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Majestic Rivers of Europe: Castles, Cathedrals & Fairytales

Itinerary

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  • A = Cologne to Budapest
  • B = Budapest to Cologne

Cologne to Budapest

Trip Pre-Extension: Amsterdam, The Netherlands (*Available on select departures)

Your international airfare is already included in the price of your trip, so why not add three more nights in Amsterdam? Your extension to this culturally rich city features a panoramic tour, and a guided visit to the world-renowned Rijksmuseum. You'll also enjoy a walking tour of Düsseldorf with included lunch. Your extension includes free time to explore at your own pace or you can join an optional tour to Zaanse Schans for the complete Dutch experience, including cheese making and clog making demonstrations. This optional tour also visits the picturesque town of Edam, famous for its namesake cheese. Don’t miss this true Dutch treat to round out your cultural discoveries!


Your Price Includes:

  • 3 nights accommodations at the Superior First-Class NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam
  • 5 meals: 3 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • 2 included tours: Panoramic city tour of Amsterdam with visit to the Rijksmuseum; Edam & Zaane Schans tour
    Walking tour of Düsseldorf with included lunch
  • All transfers and baggage handling (where permitted)
  • Services of a local Program Manager
 details >

Trip Pre-Extension: Amsterdam, The Netherlands & Brussels, Belgium (*Available on select departures)

Make the most of your included airfare by adding two more European gems to your itinerary — three nights in magnificent Brussels, an elegant, Art Nouveau city, and two nights in Amsterdam, the canal-rich city brimming with history and culture. In Brussels, you’ll stay at a centrally-located hotel, with included breakfast each morning, then you’ll find Brussels’ famous shopping and dining right outside your door. This extension features an included half-day panoramic city tour of Brussels’ highlights such as the Manneken Pis, a 24-inch statue steeped in Belgian folklore, and you’ll also view the Palais de Justice. During your free time, you can choose to join us on a fascinating optional excursion, such as a tour to Bruges. En route to Amsterdam, you’ll stop at the Hague for an included visit of Maduradam, a delightful miniature model of a Dutch town. Lunch is included on your transfer day. Then, in Amsterdam, you’ll enjoy a panoramic tour, and an in-depth walking tour. You’ll also enjoy a guided visit to the Van Loon Museum, a typical Dutch canal house with a charming garden and carriage house in the back. Your time in Amsterdam includes free time to explore at your own pace or you can join an optional tour to Vollendam, Marken, and Edam — famous for its namesake cheese.

Your Price Includes:

  • 2 nights at the Superior First-Class NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky and 3 nights at the Moderate Deluxe Steigenberger Grandhotel
  • 7 meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner
  • 4 sightseeing tours
  • Services of an experienced Vantage Program Manager
  • All transfers and baggage handling (except in customs)
 details >

DAYS 1-2:

Depart Home / Overnight flight to Frankfurt, Germany (or depart earlier for optional extension)

On arrival, a Vantage representative will assist your transfer to your ship. Or, depart earlier for an optional extension.

Food icon Included meals: dinner

DAY 3 :

Cologne, Germany
Depart 11:30pm

Cultural Connections: This morning, you'll attend a German for Travelers lesson on board. Then, enjoy a guided visit to the superb Roman Germanic Museum, which houses an important collection of artifacts from Cologne’s past, including a large mosaic floor from a Roman villa. Tonight, celebrate at the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 4 :

Rüdesheim
Arrive 2:30pm · Depart 11:00pm

Enjoy the views this morning as we cruise through the dramatic scenery of the Rhine Gorge. As we pass the imposing Lorelei cliff, you’ll hear the ancient Legend of the Lorelei. After lunch on board, you’ll be enchanted by Rüdesheim, where you can choose to ride a cable car to the Niederwald Monument or visit Siegfried’s Musikkabinett. Enjoy local entertainment on board this evening.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 5 :

Frankfurt (Heidelberg)
Arrive 6:00am · Depart 6:00pm

Today, set off from Frankfurt for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, home of Germany's oldest college, Heidelberg University. In Heidelberg, you'll tour 15th-century Heidelberg Castle, an imposing Gothic-Renaissance ruin of red stone that illustrates the history of Germany. Ride the funicular from the castle to the town center, where you'll have free time to explore, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant housed in the historic Hotel Georg zum Ritter, dating back to 1592.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 6 :

