Prepare to develop your artistic eye and ear as you cruise through settings that have inspired Europe’s greatest painters and composers. (Or, depart 2 days earlier for our optional Amsterdam pre-extension.)

Awake to scenic cruising on the lovely Rhine. Artist-in-residence Neville Clouten will present a watercolor lesson, a prelude to capturing the beauty ahead.

Cultural Connection: Talk on European rivers

Arriving in the ancient city of Cologne, go on a sightseeing tour of the city, including a visit to the Roman Germanic Museum. This evening, you’re the Captain’s guest at his Welcome Party and Dinner, featuring lively local entertainment.

You’re sure to be captivated by the dramatic scenery of the Rhine Gorge, where the storied river flows past villages, steep vineyards, and watchful castles. Cultural Connection: As we cruise, enjoy a lecture about the role that the Rhine and other great rivers have played in Europe. Our course takes us by the looming cliff of the Lorelei, which gave rise to the Legend of the Lorelei, an ancient tale you’ll hear recounted as we cruise by. This afternoon in the wine town of Rüdesheim, you have a choice of a cable car ride above hillside vineyards to the Niederwald Monument, or a visit to Siegfried’s Musikkabinett, an enchanting museum of mechanical music makers. 

Disembark in Frankfurt and set off for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, one of Europe’s oldest university towns. This Vantage-exclusive tour includes a tour of Heidelberg Castle, a romantic ruin overlooking the town. Then, following lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll have free time, perhaps to sketch or to stroll the lively pedestrian thoroughfare. You’ll reboard ship in Aschaffenburg.

This morning we disembark for a walking tour of Miltenberg, a charming town on the Main River with narrow streets and half-timbered houses. Afterwards, during scenic cruising on the Main River, you may want to work on your watercolor technique. Our afternoon destination is the town of Wertheim, located in a region noted for fine glassmaking. Cultural Connection: A local glass blower will join us to demonstrate this age-old art. Afterwards, step back in time with a walking tour of Wertheim’s streets and squares.

Cultural Connection: This morning, attend a timely lecture aboard ship about the European Union.
Arriving in Würzburg, you have a choice of either visiting the medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, along Germany’s storybook “Romantic Road,” or touring the grand Würzburg Residenz, a fabulously ornate baroque palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Scenic morning sailing brings us to Bamberg, a “living museum” of medieval architecture that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your walking tour of the Old Town, you’ll see many of the city’s fine buildings.

Nuremberg, known as the seat of kings, later gained notoriety for Nazi activities, then hosted the War Crimes Tribunal. Your city tour includes Hitler’s Rally Grounds and the Documentation Center, where World War II history is preserved. We’ll reboard the ship in Roth to continue on the Main-Danube Canal. Cultural Connection: Hear a lecture about the Main-Danube Canal, which connects the rivers of northern and southern Europe.

Enjoy slowly unrolling scenery as we cruise the Danube. Cultural Connection: Aboard ship, our artist -lecturer offers an art lesson and discusses works in progress.

The ship arrives this morning in Passau, set at the scenic confluence of three rivers. You'll discover Passau’s Italian baroque influences on a walking tour.

Arriving in Vienna, the spectacular home of the Habsburg Empire, enjoy your choice of a panoramic city tour featuring the grand architecture of the Ringstrasse or a musical Vienna tour. You’ll also visit the Albertina Museum, home of one of the world’s most important collections of drawings and paintings. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore on your own. Cultural Connection: Attend an evening concert at the elegant Kursalon, featuring Mozart and Strauss.

You’ll have the day free in Vienna — time to visit some of the excellent museums, enjoy a café, or do some sketching. You may also join an optional tour of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The birthplace of Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music” — what more do you need to know about Salzburg? You’ll disembark in Linz for today’s full-day tour to this lovely town. Your visit includes a guided city tour, followed by lunch in a local restaurant with a special musical program. You’ll reboard in Passau. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party and Dinner.

Enjoy a last day of scenic river cruising. Cultural Connection: Neville Clouten presents a parting lesson and offers advice on continuing your artwork.

Transfer to Frankfurt for your return flight home. Or continue on optional 3-night Prague extension.