Tour Adriatic Highlights And European Gems River Cruise (2019)

Guide

Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director, Entertainment and Activities Coordinator, and local guides

Transport

Transfers, port charges and tipping

Meals

59 meals - 25 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 20 dinners Daily bottled water, tea and coffee, as well as soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise

Others

Explore 22 towns, villages and cities

Accommodation

Two nights in Dubrovnik, Split, Sarajevo and Lake Bled; one night in Plitvice Lakes, Opatija and Zagreb 14 nights cruising on a premium Travelmarvel river ship Two Nights, Dubrovnik, Valamar Argosy Hotel Two Nights, Split, Hotel Cornaro Two Nights, Sarajevo, Hotel Bristol, or similar Plitvice Lakes National Park, Hotel Jezero Opatija, Amadria Park Grand Hotel Two Nights, Lake Bled, Grand Hotel Toplice Hotel Sheraton Zagreb 14 Nights, aboard your premium Travelmarvel river ship

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Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Dubrovnik

Arrive in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, and enjoy dinner.
Day 2 Day 2: Dubrovnik
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Dubrovnik

Step back in time as you tour Dubrovnik’s World Heritage-listed Old Town. Wander through Pile Gate, witness the enormous archways of Rector’s Palace and visit Onofrio’s Fountain. Then enjoy a fresh perspective during a walk atop the city’s stately walls, soaking in picture-perfect seascapes and unrivalled glimpses into the back alleys and grand boulevards of this ancient city. The rest of the day is yours to map out as you please.
Day 3 Day 3: Dubrovnik, Split
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Dubrovnik, Split

Pass the charming fishing villages of the rugged Croatian coastline on the way to the turquoise waters of Split. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant followed by free time to explore this evening.
Day 4 Day 4: Split
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Split

This morning after breakfast, you will be taken on a guided tour of this beautiful Croatian city. See the Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, considered to be some of the most valuable ruins from the Roman era on the Adriatic coast. You’ll also see the ancient Roman Square and the splendid Cathedral of St Dominus.
Day 5 Day 5: Split, Mostar, Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Split, Mostar, Sarajevo

Travel to Sarajevo and stop at Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Here, you will visit the famous Stari Most and explore the Ottoman Quarter, home to 16th-century mosques and City Baths.
Day 6 Day 6: Sarajevo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sarajevo

This morning, follow Sarajevo’s various turns through history as you discover Ottoman mosques mingling with the proud buildings of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on a guided walk though this intriguing city. Pay homage at the Eternal Light monument dedicated to the victims of the Bosnian War and visit the bascasija (bazaar).
Day 7 Day 7: Sarajevo, Plitvice Lakes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Sarajevo, Plitvice Lakes

Today you will travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a mountainous World Heritage-listed site in central Croatia, renowned for its stunning natural beauty.
Day 8 Day 8: Plitvice Lakes, Opatija
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Plitvice Lakes, Opatija

This morning take a tour of Plitvice Lakes and discover the pristine beauty of this patch of superbly preserved Croatian wilderness. Wander along the wooden footbridges, over and past vast lakes, deep canyons and waterfalls cascading over green foliage. Afterwards, head to the town of Opatija for an overnight stay.
Day 9 Day 9: Opatija, Lake Bled
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Opatija, Lake Bled

Today travel into Slovenia and stop briefly in the capital, Ljubljana. Then continue on to the beautiful Lake Bled.
Day 10 Day 10: Lake Bled
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Lake Bled

Visit Bled Castle to take in great views over the town of Bled. Then, take a boat across the lake to St Mary’s Church of the Assumption on Bled Island. Perhaps ring the church bell and make a wish as is tradition.
Day 11 Day 11: Lake Bled, Zagreb
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Lake Bled, Zagreb

Pass through pretty villages on the way to Zagreb today. On arrival here, tour the city with a guide and learn of the city’s vibrant arts and music culture, and discover some fin e examples of architecture. Later this evening, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12 Day 12: Zagreb, Budapest, Embark Ship
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Zagreb, Budapest, Embark Ship

Travel to Budapest and board your ship for your European river cruise.
Day 13 Day 13: Budapest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Budapest

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as you explore the heart of Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Learn how the twin cities of Buda and Pest were unified in the 19th century and are bisected by the Danube. Each of these historic cities displays their own character. After breakfast, a local guide will lead your discovery through the city. See Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and Heroes’ Square. Learn about the turbulent history of the regal Buda Castle and take the chance to see the spectacular Hungarian Parliament Building by day.
Day 14 Day 14: Vienna
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Vienna

