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

Venture by water and rail across Central Europe and the Danube on an immersive voyage, designed to showcase the best sights across Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul and the Balkans.

Join Uniworld on a variety of cherry-picked excursions, designed to explore famous attractions, timeless Old Town’s and impressive monuments. Tour and explore alongside your very own expert guide.

Split your time between Uniworld’s own S.S La Venezia and the impressive Golden Eagle Danube Express – as well as a helping of five-star hotels along the way.

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from 115 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Uniworld
  • Ship: S.S La Venezia
  • Duration: 19 Nights
  • Departure: Apr - Sep
FROM PER PERSON*
£20,988
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Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & The Balkans Cruise Prices

Price per person
Apr 30, 2026
£21,888 pp
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Aug 20, 2026
£20,988 pp
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Sep 24, 2026
£21,188 pp
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Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & The Balkans Itinerary

Join Uniworld on a twenty-day expedition across Central Europe, exploring ports across Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Turkey.

Day 1

Arrive to Ljubljana

Arrive at Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport and transfer to your luxury hotel. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to settle in.

Day 2

Ljubljana

Spend the day in this charming city, enjoying its various attractions. Join a Featured Excursion:
– Walking Tour of Ljubljana

Day 3

Ljubljana for Lake Bled

From Ljubljana, we’ll continue on to the beautiful natural landscape of Lake Bled and its namesake castle on today’s Featured Excursion:
– Lake Bled Visit

Day 4

Ljubljana (Postojna) > Transfer to Venice, Embarkation

We’re en route to Venice today, but first we’ll stop for a Featured Excursion:
– Postojna Caves
This evening, we’ll arrive in Venice and embark the S.S La Venezia. Enjoy your first evening aboard at leisure, after your compulsory safety briefing.

Day 5

Venice

This morning, we’ll arrive early at the breathtaking Doge’s palace for a Featured Excursion:
– A Walk in Venice with Doge’s Palace Visit
Later in the evening, you’ll cap off the day with a Night’s Out Featured Excursion:
– Nights Out: Private After-Hours Visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica

Day 6

Venice > Mazzorbo (Burano)

Begin the day in one of two UNESCO World Heritage cities – Vicenza or Padua on your choice of excursion:
– Vicenza with Teatro Olimpico
– Padua Walking Tour
In the afternoon, you’ll reboard the ship for a scenic sailing across the lagoon as we head towards Mazzorbo. In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore the town independently.
Enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 7

Mazzorbo > Burano > Chioggia

We’ll spend today exploring the northern lagoon of Venice and its islands on a selection of Featured Excursions:
– Torcello: Hidden Treasure of the Lagoon
– Murano Glass Blowing Demonstration

Day 8

Chioggia

We’ll spend today exploring the charms of coastal Chioggia. Choose between one of five Included Excursions:
– Chioggia Market Visit
– Let’s Go: Biking Chioggia
– Bragozzo Ride With Tastings at Ca’ Zen
– A Noble Country Villa and Its Wines
– Palazzo

Day 9

Chioggia, Venice

This morning, choose between two Included Excursions:
– Po Delta Sailing
– Castello del Catajo Visit

Day 10

Venice

Today, we’ll glide past the Canal Grande to Rialto Bridge. From here, enjoy a choice of Included Excursions:
– Do as the Locals Do: Venice Walking Tour
– Venice Walk with Gondola Artisans Visit
– Ca’ Macana Mask Atelier
– Rowing Venice

Day 11

Venice, Disembarkation > Transfer to train > Trieste

Disembark from your ship and transfer to the spectacular Golden Eagle Danube Express – located at Venice Santa Lucia Station. As you take some time to settle in, the train will make its way out of the station to Trieste – where you’ll enjoy an immersive tour of the city.

Day 12

Postojna > Ljubljana

This morning presents a tour of Postojna Cave. You’ll enjoy an underground train ride into the caves and get to explore its network of breathtaking formations.
Afterwards, we’ll continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, for an immersive walking tour of the city’s Old Town and various attractions.

Day 13

Sarajevo > Mostar

Early this morning, we’ll arrive in lively Sarajevo for a detailed tour focusing on the Balkan War. Following lunch, we’ll continue our journey to Mostar. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to enjoy the city’s rich history and traditional attractions.

Day 14

Belgrade

We’ll spend today in Belgrade, the former Yugoslavian capital. Join your guide for a tour of the city, including the famous ‘House of Flowers’.

Day 15

Bar > Podgorica

This morning, we’ll cross the border into Montenegro and arrive at the coastal town Bar for a sightseeing tour. Afterwards, re-board the train for lunch on the move as we make our way to Podgorica.

