Jewels of Europe with Treasures of Turkey

Welcome to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of this amazing city. See magnificent Hagia Sophia and visit the stunning Blue Mosque, the remains of the Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with views overlooking the mighty Bosphorus. (B/D)

This morning your local guide will show you around the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world before continuing towards Canakkale for your two night stay. (B/L)

Today travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the WWI landings by allied forces including ANZAC troops on the morning of April 25, 1915. Visit many of the landmark sites such as the Cape Hellas Memorial, ANZAC Cove, the ominously named Shrapnel Valley, Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. (B/L/D)

Journey today to the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon, where you will visit the site of Asclepion, the famed ancient medical centre dating back to 4th century BC. Then see the magnificent Acropolis containing the ruins of Pergamon’s acclaimed 200,000 volume library. See monuments such as the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Athena, and the Theatre, before enjoying authentic Turkish cuisine at a home hosted lunch in a local village. Then depart for Izmir, with an overnight stay. (B/L)

Tour Izmir, starting at the heart of the city, Konak Square. From here you’ll see the ruins of Agora and the Old Market Place. After visiting a local winery for a tasting of their delicious produce continue to Kusadasi for a two stay. (B/D)

Visit Ephesus, perhaps the world’s best-preserved ancient city that once housed the Temple of Artemis. Walk the Marble Road, the construction of which started in the 1st century AD and see many preserved buildings such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus and the Great Ampitheatre. Then venture behind the Ephesus hills to where the House of Virgin Mary once stood. (B)

Freechoice: Visit the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, admired for its breathtaking views of terraced calcium pools, then explore the ancient Necropolis site. Alternatively, swim in the Antique Pool of Cleopatra, and experience the legendary healing properties as you soak in the warm waters. At the end of the day be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B/D)

Today we visit Antalya, situated on a cliff over the Mediterranean and surrounded by mountains, the city has been home to multiple civilisations including the Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans. Visit the large archaeological museum rich in Classical, Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk artefacts before continuing to Aspendos. Highlights include its Roman Theatre that is said to be the best-preserved in the world. Your base for tonight is Antalya. (B)

This morning drive to Konya, a traditional caravan stop and home of the Whirling Dervishes. Visit the Mevlana Museum, former monastery of the Dervishes which contains the tomb of the groups’ 13th century spiritual leader before an overnight stay. (B/D)

This morning we travel towards the moon-like landscapes of Cappadocia. Enroute you will have the opportunity to visit a 13th century Caravanserai, built to house merchants and their animals travelling the famed Silk road that connected the East and West. Afterwards, experience what life is like in a traditional Cappadocian village during a visit to a traditional stone house accompanied by a hearty yet delicious lunch. This afternoon stop in Kaymakli Underground city, an underground settlement built to protect the early Christians living in this region from invaders. Continue to your hotel in Cappadocia for a two night stay. (B/L)

Freechoice: This morning choose to take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride (weather permitting) over the valleys of Cappadocia, or enjoy a special breakfast in a spectacular location. Then visit the main sights of this amazing region, including a tour of the Monastic Centre of Goreme. Founded in the 4th century, the centre now serves as an open-air museum featuring rock-cut churches with beautifully well-preserved frescoes inside. (B/D)

This morning take a short flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Spice Market and be immersed in the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace. This afternoon is yours to explore, before dinner at one of Istanbul’s finest restaurants on the shores of the Bosphorus. Enjoy a two night stay. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: This morning relax and rejuvenate at a Turkish Bath, or learn about traditional Turkish cuisine during a cooking class. Relax on the waters of the Bosphorus aboard your private cruise. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul airport for your included flight to Budapest to join your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. (B/D)

Freechoice: Join a guided tour of Budapest, or relax and unwind at the local 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, take a hike to Buda Hill. (B/L/D)

While cruising, relax in the on board lounge or 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. Alternatively, learn about Viennese coffee culture with a local expert, 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: Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place. This exclusive performance is based on the timeless movie of the same name. Enjoy a delicious 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. 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 city's 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)

Freechoice: Board the Winzerexpress mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, before enjoying a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument or join a local guide for a hike through the vineyards that cover the slopes of the Rhine River then relax as you make your way back to the town centre by cable car. This afternoon enjoys spectacular views of the 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 walking 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)