Fly Stay Cruise - 19 Day Discover Leonardo’s Italy: Land and Rhine River Journey – Include...
Enjoy an exceptional-value holiday that seamlessly combines return flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or tours with a cruise—removing the stress of planning so you can enjoy every moment from departure to return.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost.
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
This tour is categorised as 2 out of 5
Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ 7 night 5-star Scenic Rhine Highlights River Cruise
✓ Return international airfares with Qatar
✓ 7 day independent tour from Venice to Florence with breakfast daily
✓ 1-night pre-tour stay in Venice
✓ Private guided city tour in Italy with local guides
✓ Private car or minivan transportation throughout Italy
✓ First-class train travel from Venice to Milan and Milan to Florence
✓ Meet & Greet services throughout Italy
✓ Internal flight from Florence to Zurich
✓ All airport transfers
✓ Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
Inspiring Value
Exclusive Fly Stay Cruise Savings
BONUS 2 night Doha stopover
Sail with Scenic Cruises and discover the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and immersive journeys. Experience exquisite dining, elegant ships, and unforgettable destinations at your own pace.
Explore Italy’s artistic heart before cruising the legendary Rhine in ultra‑luxury with Scenic. Enjoy included flights, world‑class guided touring, premium all‑inclusive dining and drinks, personalised butler service, and unforgettable scenery from fairytale castles to charming riverside towns — all with seamless transfers and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Begin your journey in comfort with a full-service international flight on Qatar Airways. Enjoy onboard meals, entertainment, and generous baggage allowances as you travel from your home airport to the beautiful city of Venice. Sit back, relax, and start dreaming of the adventures that await you on your European Escape.
Upon arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport, meet your private driver at the arrivals gate. You’ll be transferred to the city’s iconic canals, where a private water taxi will whisk you directly to your hotel, offering a scenic introduction to Venice’s stunning waterways. After check-in, enjoy a free evening to relax and explore at your own pace—wander along the canals, admire the charming bridges, or simply soak in the unique atmosphere of this magical city.
Today is yours to enjoy the magic of Venice at your own pace. Wander the charming canals and hidden alleyways, browse the boutiques and artisan shops, or relax in a café overlooking a picturesque square. Whether you choose to explore on foot or simply soak in the city’s unique atmosphere from your hotel, this day is all about enjoying Venice your way.
Today, after breakfast, begin your exploration of Venice. Enjoy a guided walking tour with an art historian, discovering the city’s enchanting streets and canals. Visit the Accademia Gallery, home to the finest collection of Venetian and local artworks, including significant masterpieces by Leonardo and other renowned artists.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by private water taxi to the train station. Board the high-speed train to Milan, and upon arrival, meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
After breakfast, meet your expert tour guide in the hotel lobby and set out to explore the treasures of Milan on a walking tour. Enjoy priority access to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, and experience it in an intimate setting with only a handful of visitors. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into Leonardo’s life, techniques, and the significance of this iconic work, making for an exclusive and memorable viewing.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by private car to the train station and board the high-speed train to Florence. Upon arrival, a driver will take you to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the city at your own pace or simply relaxing.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your expert tour guide in the lobby. Embark on a private walking tour of Florence, including a visit to the renowned Uffizi Gallery. Admire hundreds of masterworks, including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, and gain deeper insight into the history and artistry of this beautiful city.
Inspiring Highlights
This morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Zurich. Upon arrival, continue to Basel, a vibrant centre of art and culture nestled on the banks of the Rhine River.
This afternoon, board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship, meet your fellow guests, and raise a glass at the evening’s welcome reception to celebrate the start of your unforgettable journey.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will dock in Kehl this afternoon, just across the border from the French city of Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region. Here, sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses heave together on the banks of a complex network of canals. It’s a captivating blend of France and Germany, of a medieval past and an innovative future. Strasbourg has an infectious, youthful energy and you’ll regularly see the locals enjoying spontaneous soccer games and pop-up wine bars.
Scenic Freechoice:
Explore the region on one of these Freechoice tours:
Guided tour of Strasbourg: See the city’s most important sites on foot, like the cathedral, Petit France and the Grand Ile, and learn about its unique mixture of both French and German architecture and culture. (Note: this is an active walk.)
Alsace wine region: Travel by coach through the pretty Alsace wine region to the village of Obernai for some free time. Then visit a small village for a wine tasting in a local cellar.
Cycle through Strasbourg: Hop on board an e-bike and explore the sights surrounding the city. Strasbourg has over 500 km of bicycle trails and you will explore some of these while cycling through the city’s charming suburbs past historic buildings, beautiful parklands and charming canals.
