Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto (2025) (Budapest to Venice, 2025)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 16-day journey through the heart of Europe, blending the elegance of train travel with the allure of a Venetian cruise. From the vibrant streets of Budapest to the enchanting canals of Venice, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty. Discover iconic landmarks, savor local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant cultures of Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, and beyond. With luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through some of Europe's most captivating destinations.
Included
All meals onboard cruise and train, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
15 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 15 dinners
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
Golden Eagle Danube Express
S.S. La Venezia
6 nights in a luxury cabin onboard the
Golden Eagle Danube Express
private train
1 night in Budapest at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace hotel (or similar)
1 night in Venice at the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal (or similar)
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the elegant
S.S. La Venezia
Well-appointed en-suite sleeping cabins and suites on the train have remote-controlled air-conditioning and heating, individual bathrobes and slippers, wardrobes, large viewing windows, and day seating that converts into comfortable beds for the evening
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites on the cruise have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
Free Wi-Fi
hotel: 6 night(s);
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
13 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
5 countries: Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy
4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
Captivating onboard local entertainment
Cultural enrichment
Excursions included:
- A Walk in Venice with Doge’s Palace Visit
- Nights Out: Private After-Hours Visit to Saint Mark's Basilica
- Evening Stroll in Burano
- Torcello: Hidden Treasure of the Lagoon
- Murano Glass Blowing Demonstration
Additional excursions to choose from:
- Vicenza with Teatro Olimpico
- Padua Walking Tour
- Bragozzo Ride with Tastings at Ca’ Zen
- Chioggia Market Visit
- Let's Go: Biking Chioggia
- A Noble Country Villa and Its Wines
- Po Delta Sailing
- Castello del Catajo Visit
- Venice Walk with Gondola Artisans Visit
- Do as the Locals Do: Venice Walking Tour
- Ca' Macana Mask Atelier
- Rowing Venice
Map
Attractions
Dragon Bridge
Zug Altstadt
Piazza della Borsa
Arengario
Doge's Palace
Torcello
Postojna Cave
Miramare Castle
Murano lighthouse
Prešeren Square
Rialto Bridge
St Mark's Basilica
Civico museo del Castello di San Giusto
Lake ZurichDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
- More
Your adventure begins as you touch down in the vibrant city of Budapest. Whether you've opted for a group or private transfer, a Uniworld representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to the luxurious Four Seasons Gresham Palace (or similar). Settle into your elegant surroundings and prepare for the journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Explore Vienna
- Budapest
- Vienna
- More
Bid farewell to Budapest as you board the Golden Eagle Danube Express, setting course for Vienna. Enjoy a delightful lunch onboard before arriving in Austria's capital. Dive into the bustling atmosphere of the Naschmarkt or explore the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace. As night falls, indulge in a private concert featuring the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.
Day 3 – Day 3: Scenic Journey to Innsbruck
- Innsbruck
- Vienna
- More
- Loassattel
- Sebastian-Wasserfall
- More
Today's journey takes you through the heart of Austria, crossing the breathtaking Semmering Pass. Capture the stunning vistas as you travel through Kitzbuhel to Jenbach, where a scenic drive leads to Lake Achen for a serene cruise. Continue to Innsbruck, a city renowned for its blend of imperial and modern architecture, nestled in the majestic Alps.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discover Zürich
- Zurich
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- Zug Altstadt
- Lake Zurich
- More
Relax and enjoy the scenic ride through St. Anton and Liechtenstein before arriving in Zürich. Explore the charming lanes of the Altstadt, reflecting the city's rich history. Stroll along the Limmatquai and savor a traditional Swiss fondue, immersing yourself in the local culture of this global banking and finance hub.
Day 5 – Day 5: Enchanting Lake Como
- Zurich
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- Lake Como Adventure Park
- Arengario
- More
Depart Zürich and journey through the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, passing Lakes Zug and Lucerne. Cross the St. Gotthard Pass and descend into Italy, where you'll enjoy a delightful lunch by the shimmering waters of Lake Como. Embark on a boat cruise and explore the charming lakeside town of Bellagio.
