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, a charming town perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Once a popular retreat for Roman emperors, Sorrento offers stunning views, vibrant streets, and a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy free time to explore the town at your own pace, soaking in its unique beauty and coastal charm.

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. 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.

Insider Experience - Hungarian State Opera performance

Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you're treated to a private opera recital.

Day 13: Vienna

On arrival in the city centre, join a walking tour to uncover sights like St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Later, explore the vibrant Naschmarkt at your leisure. This evening, perhaps attend an optional concert for a memorable experience.

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, Slovakia's capital.

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 with a visit to Slovakia’s Bratislava. This charming city blends medieval, baroque, and communist-era architecture. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the iconic Slovak Radio building, testaments to its intriguing past.

Day 15: Dürnstein, Melk

Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town watched over by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend your morning wandering its cobbled streets, historic townhouses, and inviting taverns. You might also choose to join an optional tour and sample the region’s renowned wines. Later, sail through the scenic Wachau Valley before docking in Melk to tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation 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. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Passau.

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. 

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 – Salzburg Sights

Take a trip through the stunning scenery of Austria. Visit Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous Wedding Church from ‘The Sound of Music’. Continue to Salzburg and be guided through the town Mozart called home. Enjoy some free time to explore explore at your leisure before returning to your ship.

Enhance Your Journey – Passau Culinary Tour

In the beautiful city of Passau, enjoy a guided walking tour, taking in the historic sites as you roam the cobblestone lanes of the Altstadt. You'll also get to sample a variety of sweet and savoury local specialties.

Day 17: Regensburg

Continue along the Danube River to Regensburg, located in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. Here, join a guided tour of the city’s historic streets, medieval buildings, and cultural sites.

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

Bamberg, one of the few German cities spared destruction during World War II, 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

Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, Würzburg is home to the stunning baroque Würzburg Residence. Explore the palace and its Court Garden before perhaps opting for a visit to medieval Rothenburg, a fairytale town nestled along the Romantic Road.

Enhance Your Journey – Medieval Rothenburg Tour

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautiful medieval 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 road train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later, back on board, enjoy spectacular scenery as you sail along the 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 Rococo 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 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.