Embrace the splendour of the former Habsburg empire in Vienna, a cultural utopia of music, art and food. Discover the sheer elegance of this opulent city as you drive around the Ringstrasse. Learn about some of the city’s most famous buildings – the Vienna State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and more – as well as the city’s rich classical music culture and history. Upon arriving in the city centre, join a walking tour for an insider’s view of a number of landmarks, including St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Perhaps stop and taste for yourself the cafe culture that influences this city so much. This evening you might choose to attend a wonderful concert featuring a range of different music through the ages, including some compositions by Mozart and Strauss as well as music from the movie ‘The Sound of Music.
Day 15 Day 15: Vienna
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Vienna

With a day at leisure today, you decide on how to shape your experience in Vienna. Perhaps visit the Spanish Riding School, or head to the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury, brimming with crowns and precious gems. If you’re feeling peckish, perhaps head to a cosy coffee house where you can try a traditional Sachertorte – a chocolate tart with a lush apricot filling. You’ll be spoilt for choice in a city so rich in great cafes, impressive historical buildings and fabulous shopping opportunities, so be sure to ask your expert Cruise Director for any insider tips. Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion. Perhaps visit Schönbrunn Palace, to see one of Austria’s finest examples of baroque architecture. Or cross the border into Slovakia for a tour of Bratislava, discovering a soviet history that only ended in the 1980s. See communist buildings and monuments and learn about life in the soviet era before enjoying free time in Bratislava’s Old Town.
Day 16 Day 16: Dürnstein, Melk
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Dürnstein, Melk

Dock in Dürnstein where you have free time to explore at your own pace. The town is overlooked by castle ruins perched dramatically on a hilltop. It was here that King Richard the Lionheart was held captive when he was caught trying to return to England through mainland Europe after being shipwrecked in the Adriatic at the end of the Third Crusade. A stroll to the ruined Castle of Dürnstein leads you to some of the most beautiful vantage points, giving spectacular views of the Wachau Valley below. This steep path is worthwhile for those keen to explore by themselves. A walk through the cobbled streets leads to 16th-century town houses and taverns, while surrounding vineyards provide the opportunity to taste some of the local wine or the apricot schnapps this lovely little town is known for. Continue to Melk for a tour of magnificent Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. After your tour here, catch the coach back down to the river, or stroll through the forest back to your ship, which departs shortly after lunch Ensure you are on the Sun Deck or in the Lounge as you cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful and famous in Austria.
Day 17 Day 17: Passau
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Passau

Today you are spoilt for choice. You can choose to disembark and ride a bike along the riverside to the ‘Three Rivers City’ of Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Alternatively, you have the option of embarking on a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings. Or travel to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights from the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music’, including the famous Wedding Church. Those not undertaking a day trip remain on board, spending a relaxing afternoon cruising to Passau. Here, stroll past the city’s colourful buildings that line the riverbank. Discover Passau’s baroque character, owing to the fact it was rebuilt in the style after fires destroyed it in the 1600s.
Day 18 Day 18: Regensburg
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Regensburg

Continue cruising along the Danube River to Regensburg, located at the meeting point of the Danube and Regen rivers. Here, join a guided walking tour which highlights the medieval city’s story through the ages. There are plenty of well-preserved sights to see as Regensburg was lucky to escape most of the devastating bombings of World War II. See the ancient Stone Bridge, which gracefully arches across the water, as well as the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage-listed city centre and the Porta Pretoria – gates to a Roman fort built way back in AD179. As you will spend the morning in this charming city, docked right in the heart of town, another option is to borrow a bicycle and head off to explore the city or surrounding countryside on your own terms. Re-board your river ship for lunch and relax on board.
Day 19 Day 19: Nuremberg
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Nuremberg

Today your ship will enter the Main-Danube Canal, a feat of engineering, and take you across Europe’s Continental Divide (435 metres above sea level) thanks to the canal’s 16 stair-step locks. Continue to Nuremberg, which played a pivotal role for the Nazis during World War II. Learn about the city’s Nazi era as you see such sights as the Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice, before paying a visit to the site of Hitler’s infamous Nuremberg rallies, held annually from 1927 to 1938. Nuremberg is a great place to explore in its own right, as you’ll learn while wandering the cobblestone streets discovering boutiques and artisan stores.
Day 20 Day 20: Bamberg
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Bamberg

