| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
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Depart Home / Budapest, Hungary/Embark Ship
When you arrive in Budapest, a Vantage representative will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to your ship. (Or, depart 3 days earlier when you add our optional 3-night extension in this beguiling city.)
ms River Odyssey (L,D) |
3
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Budapest
On a city tour, get to know this regal yet bohemian capital, whose city center along the Danube has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Joining the city’s two sides (Buda and Pest) across the Danube are the Liberty, Elisabeth, Chain, and Margaret bridges. On the Buda side of the river, you’ll visit historic Matthias Church, and storybook Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers stunning views of Pest (including the imposing Parliament House). This afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the picturesque artists’ village of Szentendre.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
4
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Bratislava, Slovakia
The capital of newly independent Slovakia, Bratislava isn’t new at all — it was already a thriving city in the 12th century, and served as the capital of Hungary in the 16th. A walking tour of the Old Town takes you to historic Main Square, the Roland Fountain, Old Town Hall, the Michael Gate, the National Theater, and the Dom St. Martin, where 18 Hungarian kings and queens were crowned. Celebrate your journey this evening at a Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner, followed by entertainment.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
5
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Vienna, Austria
Cultural Connection: After a morning lecture on the Habsburgs, you’ll marvel at Vienna’s grandeur on a tour featuring the elegant Ringstrasse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with baroque buildings, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. During your free afternoon, you might visit the world-famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) or visit the impressive Hofburg Palace.
Cultural Connection: Then dance the night away with an included waltz lesson aboard ship.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
6
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Vienna
On today’s choice of tours, join our “Musical Vienna” tour to places associated with the great composers who have lived here, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. Or, you can choose to visit resplendent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the palace and its gardens, the fascinating history of many Habsburg monarchs is on display. You may also join an optional Allies, Spies, and Lies tour. Later this evening, perhaps enjoy an optional dinner with wine tasting at Heurigen Wolff.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
7
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Dürnstein, Austria
Dürnstein lies in the heart of the beautiful Wachau wine region and boasts lovely terraced vineyards, medieval cobblestone streets, cozy wine taverns, and quaint townhouses. Above looms Kuenringer Castle, where Richard the Lionhearted was held prisoner. Cultural Connection: On your walking tour you’ll recognize the Stiftskirche by its blue and white baroque facade. Inside, you’ll enjoy a tour and a wine tasting in the Old Klosterkeller.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
8
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Linz (Salzburg)
Today’s full-day excursion takes you to gorgeous Salzburg, with its a baroque Old Town. On your walking tour, you’ll see Mozart’s birthplace, the Residenz, Mozart Square, and sights featured in The Sound of Music. Enjoy free time in Salzburg — “lunch money” will be provided by your Program Manager.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
9
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Passau, Germany
This morning you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Passau. As you’ll discover, the compact old city occupies a narrow strip of land at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. As you stroll the winding streets, you’ll see the City Hall, with its splendid architectural details, and Residence Square, dominated by an impressive fountain. One highlight you can view from almost anywhere in the city is enormous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, last rebuilt in its current baroque style in the 17th century.
Cultural Connection: Inside St. Stephen’s Cathedral — which is beautifully decorated with frescoes — you’ll hear an included concert on the world’s largest church pipe organ. As you listen, admire the cathedral’s magnificent golden pulpit. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or choose an optional tour to the Jochenstein Lock.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
10
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Kelheim (Weltenburg)
Cultural Connection: Set off to Weltenburg to tour the Weltenburg Monastery, a gem of baroque architecture. You’ll also experience the wild, romantic Danube Gorge between Weltenburg and Kelheim the best way: by small excursion boat. On board this smaller vessel, you’ll view the gorge’s densely wooded hillsides and cliffs up close.This evening you’re invited to the Captain’s Farewell Party and Dinner to feast and celebrate your river cruise.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
11
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Nuremberg
Cultural Connection: The day begins with a lecture, “The Development of a German Town,” with Nuremberg as the example. This gives you an excellent background for appreciating your city tour on which you’ll view the city’s 900-year-old ramparts, the history-rich Old Town, and the Imperial Castle. Although the city center was damaged by Allied bombing during World War II, it has been painstakingly rebuilt — using the original stones. You’ll also visit the Documentation Center at Hitler’s parade grounds. Then, your Program Manager will provide you with money for lunch at a restaurant of your choosing. In the afternoon, choose either an included visit to the Toy Museum, celebrating the city’s history as a toy-making center, or the Albrecht Dürer House, where the renowned German print maker and artist once resided.
ms River Odyssey (B,L,D) |
12
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Disembark Ship / Return Home (or begin 3-night Prague extension)
If you like, add another country with our optional 3-night extension to Prague, Czech Republic.
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