Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans

Name: Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans
Brand: UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises
Price: 27649 EUR
Availability: InStock

About This Cruise

Begin with a stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia, an underrated beauty just waiting to be discovered by the masses. Take in the quiet charisma of the city and the stunning nature of Lake Bled before joining our one-of-a-kind cruise of the Venetian Lagoon. In Italy, your Floating Boutique Hotel^TM will whisk you away to colorful Burano, romantic Venice, and charming Chioggia. Then set off on a private train journey to Istanbul, during which you'll sleep on the luxury Golden Eagle Danube Express with ever-changing views at your window—the perfect addition to a river cruise. Along the way, visit Alpine lake towns, the awe-inspiring Postojna Caves, historic cities across Eastern Europe, and more.

Who Is This Cruise For?

Couples
Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel
Over 50s
A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

S.S. La Venezia

Departure Date

29 April 2027

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

19 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type

Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Slovenia

Ljubljana

Arrive at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the InterContinental Ljubljana.

Slovenia

Ljubljana

In the pedestrian city center of Ljubljana, a little capital city with outsized charm, you’ll find a postcard in the making everywhere your eyes turn. Pastel buildings, attractive architecture—and no cars or throngs of tourists getting in the way of it all.

Slovenia

Ljubljana

A popular day trip destination from Ljubljana, Lake Bled offers a beautiful natural landscape with unique character. Surrounded by forest-covered mountains—upon which the imposing Bled Castle is perched—the expansive, strikingly blue lake feels preserved from the outside world. Sitting in the center of the lake is its iconic island, barely large enough for the little church whose tower pokes out from amongst its greenery.

Slovenia

Ljubljana

En route to Venice today, stop in Slovenia's Karst region for an introduction to a delicious regional product.

Italy

Venice

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.

Italy

Venice

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.

Italy

Chioggia

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.

Italy

Chioggia

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

Italy

Venice

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.

Italy

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.

Italy

Venice

Disembark the ship and join the Golden Eagle Danube Express at Venice Santa Lucia Station. As you settle into your cabins, the train will thread its way out of the station and onto the causeway across the lagoon that links Venice to the mainland. Your first stop is the ancient port of Trieste for a tour of the city. This evening, we experience the truly jaw-dropping Postojna Caves. Travel deep underground aboard a cave train before exploring a remarkable network of vast chambers, dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations, and the mysterious subterranean wildlife that inhabits this extraordinary natural wonder.

Croatia

Pula

Begin the morning with a guided tour of Pula, exploring its historic center and the impressive Roman Arena, where a spectacular gladiator performance brings the city’s ancient past vividly to life. Continue inland to the Kumparička Estate for a visit and leisurely lunch, enjoying a tasting of authentic Istrian flavors in a beautiful rural setting. In the afternoon, travel to Rijeka for a guided walk through the city center, including time along the lively Korzo promenade, before rejoining the train to continue your journey.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo

Early in the morning, you’ll arrive in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo, which has an intriguing blend of Eastern and Western culture. It has mosques and minarets, an ancient bazaar, and an atmospheric old Turkish quarter. Discover the city’s poignant history through a truly absorbing tour detailing the horrors of the Balkan War. Sarajevo suffered from the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare. Following lunch at a local restaurant, you can customize your day by selecting one of the following excursion Ascend by cable car to Mount Trebević, once a 1984 Olympic venue, where breathtaking panoramic views unfold across the city and surrounding mountains. Alternatively, visit the Tunnel of Hope, a profoundly moving site that tells the story of Sarajevo’s endurance and spirit during the siege of the 1990s, offering a powerful and reflective counterpoint to the city’s beauty above ground.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar

We continue to the historic city of Mostar, a true crossroads of cultures and faiths. Once one of the most important cities of the Ottoman Empire, Mostar is renowned for its striking stone arch bridge, gracefully spanning the Neretva River and symbolically linking the Christian and Muslim quarters of the town. Destroyed during the conflict of the 1990s, the bridge was meticulously rebuilt and reopened in the summer of 2004, standing today as a powerful emblem of reconciliation and continuity. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the old town, including a visit to a traditional Turkish House and a local mosque, offering insight into Ottoman life and architecture. Wander through the narrow bazaar streets to browse for traditional handicrafts and local souvenirs. Lunch is enjoyed at a restaurant overlooking the iconic bridge, before following the emerald waters of the Neretva River to the ancient Ottoman fortified town of Počitelj, dramatically set against the hillside and steeped in history.

