Worldway Danube Express: Balkan Explorer Venice – Istanbul

Begin your journey with a two-night stay at the five-star San Clemente Palace Kempinski, a private island retreat just minutes from Piazza San Marco by complimentary boat. Overlooking the Venice Lagoon, this historic estate features a 12th-century chapel, tranquil gardens, and elegant courtyards. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner — a perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

Embark on a walking tour that taps into Venice’s 1,000-year heritage, revealing hidden bridges, travelling along the glorious Grand Canal and through the Rialto Marketwhere fishmongers hawk the freshest seafood available in the city.

Board the majestic Worldway Danube Express and set off for Trieste. With one foot in Mitteleuropa and the echoes of Austro-Hungarian rule still rippling through its cuisine, this Italian city on the border with Slovenia has a sophisticated, multicultural air best enjoyed on an afternoon walking tour.

Take a subterranean train journey through Postojna’s mysterious karst caves before lingering in Ljubljana’s leafy, cobblestoned Old Town, where its proliferation of urban beehives and plant-based restaurants feed into its sustainable reputation.

Exploring the network of tunnels that allowed key supplies to enter Sarajevo during the siege in the Nineties is a deeply moving experience, while above ground lies a kaleidoscope of cultures cradled by the dramatic peaks of the Dinaric Alps. Following Sarajevo, this afternoon we travel onto the historic city of Mostarby coach, the crossroads of many civilizations, cultures and three religions.

Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade — the capital of Serbia — is one of Europe’s oldest and most intriguing cities. A place of striking contrasts, it blends Communist-era architecture with grand Orthodox churches, ancient Celtic fortresses, and remnants of the Balkan conflicts. During our full-day visit, enjoy a guided tour featuring the 'House of Flowers' (mausoleum of former Yugoslav President Josip Tito), the Town Hall, Republic Square, Knez Mihajlova Street, and the historic Kalemegdan Fortress.

Arriving in Bitola mid-afternoon, we visit the ancient ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis before a guided walk through the town’s Ottoman-influenced centre. Alternatively, choose a visit to UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid, with a tour of the historic town and ancient theatre offering stunning views. In the evening, both groups reunite for a traditional Macedonian dinner overlooking the lake before returning to the train.

This little-explored destination is constantly renewing itself without losing touch with its complicated past. Our visit focuses on the honeycomb streets of the Ottoman-era Old Town and spice-scented Old Bazaar area.

A morning tour of Bulgaria’s buzzing capital – which crouches at the foot of Mount Vitosha – is followed by an afternoon spent seeing the most fascinating of Plovdiv’s 200 archaeological sites including its Roman forum and Ottoman bathhouses.

We conclude our journey in the legendary city of Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia and centuries of history unfold at every turn. During our two-night stay at a five-star hotel, discover the city’s most iconic landmarks. Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans, with its rich treasury and commanding views of the Golden Horn. Visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, originally a 6th-century basilica and now one of the world’s most renowned mosques. Marvel at the striking exterior of the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and grand scale.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise along the Bosphorus and time to explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar. The journey ends with a special Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant — a perfect close to an unforgettable adventure.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. For those wishing to explore more of this captivating city, extended stays in Istanbul are also available.