Riviera Travel Launches Fifteen-Day Grand Tour Itinerary: A Taste of Italy & The Blue Danube

The 15-day Grand Tour itinerary, “A Taste of Italy & The Blue Danube Cruise,” has been unveiled by Riviera Travel, a pioneer in high-end European tours. The itinerary, which is scheduled to debut in 2027, offers a remarkable combination of opulent river cruising and cultural immersion, enabling visitors to discover the breathtaking scenery of southern Italy as well as the Blue Danube River. The itinerary is a part of Riviera Travel’s growing Grand Tour collection, which combines land travel with ultra-premium river cruises to offer tourists an enhanced touring experience.

This new tour, which follows the success of Riviera Travel’s other Grand Tour offerings, presents an opportunity to explore southern Italy’s rich history and culture, including the charming towns of Lecce, Alberobello, and Matera, before embarking on a luxurious seven-night river cruise along the iconic Blue Danube.

Explore Southern Italy’s Heritage and Beauty

The tour begins with a guided land journey through southern Italy, where guests will have the chance to visit historic sites and experience the country’s vibrant culture. Highlights of this portion of the tour include the baroque beauty of Lecce, a city renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate facades, and the picturesque trulli houses of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelers will also explore the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Other destinations include the bustling streets of Bari and Otranto, where travelers can enjoy traditional Italian experiences, including a meal at a family-run masseria (farmhouse), offering a taste of authentic regional cuisine. Guests will spend seven nights in four-star, hand-picked hotels, experiencing the charm of southern Italy in comfort while enjoying fully guided excursions focused on the region’s history, culture, and gastronomy.

Seven Nights on the Blue Danube

After the land portion of the tour, guests will board one of Riviera Travel’s river cruise ships, either the Chaucer or MS Riviera Radiance, for a seven-night cruise along the Blue Danube. The river cruise will take travelers through some of Europe’s most culturally rich cities, offering guided excursions and onboard experiences.

The journey will include visits to Bratislava’s Old Town, the medieval Dürnstein’s Blue Tower, and the Melk Abbey, a breathtaking Benedictine abbey in Austria. Guests will also have the chance to explore Vienna’s cultural treasures and Budapest’s Castle Hill, two cities that are central to European heritage and history.

In addition to the daily excursions, evenings aboard the river cruise will offer guests a chance to enjoy cultural performances. Notably, travelers will be treated to a classical quartet recital in Vienna and a Hungarian folklore show in Budapest, enhancing their cultural journey along the Danube.

Riviera Travel’s Grand Tour Collection

“A Taste of Italy & The Blue Danube Cruise” joins other itineraries in Riviera Travel’s Grand Tour collection, a series of premium travel experiences designed to offer an immersive journey through multiple European regions. Other Grand Tour options include:

• Grand Tour of the Italian Lakes, Swiss Mountains & River Rhine Cruise
• Grand Tour of France: Provence, Paris & River Seine Cruise
• Grand Tour of the Heart of Italy to Portugal’s Douro River Cruise

These tours combine the best of land and river experiences, allowing guests to explore Europe’s cultural landmarks and enjoy luxurious cruising without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

The Appeal of a Curated European Experience

Riviera Travel’s Grand Tours are particularly popular among travelers seeking an effortless yet enriching way to explore Europe. The combination of curated land experiences with ultra-premium river cruising offers a seamless way to visit multiple countries and regions in a single, thoughtfully crafted itinerary.

“Travelers today want to experience the best of Europe without the hassle of planning multiple trips, and our Grand Tours create a smooth, seamless way to do just that,” said Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel. He also emphasized that the new itinerary will inspire guests with southern Italy’s charm and the cultural treasures of the Blue Danube, ensuring unforgettable memories.

Perfect for Both Leisure and Cultural Enthusiasts

Whether travelers are looking for an in-depth exploration of Italy’s southern coast or seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural history of the Blue Danube, this 15-day itinerary offers the perfect balance of discovery and relaxation. The combination of guided land excursions and premium river cruising ensures guests experience Europe in comfort and style.

Booking Information and Availability

Bookings for the new “A Taste of Italy & The Blue Danube Cruise” will open in 2027. Visitors can use Riviera Travel’s official website to book the itinerary and obtain additional information. It is anticipated that this tour will draw a wide variety of tourists from all over the world due to the growing demand for flawless, high-quality European itineraries.

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