Day 16

Skopje

The afternoon of day sixteen will be spent in Skopje – a hidden gem full of Ottoman influences. Explore at leisure, enjoying the city’s Old Town and various attractions.

Day 17

Sofia > Plovdiv

After breakfast, your train will arrive in Sofia for an immersive morning tour through some of the city’s most popular attractions. You’ll re-board the train for lunch as we continue on our way to Plovdiv, the ‘City of Seven Hills’. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Old Town, medieval walls and Ottoman baths.

Day 18

Istanbul, Disembarkation

After disembarking your train, head over to the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet for check in. Today, we’ll visit Topkapi Palace, crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire and the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets.

Day 19

Istanbul

Spend the morning exploring Istanbul’s list of must-see historic sites, including the Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. This afternoon, cruise the legendary Bosphorus and visit the Grand Bazaar.
As this is your final evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 20

Depart Istanbul

Early this morning, check out of your hotel and begin journeying home.

CRUISE & RAIL: SLOVENIA, VENICE, ISTANBUL & THE BALKANS CRUISE SHIPS

Trustpilot Reviews

CRUISE & RAIL: SLOVENIA, VENICE, ISTANBUL & THE BALKANS RIVER CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy a sparkling selection of ports across Central Europe

Venice

Istanbul

Belgrade

Chioggia

Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & The Balkans Deals

Join Uniworld on an immersive cruise and rail adventure

Uniworld
Departure: Apr to Sep
VISITING: Ljubljana Ljubljana for Lake Bled Ljubljana (Postojna) Venice Venice / Mazzorbo (Burano) Mazzorbo / Burano / Chioggia Chioggia Chioggia / Venice Venice (DISEMBARK) / transfer to train (EMBARK) / Trieste Postojna / Ljubljana Sarajevo / Mostar Belgrade Bar / Podgorica Skopje Sofia / Plovdiv Istanbul (DISEMBARK) Istanbul
BENEFITS: 5★ Boutique ShipsButler ServiceFree Transfers
FROM PER PERSON* £ 20,988
Uniworld
Departure: May to Sep
VISITING: Venice (EMBARK) Venice Venice / Mazzorbo (Burano) Mazzorbo / Burano / Chioggia Chioggia Chioggia / Venice Venice (DISEMBARK) / transfer to train (EMBARK) / Trieste Postojna / Ljubljana Sarajevo / Mostar Dubrovnik Belgrade Skopje Sofia / Plovdiv Istanbul (DISEMBARK) Istanbul
BENEFITS: 5★ Boutique ShipsButler ServiceFree Transfers
FROM PER PERSON* £ 19,978
Uniworld
Departure: January
VISITING: Milan Milan (Verona/Valpolicella) / Transfer to Venice (EMBARK) Venice Venice / Mazzorbo (Burano) Mazzorbo / Burano / Chioggia Chioggia Chioggia / Venice Venice (DISEMBARK) / transfer to train (EMBARK) / Trieste Postojna / Ljubljana Sarajevo / Mostar Dubrovnik Belgrade Skopje Sofia / Plovdiv Istanbul (DISEMBARK) Istanbul
BENEFITS: 5★ Boutique ShipsButler ServiceFree Transfers
FROM PER PERSON* Price on Request
Uniworld
Departure: January
VISITING: Istanbul Istanbul (EMBARK train) Veliko Tarnovo Sinaia / Brașov Sighișoara / Sibiu Kecskemet / Lajosmizse / Budapest (DISEMBARK train) Budapest Budapest (EMBARK ship) Vienna Krems Engelhartszell / Passau Regensburg Nuremberg Nuremberg (DISEMBARK ship)
BENEFITS: 5★ Boutique ShipsButler ServiceFree Transfers
FROM PER PERSON* Price on Request

Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & The Balkans Cruise Review

“This itinerary exposed me to a lot of cultures and it was great learning along the way.”

Kevin Gardner, Caimbridge

FAQS about the Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & The Balkans

What can I expect of my suite?

Uniworld’s vessels have been designed to prioritise guest comfort and convenience – combining luxurious interior decor with intelligent floor planning and storage solutions.

What unique experiences are part of the itinerary?

Guests enjoy the opportunity to go on 18 days of excursions and visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enjoying the services of an experienced Cruise Manager and onboard personnel. Aboard, expect an array of impressive local entertainment.

Are any bike-riding activities offered?

If a bike is your transportation of choice, rest assured this itinerary presents several opportunities to climb aboard and adventure!

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