Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto

Arrive at the airport in Budapest. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the Four Seasons Gresham Palace hotel (or similar).

This morning, you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the Golden Eagle Danube Express for a departure into Vienna. Settle into your cabin, then enjoy lunch as the train makes its way to the capital of Austria, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the lively Naschmarkt, home to over 100 food and antique stalls, or the famous Schönbrunn Palace.In the evening, we will enjoy a private concert featuring the Vienna Supreme Orchestra.

Today will be one of the real highlights of the journey as we depart from Vienna in the morning and travel across central Austria and into the Alps on an incredibly scenic route. Keep your cameras at the ready as we climb over the Semmering Pass with its 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels, through the famous skiing village of Kitzbuhel to Jenbach, where we’ll take a scenic drive to the picturesque Lake Achen for a cruise on the water.From here we travel by bus the short distance to Innsbruck, the capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol and an Alpine city that has long been a destination for winter sports. Innsbruck is also known for its Imperial and modern architecture.

Sit back, relax, and watch the scenery of the Vorarlberg unfold in front of your eyes this morning as we pass through St. Anton before crossing through Liechtenstein and then into Switzerland, where we run along the whole of the Lake of Zürich before arriving in the city.The city of Zürich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zürich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus (Town Hall). While we are in the city, we will enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue tasting.

Upon leaving Zürich, we’ll pass along the shorelines of Lakes Zug and Lucerne before starting the very scenic climb to the St. Gotthard Pass. Once through the old St. Gotthard tunnel, we’ll descend through Lugano towards Lake Como in Italy, where we stop for a beautiful lunch on the lake. After lunch, set sail on a boat cruise around Lake Como and visit the lakeside town of Bellagio.

This morning, after running along the south shore of Lake Garda, we arrive in Verona, where you’ll set out on an informative walking tour of Verona’s famous sites.Enjoy lunch onboard as the train threads its way to Trieste. Our brief tour here includes a stop at the imposing Miramare Castle and also a visit to the vast Piazza Unità d’Italia, the main town square. Standing on a hill overlooking Trieste is the famous Church of San Giusto. We will go inside the church for a close-up view of its splendid Byzantine-style architecture, enriched with precious mosaics.

You may wish to wake up early this morning to catch the incredible scenery outside your window as our train climbs away from Trieste and heads over the border into Slovenia, continuing its ascent through the Julian Alps to Lake Bled.From here we travel onto Ljubljana as we have lunch on board and discover a delightful combination of ancient architecture and a youthful culture. Our afternoon tour includes visits to Preseren Square, the Three Bridges, and Dragon Bridge.

This morning, you’ll be treated to a private visit to the Postojna Caves before re-boarding the train to head south towards Venice, where we’ll say farewell to our train crew and check into the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal (or similar) for one night. You’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy Venice at your leisure.

Check out of your hotel and embark the S.S. La Venezia today to begin your 7-night stay on the gorgeous Venetian Lagoon.

With your early morning arrival at Doge’s Palace, you’ll be able to marvel at the estate in total peace. Wander through a Venetian neighborhood and experience daily life in an authentic Venetian residential quarter. Later in the evening, cap the day off with a private once-in-a-lifetime experience at an after-hours lighting ceremony inside St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds.

Start your morning in one of two of the Veneto region’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, Vicenza or Padua. In the afternoon, you'll reboard the ship for scenic sailing across the lagoon as we head towards Mazzorbo and Burano. In the evening, you may wish to take your free time to stroll into town to appreciate this charming island when most of the tourists have left for the evening. Burano’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages are an artist’s dream —hot pink, chartreuse, orange, lemon yellow, and more.

Spend the day exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its captivating islands. Start with a visit to Torcello's famous basilica with an art historian, then stroll through the agricultural island of Mazzorbo and the rainbow-hued island of Burano during your free time after lunch. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon to see the renowned glassblowing artisans of Murano at work.

Today, you’ll admire the greatest sites of charming and coastal Chioggia, including a stop at the local and lively market.

This morning, join a sailing excursion where you’ll explore the Po Delta where the Po River and the Adriatic Sea meet. Later, during lunch, we sail back to Venice.

As your water taxi glides past narrow side canals and the Canal Grande, you’ll arrive in style at the Rialto Bridge. The iconic stone arch bridge sits at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande and holds numerous shops and restaurants.

Disembark the ship. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.

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When dining onboard, you’ll be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit.

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Our classically trained chefs use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for all onboard meals, which feature both regionally-inspired and western dishes.

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Cielo's can be found on Lido di Venezia Deck.

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VILLAGE DAY

Get an in-depth look into the quaint destinations we visit and the local people who bring them to life.

LET’S GO

These active excursions feature walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking and golfing activities.

DO AS THE LOCALS DO

Experience life like a local, from riding the subway to stopping into a café for a local treat.

NIGHTS OUT

Private after-hours tours of popular attractions and fun local nightlife experiences.

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From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests.

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Tasting cheese with a cheese affineur in Rüdesheim or cruising through the streets of Bordeaux in a retro sidecar–if going above and beyond is what you’re after, you’ll be sure to enjoy our selection of Masterpiece Collection optional experiences, available for an additional cost.

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Guests looking to treat themselves and their loved ones to a private, extraordinary experience can arrange a Curated Service. These experiences can be booked onboard, are often accompanied with a private car and/or guide, are fully customizable, and provide guests with an opportunity to create an exceptionally special moment just for them.

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Hari's Bar and Lounge can be found on the Murano Deck.

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The Lobby can be found on the Burano Deck.

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Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-control thermostat, telephone and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, cozy bathrobes and slippers

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Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-control thermostat, telephone and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, cozy bathrobes and slippers

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Luxurious riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-control thermostat, telephone and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, cozy bathrobes and slippers

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Luxurious riverview grand suite (302 sq ft - 28 sq m) with a French balcony and a spacious living room.

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-control thermostat, telephone and flat-screen TV with infotainment center.

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, special towel warmers, cozy bathrobes and slippers, separate bathtub, and backlit magnifying mirror.

Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine and free laundry service.

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Luxurious riverview suite (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, closet, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-control thermostat, telephone and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, cozy bathrobes and slippers, special towel warmers and backlit magnifying mirror

Additional amenities and services, include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; floor heaters; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine and free laundry service