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| VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL |
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| Detailed Day by Day Itinerary |
| Grand European River Cruise |
| Bucharest to Amsterdam |
| View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-15] [16-20] [21-25] [26-27] |
print friendly version |
| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
Depart home / Overnight flight to Bucharest, Romania
When you arrive in Bucharest, you’ll be taken to your hotel. (Or, begin 4 days earlier with our Transylvania extension.)
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel  (D) |
3-4
[top] |
Embark Ship / Romania
After a panoramic tour along the wide, leafy boulevards of Old World Bucharest, enjoy lunch at a restaurant. Board your river ship in Oltenita, then enjoy dinner as you set sail. The next day you’ll arrive in the Black Sea port of Constanta, a mix of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine treasures. Your city tour includes the Archeological & National History Museum and the Roman Market. Later, you’re invited to the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (2B,2L,2D) |
5-7
[top] |
Bulgaria / Cruising the Danube
After a talk on the expansion of the European Union, you’ll tour the ancient port of Ruse and visit the Sweta Church. Inside you’ll find well-preserved 16th-century murals, Eastern Orthodox icons, and gorgeous stained-glass windows. Enjoy a free afternoon or choose to join an optional tour, “Ruse: Then and Now.” Back aboard ship, you’ll be delighted by a performance by a Bulgarian children’s dance group and an icon painting presentation.
The next day you’ll set off from Ruse for a full-day tour that takes you to Veliko Turnôvo, a 12th-century Bulgarian capital that was once second only to Constantinople as a regional power. A striking city of colorful houses perched dramatically along a winding gorge, Veliko Turnôvo has inspired centuries of artists — and there is still a thriving artists’ colony here. You’ll continue on to the 16th-century village of Arbanassi, where austere, fortress-like houses with high, solid walls and heavy gates hide lavish residences within. While in Arbanassi you’ll learn about life here by chatting with students during a restaurant lunch. You’ll also hear an Orthodox choir perform.
On Day 7 you’ll spend the morning taking in the scenery as centuries of history glide by. You’ll experience a travel milestone as your river ship passes through as series of gorges known as the Iron Gates of the Danube. This spectacular section of the river only recently became accessible to river traffic. As the ship passes through two sets of locks, you’ll hear commentary from the Bridge explaining the process. Best of all, you’ll witness where the river breaks through the barrier of the Southern Carpathian Mountains in a dramatic series of gorges, some less than 500 feet wide.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (3B,3L,3D) |
8-9
[top] |
Republic of Serbia
Attend a lecture on modern Serbia, then discover the newly independent country’s dynamic capital, Belgrade, on a half-day tour that features age-old Kalemegdan Fortress. Belgrade’s stormy 2500-year history has left the city somewhat disheveled — yet you’ll be impressed by the recent bold redevelopment and the positive outlook of the residents. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness a new page in Serbian history. You’ll have the afternoon free to experience Belgrade at your own pace. Or, you may take an optional tour via the Blue Train, the infamous private train of Joseph Broz Tito, former leader of now-defunct Yugoslavia. This evening, you’ll be treated to Serbian entertainment on board.
On Day 9, enjoy a sightseeing tour of lively Novi Sad, a city of boutiques and cafés situated on the Danube and dramatically overshadowed by Petrovaradin Fortress. Sail on to Croatia, arriving in the evening, and enjoy local Croatian entertainment on board.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (2B,2L,2D) |
10
[top] |
Croatia
Your day begins with a lecture on “Croatia: Past and Present.” Then begin your full-day tour exploring the Vukovar and the forward-thinking university city of Osijek. You’ll have the rare opportunity to learn about Croatia’s hard-won independence at a special lecture and an unforgetable lunch at the home of a local family.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
11-14
[top] |
Hungary
On Day 11 you’ll venture into the vast Hungarian Puszta or Great Plain, where Hungary’s grand equestrian tradition is preserved. The scenery of the Puszta is unique in Europe, and this region, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is refreshingly unspoiled. The day’s highlight is a visit to a working horse ranch where you’ll enjoy a carriage ride and watch a daring equestrian show by authentic Hungarian csikós (cowboys), known across Europe for their prowess on horseback. Many are masters of the famous “Puszta Five,” a feat of equestrian skill that involves standing on two horses while steering three more in front. A Hungarian lunch is included. Back aboard ship, attend a lecture on Hungarian history and traditions. Toast new friendships at the Captain’s Farewell Party and Dinner and admire the fantastic scenery as you sail into Budapest this evening.
