoy the chance to personalise your day with a choice of sightseeing activities on offer.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Tour of Regensburg’s World Heritage-Listed City Centre

Explore Regensburg's World Heritage-listed city centre on a guided tour. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Your tour will finish with a tasting at Regensburg’s historic sausage kitchen, thought to be one of the oldest working restaurants in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial

Set out on a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany’s past.

Day 20: Nuremberg

This morning, continue cruising along the Main-Danube Canal while indulging in a Bavarian beer, sausage and pretzel tasting on the Daystar Deck. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. On arrival in Nuremberg, set out on your preferred activity.

Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites

Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.

Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour

Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.

Day 21: Bamberg

Arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the Regnitz River. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.

Day 22: Würzburg

Today unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.

Freedom of Choice – Visit the Würzburg Residence

The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.

Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg

Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colourful houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wohlfahrt’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest collection of German Christmas decorations in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress

Enjoy a hike to Würzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city, which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries.

Freedom of Choice – Tastes of Franconia

Travel to the Volkacher Mainschleife, the largest wine-growing region in Franconia and home to one of the most famous Franconian whisky distilleries. Here, enjoy a guided tour and meet the whisky and winemaker to uncover the art of making whisky. Savour a tasting of their finest creations paired with freshly baked bread from a local bakery.

Day 23: Miltenberg

Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Walking Tour and Liqueur Tasting

Embark on a guided exploration of Miltenberg. Discover the town's remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares, offering a unique glimpse into Germany’s rich history. Then, visit one of Franconia's oldest wine cellars for a tasting of local liqueurs.

Freedom of Choice – Local Monastery Visit

Travel to the hills overlooking Miltenberg for a visit to a local monastery. Here, you'll meet with a Franciscan friar to hear about life in the monastery. You'll also sample some homemade sausages, cheese and bread before free time to wander through the gardens and vineyard.

Day 24: Rüdesheim

Dock in Rüdesheim this morning, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, embark on your chosen activity. This afternoon, you’ll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.

Freedom of Choice – Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This eccentric and unique museum is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.

Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar

Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions.

Day 25: Andernach

Today, enjoy an exclusive Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent cruising onwards to the Netherlands.

Signature Experience – Namedy Castle

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a 14th century residence set near the Rhine River in Germany. Go beyond the gates and wander about the rooms, hidden nooks and manicured grounds. You’ll then enjoy a morning tea, where a pianist playing classical music sets the mood.

Day 26: Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. This evening, savour fresh, locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine.

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise

A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.

Freedom of Choice – Cheese Tasting

Visit a local cheese store for a tasting of regional cheeses. The Netherlands is renowned for its cheese production, including iconic varieties such as Edam and Gouda.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride

Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.

Freedom of Choice – Keukenhof Gardens in Spring

On select spring departures, you also have the option to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips.

Day 27: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

Your spectacular journey comes to an end today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.