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Alpine Wildflowers aboard the Danube Express & Renaissance Gardens of Italy by Canal Boat

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 Trip Length
19 Days
 Trip Starts
Budapest
 Trip Finishes
Tuscany
19 Day Alpine Wildflowers aboard the Danube Express & Renaissance Gardens of Italy by Canal Boat Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Botanica World Discovery
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
25
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
BTDEIB19

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 19 Day Alpine Wildflowers aboard the Danube Express & Renaissance Gardens of Italy by Canal Boat. Enjoy six nights aboard the Danube Express train, followed by a six-night canal cruise on the La Bella Vita. Visit Villa Gamberaia, Giardino Torrigiani and Schönbrunn Palace.

Itinerary

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your art nouveau hotel, which boasts panoramic views across the River Danube. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner in these elegant surrounds and meet your fellow travellers. Stay Two Nights: Budapest, The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace or similar (D)

Enjoy a morning tour of of Budapest's sights including the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and a panoramic view of the city from Gellert Hill. We will also see the Citadel, the Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral, Heroes Square and the City Park.

This afternoon take a walk with your Botanical Guides to see some of the secret gardens of Budapest,  before you enjoy free time to stroll along the banks of the Danube, or perhaps see the city's other sights. (B/L/D)

We enjoy a morning reception in the impressive Royal Waiting Room at Budapest Nyugati station before boarding the luxurious Danube Express. Settle into your beautifully appointed cabin and enjoy lunch as the train makes its way to Vienna.

This afternoon, visit the World Heritage-listed Schönbrunn Palace, featuring awe-inspiring Baroque architecture and exquisite gardens.

Afterwards, visit the Alpine Garden, where you can see edelweiss, gentians and alpine roses.

This evening, we will enjoy a private concert at the House of Mozart, featuring the Vienna Supreme Orchestra. Stay Six Nights: Danube Express Train (B/L/D)

Travel across central Austria, and into the Alps, during an incredibly scenic morning's journey. See alpine wildflowers within this stunning setting. Travel over the Semmering Pass and through the famous skiing village of Kitzbuhel to Jenbach.

Following lunch, take a scenic drive to picturesque Lake Achen for a cruise on the water. Continue to Innsbruck, known for its imperial, as well as modern, architecture. The Tyrolean State Museum features a fine collection of Austrian art.

Afterwards, enjoy a tour of Innsbruck, which includes a visit to the Hofgarten. This Court Garden was originally established on the site of a river meadow in the sixteenth century, under the direction of Archduke Ferdinand II. This was once one of the most elaborate gardens north of the Alps. (B/L/D)

Relax and watch Vorarlberg's scenery unfold in front of your eyes. We pass through the village of St. Anton before crossing Liechtenstein and into Switzerland. Our train runs along the edge of Lake Zürich before arriving in the city. You may prefer to disembark the train earlier, in Buchs, and take a cable car to Alpengarten Hoher Kasten to see a variety of alpine plant species. Enjoy exceptional views of Lake Constance, before arriving in Zurich by coach. (B/L/D)

Depart Zürich and travel along Lake Zug and Lake Lucerne, before starting the very scenic climb to St Gotthard Pass. The pass winds its way along a succession of switchbacks through epic mountain scenery. Descend through Lugano to Italy's Lake Como. Here we visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello. Both of these idyllic Italian gardens occupy stunning lake settings.

This evening, arrive in Milan, celebrated for its standing within the world of fashion, as well as for the magnificently restored Gothic Duomo cathedral and the Teatro La Scala opera house. (B/L/D)

Travel along the south shore of Lake Garda to Verona, famous for being the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Visit Giardino Giusti, regarded to be among the most beautiful Renaissance gardens in Europe. In Trieste, we see the vast Piazza Unità d'Italia, the main town square. Climb the hill to the Church of San Giusto, which was built around a medieval complex which dates to the 13th century. (B/L/D)

Wake early this morning as our train crosses the border into Slovenia. We roll on before a backdrop of sharply rising peaks, comprising part of the Julian Alps, until we reach the serene Lake Bled. The lake's island, church and castle make for an incredibly picturesque sight in the alpine foothills of north-western Slovenia. Continue to Ljubljana for an afternoon tour, which takes us to some of the country's most prominent sites, such as Preseren Square, Three Bridges and the Dragon Bridge. (B/L/D)

Head south towards Mestre, where our train travels the three-mile causeway that crosses the Venice Lagoon. Soon, we arrive at Venice Santa Lucia station, located on the stunning Grand Canal. We disembark the train and check into our luxurious hotel, which enjoys a spectacular location. Stay: Stay: Venice, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice or similar (B/L/D)

This afternoon, you will be transferred to your boutique canal boat, La Bella Vita. After being welcomed with a glass of Prosecco, we enjoy an afternoon cruise, taking us along the Giudecca Canal and past some of the most famous monuments in Venice: the Chiesa del Redentore, the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Punta della Dogana. We then reach our mooring outside the Naval History Museum. During a short walking tour through the ‘Secret Gardens of Venice', we hear how locals managed to build exquisite gardens in such a difficult environment.

This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board our river ship. Stay Six Nights: La Bella Vita Canal Boat (B/D)

This morning we visit the lagoon island of Sant'Erasmo for a walking tour. This agricultural zone is full of flower and vegetable fields and was historically the ‘Doge's Vegetable Garden'. Late this afternoon, we cruise to Pellestrina, which separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Traversing the Canal of the Orphans, our boat passes lagoon islands with ancient monasteries, painted fishing boats and tiny churches. There may also be time for a walk, or perhaps a ride, along the 18th-century Istrian Sea wall. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we cruise to Chioggia, the setting of one of Goldoni's plays. Wander through the colourful fish market before heading to the Padua Botanical Garden. Founded in 1545, it is the world's oldest academic botanical garden and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We rejoin La Bella Vita at Porto Levante to cruise through the Po Delta nature reserve.