Marktheidenfeld
Arrive 2:30pm · Depart 10:00pm

Cultural Connection: This morning, enjoy a glassblowing demonstration on board the ship. Then, this afternoon, you’ll arrive in Marktheidenfeld, where you’ll set off on a fascinating “German Village Life” tour, featuring a local wine festival and a barbeque lunch.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 7 :

Würzburg (Rothenburg ob der Tauber)
Arrive 9:30am · Depart 4:30pm

Cultural Connection: Attend a lecture on "Germany in the 21st Century: Changes & Challenges." Arriving in Würzburg, you can choose either of two included tours. The first takes you to medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with money provided by your Program Manager for lunch. Or choose a tour of the Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including a visit to the wine cellar for a tasting and lecture.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 8 :

Bamberg
Arrive 3:00pm · Depart 10:00pm

Today, you'll enjoy a walking tour of well-preserved Bamberg, with the option to join a more active tour. Cultural Connections: This afternoon, attend a lecture on the Main-Danube Canal and have a coffee hour with some local students.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 9 :

Nuremberg
Arrive 8:30am · Depart 4:00pm

Cultural Connection: Hear a lecture on “The Development of a Typical German Town,” using Nuremberg as the example. Your city tour of Nuremberg includes Hitler’s Rally Grounds and the Documentation Center. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in Nuremberg. Cultural Connection: This evening, enjoy the Bavarian Beer Experience, with a lecture and tasting. Tonight, your ship will transit the Main-Danube Canal..

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 10 :

Regensburg
Arrive noon · Depart 7:00pm

On today’s walking tour of 2,000-year-old Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll touch ancient Roman stones at Porta-Praetoria Arch and cross the medieval Stone Bridge. See why many consider Regensburg the most charming town on the Danube! Tonight, you’ll enjoy local entertainment on board.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 11 :

Passau (Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic)
Arrive 7:00am · Depart 7:00pm

Today you have a choice of tours. Take a full day to explore the cobbled streets and cozy coffee shops of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour includes lunch in the historic town. Alternatively, join a walking tour of baroque Passau, including an organ concert inside St. Stephan's Cathedral.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAYS 12-13:

Vienna, Austria
Arrive 2:00pm

On Day 12, relax as your ship waltzes through the scenic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape, passing wine-rich Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart of England was imprisoned in the castle above the town. Cultural Connection: You’ll be treated to an apple strudel baking demonstration on board. This afternoon, you'll set off on your choice of two tours: either the excellent Art Historical Museum or magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cultural Connection: After a lecture on Musical Vienna on Day 13, you'll set off on a panoramic city tour, where you’ll marvel at Vienna's Ringstrasse, lined with opulent mansions and public buildings laid out by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. You'll also visit the National Library. Cultural Connection: This evening, you'll be treated to Vantage's private classical music concert at the Kursalon.

Food icon Included meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

DAY 14 :

Vienna
Depart 2:00pm

Spend the morning at leisure with shuttle service for your convenience. You'll gather with your fellow travelers tonight for the Captain's Farewell Dinner.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 15 :

Budapest, Hungary
Arrive 6:00am

Today, you’ll tour Budapest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring historic Matthias Church and the hilltop terraces of Fishermen’s Bastion.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 16 :

Budapest / Disembark Ship / Return Home

Or join an optional post-extension.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast

Trip Post-Extension: Bratislava, Slovakia and Prague, Czech Republic (*Not available for all departures)

Make the most of your included airfare by adding two more European countries to your passport — three nights in magnificent Prague, an elegant, Old World capital boasting many grand castles, and two nights in Bratislava, the delightful capital of Slovakia.

In Prague, you'll enjoy a half-day tour of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Jewish Quarter. Plus, you'll be treated to a Prague Castle tour, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, en route to Bratislava, you'll stop in Brno, Czech Republic for a walking tour and lunch at a local restaurant. 

