Duration
15 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from Hungary
Ports
9 Ports
3-4 May
Setting sail from Budapest
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent - ransacked by the Mongols in 1241, occupied by the Ottoman Turks for over a century, and almost flattened by the Soviets in 1945 - but plenty of older buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen's Basilica. Although a pedant might point out that Budapest has only really existed since 1873; up until then the city's two distinct halves, Buda and Pest, were separate towns.
Our tip
Hungarian cuisine is vastly underrated; don’t visit Budapest without trying goulash, the paprika-infused national dish.
5-7 May
Austria: Innsbruck
Switzerland: Zurich
Italy: Bellagio
8 May
Italy: Verona
The name Verona conjures up images of Shakespearean tragedy and feuding families, but there is more to this city than Romeo and Juliet. Verona has long been an important trading centre and boasts an impressive collection of Roman remains, including an outdoor arena that hosts a wonderful opera festival every summer.
9 May
Slovenia: Ljubljana
10-13 May
Italy: Venice
Venice is a city like no other, a marble maze of turquoise canals criss-crossed by beautiful bridges, overflowing with palaces, churches and charming little piazzas. No matter how many times you’ve seen it in photographs, that first glimpse of the Grand Canal will simply take your breath away.
14-15 May
Italy: Chioggia
Situated on a small island at the southern entrance to the Venetian Lagoon, Chioggia is a pleasant fishing port that is sometimes described as a ‘miniature Venice’, complete with canals and some attractive historical architecture.
16-18 May
Arriving in Venice
Venice is a city like no other, a marble maze of turquoise canals criss-crossed by beautiful bridges, overflowing with palaces, churches and charming little piazzas. No matter how many times you've seen it in photographs, that first glimpse of the Grand Canal will simply take your breath away; it hardly seems credible that such an eye-popping scene could exist outside of a Canaletto painting. Of course Venice is a city that draws big crowds, especially in summer, but don't let this put you off; even the busiest areas are never more than a few steps from a quiet courtyard or a secluded square.
Don't miss
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection houses an eclectic assortment of works from the likes of Picasso, Magritte and Jackson Pollock. There is also a lovely garden facing on to the Grand Canal, with a rather rude sculpture of a rider on horseback.
Your home from home
What we love
The reimagined S.S. La Venezia dazzles with its exquisite interiors, featuring Venetian-inspired decor, new suites and three dining venues to choose from.
Capacity | 126 Guests |
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Crew | 42 Staff |
Style |
Relaxed and informal during the day, giving way to an elegant evening atmosphere. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Our favourite hotel in Budapest
We like the Hotel Palazzo Zichy on the Pest side of the river, which used to be the residence of Count Nándor Zichy.
A taste of Hungary
If you’re a wine lover, you really should visit the world’s oldest classified wine region, known for its sweet Tokaji aszú dessert wine.
Our favourite hotel in Venice
The Metropole is an old favourite for its quieter location and lovely lagoon views.
See more of the Veneto
If you’ve time, take the train to Padova and visit the Scrovegni Chapel.