Enjoy a panoramic city tour of regal Budapest on Day 12. You’ll visit storybook Fishermen’s Bastion to take in the spectacular view across the Danube and St. Matthias Church. The rest of the day you’re free to explore Budapest at your own pace. If you like, join an optional Jewish Heritage Tour and an optional “Budapest by Night” evening.
You'll also enjoy an included tour to the artists’ colony at Szentendre, along with free time. During your free time, you may join an optional tour such as our Parliament tour.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (4B,4L,4D) |
15-16
[top] |
Austria
“Guten Morgen!” Join a German lesson and hear a talk on European rivers. Then get ready to waltz around Vienna on a city tour featuring the Ringstrasse, viewing the Hofburg, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The next day begins with a lecture on Vienna’s musical heritage. Then choose either to join an included “Musical Vienna” tour or an included tour ot Schönbrunn Palace. This evening ends on a high note with a private classical concert at the Kursalon Music Hall, where Johann Strauss himself used to perform.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (2B,2L,2D) |
17
[top] |
Wachau Valley Cruising
Leaving Vienna, relax as your ship waltzes through the incredibly scenic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley’s castles and walled villages, nestled among vineyard-covered hills, create a beautiful riverscape that has changed little since medieval times. Enjoy an apple strudel baking demonstration on board.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
18-26
[top] |
Germany
Arrive in Passau, situated where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers meet, and hear a morning lecture on "The European Union and Expansion to the East". Your walking tour of Passau ends at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where you’ll hear a specially arranged concert on Europe’s largest pipe organ. Enjoy an optional Tittling and Bavarian village museum tour on Day 18.
Day 19 finds you in 2,000-year-old Regensburg. Touch ancient Roman stones at Porta-Praetoria Arch and view the medieval Stone Bridge on your walking tour. Back on board, hear a talk on the Main-Danube Canal, which you'll transit this evening and tomorrow. The next day, after a lecture on the development of a German town, you’ll set off on a tour of Nuremberg that encompasses the city’s history, from medieval times through World War II. You’ll see the rally grounds and Documentation Center. You’ll also have a choice of visiting either the Albrecht Dürer house or the Toy Museum.
Next you’ll embrace the Old World magic of a few gingerbread towns along the Romantic Road, including Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Würzburg it’s your choice: join an excursion to the storybook town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber or tour the grand Würzburg Residenz, with a winetasting in the palace’s wine cellar. This evening, sample more local flavor at dinner ashore.
The region of Franconia is known for fine glass, and on Day 23 a glass blower will come on board and demonstrate this craft. Then, stroll the cobbled streets of Wertheim on a walking tour.
From Aschaffenburg, you’re off on a full-day included excursion to the ancient university city of Heidelberg, where you’ll take a guided tour of redstone Heidelberg Castle. The next day you’ll choose from two tours in the perfect Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim — Siegfried’s Musikkabinett or Niederwald Monument. Next, you’ll cruise on through the dramatic Rhine Gorge as you listen to the legend of the Lorelei. Later that day, gather for the Captain’s Farewell Party and Dinner. Then in Cologne, you’ll stroll to the magnificent gothic cathedral that’s home to the Shrine of the Three Magi.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (9B,9L,9D) |
27
[top] |
Amsterdam, The Netherlands / Return Home
Or, extend your trip with our 3-night stay in Amsterdam.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B) |
Please note: This day-by-day itinerary is preliminary and is subject to change. For arrival and departure times, and additional details on daily activities, please refer to Castles Along the Rhine & Danube and Eastern Europe & the Black Sea. This itinerary is a combination of these two river cruises.
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