Then, in Bratislava, you'll be captivated by its many historic treasures on a walking tour. And, you'll take a mini train ride to Bratislava Castle for spectacular views of the city. You'll also be treated to lunch in the home of a local family. To conclude your journey, you'll stop in the village of Dunaalmas, Hungary for a community hosted lunch, where you can help prepare the meal with guidance from your friendly hosts.

Your Price Includes:

  • 3 nights at the centrally located Superior First-Class Hilton Old Town Prague; and 2 nights at the new Sheraton Bratislava
  • 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
  • 4 sightseeing tours and cultural connections
  • Services of an experienced Vantage Program Manager
  • All transfers and baggage handling (except in customs)
 details >

Trip Post-Extension: Budapest, Hungary (*Not available for all departures)

Just step outside your centrally located, Deluxe hotel and you’ll be in the heart of one of the “hottest” destinations in Europe. You’ll enjoy an included visit to the Hungarian State Opera House and the artists’ village of Szentendre. Enjoy coffee and cake at the world-renowned Gundel Restaurant. You’ll also have the opportunity to step back in time on an optional tour to the medieval village of Hollókó, or enjoy an evening of Hungarian folk music and dancing.

Your Price Includes:

  • 2 nights at the Deluxe Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal (or similar)
  • Guided visit to the Hungarian State Opera House, including aria singing and coffee and cake at the Gundel restaurant
  • Buffet breakfast daily, and one dinner
  • Services of an experienced Vantage Program Manager, transfers, and baggage handling (where permitted)
 details >

Budapest to Cologne

Trip Pre-Extension: Bratislava, Slovakia and Prague, Czech Republic (*Available on select departures)

Make the most of your included airfare by adding two more European countries to your passport — three nights in magnificent Prague, an elegant, Old World capital boasting many grand castles, and two nights in Bratislava, the delightful capital of Slovakia.

In Prague, you'll enjoy a half-day tour of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Jewish Quarter. Plus, you'll be treated to a Prague Castle tour, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, en route to Bratislava, you'll stop in Brno, Czech Republic for a walking tour and lunch at a local restaurant. 

Then, in Bratislava, you'll be captivated by its many historic treasures on a walking tour. And, you'll take a mini train ride to Bratislava Castle for spectacular views of the city. You'll also be treated to lunch in the home of a local family. To conclude your journey, you'll stop in the village of Dunaalmas, Hungary for a community hosted lunch, where you can help prepare the meal with guidance from your friendly hosts.

Your Price Includes:

  • 3 nights at the centrally located Superior First-Class Hilton Old Town Prague; and 2 nights at the new Sheraton Bratislava
  • 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
  • 4 sightseeing tours and cultural connections
  • Services of an experienced Vantage Program Manager
  • All transfers and baggage handling (except in customs)
 details >

Trip Pre-Extension: Budapest, Hungary (*Available on select departures)

Just step outside your centrally located, Deluxe hotel and you’ll be in the heart of one of the “hottest” destinations in Europe. You’ll enjoy an included visit to the Hungarian State Opera House and the artists’ village of Szentendre. Enjoy coffee and cake at the world-renowned Gundel Restaurant. You’ll also have the opportunity to step back in time on an optional tour to the medieval village of Hollókó, or enjoy an evening of Hungarian folk music and dancing.

Your Price Includes:

  • 2 nights at the Deluxe Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal (or similar)
  • Guided visit to the Hungarian State Opera House, including aria singing and coffee and cake at the Gundel restaurant
  • Buffet breakfast daily, and one dinner
  • Services of an experienced Vantage Program Manager, transfers, and baggage handling (where permitted)
 details >

DAYS 1-2:

Depart home / Overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary (or depart earlier for optional extension)

Arrive in Budapest, you'll transfer to your Deluxe river vessel. Dinner is served your first night, with local Hungarian entertainment onboard.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast

DAY 3 :

Budapest
Depart 3:00pm

Draped over several hills on a gentle curve in the Danube, Budapest is a beautiful, baroque capital with a city center that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today you’ll get to know the city on an included panoramic tour. On the Buda side of the river, you’ll visit historic Matthias Church, and storybook Fishermen’s Bastion, which offers stunning views of Pest. Enjoy an afternoon of leisurely sailing. Later, you’ll celebrate at the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAYS 4-5:

