Alpine Discovery & European Gems River Cruise

Day 1 - Arrive Zürich, Lucerne

Fly into Zürich Airport by midday then enjoy an orientation tour of Zürich. Wander through the shop-lined streets of this retail hotspot. Explore the famous shopping strip of Bahnhofstrasse and discover the high-end brands that feature in what is one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. Admire the Gothic beauty of the Grossmünster Church, which is said to be built on the graves of the city’s patron saints, Felix and Regula. Your local guide will then take you to the picturesque boulevard of Limmatquai. This famous street follows the Limmat River from the historic Old Town, past modern fashion boutiques and numerous mouthwatering cafes, chocolatiers and gourmet restaurants before arriving on the shores of Lake Zürich. Afterwards, travel through the undulating countryside to Lucerne.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Lucerne, Hotel Monopol

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Lucerne

With its breathtaking Swiss Alps backdrop, this city is a delight to explore. On a guided tour, see the Lion of Lucerne, a monument that commemorates events of the French Revolution, and wander along the Chapel Bridge, with its octagonal Water Tower.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Lucerne, Zermatt

Embark on a scenic journey via Interlaken to Zermatt, set in the gaze of the world’s most photogenic mountain, the Matterhorn. This pretty, eco-friendly resort town is a car-free zone, making it a delight to explore by foot. Enjoy a relaxed evening breathing in the alpine air as you wander the streets.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Zermatt, Hotel Sonne

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 4 - Zermatt

After breakfast this morning, set out on a guided morning tour of the town. As part of your exploration, you’ll discover the charming Hinterdorf (Old Village), home to around 30 traditional chalet-style barns and shops constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and evening to explore this gorgeous city even further.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Zermatt, Andermatt, Glacier Express, St Moritz

Travel to Andermatt and take the Glacier Express narrow-gauge train along the iconic route to the luxury alpine resort town St Moritz. Through the panoramic windows of your carriage you’ll enjoy incredible views of jagged mountains and lush meadows, sprawling vineyards and dense woodland along the hillsides. On arrival in St Moritz, check in to your hotel before dinner this evening.

Accommodation: St Moritz, Crystal Hotel

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 6 - St Moritz, Kitzbühel, Salzburg

This morning set out on a journey into Austria, travelling via the small alpine town Kitzbühel on the way to Salzburg, birthplace of the famed composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Soak in the city’s atmosphere with an afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting Mirabell Gardens, where scenes for The Sound of Music were filmed back in the 1960s.

Accommodation: Two Nights, Salzburg, Hotel Imlauer and Brau

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Salzburg

Enjoy a tour of the city and the Old Town, where melodies drift from bustling coffee houses. This evening indulge in a special dinner with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 8 - Budapest, Embark Ship

Travel to Budapest via Mondsee and board your ship.

Accommodation: 14 Nights, aboard your premium Travelmarvel river ship

Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Day 9 - 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 such as Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square and Buda Castle. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Dinner while you cruise.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10 - 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. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11 - 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 former soviet Bratislava.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12 - Dürnstein, Melk

Cruise to the town of Dürnstein and enjoy a stroll past rustic town houses and taverns. Along the way, gaze up to the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Later, dock in Melk and tour through Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13 - Passau

This morning after breakfast, cruise to beautiful Passau. Perhaps, join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or visit Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14 - Regensburg

Continue along the Danube River to the enchanting town of Regensburg, located in the southern region of the Bavarian Forest. Here, a guided tour along its cobblestone lanes tells of the medieval town’s journey through the ages. Afterwards, wander the historic streets at your own pace.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15 - 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.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16 - 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.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 17 - 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, with its terraced gardens and serene water basin. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to the medieval town of Rothenburg.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 18 - 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.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 19 - Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge

In Rüdesheim, 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.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 20 - Cologne, Brühl

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

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 21 - 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.

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 22 - Disembark Ship

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

Accommodation:

Meals: