European Supreme with 3 Day Aegean Cruise Premier Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive London (2 Nights)

Welcome to London. After check-in, take a leisurely stroll through the city or relax and look forward to your wonderful adventure.

Day 2: London Sightseeing

See a host of major attractions during your morning sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own or shopping. Full Breakfast

Day 3: London – Amsterdam (2 Nights)

This morning meet your Travel Director before leaving London. See the White Cliffs of Dover as you board your ferry to cross the English Channel to France and then continue on to Amsterdam. This evening join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception cruise along the city's scenic canals. Full Breakfast, Welcome Reception

Day 4: Amsterdam Orientation

Explore the fascinating maritime history, tree-lined canals and gabled façades of Amsterdam on an orientation of the city's charming 17th century canal ring district. Learn about Dutch diamond heritage and traditions, visiting a diamond polishing factory for a Cultural Insight into diamond cutting. Enjoy the rich aromas and flavours of Dutch cheese this afternoon in Volendam where we enjoy a Cultural Insight into traditional cheese-making and the crafting of Holland's characteristic wooden clogs. Buffett Breakfast

Day 5: Amsterdam – Rhine Cruise – Heidelberg – Rhineland

We cross the German border and board a cruise in Boppard. Journeying along the mighty Rhine past vineyard-clad hills and fairy-tale medieval castles, we disembark in St. Goar, avoiding the allure of the legendary Lorelei. We travel past the university city of Heidelberg to admire its magnificent ruined sandstone castle which stands imposingly overlooking the scenic Neckar River. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Rhineland – Munich – Innsbruck

Arriving in the Bavarian capital of Munich today, we see the Hofbrauhaus, City Hall and iconic Marienplatz with its charming Glockenspiel. Crossing the Austrian border, we arrive in Innsbruck for an orientation that will include views of St. Jakob's Cathedral and Emperor Maximilian I's glittering Golden Roof. This evening, consider a rousing evening of Tyrolean entertainment. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Innsbruck – Venice (2 Nights)

Cross the snow-capped Alps to Italy today, travelling via the Brenner Pass to Venice, where you will join your travel companions for a delicious Regional Meal at a local restaurant. Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 8: Venice Orientation

Glide through the waters of the Adriatic by private launch arriving in the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Delve into the unique history of this beautiful Byzantine city, see the ornate Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square and the famous Bridge of Sighs before gaining a Cultural Insight into the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring in the labyrinthine calle of this city of islands. Buffet Breakfast

Day 9: Venice – Vienna (2 Nights)

Journey through the Veneto plains, across the Styrian Alps and to Austria's imperial capital of Vienna. Celebrate the city's iconic reputation as the world's music capital and perhaps consider an evening Optional Experience including dinner and entertainment. Buffet Breakfast

Day 10: Vienna Sightseeing

Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of this elegant capital, including views of the State Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg, once the home of the powerful Habsburg Dynasty. Spend the rest of your day at leisure, soaking up the cosy coffee culture or visiting such iconic sights as the Schonbrunn Palace with its exquisite gardens. This evening, perhaps indulge in Vienna's intoxicating musical talent, enjoying a concert of classical music at one of the city's concert halls, churches or palaces. Buffet Breakfast

Day 11: Vienna – Budapest (2 Nights)

Our love affair with the Danube continues into Hungary where we explore the medieval city of Győr with its exquisite Baroque architecture and historic city centre. We journey to Budapest, the Paris of the East. This evening, relax in the soothing Széchenyi Baths as the sun sets, walk along the glittering Chain Bridge from Buda to Pest, or consider a scenic Danube river cruise including a selection of hearty Hungarian fare. Buffet Breakfast

Day 12: Budapest Sightseeing

Join your Local Specialist this morning for a fascinating sightseeing tour of Budapest. See the Great Synagogue, the Chain Bridge and visit Fishermen's Bastion on the banks of the Danube in the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district. Admire spectacular views of Pest, including the magnificent Parliament building, one of the largest in the world. This evening we join the Schieszl family for a delicious Be My Guest meal and hear the story of their winery, which doubled as a hiding place during WWII for a Jewish friend who was fleeing Nazi persecution. Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 13: Budapest – Belgrade (2 Nights)

We visit the vibrant city of Szeged famous for its open-air plays, youthful exuberance and the Votive church, before crossing the border to Serbia and its capital, Belgrade. Dine tonight at your hotel, then take to the city's streets. Soak up the lively atmosphere on Skadarlija Street, watch the city lights glisten on Belgrade Lake or enjoy a relaxing evening cruise on the Danube. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Belgrade Sightseeing

A Local Specialist will share the sights of the Serbian capital today, including the ancient Belgrade Fortress and bohemian Skadarlija district. Spend this afternoon at leisure delving into the fascinating life of Nikola Tesla, relaxing at Ada Ciganlija with the locals or perhaps join an Optional Experience into the Serbian countryside. Buffet Breakfast