Dock in Rastatt this morning, a charming Baroque town known for its lush green spaces and two iconic palaces. Rastatt also serves as the gateway to Baden-Baden, a historic spa town on the edge of the Black Forest, famed for its curative waters, thermal baths, and luxurious hotels that made it a favourite retreat of Europe’s elite in the 19th century. This evening, enjoy a Scenic Enrich experience at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, modelled on the Palace of Versailles. Explore the opulent palace and gardens before being treated to a private performance by accomplished musicians and a soloist—an unforgettable evening of culture and grandeur.
Inspiring Highlights
Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these Scenic Freechoice:
Walking tour of Baden-Baden: Follow in the steps of the renowned Europeans who spent summers in this famed spa town two centuries ago. See the elegant Kurhaus, built in the 1820s with a casino and luxury shopping in its colonnade, and explore the remains of the Roman baths.
Baden-Baden spa visit: Relax and rejuvenate in the thermal baths of Caracalla Spa, permanently and naturally heated by thermal waters some 2,000 metres under the earth’s surface.
Schloss Favorite: Once a hunting lodge and summer palace for 18th century aristocrats (though used for seven weeks a year), Schloss Favorite is now the oldest of the German ‘porcelain palaces’ and the only one to survive intact.
Arrive in Mannheim early this morning. A large metropolitan centre, Mannheim still runs along its recognisable 18th-century grid pattern and is known for its grand Baroque squares, fountains and palace. Your Freechoice excursions today will take you away from the city to discover more of the surrounding region.
Scenic Freechoice:
Choose between these immersive Freechoice experiences today:
Orientation tour of Heidelberg: Transfer by coach to Heidelberg for a brief walking tour of the city, including the Old Town, and then enjoy some free time. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground.)
Historical tour of Heidelberg: Take a guided tour of Heidelberg, then visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Admire the views from balcony and the great Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest Wine Barrel. (Note: the walk is not too strenuous but there are some stairs and uneven ground.)
Excursion to Bad Dürkheim: It’s just a short drive through stunning vine-covered landscapes to Bad Dürkheim. Visit the renowned property of Fitz Ritter, a ninth-generation family-owned vineyard that offers exceptional quality wine. Enjoy a tour and tasting.
Relax on board this morning as you cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, where the landscapes could have been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This 65-kilometre stretch of the river is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden.
This afternoon, dock in one of Germany’s oldest cities. Koblenz was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago and is brimming with history. It sits where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and promises a mélange of French and German cultures. Koblenz is filled with parks and flowers and is the gateway to both the romantic Rhine Valley and the beautiful Moselle Valley.
Scenic Freechoice:
Choose to explore your way with this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice:
Walking tour of Koblenz: Join your guide to explore the old town’s winding streets, impressive townhouses, charming squares and historic churches, and visit the famed Florinsmarkt, the former political and economic centre of the city.
Medieval Limburg: Travel by coach to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. Walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, visit the cathedral that overlooks the city and see Alten Lahnbrücke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn River.
Cochem & Moselle Valley: Travel through the beautiful Moselle Valley to the town of Cochem. Take a walking tour through its pretty centre, where cobbled lanes are lined with half-timbered houses, then visit the grand Reichsburg Castle. (Please note: On dates the Reichsburg Castle is not available, this will be replaced with wine tasting at Weinhaus Hieronomi).
This afternoon you’ll depart for Amsterdam. Make the most of your time on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps you’d like to book calming massage at the spa or unwind in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, with its natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne this morning. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. Set out on a walking tour of the Old Town, admiring its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral.
This afternoon you’ll depart for Amsterdam. Make the most of your time on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps you’d like to book calming massage at the spa or unwind in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, with its natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Arrive in the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne this morning. Cologne suffered extensive damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored over the following decades. Set out on a walking tour of the Old Town, admiring its historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral.
This morning, after breakfast on board, disembark from your Scenic Space-Ship and meet your private driver for a transfer to the airport. Board your flight to Doha, where upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing and settling in after your journey.
Enjoy a full day at your own pace in the vibrant city of Doha. Take time to relax at your hotel, explore the city’s modern skyline, wander through bustling souks, or stroll along the waterfront promenade. With the day free to plan as you wish, you can immerse yourself in the culture, soak up the atmosphere, or simply unwind and enjoy the luxury of your surroundings.
