Rome to Budapest: Canals & Capitals

The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings.

Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas, you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins of this plaza, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. Please note, this must be booked in combination with the Colosseum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill.

Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!

Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish.

Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!

Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!

Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish.

Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family.

Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.

Head to nearby Siena and wander this medieval walled city. Options abound! Visit the gorgeous Duomo and the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race is held each summer. Climb the Torre del Mangia for fantastic views of the Tuscan landscape.

This green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!

Take a quick trip across the lagoon and experience Venice’s artisanal roots. Explore the island of Murano, famous for its skilled glassblowers, and walk along the colourful streets of Burano, known for a centuries-old tradition of lacemaking.

Climb to the top of the Campanile - Venice's tallest building - to take in a great bird's eye view of the cityscape and lagoon.

Visit this former palace, rebuilt and restored numerous times, and admire the Gothic Venetian architecture. Once the seat of the government, the Palazzo Ducale is now a grand museum. Enjoy the stellar artwork, ornate chambers, and courtyards.

Enter the picture-perfect Piazza San Marco from one of the many winding alleyways and stare in awe at the grandeur. With the massive, ornate basilica standing tall at one end, pigeons gathering and flying around, and violinists playing a Vivaldi tune at a café table — this is Venice. Wander the square and people watch or duck inside the glittering basilica for more Venetian inspiration.

Take a wander around these previously abandoned army barracks, now turned art-city.

Running from Krek Square near the Ljubljana Central Market to the Ljubljana Castle, the funicular is the best way to get a great view of the capital of Slovenia.

Popular with tourists and locals alike, Tivoli Park is the perfect place to people watch, relax or enjoy a picnic. With over 5km of running trails, cycling paths, grassy slopes and open fields, hanging out at this central Ljubljana park is an excellent way to spend an afternoon.

Prešeren Square, the old town's main pedestrian zone is a major meeting point for festivals, the Ljubljana carnival and concerts. Take a stroll and blend in with the locals.

Learn some of the history of this beautiful palace and grounds and explore the impressive art collection. Of particular note, the museum's collection of 24 pieces by Gustav Kilmt, including his famous 'Kiss'.

Enjoy a guided tour of the stunning summer palace designed by Empress Maria Theresa herself. The palace gardens are free to all visitors.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s main landmarks complete with a 343-step climb up a spiral staircase to look out over the city.

Visit the famous Vienna Opera House and soak in its exceptional architecture. Opt for a guided tour to see the opera house's main features and learn about the history of the building.

Set on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.

Constructed in 1873, the Opera House is one of Budapest's most stunning examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Take a tour around this stunning building to get a closer look at the ornate marble statues, frescos, and ornate tin work - to name a few highlights.

Take a stroll though the oldest indoor market in Hungary.

Straddeling the river Danube, the Chain Bridge suspension bridge is the first built to connect Buda and Pest, and is now one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks.

Take a guided tour of one of Hungary's crown jewels - the Hungarian Parliament building. Existing as the third largest Parliament building in the world, its Neo Gothic architecture also makes it a contender for one of the most beautiful. Tour the Hungarian Coronation Jewels in the Dome Hall, the Old Upper House Hall of the bicameral Hungarian Parliament, as well as the Lounge. Guided tours are mandatory for entrance and we recommend booking your tour in advance.

Set on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.

Constructed in 1873, the Opera House is one of Budapest's most stunning examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Take a tour around this stunning building to get a closer look at the ornate marble statues, frescos, and ornate tin work - to name a few highlights.

Take a stroll though the oldest indoor market in Hungary.

Straddeling the river Danube, the Chain Bridge suspension bridge is the first built to connect Buda and Pest, and is now one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks.

Take a guided tour of one of Hungary's crown jewels - the Hungarian Parliament building. Existing as the third largest Parliament building in the world, its Neo Gothic architecture also makes it a contender for one of the most beautiful. Tour the Hungarian Coronation Jewels in the Dome Hall, the Old Upper House Hall of the bicameral Hungarian Parliament, as well as the Lounge. Guided tours are mandatory for entrance and we recommend booking your tour in advance.