Optional Tours

LEARN more. EXPLORE more. DREAM more.

Enrich your vacation with Vantage's collection of deluxe optional tours, designed exclusively for our guests. You’ll discover a world beyond the landmarks and gain immeasurable insight into the culture and people of your destination. So join us … and make the most of your journey!

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Mount Pilatus Tour

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Lucerne, Switzerland
3/4 Day Tour

Approximate Time: 6 hours

Looking for fun and an unforgettable experience? Join us for an excursion to Mt. Pilatus, one of Lucerne’s main attractions. From time immemorial, mysterious legends and myths have enshrouded the rugged cliffs high above Lucerne. In the Middle Ages, the bleak crevices were believed to be part of the haunt of a well-meaning dragon and spirits. It was said that the restless ghost of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate had found its final resting place in former Lake Pilatus. For a very long time, it was forbidden to climb the mountain and woe to anyone who disturbed the ghost of Pontius Pilate. You will start with a leisurely ride on Lake Lucerne, one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Switzerland, to Alpnach. Then board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway train to the top. This famous cogwheel train, built by engineer Eduard Locher, opened in 1889 and until 1937, it was the steepest steam-operated train in the world with a 48% gradient. This was made possible by an novative design using two horizontally revolving cogwheels. As this amazing train winds up the mountain, view the lush green meadows, the many indigenous species of flora, and the charming chalets. Next you’ll savor the highlight of your tour — the magnifcent view from 7,000 feet above sea level. At the mountain’s summit, you’ll see over 70 peaks, and five different lakes. You can stop for a snack at one of the inns or a restaurant while you’re here or just relax and take in the pristine mountain air. A spectacular ride by aerial cableway and panorama gondolas takes you down to Kriens for the public bus back to Lucerne. You’ll cherish the memory of this invigorating mountain experience.

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Black Forest Tour

Strasbourg, France
Afternoon tour

Approximate Time: 4 hours

You’ll ride along the scenic Bundesstrasse 500, an impressive auto route that’s more commonly referred to as the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, or “Black Forest High Street.” Zoom through lush greenery along a road that dramatically rises from 200 to 3000 feet above sea level in a mere 10-15 mile stretch. You’ll arrive at the historic Berghotel Mummelsee, an establishment that’s been popular with travelers for the past 120 years. In 2008, a fire devastated the building, but luckily, it has since been perfectly restored. You’ll head to the hotel restaurant for a Black Forest cake making demonstration. The famous confection is named after a key ingredient, Black Forest cherry liqueur, although the rich, dark chocolate lends itself to the name as well. Of course, you’ll be able to sample the decadent dessert, which is topped with cherries and whipped cream. Afterwards, you’ll be able to stroll around the lake and shop for traditional Black Forest products like cuckoo clocks, cherry liqueur, and more. You’ll encounter more stunning vistas on your return trip to Strasbourg along the “B500.”

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Romanesque Jewels of Germany

Speyer, Germany
Morning tour

Approximate Time: 3 hours

Your first stop on this tour is Speyer, an ancient town first settled by Romans. There, you’ll visit the largest intact Romanesque church in the world, the Speyer Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Speyer was also once home to a strong Jewish community, as evidenced by the remains of the old synagogue. You’ll also get to see the former Jewish Mikveh bath, one of very few still in existence in Germany. The mikveh receives a supply of fresh groundwater daily, as it has for nearly 1,000 years. After short bus ride, you will reach one of the oldest cities in Germany, the Celtic-settled Worms. Worms holds two claims to fame as the setting of part of the Nibelungenlied, an epic pre-Christian poem, and as a key site in the Protestant Reformation, where Martin Luther met with the Holy Roman Empire. To get a feel for the city’s Romanesque architecture, you will take a guided tour of the beautiful cathedral, called the Dom, and visit the former Jewish Quarter. You’ll also have some free time to explore the city on your own.

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OT Steel & Nature

Trier, Germany
Afternoon tour

Approximate Time: 4.5 Hours

Take a unique look at what used to be the backbone of Germany’s steel and coal industry on a tour of Saarland. After a scenic bus ride through the forest of Saarland and the region’s capital city, Saarbrucken, you will arrive at the town of Volkilnegn. You won’t be able to miss the towering structure of the “Völklinger Hütte”, a former steel mill on the banks of the Saar river. The famous ironworks center, which closed its doors in 1986, is now a museum — in fact, it is the only such facility to earn UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for its role in Germany’s industrial development. You’ll be able to take a closer look inside on a guided tour. After visiting the Völklinger Hütte, we’ll stop in a picturesque corner of western German known as Saarschleife, or the Saar loop. You’ll stop in the charming village of Orscholz to get an amazing view of the river bend.

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Tour to Ghent

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Brussels, Belgium
3/4 Day Afternoon Tour

Approximate Time: 6 hours

You tour will begin with a drive through the beautiful scenic Belgium countryside until you arrive in Ghent. Here you will visit the St Bavo Cathedral, home of the world famous “Mystic Lamb” painting. It was named after Saint Bavo, a 7th century local nobleman who became a saint after he had given away his possessions to the poor and entered the monastery. The cathedral with its mighty tower is perhaps the most visible sign of the pride of the citizens of Ghent. Your guide will continue the walking tour with a stop to the Town Hall of Ghent which shows most clearly the history and the fate of the city from the end of the 15th century until now. Continue to center of town which lies the Saint Michael’s bridge. This is the spot to admire the architectural wealth of Ghent. On the right side stands the medieval St. Michael’s church. From here you also have the best view over the famous ‘panorama of the three towers’. Your Program Manager will give you lunch money so you can enjoy a local delicacy on your own.

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Please Note: All prices are per person and subject to change. All optional tours are offered by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Descriptions and scheduling are subject to change. Minimum tour participation is required to operate optional tours. Optional tours cancelled by passengers within 48 hours of the excursion are non-refundable.