Jewels of Europe with Ancient Empires of Greece

Begin your journey in Athens, where a world of ancient myths and intriguing culture awaits. Join your Tour Director for a welcome drink, before settling in for your two night stay.

This morning, discover the bustling Greek capital with a guided city tour. Explore the city’s mix of ancient and contemporary with your local guide, including a visit to the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the impressive Panathenaiko Stadium. You’ll also visit many of the city’s ancient wonders, such as the World Heritage-listed Acropolis, the Propylaea, and the Parthenon, just to name a few. Freechoice: Visit the Acropolis Museum, situated overlooking the famed Acropolis offering stunning 360-degree views of the city. Alternatively, take a walking tour through Plaka, the oldest district in Athens, and discover everything this charming neighbourhood has to offer, including a workshop on local handicraft. Tonight, enjoy a delicious included dinner in a local restaurant. (B/D)

Today travel towards Nafplion, Greece’s historic first capital. You’ll have the opportunity to stop and admire the 23-metre wide Corinth Canal, before continuing to the small village of Epidaurus, where you’ll visit the renowned Great Theatre of Epidaurus, dating back to 4th century BC. This afternoon, arrive in the charming town of Nafplion and discover this picturesque seaside port with a guided city tour. Notice the many Venetian and Ottoman influences that make this city unique, as your guide takes you through the narrow streets of the Old Town, finishing your tour at the imposing Palamidi Fortress. Relax tonight at your hotel. (B)

This morning begins with a visit to the important archaeological site of Mycenae. Learn about the legendary Agamemnon, as you marvel at the fortified ruins where once stood the most powerful kingdom in Greece.

As we continue towards Olympia, stop at local winery Skouras Domaine for a wine tasting. Then join a cooking class followed by a delicious lunch in the traditional village of Vytina. Continue to the small ancient town of Olympia, renowned as the site of the first Olympic Games held over 2,800 years ago. Here we’ll visit the Olympia Archaeological site, home to many extraordinary monuments such as the Temples of Hera and Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the torch of the modern Olympic Games is still lit today. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum, which proudly displays relics dating back to prehistoric times. Enjoy an overnight stay. (B/L/D)

Depart today for the mountainside town of Delphi, considered by Zeus to be the centre of the world. Explore significant historical sites such as the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. As we head towards Itea for our overnight stay, stop at local honey farm for a tour and olive tasting. (B)

Continue today to the World Heritage-listed site of Meteora. See the natural wonders of 60 million year old rock formations, with incredible Byzantine monasteries dating back to the 14th century balanced high on the rock pillars above. Freechoice: Take a panoramic drive through the mountains for breathtaking views of this remarkable site and visit a local monastery, or follow the old footpaths monks have walked for centuries on a guided hike. Tonight you’ll be treated to a home hosted dinner, before your overnight stay. (B/D)

Today we journey back to Athens, as we make our way to the city centre’s highest point, Lycabettus Hill. Take an enjoyable ride on the funicular railway to the peak, and be rewarded with spectacular views across the city. At the top is the setting for our unforgettable farewell dinner. Return tonight to your hotel in Athens. (B/D)

After breakfast this morning, transfer to Athens airport for your included flight to Budapest where you will board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. (B/D)

Freechoice: Make the most of a guided tour of Budapest including a piano concert, or relax and unwind at the Thermal Baths and Spa. Alternatively, join a local guide for a tour focused on the past and present of Budapest, or experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock. Or if you’re feeling more active, you make choose to join a hike to Buda Hill. (B/L/D)

While cruising, relax in one of the on board lounges and viewing areas and enjoy the scenery as your Scenic Space-Ship sails towards Vienna. Enrich: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private classical evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart. Even in elegant Vienna, Palais Liechtenstein is one of the grandest of all venues. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Take a tour of the Slovakian capital Bratislava, or visit Schönbrunn Palace and witness the opulence of the Habsburg Empire. Alternatively, learn about Viennese coffee culture with a local expert during a tour, or explore Vienna on a cycling tour to Danube Island. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Embark on a guided bike ride along the river from Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the region, to Melk, or be guided through Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey. Alternatively, visit the fairytale castle, Burg Aggstein. Built in the 12th century, the castle ruins offer spectacular views across the Danube. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of the Baroque Old Town of Salzburg and learn about one of its most famous residents, Mozart, and be mesmerised by the city’s history and architecture. Alternatively, choose to join a walking tour focusing on sights from the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music’. Enrich: Based on the timeless movie of the same name, the exclusive ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ will wow you with its stage sets. Enjoy an authentic Austrian lunch before an afternoon humming along to some of the catchy classics. (B/L/D)

There is much to explore in the 2,000 year old town of Regensburg, situated at the confluence of three rivers. Freechoice: Enjoy a walking tour of the city, or board a local ferry and sail the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey and sample beer from one of the world's oldest monastic breweries. Alternatively, cycle to the Walhalla monument, or take an active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Palace. (B/L/D)

Enjoy this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century. Freechoice: Explore the city on foot on a guided walking tour, or visit moving WWII sites and learn about this dark era in the city’s history. Alternatively, choose to stay on board for a beer tasting experience. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Take a guided tour of the Old Town of Bamberg and walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did. Alternatively, taste some of the citys regional specialities on a city walk. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit Würzburg's Bishop's Residenz Palace and sample some exquisite local wine in the underground cellars, or visit the impressive estate of Schloss Weikersheim, a true Baroque and Renaissance delight. Alternatively, explore the famous Romantic Road, an important trade route during the Middle Ages, then take in the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, a medieval gem overlooking the Tauber River. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Meet a Monk in a local monastery for a tour and insight into regional beer production, or meet a winemaker for a taste of his fine wines. Alternatively, meet a Baron and Baroness and learn about aristocratic life, or opt to visit a local Schnapps producer or a farming family and taste some of their home made products. (B/L/D)

Immerse yourself in charming Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Then enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument for spectacular views of the river. The afternoon set sail and enjoy fabulous views of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Enrich: Discover Germany's motoring heritage with a special event held at Motorworld. Set amongst a large range of classic, vintage and Formula 1 vehicles, you will have the opportunity to engage in a range of fun filled activities. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral, or step inside the cathedral and let your local guide marvel you with its history. Alternatively, explore the city’s past and present, from Roman times to its Jewish heritage, during a guided tour, or if you are feeling more active, join a guided cycling tour. (B/L/D)

Explore wonderful Amsterdam, with its wealth of canals, museums and bicycles. Freechoice: Hop aboard one of our e-bikes and take a guided bicycle tour outside of the city, or join a flavours of Holland wlaking tour and taste some Dutch favourites, such as herring, cheese and poffertjes. Alternatively, take the opportunity to experience an iconic canal cruise, or step outside of Amsterdam and visit the villages of Alkmaar & Schermerhorn, home to many authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. (B/L/D)

Depart after a wonderful farewell breakfast. Amsterdam is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of wonderful memories. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. (B)