Serbia

Belgrade

Nestled at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade, capital of Serbia, is one of oldest and most fascinating cities in Europe. As a mark of its turbulent past it, the modern landscape of Belgrade is one of sharp contrasts: from Communist-era buildings to Orthodox churches, and from old Celtic fortresses to the ruins left by the Balkans wars. Here, we disembark the train for an overnight stay at the historic Hotel Bristol, an elegant landmark reflecting the city’s grand past. Beginning with a guided tour of the Old Town and the commanding Kalemegdan Fortress, where sweeping panoramic views unfold at the dramatic confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Following the tour, enjoy a curated wine tasting featuring local Serbian wines, accompanied by regional snacks that showcase the country’s emerging wine culture. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, renowned for its vast scale, luminous interiors, and spiritual significance.

Serbia

Belgrade

Today we explore Tito’s Belgrade, gaining insight into the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in Yugoslav history. Visit Tito’s museum complex, including his former residence and the museum itself, where you will be welcomed with the traditional Serbian offering of bread and salt. The visit is complemented by a lively Serbian folk-dance performance, bringing local culture and tradition vividly to life and offering a memorable perspective on Belgrade’s 20th-century heritage. Following the visit, we rejoin the train and continue our journey southeast towards Sofia, crossing the scenic landscapes of Serbia as we make our way into Bulgaria.

Bulgaria

Sofia

After breakfast, your train arrives in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital at the foot of Mt Vitosha. On your morning tour, you will visit sections of the Roman wall and admire the ancient church of St George, the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Turkish Bashi Mosque. Enjoy lunch on the train as you travel from Sofia to Plovdiv. The second largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia, ‘The City of Seven Hills’ is one of the oldest cities in Europe with more than 200 known archaeological sites. You’ll visit the charming Old Town, including its medieval walls and Ottoman baths. Enjoy the final night’s dinner onboard this evening as you head for Turkey.

Turkey

Istanbul

We arrive in Istanbul—the legendary city that straddles two continents—where your luggage is transferred directly to the Four Seasons Hotel, perfectly positioned to maximize your enjoyment of the city’s vibrant energy and historic grandeur. As the final stop on our journey, Istanbul provides a captivating finale, where ancient heritage blends effortlessly with contemporary life. Begin with a gentle walk through the historic streets on your way to the atmospheric Spice Market, where a guided visit will take you through the rich aromas and vivid displays of this centuries-old bazaar, whetting the appetite for a traditional Turkish lunch. After lunch, embark on a scenic cruise along the legendary Bosphorus, where Istanbul’s dramatic skyline unfolds in a sweeping panorama of domes, minarets, and waterfront palaces, offering a unique perspective on the meeting point of Europe and Asia. Later, check in at the hotel and enjoy time at leisure to relax or explore as you wish until it is time to rejoin the group for dinner. In the evening, descend into the atmospheric depths of Istanbul’s ancient cisterns. Visit one of these remarkable underground structures before enjoying dinner, concluding the day with a truly memorable and evocative experience.

Turkey

Istanbul

This morning tailor your final explorations of Istanbul with one of two excursions. You may choose to visit the opulent Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman sultans, exploring its magnificent courtyards, harem, and treasury, each revealing centuries of imperial history. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of the Grand Bazaar, including the exhilarating opportunity to follow in James Bond’s footsteps with a walk along the rooftop of this vast and historic marketplace. After lunch, we visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian, it was once among the grandest basilicas of the Christian world. Following the Ottoman conquest, it was transformed into a mosque, and today it stands as one of the most magnificent Grand Mosques in the world—a powerful and enduring symbol of Istanbul’s layered history and architectural brilliance. This evening, conclude your journey with a Farewell Dinner at the hotel, an elegant and intimate celebration of the remarkable experiences shared across Europe and the Balkans, and a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey.

Turkey

Istanbul

If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your departure.

Overview

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Suite

Grand Suite

Lavishly appointed 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 thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

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

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

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Suite

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

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

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

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

Balcony

French Balcony

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

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

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Deluxe Stateroom

Please note this category is only available for 2026 sailings.

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

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

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Deluxe A

Please note this category is only available for 2027 & 2028 sailings.

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

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

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Deluxe B

Please note this category is only available for 2027 & 2028 sailings.

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

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

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Deluxe C

Please note this category is only available for 2027 & 2028 sailings.

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

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

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Classic Stateroom

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

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

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror, and backlit magnifying mirror

Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line; additional details on the cabin are available on request

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Exclusive

La Cantinetta

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

Please note specialty wine pairing dinners, private culinary demonstrations and exclusive chef events can incur an additional charge depending on itinerary.

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italian

Ristorante Rialto

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