Rivers & Roads of Europe

Your fly, stay and cruise package includes:

• Economy class flight to Budapest, returning from Rome

• 14 night European Gems cruise onboard Travelmarvel Capella, Budapest to Amsterdam
• Includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
• Explore 14 towns, villages and cities
• Festive Bavarian evening on your ship with traditional food and entertainment
• Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director, Entertainment & Activities Coordinator, & local guides
• Tea, coffee, soft drink, beer & local wine during lunch & dinner on your cruise

• Economy class flight from Amsterdam to Paris
• 1 night accommodation in Paris including breakfast

• 11 night Road To Rome Tour by Insight Vacations, Paris to Rome
• Includes 11 nights accommodation in hand-picked hotels
• 11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch with Wine, 4 Dinners with Wine
• Select airport transfers

***Rate based on twin share for travel 16 April to 14 may 2023***

***Alternative dates available, a surcharge may apply***

European Gems

Day 1: Budapest
Arrive in the enthralling city of Budapest, where your contemporary river ship awaits on the Danube River. Enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director.

Day 2: 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 the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square and Buda Castle. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Dinner while you cruise.

Day 3: Vienna
Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, maybe visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you could enjoy an optional concert, featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music’.

Day 4: 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 5: Durnstein, Melk
Cruise to the town of Durnstein 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.

Day 6: Passau
Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian experience on board. Sample delicious local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance. After breakfast, cruise to beautiful Passau. Perhaps join an optional tour to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or visit Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’.

Day 7: Regensburg
Continue along the Danube River to 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 on your guided walking tour.

Day 8: Nuremberg
Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s now 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 9: Bamberg
One of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II, Bamberg beckons your attention today. You’ll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city.

Day 10: 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. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairytale town.

Day 11: Miltenberg
Enjoy true German hospitality as you are welcomed into the homes of friendly Miltenberg locals for coffee and cake. Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th century. 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.

Day 12: Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge
In Rudesheim, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later on, back on board, you will encounter the spectacular Rhine Gorge.

Day 13: Cologne, Bruhl
Step back in time during a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle, the lavish residence of archbishop-elector Clemens August. Disembark your ship in Cologne and drive to the town of Bruhl for your Insider Experience. Later, return to Cologne for free time.

Day 14: Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s network of canals are a sight to behold. Dock in the city’s heart and board a glass-top boat to discover its views. Back on land, enjoy some free time before a Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 15: Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Road To Rome

Take the road to Rome from the iconic West End of London, through the cobbled streets of Paris and across the Alps of Innsbruck, to the Italian capital. Journey through the vineyards of Burgundy and slip across the Swiss border for an indulgent Dine Around meal in Lucerne. Enjoy a feast of local delicacies at a selection of hand-picked restaurants, set along the beautiful lakeside vistas. Voyage across the Dolomites to Venice and bear witness to the ancient skill of glassblowing. Practiced by precious few, this almost extinct artform is led by local craftsmen, intent on keeping the fifteenth century tradition alive. In ancient Rome, enjoy exclusive fast track access to the Vatican Museums and see Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.

Day 1: Welcome to Paris
Enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. At 17:00 join your Travel Director at a local brasserie in the heart of Paris for a fabulous Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Paris – Republique
Meals: Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Paris, the 'City of Light'
Start your day with an Insight Choice. Choose to shop in quaint boutiques like a true Parisian for fashion, perfume or cosmetics with your Local Expert. Alternatively, join an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city, perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the Paris cabaret?
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Paris – Republique
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Burgundy and Lucerne
Journey through the Burgundy wine region and pass the Jura Mountains and crossing into Switzerland. Arrive in glorious lakeside Lucerne. A range of enticing options are available for your Dine-Around Evening. Choose from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner with Wine

Day 4: Lucerne & Mount Stanserhorn
In the morning, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Explore Mount Stanserhorn with Insight Choice. Choose to walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see marmots and other native animals. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Upon return to Lucerne, see the town's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge to the baroque Jesuit Church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town.
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Lucerne to Innsbruck
Start the day with a journey to the heart of the Alps passing through the Principality of Liechtenstein. See its tiny capital, Vaduz, with its castle located on a hillside overlooking the city. Drive into Austria and continue through the Arlberg Tunnel to mountain-ringed Innsbruck. Your Travel Director will show you the 14th century houses of the old town, the impressive Imperial Palace and the delightful Golden Roof.
Accommodation: AC Hotel Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: The Dolomites to Venice
Leave Innsbruck to travel across the impressive Europa Bridge and through the Dolomites. Cross into Italy and stop at a local family winery in Veneto to discover the art of prosecco production. Savour a tasting of these luxurious sparkling wines and discover how to make the perfect Bellini. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. Long after the day-trippers have returned to their mainland hotels, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the islands with dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Continental Venice
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner with Wine

Day 7: The Magic of 'La Serenissima'
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. See the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Accommodation: Hotel Continental Venice
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Tuscany, Pisa and Florence
Visit Il Poggio organic farm for a guided walk and learn about organic food and wine production. On the veranda, take in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills, as you taste the farm's wines and freshly produced olive oil. Enjoy an authentic Italian meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Explore the nearby town of Pisa with a Local Expert and see the baptistery with its intricate marble facade, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the cathedral and of course the famous Leaning Tower. Afterwards, travel to Florence.
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch with Wine

Day 9: Florence Sightseeing
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Chianti Country to Assisi and onto Rome
Journey through the vineyards of the Chianti region passing Lake Trasimeno, one of the Italian Peninsula’s largest lakes and site of a great battle in ancient times against Hannibal and his war elephants. Continue up the foothills of the Apennine Mountains to reach delightful Assisi, a stone-built town spilling over the steep hillside. With a Local Expert, visit the tomb of St. Francis and see the beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the great basilica, before continuing along the valley of the River Tiber towards the Eternal City of Rome. In the evening, why not throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city?
Accommodation: Kolbe Hotel Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Papal and Imperial Rome
Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art collected over the ages by the Popes. To avoid the crowds and maximise your time, Insight has arranged special priority access to the Vatican Museums. Your Local Expert will guide you through the halls of artwork and take you behind the scenes to view the Bramante Staircase, a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally not open to the public. Next, visit the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Next door in St. Peter’s Basilica, view another masterpiece by Michelangelo, the Pietà, as well as the splendid dome, completed after his death. Cross the River Tiber to see the Colosseum, still echoing with the ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat and see Circus Maximus, the ancient chariot-racing stadium. Later, there is time for last-minute shopping or exploring at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, you'll be serenaded with a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas.
Accommodation: Kolbe Hotel Rome
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner with Wine

Day 12: Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
Meals: Breakfast

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest Inside category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 20 July 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Hotel location and inclusions may vary depending on availability and alternative dates of travel. Visas are not included. Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.