Treasures of Sicily and Malta with European Gems

Ciao and welcome to Sicily. On arrival at Catania Airport, transfer to your hotel in Giardini Naxos, set along the coastline near Taormina and within easy reach of the town centre. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Dinner.

Set out for Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, where you'll explore the lower slopes and view striking lava formations shaped by past eruptions. Later, continue to the beautiful hilltop town of Taormina for a guided walking tour. Visit the historic 13th-century Duomo, admire its blend of architectural styles, and explore the remarkable ancient Greek Theatre. Afterwards, enjoy time to wander Taormina's charming lanes and boutiques before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Spend today at leisure to enjoy Taormina at your own pace. Wander lively streets lined with boutiques and cafes, stroll through peaceful gardens, or relax by the beach and soak up the Sicilian sunshine.

Enhance Your Journey - Taormina Coastline Cruise Discover the dazzling coastline of Taormina and Giardini Naxos, where turquoise waters, hidden grottoes and secluded bays create one of Sicily's most captivating seascapes. Depart from Giardini Naxos and cruise past iconic Isola Bella, with opportunities to swim or snorkel in clear coves and enjoy a refreshing aperitif along the way.

Today travel into the mountains to Castelbuono, a charming town nestled within Madonie Regional Natural Park. Its narrow lanes and beautifully preserved historic centre create an immediate sense of old-world Sicily. Enjoy a special Insider Experience here before continuing to Cefalù, one of the island's most picturesque seaside towns. Wander its atmospheric streets, then journey on to Palermo, where the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Insider Experience - Lunch with Locals in Castelbuono Share a memorable lunch with locals in the hidden hill town of Castelbuono, savouring traditional regional dishes while experiencing the warm hospitality and timeless character of authentic Sicilian life.

This morning, discover the vibrant city of Palermo, one of Sicily's richest centres of history, art and culture. Visit the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, the richly decorated Church of St Mary of the Admiral, and the breathtaking Palatine Chapel, renowned for its glittering Byzantine mosaics. This afternoon, enjoy a memorable Insider Experience, then spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Insider Experience - A Taste of Palermo Set out on a mouth-watering food tour through Palermo, sampling a variety of authentic local dishes and drinks that capture the bold, layered flavours of Sicilian cuisine and everyday life.

Travel to Monreale this morning to visit the Monreale Cathedral and Benedictine Cloister, which form part of the Arab-Norman Palermo route, together with the Cefalù Cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, continue to Agrigento to explore the remarkable Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's most significant archaeological treasures. Wander through this vast site, home to the remains of seven ancient Greek temples, all in Doric style, and a collection of well-preserved monuments. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Journey along the Mediterranean coast, stopping in the beautiful city of Ragusa. On arrival, join a local guide for a walking tour through the old town, weaving through a portion of Ragusa's maze of narrow streets. Learn about the city's rich architectural heritage, where centuries-old buildings stand in striking contrast to its modern quarters, before enjoying some free time to explore at your own pace.

Later, continue to the port town of Pozzallo to board the ferry to Malta. Relax on the crossing and take in the salty sea air as the Maltese coastline comes into view. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Sliema, a lively seaside town just across the harbour from Valletta.

Today, discover Valletta, Malta's captivating capital. Founded in 1566 by the Knights Hospitaller, this fortified city rises between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, its golden limestone streets laid out with military precision and Baroque grandeur.

Begin along historic Strada Reale - today's Republic Street - where everyday Maltese life unfolds. Visit the magnificent St John's Co-Cathedral, famed for its lavish interior and extraordinary collection of art and marble tombs, before continuing to St George's Square. Here, view the Grandmaster's Palace from the outside and step inside Casa Rocca Piccola, a privately owned 16th-century palace.

End the day with a traditional dhajsa boat cruise through Valletta's natural Grand Harbour, gliding past bastions and fortifications that reveal why this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is often described as an open-air museum.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take time to simply relax and make use of your hotel's facilities, or choose to join an optional excursion to Gozo.

Enhance Your Journey - Full-Day Tour of Gozo with Lunch Travel by ferry to the island of Gozo and discover its distinctive character. Visit Ġgantija, home to the earliest of the Megalithic Temples of Malta, remarkable structures that predate the pyramids of Egypt. Continue to Victoria's historic Cittadella, admire the coastal beauty of Xlendi Bay, and browse for local crafts. Conclude the day with a light lunch at a traditional Maltese restaurant, complemented by a tasting of local Gozitan wine.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your Insider Experience. This evening, discover the timeless charm of Mdina, Malta's former capital. Nicknamed the ‘Silent City', Mdina is especially enchanting after dark, when lantern light casts a golden glow across its narrow streets. As you explore, your guide reveals the city's layered history and legends, including tales of the White Lady of Mdina. Take in sweeping views from the bastions before enjoying a Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience - Pastizzi Cooking Experience Join a local chef in the tranquil Ta' Xmun Olive Grove for a hands-on cooking experience, learning the traditional art of making Malta's beloved pastizzi - crisp pastry filled with ricotta or pea puree.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Malta and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Amsterdam. On arrival, transfer to your river ship. Discover this vibrant, cosmopolitan city, renowned for its picturesque canals and relaxed charm. This evening, join your Cruise Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam's maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight's special Gala Dinner.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne's famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience - Augustusburg Palace Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most scenic stretch of the Rhine. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through the town to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of Germany's finest collections of automated musical instruments.

Enjoy free time in Miltenberg exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Gardens. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg.

Enhance Your Journey - Rothenburg Excursion Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you'll see highlights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main - Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler's infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan shops. Later, cruise the Main - Danube Canal, crossing Europe's Continental Divide via its remarkable series of 16 locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, arrive in Regensburg. Docked in the heart of town, spend the day exploring this charming city on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in nearby Abensberg, a family-owned brewery featuring the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Insider Experience - Bavarian Evening on Board This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey - Kuchlbauer's World of Beer Brewery Visit Visit Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg, tour the brewery and see the colourful Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in Passau, otherwise known as the 'City of Three Rivers', where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.

Enhance Your Journey - Český Krumlov Visit Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.

Enhance Your Journey - Salzburg Sights Journey through Austria's scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart's hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.

After crossing into Austria, dock in Melk and join a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, townhouses and taverns, or perhaps join an optional regional wine tasting.

Enhance Your Journey - Wine Tasting Visit Dürnstein Abbey to sample local Wachau wines, including Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, accompanied by a tasting of regional brandy.

In Vienna, join a guided walking tour taking in St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg and the Albertina museum. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

Enhance Your Journey - Mozart and Strauss Concert Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna's historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city's famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Enhance Your Journey - Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa. Explore the elegant palace apartments adorned with fine textiles and chandeliers, then stroll through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, visit the stables for a private introduction to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Learn about their breeding, care and training before witnessing a special demonstration of their grace and discipline.

Enhance Your Journey - Visit Bratislava in Slovakia Visit Bratislava, Slovakia's charming capital, where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city's fascinating past.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube's most enchanting riverside cities as your ship glides into the heart of Hungary's capital. After breakfast, join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.

Insider Experience - Hungarian State Opera Performance Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.

Enhance Your Journey - Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum Explore this fascinating museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. Built in 1941 as a first-aid shelter, it was designed to withstand the impact of aerial bombing.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.