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver for a private transfer to Doha Airport. Board your flight home, taking with you the memories of an unforgettable journey filled with new experiences, stunning scenery, and cultural discoveries.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Experience Italy’s cultural treasures before cruising through Europe’s iconic rivers:
Italy – Discover Venice, Milan, & Florence on a guided land tour
Germany – The Romantic Rhine – Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, dotted with 40 hilltop castles, and explore historic gems like Koblenz, Cologne, and explore the architectural treasures of Mannheim.
Netherlands – Embrace the charm of Amsterdam
Iconic Cities & Cultural Treasures
Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces, Renaissance art, medieval streets, and Europe’s largest waterfall. Wander picturesque towns, lively squares, and scenic riverbanks.
Seamless Luxury
Included flights, quality hotel stays, and a premium Scenic Luxury River Cruise — all bundled for effortless comfort.
Scenic Days on the River
Relax and recharge as you cruise the Rhine, enjoying panoramic views, fine dining, and immersive onboard experiences.
Scenic Cruise Highlights
Luxury & Space
Sail aboard Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 163 guests, enjoying spacious Standard Suites or Balcony Suites with innovative Scenic Sun Lounges.
All-Inclusive Excellence
Indulge in a variety of dining experiences onboard, from casual options to fine dining, complemented by complimentary premium beverages throughout the day. Butler service and a fully stocked minibar in every suite ensure every need is met.
Curated Experiences
Enjoy 1 Scenic Enrich experience and personalise your journey with 16 included Scenic Freechoice activities, from Active and Your Way excursions to Moments, Masters & Music activities, and Interactive Encounters.
Wellness & Leisure
Relax in the Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area, or explore on our complimentary e-bikes.
Seamless Service
Benefit from a Scenic Cruise Director, expert local guides, complimentary Wi-Fi, all tipping and gratuities included, and return airport transfers.
Included Cabin Type - Standard Suite
All outside staterooms have large picture windows to ensure a great view, bathroom with shower, L' Occitane toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers. All staterooms include a complimentary mini-bar, WiFi, queen-size Slumber Bed with Egyptian cotton linen and pillow menu, telephone, personal safe, individual climate control, Samsung HDTV linked to Mac mini system and Butler Service.
Balcony Stateroom - from $1,900 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
All Balcony Suites feature a private balcony with Scenic Sun Lounge - at the press of a button your balcony can covert to become fully enclosed, providing 24/7 access. There is a spacious bathroom with shower, L' Occitane toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers. All staterooms include a complimentary mini-bar that is restocked daily, WiFi, queen-size Slumber Bed with Egyptian cotton linen and pillow menu, telephone, personal safe, individual climate control, Samsung HDTV linked to Mac mini system and Butler Service.
Cabin upgrades and prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please select this option to indicate your preferred upgrade. Once confirmed, the additional cost will be added to your invoice and included with your final payment.
Payment Information
This product requires a $99.00 deposit per person and full payment within 48 hours to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
Cooling Off Period
This product is not eligible for a cooling-off period.
Terms and conditions
Please note that this package is a Cruises by Inspiring Vacations package. Please review the terms and conditions here: https://cruises.inspiringvacations.com/au/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package.
On arrival look out for a representative holding a sign with your name after you have collected your baggage and exited customs. If you cannot find them, try to avoid wandering around and instead stay in one place and call the emergency contact number on your documentation.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package, at a suitable time you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport.
Venice has implemented an access fee charged to day trip visitors who are not staying overnight in the municipality of Venice, during specific high season dates. The calendar of dates is available here.
If you are staying in an accommodation in the municipality of Venice, then you are exempt from this fee. However, to avoid paying the fee you must register for an exemption by filling out an exemption request here. The exemption form will provide you with a QR code you can show on your phone.
If required for your travel dates, you may pre-book once you have received your final documents confirming your hotel. The exemption must be completed before entering the city, but can be done while traveling.
Accommodation
All hotels listed are subject to change; any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding requests cannot be guaranteed and are always on a request basis with the hotel.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $8,799 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Itinerary Changes
Please note that as part of our commitment to constantly improving our passenger experience, there may be itinerary changes between the time of booking and when you travel. These changes are always made with your experience in mind and will be clearly communicated in advance if they affect your booking.
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences
Documentation
Travel documentation is sent digitally 30 days before departure. No postal documents are issued. You must complete your cruise personaliser directly with the cruise line. We cannot complete this on your behalf. Visit the Know Before You Go section for guidance, and you will receive an email reminder when it is time to complete this.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here is a help link to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Terms and Conditions
For the full terms and conditions for Cruises by Inspiring Vacations, please see HERE.
This is a flight inclusive package.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
{{details.header}}
New Zealand
United States
Canada
India
