Day 1 : Arrive Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, enjoy a day of leisure. Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception. Mingle and get to know your fellow travellers as you cruise along some of the many quaint, tree-lined canals, to explore the heart of the Old City, before enjoying a pleasant evening of dinner and wine at a local restaurant.
Accommodation : Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
Day 2 : Rhine Valley to Würzburg
Relax with a scenic drive along the Rhine Valley to Würzburg. See the mighty Marienburg Fortress – the immense baroque palace of the Prince Bishops and one of the most important landmarks in Germany. On arrival, visit the imposing Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a Local Expert. Marvel at intricate decorations and lavish staterooms boasting with French, Austrian and Venetian influences.
Accommodation : Maritim Hotel Würzburg.
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?
Accommodation : Hotel Royal Prague.
Day 4 : Prague, City of a Hundred Spires
Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert through the Jewish Quarter and hear about the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. Then, the city is all yours to explore. Perhaps rummage through the renowned antique stores or shop for the nest Bohemian crystal?
Accommodation : Hotel Royal Prague.
Day 5 : Through Bohemia to Budapest
Start the day with a journey through the beautiful forested countryside of Bohemia. Travel to Hungary, following the River Danube to Budapest. In the evening, join a Local Expert to enjoy a scenic dinner cruise, gliding past UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s spectacular nighttime beauty earns it the nickname 'Pearl of the Danube’.
Accommodation : Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest.
Day 6 : Budapest, Queen of the Danube
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.
Accommodation : Hilton Garden Inn, Budapest.
Day 7 : The Flavours of Budapest
This morning, visit Lizt Academy. Continue your travels to the Austrian border and through pleasant farming country to Vienna.
Accommodation : Hilton Vienna Park.
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. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. 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. Sit down for traditional coffee and delicious treats and mingle with locals at a cosy café.
Accommodation : Hilton Vienna Park.
Day 9 : 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 Doges Palace and the famous 'Bridge of Sighs' to a local restaurant in the heart of the San Marco 'sestieri' for a magical dinner.
Accommodation : Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Day 10 : The Magic of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic 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 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 free. 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 : Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Day 11 : Arrivederci Venice
Alas, you must bid farewell to this enchanting city. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Accommodation :