Vienna, Austria
Arrive 1:30pm

On Day 4, watch the legendary “Blue” Danube waltz past the ship’s panoramic windows during the morning sail. Cultural Connection:  Enjoy an apple strudel baking demonstration on board. After lunch you’ll arrive in elegant Vienna and set off on your choice of either of two tours: to the Art History Museum or to magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. This evening, join our optional wine tasting tour featuring a traditional Heurigen dinner. On Day 5 take a city tour, featuring the grand buildings of the Ringstrasse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cultural Connection: Attend a lecture on “Vienna’s Musical Tradition,” followed by a visit to the National Library. During your free time this afternoon, you can hop our free shuttle between downtown and your river ship. Cultural Connection: This evening, you’re in for a very special treat — Vantage’s private classical music concert at the world-famous Kursalon.

Food icon Included meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

DAY 6 :

Wachau Valley Cruising

Relax as your ship waltzes through the incredibly scenic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape, passing wine-rich Dürnstein, where King Richard I Lionheart of England was imprisoned in the castle above the town.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 7 :

Passau, Germany (Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic)
Arrive 6:00am · Depart 6:30pm

Today you have a choice of tours. A full-day exploration of the cobbled streets of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes lunch. Alternatively, join? a walking tour of baroque Passau, including an organ concert inside St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Cultural Connection: Local entertainment on board.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 8 :

Regensburg
Arrive 8:30am · Depart 4:00pm

Your next port, 2,000-year-old Regensburg, is a virtual living museum of European architecture. On today’s walking tour you’ll touch ancient Roman stones at Porta-Praetoria Arch and cross the medieval Stone Bridge. You may also join an optional tour to Weltenburg Monastery, with lunch in a local restaurant. (If you choose this optional tour, you’ll take your Regensburg walking tour in the afternoon.)

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 9 :

Nuremberg
Arrive noon · Depart 10:30pm

Cultural Connection: A lecture on the “Development of a Typical German Town” will prepare you for your city tour of Nuremberg, where you’ll visit the Documentation Center and explore the city’s World War II history. Lunch with university students at a local restaurant is included. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Cultural Connection: Learn about German beer at a Bavarian Beer Experience, including a tasting of local favorites.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 10 :

Bamberg
Arrive 9:30am · Depart 2:00pm

You’ll soon discover why today’s destination is considered Germany’s most beautiful city and why it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. On your walking tour of the lovely Old Town, you’ll see many examples of the city’s charming medieval architecture. Bamberg is the center of a rich Bavarian beer-brewing tradition, and is known for its distinctive Rauchbier (smoked beer). Cultural Connection: Hear a lecture about the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel that you just encountered.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 11 :

Würzburg (Rothenburg ob der Tauber)
Arrive 9:00am · Depart 11:00pm

Cultural Connection: Enjoy a lecture on “Germany in the 21st Century: Changes and Challenges” and have coffee on board with local students. Later, choose from the two tours offered. The first takes you along the Romantic Road, Bavaria’s fairy-tale region of beam-and-stucco houses and turreted castles, to the wonderfully preserved medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where you’ll enjoy a tour and lunch with money provided by your Program Manager.  Or, choose a tour of the Würzburg Residenz, a baroque, gilded palace preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also visit the Residenz’s wine cellar for a tasting and lecture. 

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 12 :

Marktheidenfeld
Arrive 8:00am · Depart 3:00pm

This morning, you’ll arrive in Marktheidenfeld, where you’ll set off on a fascinating “German Village Life” tour featuring a local wine festival and a barbeque lunch. Cultural Connection: After returning to your ship this afternoon, you'll enjoy a glassblowing demonstration on board the ship.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 13 :

Frankfurt (Heidelberg)
Arrive 8:00am · Depart midnight

Today, set off from Frankfurt for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg. Although the city is many centuries old, it remains young at heart thanks to the students of Heidelberg University, Germany's oldest college. In Heidelberg, you'll tour 15th-century Heidelberg Castle, an imposing Gothic-Renaissance ruin of red stone that illustrates the history of Germany. Then, proceed to the funicular for a ride downtown, where you’ll have free time to explore, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant housed in the historic Hotel Georg zum Ritter, dating back to 1592. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 14 :

