Italian Treasures and European Gems River Cruise

Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight. Stay Two Nights: Rome, NH Collection Roma Centro or similar (D)

Enjoy a guided tour that takes you to some of the city's most famous sights, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

This afternoon, venture to the walled enclave and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church on a tour of the Vatican City. Take in the sweeping expanse of St Peter's Square before exploring the Vatican Museums. Here, you'll find many of the world's greatest sculptures and paintings, including Michelangelo's frescoed masterpiece upon the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)

Embark on a walking tour of Sorrento. Alternatively, take an optional tour to Capri. Once a resort island for Roman emperors, Capri is renowned for alluring the rich and famous with its beauty. Cruise across bright blue waters to the island and, on arrival, travel to the hilltop town of Anacapri to soak in the views. Enjoy some free time, then take a funicular ride down to the port before returning to Sorrento. (B)

Engulfed by the lava from Mt Vesuvius in AD79, Pompeii provides a picture of ancient Roman life.

After a tour of the ruins, travel north to San Gimignano. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. Stay: San Gimignano, Cappuccina Country Resort (B/D)

Explore the whimsical city of Verona, perhaps stopping under Juliet's balcony to put yourself in Romeo's shoes.

Later, continue on to the incomparable city of Venice. Stay Two Nights: Venice, Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (B/D)

Spend the morning discovering Venice, where romantic canals replace bustling streets on a guided tour. During your tour, stop and enjoy a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. With some time at leisure this afternoon, you may wish to join an optional Gondola ride. (B)

Travel via Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana to Zagreb in Croatia. Set out on a tour to sights such as the Stone Gate and the Opera House. Stay: Hotel Sheraton Zagreb (B/D)

Arrive in Budapest today and board your river ship. Stay 14 Nights: aboard your Travelmarvel river ship (B/D)

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. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Welcome Dinner while you cruise. (B/L/D)

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.

Afterwards, maybe visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music'. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Continue along the Danube River to the enchanting town of 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 at your own pace. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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, with its terraced gardens and serene water basin.

Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to the medieval town of Rothenburg. (B/L/D)

In Rudesheim, 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. (B/L/D)

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 facades, 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. (B/L/D)

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