Day 1: Arrive Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam. Spend the day at leisure before meeting your Travel Director this evening. Cruise the city’s charming, tree-lined canals to explore the heart of the Old City, then gather with your fellow travellers for a delightful dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Amsterdam to Würzburg
Depart the Dutch capital this morning and journey into the heart of Germany’s romantic Rhine Valley. In Boppard, board a river cruise and glide past vineyard-covered slopes, turreted castles and the legendary Lorelei rock. Among the sights, admire the silhouettes of Burg Rheinfels, Burg Katz and Burg Maus. Later, arrive in Würzburg, a city celebrated for its baroque charm and wine-making heritage.
Day 3: Rothenburg and Golden Prague
In the morning venture to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most well-preserved town on the Romantic Road. Continue east to the Czech border, passing the town of Pilsen renowned for its beer, before reaching the Golden City of Prague. In the evening, perhaps take a river cruise through the heart of the city?
Day 4: Prague, City of a Hundred Spires
Explore Prague with your choice experience. Choose to walk the courtyards of the castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Specialist through the Jewish Quarter and hear about the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people while you visit the Old‑New Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery. Then, the city is all yours to explore. Perhaps rummage through the antique stores or shop for Bohemian crystal?
Day 5: Through Bohemia to Budapest
Travel to Hungary, following the River Danube to Budapest. In the evening, enjoy a scenic dinner cruise, gliding past UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s spectacular night-time beauty earns it the nickname 'Pearl of the Danube’.
Day 6: Budapest, Queen of the Danube
Drive along the beautiful Andrassy Avenue to Heroes' Square. Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda and admire sweeping views from the Fisherman’s Bastion with a Local Specialist. Marvel at extensive panoramic views as you look out over the famous river dividing Buda and Pest - the two sides linked by the mighty Chain Bridge and the elegant, newer Elizabeth Bridge.
Day 7: The Flavours of Budapest
This morning enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. The university was founded by the piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875. Continue your travels, past the Turul Monument, a large eagle statue overlooking the town of Tatabanya, to the Austrian border and through pleasant farming country to the imperial capital of Vienna.
Day 8: Vienna and the Habsburgs
In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. Later, join your Local Specialist for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Sit down for traditional coffee and cake and mingle with locals at a cosy cafe.
Day 9: Along the shores of Lake Wörthersee to Venice
This day's route takes you past quiet villages, through Styria's forested mountains and into the Carinthian Lake District. Continue past Europe's warmest lake, the Wörthersee, to cross into Italy near Tarvisio. Then follow mountain valleys and cascading streams down to the Veneto Plain en route to the unique city of Venice. Arrive by private boat to your hotel. In the late afternoon and early evening, sip a cocktail on the corner of Piazza San Marco, whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians. Afterwards, stroll past the Doge's Palace and the famous 'Bridge of Sighs' to a local restaurant in the heart of the historic centre for a magical dinner.
Day 10: The Magic of 'La Serenissima'
In the morning, prepare to embrace this awe-inspiring city. Visit St. Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent Basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace, which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a visit to a traditional Venetian glassblowing workshop, where you’ll see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving centuries-old skills. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialities and wine?
Day 11: Arrivederci Venice
Alas, you must bid farewell to this enchanting city. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport.