Keep a look out for flamingos and the occasional heron, snipe and other wildfowl. We continue upriver to Taglio di Po. We enjoy dinner ashore, hosted by the owners of the beautiful 17th-century villa Tenuta Ca'Zen. This private and stately home sits along the river, surrounded by private gardens. It was here that Lord Byron courted Countess Guiccioli, inspiring some of his best poetry. (B/L/D)

This morning we join the Bianco Canal, cruising to Adria, an ancient Etruscan town. Here, we visit the National Archaeological Museum. After lunch back on board our ship, we drive to the Bagnoli Estate to see its Renaissance gardens and the wine cellars of the 17th-century Villa Widmann Borletti. Savour a private tasting of their renowned estate-grown vintages. A stroll of the vineyards, orchards and formal gardens leads us to the estate's topiary, as well as statues of various theatrical characters. Rejoining La Bella Vita in the town of Zelo, we enjoy dinner on board. (B/L/D)

This morning, visit Giardino di Valsanzibio, its tree-lined avenues, fishponds, fountains and statues a remarkable sight. Built between 1665 and 1696 by one of Venice's most eminent families, the Barbarigo's, the garden was intended as a thank you to God for sparing them from the plague of 1630-31. The garden's design seeks to convey to visitors a positive message: that one should stop and meditate, live life with joy, and that there is always a solution to life's difficulties. Return to our vessel, moored in Trevenzuolo, and take an afternoon canal cruise past villages and farmsteads to the village of Governolo.

This evening, we enjoy dinner on board. (B/L/D)

The final leg of our cruise sees us approach the city of Mantua, which enjoys a captivating lakeside setting and was once home to the poet Virgil, as well as the artists Mantegna and Donatello. Mantua displays extraordinary neo-classical and baroque architecture, as evidenced in the 14th-century Ducal Palace, which houses some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica and theatre. As we wander from room to room, we see intricate frescoes, the Gallery of Mirrors, the exquisite Rivers Room and around 12,000 paintings and sculptures. This masterpiece of art and architecture represents a grand finale to our Italian Renaissance adventure.

Afterwards, we wander the beautifully landscaped area of the Parco Giardino Sigurtà. The park features vast lawns, a rose garden, a hermitage and a medicinal herb garden.

This evening, enjoy a Captain's Farewell Dinner on board La Bella Vita. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we depart our canal boat and make our way to Bologna.

On arrival, enjoy a short tour of the city, which includes Piazza Maggiore; San Petronio; the leaning towers of Bologna; and Orto Botanico, the city's botanical gardens. During the 16th century, herbs for medicines were grown here. We enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, savouring the regional dish of tortellini, before continuing to Tuscany and our beautiful villa, located in the serene countryside. Stay Three Nights: Tuscany, Villa Olmi or similar (B/L/D)

Today we make our way to Florence to visit three incredible gardens. Villa Gamberaia is a historic villa, built in the early 1600s and known for its magnificent gardens overlooking the Arno valley.

Next we visit the romantic, English-style garden of Giardino Torrigiani, the largest privately owned garden situated within city boundaries in Europe. At Villa di Castello, we see the country residence of Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The gardens here had a profound influence upon the design of the Italian Renaissance gardens and the later French formal garden. (B/D)

Today we visit two special gardens near the city of Lucca. At Villa Torrigiani, we travel along the cypress avenue leading to the entrance of this baroque garden and its incredible fountains. At Villa Reale di Marlia, a range of gardens surrounds the villa, including an Italian and Spanish garden, camellia walkways and a lemon garden.

This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner. (B/D)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in Florence as our journey reaches its end. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • View early spring wildflowers while crossing the Alps including the Alpine Garden
  • Enjoy a private concert at the House of Mozart in Vienna and explore Schönbrunn Palace
  • Visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello on Lake Como
  • Visit Sant'Erasmo island, the farm of Venice, and explore the world's oldest botanic gardens at Padua
  • Spend three nights in a Tuscan villa and visit gardens in Florence, including Villa Gamberaia & Giardino Torrigiani

  • Airport transfers on first and last day, tipping, port taxes and porterage
  • Services of a Tour/Train Manager and Botanical Guide

  • 50 included meals over the course of your trip.

  • 18 nights including six-nights on the luxurious Danube Express train, a six-night canal cruise on La Bella Vita, five-nights in luxury hotels

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Prices are for land only, flights not included
  • Medium Fitness Level - involves walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, and being able to stand up for up to one hour, while keeping up with the pace of the group
  • Group size: 15-25 guests. Shared train journey with sister company. Exclusive Botanica cruise. Cruise itinerary may be reversed

Deck Plans

 
Stateroom
Lower Deck
 
Junior Suite
Upper Deck
Sun Deck

Cabins

Stateroom

  • 105 square feet
  • En-suite facilities
  • Air-conditioning
  • Twin beds or double bed configuration
  • Located on Lower Deck

Junior Suite

  • 130 square feet
  • En-suite facilities
  • Air-conditioning
  • Twin beds or double bed configuration
  • Located on Upper Deck

Brochure

Europe

APT Europe (2024)

No matter how many times you’ve been, there’s always something new to discover in APT’s Europe. Whether you want to cruise the rivers, glide through landscapes by rail or coach, or get deeply immersed in art, culture, food and history in any number of amazing cities, APT is for you.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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