Day 15: Belgrade – Sofia Sightseeing

Travelling south, we see the 18th century Turkish Fortress in Niš, before crossing into Bulgaria and arriving in the capital, Sofia. We join a Local Specialist this afternoon to explore a city that bridges Europe and the East, with a history that spans millennia. Admire views of the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at the highest point of the city, spending the evening at leisure. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Sofia – Kalambaka

Departing Sofia this morning, we travel to Greece enjoying views of the scenic Plains of Thessaly en route to Kalambaka with its breathtaking Meteora monasteries that cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17: Kalambaka – Delphi – Athens

We journey across the fertile Thessaly region and see the battle site at Thermopylae, where the heroic Leonidas and brave Spartans battled against the invading Persians. We arrive at the centre of the world and Mount Parnossos, joining a Local Specialist to explore the ancient sanctuary of Delphi and seat of the most important oracle in the ancient classical world. Wander through the centuries-old ruins of the Sacred Way to the 5th century Temple of Apollo and marvel at the site where athletes once competed in the Pythian Games held in honour of Apollo and the Arts. We arrive in Athens this evening. Buffet Breakfast

Day 18: Embark Piraeus – Mykonos

Leaving the vibrant cityscape of Athens, we arrive in Mykonos - the island of fun, with its charismatic winding alleyways lined by whitewashed houses, bright pink bougainvillea-clad walls and the windmills that stand imposingly overlooking the tiny port. Soak up charming island life and enjoy the flavours of local seafood dishes. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Kusadasi – Patmos

Arrive early in Kusadasi in Turkey for your Complimentary Shore Experience to the fascinating ancient settlement of Ephesus, site of the famous Temple of Artemis. Continue your cruise to Patmos where you can relax on the beach, or consider an Optional Experience to the 11th century Monastery of St. John. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Heraklion – Santorini

Wake this morning in Heraklion on the island of Crete and consider shore experience visit to Europe's oldest city, Knossos. Continue to the spectacular volcanic island of Santorini where you will explore the spectacular village of Oia on your Complimentary Shore Experience. Later witness one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Mediterranean. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Disembarkation – Athens

This morning, disembark from your cruise ship and rejoin the trip. Buffet Breakfast

Day 22: Ancona – Assisi

Spend today worshipping the sunshine, as we sail up the dramatic Adriatic coast towards Ancona. This evening we arrive in the mystical medieval town of Assisi, the home and final resting place of beloved St. Francis. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Day 23: Assisi Sightseeing – Sorrento

Join your Local Specialist today to delve into the heritage of St. Francis and enjoy a sightseeing tour to see the Basilica that bears his name. We pass the Benedictine Abbey in Monte Cassino before arriving in the sophisticated seaside retreat of Sorrento. Buffet Breakfast

Day 24: Sorrento – Pompeii – Rome (2 Nights)

We join a Local Specialist in Pompeii to hear the story of this remarkable ancient Roman settlement that was buried in ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Meandering through the green and golden countryside of Lazio, we arrive in Rome, the Eternal City this evening. Buffet Breakfast

Day 25: Rome Sightseeing

Arrive in the centre of Christianity, the Vatican City. Experience a Cultural Insight when you ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante with your Local Specialist, admire Michelangelo's exquisite frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, before crossing the Tiber to visit the Colosseum. Spend the afternoon as you wish, sitting on the Spanish Steps or indulging in a cappuccino on the Piazza Navona. This evening we enjoy a delicious Regional Meal in Rome. Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 26: Rome – Florence Sightseeing

Journeying north through the beautiful landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany, we arrive in the Renaissance city of Florence. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of some of the city's iconic sites. View Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors, and visit Piazza della Signoria. Learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Buffet Breakfast

Day 27: Florence – Engelberg (2 Nights)

Travel north across the snow-capped Alps into Switzerland, past beautiful Lake Lugano, meandering along the scenic St. Gotthard route into central Switzerland. We spend the next two nights in the popular winter sports resort town of Engelberg. Buffet Breakfast

Day 28: Lucerne Orientation

The picturesque lakeside setting of Lucerne is ours to explore today. Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guard at the Lion Monument and wander along the wooden Chapel Bridge with its exquisite ceiling. Spend the rest of the day ambling through the medieval streets and admiring the painted façades, or perhaps embark on an Operational Experience up one of the surrounding peaks. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day 29: Engelberg – Paris (2 Nights)

We cross into France and traverse the rolling Burgundy vineyards en route to the glittering capital of Paris. The City of Light shines brightly tonight as you explore the grand boulevards and quaint cobblestone lanes on your terms. Enjoy dinner at a cosy bistro or consider attending a colourful Parisian Cabaret performance. Buffet Breakfast

Day 30: Paris Sightseeing

Join a Local Specialist today for an informative sightseeing tour of the French capital. Enjoy views of the iconic Paris skyline from the second level of the Eiffel Tower, drive along the Champs Élysées and see the Place de la Concorde. This evening, we celebrate an epic European voyage with newfound friends and our Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner. Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 31: Depart Paris

Today bid farewell to your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the end of your holiday. An airport transfer is available. Conditions apply. Buffet Breakfast