| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
Depart Home / Amsterdam, The Netherlands / Embark Ship
On arrival, a Vantage representative will assist your transfer to your ship. (Or depart 2 days earlier for our optional 2-night pre-extension.)
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (L,D) |
3
[top] |
Cologne, Germany
Cultural Connection: Attend a lecture about Europe’s rivers en route to 2,000-year-old Cologne. On your included tour, you’ll stroll from the ship to the impressive 13th-century Cologne Cathedral — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the Cathedral you’ll find the revered Shrine of the Three Magi. Later, celebrate at the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner with local entertainment.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
4
[top] |
Cologne / Rüdesheim, Germany
Today, take in the natural splendor as we cruise through the dramatic scenery of the Rhine Gorge. As we pass the imposing Lorelei cliff, which soars above a narrow bend in the river, you’ll hear the ancient Legend of the Lorelei. Cultural Connection: This evening, you’ll step ashore in Rüdesheim for dinner at a local restaurant. Savor hearty local fare accompanied by musical entertainment.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
5
[top] |
Rüdesheim, Germany
You’ll be enchanted by Rüdesheim, a Rhine Valley wine town of winding lanes and half-timbered houses. Here you can choose to ride a cable car to the Niederwald Monument, set high above hillside vineyards with magnificent views of the Rhine Valley, or visit Siegfried’s Musikkabinett, a delightful museum of antique self-playing music makers. Cultural Connection: Tonight enjoy local entertainment on board.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
6
[top] |
Frankfurt (Heidelberg), Germany / Aschaffenburg, Germany
Set off for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg — a Vantage exclusive! After touring 15th-century Heidelberg Castle, an imposing Gothic-Renaissance ruin, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
7
[top] |
Wertheim, Germany
A morning of scenic cruising brings us to the small Franconian town of Wertheim, located where the Tauber River flows into the Main. Cultural Connection: The Wertheim region is celebrated for its fine glassware, and a local glass blower will join us aboard ship to demonstrate this age-old art. Next, you’ll step back in time on a walking tour of Wertheim’s cobblestone streets and squares.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
8
[top] |
Würzburg (Rothenburg)
Arriving in Würzburg, you can choose either of two included tours. Visit the wonderfully preserved medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s storybook “Romantic Road” towns, or take a tour of the grand Würzburg Residenz, a gilded baroque palace built in 1720 that is now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cultural Connection: Visit the Residenz’s wine cellar for a tasting of Franconian wines.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
9
[top] |
Bamberg
You’re sure to agree that Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. On your walking tour of the lovely Old Town, you’ll see many examples of the city’s well-preserved Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Cultural Connection: Attend a fascinating lecture on the Main-Danube Canal, which you’ll encounter tomorrow.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
10
[top] |
Nuremberg / Main-Danube Canal
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, where you can examine the city’s World War II history. After your tour, your Program Manager will provide you with lunch money to use wherever you choose. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a visit either to the former home of Albrecht Dürer, the renowned German print maker and artist, or to the Toy Museum — it’s your choice. Cruising to Regensburg tonight, your ship will transit the Main-Danube Canal — a travel milestone!
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
11
[top] |
Regensburg, Germany
Cultural Connection: This morning you’ll hear a lecture about the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel. 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. Cultural Connection: On your return to the ship, you’ll be delighted by local entertainment on board.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
12
[top] |
Passau, Germany
Cultural Connection: This morning you’ll hear a lecture on the European Union, followed by a walking tour of Passau. 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 organ. The organ has 17,388 pipes and 231 registers! As you listen, admire the cathedral’s magnificent golden pulpit.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
13
[top] |
Vienna, Austria
Today you’ll be waltzing through the incredibly scenic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley’s castles and villages, nestled among vineyard-covered hills, create a beautiful riverscape that has changed little since medieval times. Cultural Connection: Learn how to make apple strudel during this morning’s special demonstration. Arriving in Vienna, set off on a tour featuring the highlights of “Musical Vienna,” or visit majestic Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, gather for the Captain’s Farewell Party & Dinner.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
14
[top] |
Vienna
Cultural Connection: After a lecture on “Vienna’s Musical Tradition,” you’ll marvel at the city’s grandeur as you follow the Ringstrasse, lined with baroque buildings ordered by Austria’s Habsburg kings, on a panoramic city tour. Cultural Connection: This evening, you’re in for a very special treat — a private classical music concert.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
15
[top] |
Budapest, Hungary
Your final port of call is Hungary’s charming capital, Budapest, whose city center along the Danube has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get to know the “Queen of the Danube” on an included panoramic tour featuring historic Matthias Church and storybook Fishermen’s Bastion. Cultural Connection: Enjoy local entertainment on board this evening.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
16
[top] |
Budapest / Disembark Ship / Return Home
Or stay in Budapest on our optional 2-night extension.
(B) |
On the Budapest-Amsterdam itinerary, the dinner ashore is in Würzburg, and on the Amsterdam-Budapest itinerary, the dinner ashore is in Rüdesheim. Breakfast, most lunches, and dinner are included daily while on board your Vantage river cruiser. 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.
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