Spend a morning cruising along the last stretch of the Main-Danube Canal before arriving at the World Heritage-listed city of Bamberg. Here you can choose between an afternoon of free time or a guided tour, during which you’ll gaze upon such sights as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral. A visit to one of the historic taverns, complete with locals enjoying pretzels and steins of smoked ale, is a great way to get a taste for the Bavarian culture.
Day 21 Day 21: Wurzburg
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Wurzburg

After an early breakfast, board a coach and travel through the green rolling hills and rich vineyards which sit on the fringe of the pretty town of Würzburg. The architectural beauty that defines Würzburg is on show today as you admire its magnificent baroque palace, the Würzburg Residence. This impressive building brought together the leading architects of the 18th century from Germany and France. A walk through the Court Garden is a delight, with its terraced gardens and water basin encircled by stunning yew trees. Enjoy free time to explore. After lunch, you might like to enhance your journey even further with an excursion to medieval Rothenburg. On arrival embark on a walking tour and discover the magical Christmas museum and shop, as well as narrow cobblestone streets and alleys, overlooked by imposing towers and ramparts. With all guests back on board the ship this evening, sit down to a delectable dinner with your fellow travellers as you cruise this evening towards Miltenberg.
Day 22 Day 22: Miltenberg
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Miltenberg

Disembark your river ship and travel through the evocative town of Miltenberg, with its many half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th century. Later this evening, enjoy a superb dinner on board before settling into the Lounge to watch the glittering lights of medieval towns and villages glide past as you cruise through the night.
Day 23 Day 23: Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge

Dock in Rüdesheim, and board the Winzerexpress mini-train, bound for Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Admire delicate songbird boxes and curious musical dolls. Later, stroll back to your river ship, via alleys lined with shops and cafes, perhaps stopping for a decadent Rüdesheimer coffee along the way. Though the colours of the Rhine Gorge change according to the season, the steep slopes and vineyards are always a beautiful sight to behold. As are Lorelei Rock and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle which, contrary to their surrounds, have remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Ensure you are on the Sun Deck with your camera as you cruise this picturesque stretch of river.
Day 24 Day 24: Cologne, Brühl
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Cologne, Brühl

As you cruise into the riverside city of Cologne, the sheer magnitude of the history of the region becomes apparent as your Cruise Director tells of how the twin spires of the famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete. Head to the Sun Deck as this magnificent architectural masterpiece comes into view and marvel at the tenacity of its craftsmen and builders. Disembark your ship in Cologne and take the short drive to Brühl. Later, return to Cologne and enjoy free time to discover over 2,000 years of history in the Old City. There is something for everyone – from artisan chocolates to architecture displaying each period through the ages.
Day 25 Day 25: Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Amsterdam

Today, cruise to the eclectic city of Amsterdam. Clustered by historic houses and studded with low bridges, Amsterdam’s network of 17th-century canals lends the city its famous charm. Perhaps the best way to get to know Amsterdam is aboard a glass-top boat. Today, you’ll join a local guide who will regale you with stories of daily life as you glide through the city’s maze of waterways. Back on land, enjoy some free time at Museum Square with time for a photo in front of the ‘I amsterdam’ sign. Perhaps grab a map to explore the canal-crossed streets lined with unique tall and narrow buildings that epitomise this carefree, cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a myriad of great shopping opportunities, stopping to see the traditional blue and white Delftware pottery and making sure to visit one of the many artisan cheese makers or chocolatiers found in the traditional tall houses that line the canal shores. Perhaps visit the bustling Dam Square, or art lovers might want to explore the city’s thriving art scene. Enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner back on board your river ship later this evening.
Day 26 Day 26: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

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

+23

26 days tour

Adriatic Highlights And European Gems River Cruise (2019)

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Itinerary of your trip Adriatic Highlights And European Gems River Cruise (2019)

Day 1: Arrive Dubrovnik

Day 2: Dubrovnik

Day 3: Dubrovnik, Split

Day 4: Split

Day 5: Split, Mostar, Sarajevo

Day 6: Sarajevo

Day 7: Sarajevo, Plitvice Lakes

Day 8: Plitvice Lakes, Opatija

Day 9: Opatija, Lake Bled

Day 10: Lake Bled

Day 11: Lake Bled, Zagreb

Day 12: Zagreb, Budapest, Embark Ship

Day 13: Budapest

Day 14: Vienna

Day 15: Vienna

Day 16: Dürnstein, Melk

Day 17: Passau

Day 18: Regensburg

Day 19: Nuremberg

Day 20: Bamberg

Day 21: Wurzburg

Day 22: Miltenberg

Day 23: Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge

Day 24: Cologne, Brühl

Day 25: Amsterdam

Day 26: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

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