Day 6 – Day 6: Verona and Trieste
- Verona
- Triest
- More
- Piazza della Borsa
- Miramare Castle
- Civico museo del Castello di San Giusto
- More
Arrive in Verona and embark on a guided walking tour of its iconic landmarks. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch onboard as the train travels to Trieste. Discover the grandeur of Miramare Castle and the expansive Piazza Unità d'Italia. Visit the Church of San Giusto, renowned for its exquisite Byzantine-style architecture.
Day 7 – Day 7: Slovenian Splendor
- Ljubljana
- Triest
- Bled
- More
- Dragon Bridge
- Prešeren Square
- More
Awake to the breathtaking scenery as the train ascends through the Julian Alps to Lake Bled. Savor lunch onboard as you continue to Ljubljana, where ancient architecture meets youthful energy. Explore Preseren Square, the Three Bridges, and the iconic Dragon Bridge, immersing yourself in the city's vibrant culture.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Caves to Canals
- Postojna
- Venice
- More
- Postojna Cave
- More
Begin your day with an exclusive visit to the mesmerizing Postojna Caves. Reboard the train and journey south to Venice, where you'll bid farewell to the train crew. Check into the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal (or similar) and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the enchanting canals of Venice at your leisure.
Day 9 – Day 9: Embark on the Venetian Lagoon
- Venice
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Check out from your hotel and embark on the S.S. La Venezia for a seven-night journey through the captivating Venetian Lagoon. Settle into your luxurious cabin and prepare for an unforgettable exploration of Venice and its surrounding islands.
Day 10 – Day 10: Venetian Marvels
- Venice
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- Doge's Palace
- St Mark's Basilica
- More
Begin your day with an early visit to the magnificent Doge's Palace, enjoying the tranquility before the crowds arrive. Wander through a local neighborhood, experiencing the authentic Venetian lifestyle. In the evening, partake in an exclusive after-hours lighting ceremony at St. Mark's Basilica, a truly magical experience.
Day 11 – Day 11: UNESCO Heritage and Island Charm
- Venice
- Burano
- Vicenza
- Padua
- More
Choose between exploring the UNESCO World Heritage city of Vicenza, with its renowned Teatro Olimpico, or a walking tour of Padua. In the afternoon, reboard the ship for a scenic sail across the lagoon, heading towards the islands of Mazzorbo and Burano. Enjoy an evening stroll in the picturesque Burano.
Day 12 – Day 12: Northern Lagoon Exploration
- Burano
- Chioggia
- Venice
- More
- Torcello
- Murano lighthouse
- More
Delve into the northern lagoon's allure, starting with a visit to Torcello's historic basilica. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the colorful Burano. Alternatively, witness the artistry of Murano's glassblowing artisans, a testament to Venice's rich craft heritage.
Day 13 – Day 13: Coastal Charm of Chioggia
- Chioggia
- More
- Spiaggia di Ca' Vio
- More
Discover the coastal allure of Chioggia, exploring its vibrant market and charming streets. Choose from a variety of excursions, including a bragozzo ride with tastings, a biking adventure, or a visit to a noble country villa. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the scenic beauty of this coastal gem.
Day 14 – Day 14: Sail the Po Delta
- Chioggia
- Venice
- Porto Viro
- More
Embark on a sailing excursion through the Po Delta, where the river meets the Adriatic Sea. Experience the unique ecosystem and stunning landscapes. After a delightful lunch, sail back to Venice, enjoying the serene beauty of the lagoon as you return to this iconic city.
Day 15 – Day 15: Venetian Highlights
- Venice
- More
- Rialto Bridge
- More
Arrive in style at the iconic Rialto Bridge, a masterpiece of Venetian architecture. Choose from a variety of excursions, including a visit to gondola artisans, a walking tour, or a mask-making atelier. Experience the essence of Venice, from its historic landmarks to its vibrant local culture.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Venice
- Venice - Departure day
- More
As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, disembark the ship and prepare for your departure. Whether you've arranged a group or private transfer, you'll be escorted to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home, carrying with you memories of a truly remarkable adventure.
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