Rüdesheim
Arrive 7:00am · Depart 1:00pm
Cologne
Arrive 9:00pm

You’ll be enchanted by the Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim, where you can opt to take a cable car to Niederwald Monument or visit Siegfried’s Musikkabinett. Then, listen to the Legend of the Lorelei and commentary from Bridge as you sail past the quaint villages, fairytale castles, and dramatic cliffs of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day ends in style with the Captain’s Farewell Party & Dinner. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 15 :

Cologne

Enjoy a guided visit to the superb Roman Germanic Museum, which houses an important collection of artifacts from Cologne’s past, including a large mosaic floor from a Roman villa. Then relax during your last evening onboard or stroll into the city, or join an optional tour to Augustusburg Castle.

Food icon Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 16 :

Cologne / Disembark Ship / Return Home (or begin optional extension)

Disembark ship and transfer to the airport in Frankfurt for your flight home. (Or depart on an optional extension.)

Food icon Included meals: breakfast

Trip Post-Extension: Amsterdam, The Netherlands (*Not available for all departures)

Your international airfare is already included in the price of your trip, so why not add three more nights in Amsterdam? Your extension to this culturally rich city features a panoramic tour, and a guided visit to the world-renowned Rijksmuseum. You'll also enjoy a walking tour of Düsseldorf with included lunch. Your extension includes free time to explore at your own pace or you can join an optional tour to Zaanse Schans for the complete Dutch experience, including cheese making and clog making demonstrations. This optional tour also visits the picturesque town of Edam, famous for its namesake cheese. Don’t miss this true Dutch treat to round out your cultural discoveries!


Your Price Includes:

  • 3 nights accommodations at the Superior First-Class NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam
  • 5 meals: 3 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • 2 included tours: Panoramic city tour of Amsterdam with visit to the Rijksmuseum; Edam & Zaane Schans tour
    Walking tour of Düsseldorf with included lunch
  • All transfers and baggage handling (where permitted)
  • Services of a local Program Manager
 details >

Trip Post-Extension: Brussels, Belgium & Amsterdam, The Netherlands (*Not available for all departures)

Make the most of your included airfare by adding two more European gems to your itinerary — three nights in magnificent Brussels, an elegant, Art Nouveau city, and two nights in Amsterdam, the canal-rich city brimming with history and culture.

In Brussels, you’ll stay at a centrally-located hotel, with included breakfast each morning, then you’ll find Brussels’ famous shopping and dining right outside your door. This extension features an included half-day panoramic city tour of Brussels’ highlights such as the Manneken Pis, a 24-inch statue steeped in Belgian folklore, and you’ll also view the Palais de Justice. During your free time, you can choose to join us on a fascinating optional excursion, such as a tour to Bruges. En route to Amsterdam, you'll stop at the Hague for an included visit of Madurodam, a delightful miniature model of a Dutch town. Lunch is included on your transfer day.

Then, in Amsterdam, you'll enjoy a panoramic tour and an in-depth walking tour, with a guided visit to the Van Loon Museum, a typical Dutch canal house with a charming garden and carriage house in the back. Your time in Amsterdam includes free time to explore at your own pace or you can join an optional tour to Zaanse Schanse and the picturesque town of Edam, famous for its namesake cheese.

Your Price Includes:

  • 3 nights at the Moderate Deluxe Conrad Brussels Hotel; and 2 nights at the Superior First-Class Mariott Amsterdam (or similar).
  • 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner
  • 3 sightseeing tours
  • Services of an experienced Vantage Program Manager
  • All transfers and baggage handling (except in customs)
 details >

Breakfast, most lunches, and dinner are included daily while on board your Vantage river cruiser. There is entertainment on board most evenings, either local performers or the ship’s own entertainers.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This day-by-day itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager or local representatives. In addition, should there be an extreme change in water levels that prevents the ship’s passage or docking, Vantage will do everything possible to provide either the included excursion(s) or an alternate at Vantage’s discretion.

Port times and itineraries are subject to change. Fluctuating water levels may affect itinerary